The next day, all the members of the Guardian group were summoned to gather at the training grounds. There seemed to be an important announcement to be made. As the members assembled, several individuals stood before them, directing their attention.
There was no mistaking it, that figure was none other than Jones, the leader of the Guardian group. A sense of unease washed over me.
Jones began to speak.
"Alright, everyone is here. I am here to inform all of you about the role we have as members of the Guardian group. We are not here for mere enjoyment, but to aid this world in defeating the Demon King. We may not be the chosen ones destined to lead the charge against the Demon King, but we will prove that our presence here is not in vain. We will show the people of this world the vital role we play. Our name shall be held in high regard."
"Am I right..." Jones exclaimed, addressing the members.
"Yeahhhhh, let's show them!" one of our members shouted.
The entire group rallied behind Jones, expressing their support. Even Raqnid joined in to show solidarity with the others.
"Oi oi oi, let's not be easily swayed by sweet words," Raqnid's inner thoughts whispered.
Raqnid harbored suspicions about Jones. There was something about him that seemed off.
After gaining the trust and support of all the Guardian group members, Jones revealed his true motive, which he had been planning.
"Since everyone agrees, I have decided to conduct an evaluation that will determine our positions. This evaluation is not driven by personal interest but out of concern for the safety of my members."
Confusion spread among the members upon hearing Jones' words.
"This evaluation will determine whether you are ready or not to face the challenges of this world. As you know, this world is filled with dangerous monsters, and without adequate preparation, you may lose your life."
Raqnid and Fat began to sense that trouble was on the horizon.
"Those who pass this test will be able to join us in serving and protecting our country, while those who fail will be required to stay in the palace until they are truly prepared."
Upon hearing this, worry clouded the faces of the members, as most of them desired to venture out into the world rather than be confined to the palace.
Raqnid already understood Jones' true intentions behind all of this. Jones wanted complete control over every member of the Guardian group, ensuring that they followed his orders. This way, he could gradually manipulate and dominate their actions, thwarting any plans they might have had after completing the three-month training in the palace.
By doing so, Jones could assert his influence over the members and gain majority support.
"Alright, for this test, each person must successfully capture a wolf and bring it back. This will be the criterion for passing. It's quite simple, isn't it?"
Upon hearing Jones' words, excitement rippled through the members. Wolves were not formidable foes when faced with a group. However, many failed to realize that this test was individual in nature, and the real challenge was not the wolves but their fellow comrades. Moreover, the chances of encountering a wolf during the day were low, as wolves were typically active at night.
"That's not all. All members of the Guardian group, including myself, will participate in this test to ensure fairness for everyone," Jones stated.
"Hmph, now you want to be fair," Fat muttered under his breath.
Understanding Fat's frustration, Raqnid knew that with Jones and his allies involved, it would be even more challenging for them to pass the test.
"This test will last for two hours, and anyone who fails to complete it within the allotted time will automatically fail."
As Jones spoke, a palace guard walked towards them. Jones introduced the guard as the judge who would determine the passing candidates.
The guard then spoke up.
"Participants are only allowed to hunt wolves in X Forest, and if the wolf is not from X Forest, the participant will immediately fail. So, without further delay, the test begins now."
The members hurriedly made their way to X Forest with their close companions.
Fat and I also headed to X Forest.
"Raqnid, what are you going to do? If we pass, we'll have to follow Jones' orders, and if we fail, we'll have to stay in this palace again," Fat said.
"Do you really want to stay here?" Raqnid responded.
"No, I don't want to. I'm tired of staying here. There's nothing for us to do except dealing with that loud trainer," Fat replied.
"Then, should I really answer your question?" Raqnid says.
"Hahaha, you're right. We have to pass," Fat grinned.
All the members went to the usual area where they often encountered the wolves.
However, Fat and I chose a different location to avoid competition.
"Fat, you lure the wolves, and I'll shoot them. Then you finish them off," Raqnid suggested.
