As the participants were being transported to another location, Sam caught sight of Lucas, and Lucas, too, noticed Sam's gaze. "Why don't we stick together?" Lucas suggested. Sam readily agreed, and they fell into step beside each other.
In the next area, all department examiners were present, and Sam quickly located Max and John. "I knew you guys would pass this exam easily," Sam remarked with a grin. "What kind of exam did you face?" Max explained that it was a creative mind and item versatility exam, while John recounted his experience of a battle royale on a volcano island. "My exam was also a battle royale," Sam chimed in, "but I ranked 3rd. I wonder who got first place?"
"I'm just glad we all passed," Max commented. Noticing Lucas beside Sam, Max inquired, "Who is that red-haired person beside you, Sam?" Lucas introduced himself as Lucas Crimson, expressing hope for friendship. "Sam, you sure attract different kinds of people," Max teased.
"I should formally introduce myself too. My name is Max Dreamweaver," Max said, while John added, "And I'm Jonathan Stone. Guys, you don't need to be so formal. I'm just Lucas, not from the Crimson family."
Afterwards, the group began exploring the area. Their first stop was the cafeteria to grab some food. As they sat down to eat, Sam playfully turned to Lucas. "Mind if I ask you something?"
"Sure, why not?" Lucas replied. Sam's question about whether Lucas consumed blood due to his ability to control it elicited a puzzled response. "I can, as it's part of my powers, but why should I consume it? I'm not a vampire," Lucas chuckled.
Following their meal, the group visited the infirmary for check-ups. As night fell, they were assigned rooms according to their departments, and the night passed peacefully.
In the morning, they were summoned to a large hall to learn about the next stage of the exam. A bald-headed man stood on stage, greeting them warmly. "Hello, little fellas. It's nice to meet you. This will be the last exam you guys have to face."
The bald-headed man cleared his throat, gaining the attention of the participants as they settled into the large hall.
"Welcome, everyone," he began, his voice echoing throughout the hall. "I am Director Alexander, and I oversee the final stage of this prestigious exam."
He paused for a moment, letting his words sink in before continuing. "For this last exam, you will be tested on your ability to collaborate, strategize, and adapt in a dynamic environment. You will be placed in teams and tasked with completing a series of challenges that will require you to utilize your unique skills and work together effectively."
The participants exchanged glances, some nodding in understanding while others looked slightly apprehensive.
"Teams will be assigned shortly," Director Alexander announced. "But before that, I want to remind you all that this is not just a test of your individual abilities, but also a test of your teamwork and leadership capabilities. Cooperation and trust will be key to your success."
He paused again, letting his words sink in before concluding, "Good luck to you all. Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination. Embrace the challenges ahead, and may the best team emerge victorious."
With that, the participants were dismissed to await further instructions on their team assignments, anticipation building for the final stage of the exam.
Everyone needed to be in a 5-member team, so Sam and his team were trying to find a 5th member for the team, but they just couldn't find the perfect person for it.
Sam suggested to Lucas, "Why don't you ask that masked girl from your family to join us? What was her name again?" Lucas said angrily, "Her name is Lucy Crimson; she is my sister." "Wait, what?" asked Max. "Why don't you guys stay together?"
"It's complicated. She is way more powerful than me, the only reason she lost to Sam was that she was using a power core limiter. She already has a team prepared for this kind of exam, but there is nothing for me."
"Don't be sad; you have us, and we will be the winners. Just watch and see," said John. "Okay, guys, let's go and find our next member," said Lucas.
Suddenly, a long green-haired girl approached the team and asked if she could join. The team agreed to let the girl join. She said her name was Zara Evergreen, and her power is the Verdant Veil, a nature-based ability.
"Nice to meet you, Zara. My name is Max, that one is Sam, this redhead is Lucas, and that boy is John," introduced Max. Suddenly, in Sam's mind, Light telepathically said, "I smell a poisonous rose from her; be careful, Sam."
They proceeded to the next stage of the exam, filled with anticipation and determination to succeed.
As the group welcomed Zara Evergreen into their midst, they found themselves drawn into conversation with her. Zara shared stories of her upbringing in a small village surrounded by lush forests, where she had honed her powers amidst the embrace of nature. Her gentle demeanor and affinity for plant life immediately endeared her to the team, and they were grateful to have her on board.
As they continued their exploration of the area, they encountered various other groups of participants, each engrossed in their own discussions and preparations. Some appeared confident and self-assured, while others seemed more reserved, their nerves betraying the gravity of the upcoming challenge.
Sam couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie with his fellow participants, knowing that they were all embarking on this journey together. Despite the fierce competition that lay ahead, there was a palpable sense of unity among them, forged by the shared experience of facing adversity and overcoming obstacles.
As the day progressed, they found themselves drawn to a training arena where teams were sparring and honing their skills in preparation for the final exam. Sam watched with admiration as Lucas engaged in a friendly bout with another participant, his movements fluid and precise as he unleashed a barrage of attacks.
Max and John, meanwhile, were engaged in animated conversation with a group of students from another department, exchanging tips and strategies for the upcoming challenges. Sam couldn't help but smile at the sight of his friends bonding with their peers, their shared passion for excellence shining through in every word and gesture.
As the sun began to set on the horizon, casting a warm glow over the arena, Sam felt a surge of excitement and anticipation course through him. Tomorrow would mark the beginning of the final stage of the exam, a culmination of weeks of hard work and dedication.
But for now, he was content to bask in the camaraderie of his friends and fellow participants, knowing that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, united in their pursuit of victory.
With renewed determination and a sense of purpose, Sam and his team retired for the night, their minds buzzing with anticipation for the trials that awaited them. Tomorrow would be the beginning of a new chapter in their journey, and they were ready to face it head-on, together