"Hahaha, a straightforward tactic. But how are we going to find the wolves when you know that wolves are difficult to find during the day?" Fat questioned.
"Let's leave it to luck," Raqnid replied.
We ventured to a remote area, far from the other members. I climbed a tall tree to observe from above, utilizing my sharp vision. I also possessed the skills of an assassin and an archer, which allowed me to detect the movements of living beings within a range of 400 meters. These skills proved valuable in the current situation.
Every 400 meters, I detected the movement of a wolf. Meanwhile, Fat remained vigilant on the ground, ready to intervene if any other monsters approached. From a distance, I witnessed battles unfolding among the members of the Guardian group. They had likely realized that finding wolves during the day was quite challenging.
After an extensive search, I finally detected the movement of a wolf near a lake. I signaled to Fat to act, and he attempted to lure the wolf.
Due to the fact that only Fat approached the wolf, I took the opportunity to shoot it from above while the wolf attempted to attack Fat. My arrow struck the wolf's body accurately, causing it to be injured. Fat swiftly retaliated, taking advantage of the wolf's weakened state. With ease, we managed to capture one wolf. Now, we just needed to find one more.
We continued our search, but time passed and we still hadn't come across another wolf. We started to feel disheartened.
"Ever since we came to this world, we've been facing more and more problems," Raqnid lamented.
"Well, Raqnid, if we pass, there will surely be people who aren't pleased with us. You know we're nobody special, and when we pass, it's bound to ruffle some feathers," Fat remarked.
"Yeah, I'm worried about that too. If we pass, we'll attract a lot of attention. But if we fail, it's just the same," Raqnid replied.
"You're right," Fat responded in a subdued tone.
"Raqnid, if we can't find another wolf, only one of us can pass, what should we do?" Fat says.
"Rock paper scissors! Whoever wins gets the wolf, and if we leave the wolf alone, it's a loss for us," Raqnid replied.
"Hahaha, it's easy for you to say. If I pass alone, how am I going to face Jones and his cronies? I don't know anyone besides you and Sora," Fat expressed his concerns.
"Yeah, it's a sad life we're living," Raqnid chuckled.
Fat joined in the laughter, and Raqnid soon followed suit.
Suddenly, Raqnid stopped laughing and seemed to be looking at something. Fat stopped as well, curious as to why his friend had fallen silent.
"Hey, Raqnid, what's wrong?" Fat asked, perplexed by Raqnid's sudden silence.
"I think we don't need to play Rock paper scissors to determine who passes," Raqnid answered in a low voice.
"Huh?" Fat was still confused by his friend's words.
"There it is, there it is," Raqnid pointed with his hand.
Fat shifted his gaze to where Raqnid was pointing.
"It's a wolf!" Fat almost shouted, but Raqnid quickly covered his mouth with his hand.
"Yup, it's a wolf," Raqnid whispered to Fat with a grin.
"Um, um, um," Fat mumbled with his mouth still covered by Raqnid's hand.
Raqnid grabbed his bow and took aim at the wolf, which was about 200 meters away from them. Raqnid utilized his strongest archer skills, focusing intently to ensure a precise shot.
He released the arrow, and it struck the wolf directly without giving it a chance to react.
"Whoa, you're amazing, Raqnid!" Fat exclaimed.
"What are we waiting for? Let's chase after the wolf," Raqnid said in a loud voice.
Fat and Raqnid quickly ran towards the fallen wolf. They arrived to find the wolf lying on the ground, the arrow having struck it directly in the head.
"How many minutes are left before the test ends?" Raqnid asked.
"Um, 15 minutes. Are we going to make it? Most people have already gathered. It'll be difficult for us to pass," Fat replied.
"Don't worry, I have a plan," Raqnid said with a smile.
Back at the training grounds...
Most of the members had gathered already. Raqnid and Fat arrived, wearing despondent expressions. The other members didn't pay them any attention.
"Fat, walk like you've failed a bit, look sad, and don't stare directly at them. Just focus on the palace guard," Raqnid whispered to Fat.
"I'm trying, you know. It's not easy," Fat whispered back.
Earlier...
"What's your plan?" Fat asked.
"We'll hide the wolf behind you," Raqnid answered.
"Do you think this wolf is small? Besides, they'll probably notice its presence behind me," Fat replied.
"We'll cover it with your shield. Your shield is big enough, and I'll cover the back a bit," Raqnid suggested.
Raqnid hides the wolf behind Fat.
"Ouch, ouch, don't tie it too tight, it hurts," Fat exclaimed.
"Oh come on, endure it for a bit," Raqnid retorted.
"Oh, and one more thing, when we get closer, make a gloomy face to show that we didn't get anything. Then just walk normally until we reach the palace guard. Do you understand?" Raqnid instructed.
Now...
"Okay, line's clear," Raqnid whispered.
Suddenly, one of Jones' associates approached us.
"It's okay, don't be disappointed. You both did your best," the associate greeted us.
"Hehehe, thank you," Raqnid replied.
"Why now he wants to show kindness. Get lost," Raqnid muttered under his breath.
We passed by Jones' friend without realizing that something had fallen from behind Fat. Jones' friend picked it up.
"Wait, did you guys drop something?" yelled Jones' friend.
Raqnid and Fat turned to look behind them.
"What is this? Isn't this a wolf's eye?" exclaimed Jones' friend, surprised.
All the other members turned their gaze towards us, their eyes glowing red. They were still confused about what had transpired between us and Jones' friend. We continued walking towards the palace guard, ignoring their stares. Then, one of the members started to realize.
"There's a wolf behind Fat!" shouted one of the members who had noticed.
Raqnid screamed, "Run, Fat!"
"Run with all your might!"
All the other members immediately started running towards us like zombies, eager to steal the wolf we had obtained. Fat began running towards the guard.
"What are you doing, Fat? Run faster!" Raqnid shouted.
"Do you think it's easy to run? You tied me too tightly!" Fat replied.
Raqnid took out his bow and arrow and shot towards the other members to hinder their pursuit. Fat ran with all his heart.
Several magic users from the Guardian group unleashed their magic towards Fat.
"Fireball..."
"Hey, stop it! Are you trying to kill someone? He's your classmate!" Raqnid exclaimed.
Everyone rushed towards Fat. The black smoke from the magic attack had not dissipated yet. After the smoke cleared, only Fat's shield remained there.
"What have you done? You destroyed the wolf along with it," one of them said.
They all seemed to disregard whether their classmate was safe or not. They prioritized the wolf over their own friend.
Raqnid ran towards the group that had gathered.
"Fat, Fat, what happened?" Raqnid shouted.
Then the palace guard spoke up.
"Fat and Raqnid have passed."
We all turned towards the guard and saw Fat's figure.
"What did you do, Raqnid? Shouting my name like that," Fat questioned.
"I thought you turned into dust from that attack," Raqnid replied.
"I almost turned into dust, can't you see? They've gone crazy," Fat whispered.
All the members who didn't pass the test looked at us with envy.
"How did they pass?"
"I should have been the one to pass."
"They were just lucky."
Dissatisfied voices could be heard. Raqnid and Fat looked down. The palace guard then announced the end of the test.
"Alright, the time is up. Only 9 out of 20 people have passed. Congratulations to those who succeeded, and to those who didn't, keep trying."
The ones who passed were Jones, three of his friends, and five others—Doug, Kiel, Nancy, Fat, and Raqnid. Jones then gave a speech.
"Thanks to the palace guard for making this test successful, and thank you all for participating. From now on, the nine of us will perform duties outside the palace, while the remaining 11 will train inside until they are fully prepared."
All the unsuccessful participants appeared angry and disappointed. Some of them who were once close friends now seemed to have turned against each other due to the test.
"Jones, look at what you've caused. You've unleashed a monster. They are willing to fight amongst themselves without considering their lives," Raqnid's heart whispered.
Almost all the Guardian group members had lost their sanity as humans.
Thus, the test came to an end.