Marcus, a determined contender in this challenging forest trial, had his sights set on a unique tree. It struck him as the perfect place for a hidden badge. With nimble steps, he made his way towards it, ready to climb its formidable branches and claim his prize.
However, just as he was about to ascend, a peculiar sight caught his eye. Another boy, unfamiliar to him, was descending from the very tree Marcus had deemed promising. The stranger had an air of the unusual about him, adorned with a makeshift rope fashioned from vines hanging from his back and clutching a sharpened stick retrieved from the base of the tree.
The presence of this enigmatic boy raised alarm bells in Marcus's mind. If this boy was descending from the tree, it meant one thing: if there had been a badge up there, it was no longer there. Determination flaring within him, Marcus decided to shadow the mysterious boy, curious about his intentions and perhaps hoping to discern the whereabouts of the elusive badge.
As he followed this intriguing figure through the dense forest, Marcus couldn't help but admire the boy's meticulous approach to his search. He watched as the boy carefully turned over stones and leaves, leaving no potential hiding spot unchecked in his relentless quest.
As Marcus continued to shadow the mysterious boy, he grew increasingly frustrated. He had been hoping to catch a glimpse of the boy's awakened power in action, something that could give him a tactical advantage or at least a clue about his capabilities. However, the boy seemed to avoid using any powers, relying solely on his wits and physical abilities.
The fruitless search frustrated Marcus even more. It was clear that the boy was meticulously scouring the area for badges, but Marcus knew that this part of the forest held no more. He had already combed through it thoroughly.
Watching that boy as he went on, an idea sprouted in Marcus's mind. Perhaps this boy didn't possess a particularly useful awakened power. Maybe that was why he was putting so much effort into searching the forest by hand. The thought brought a sly smile to Marcus's face. If the boy's power wasn't formidable, then he might be an easy target.
Unable to contain his excitement, Marcus abandoned his stealthy approach and boldly emerged from his hiding spot, positioning himself directly in front of the boy.
"Myself Marcus," He introduced himself with an air of confidence, a glint of challenge in his eyes.
Ahiro's frustration and disappointment had been growing with each passing hour as he scoured the forest for badges. His thoughts were a jumbled mess, and he couldn't help but feel a deep admiration for Melvin, the candidate who had managed to collect more than 15 badges on the first day itself.
Lost in his own thoughts, Ahiro was startled when a stranger suddenly appeared before him. He instinctively took a few steps back, his hand gripping his knife tightly, ready for action.
Marcus chuckled at Ahiro's cautious response. It seemed he had taken the boy by surprise, and that was precisely what he had hoped for. He continued, his tone dripping with mockery, "I'm here to challenge you. Here's my badge." With a flourish, he displayed his badge as if it were a trophy.
Ahiro had always known that he would eventually have to face other candidates in challenges, but he had been fortunate enough to avoid it thus far. With only one day left before the exam concluded, he realized it was a risk he had to take if he wanted a chance to win. He scanned his opponent, who was smiling and proudly showing his badge.
Relaxing his defensive posture but still holding his knife, Ahiro replied, "I have three badges with me. If you can wager badges equal to that, then I'll accept your challenge. Otherwise, there's no point." It was a bold move, but Ahiro had a hunch that Marcus was underestimating him, and if he wanted to capitalize on that perception, he needed to act now.
Marcus was startled by his sudden change of tone. He was generally cautious, avoiding unnecessary risks. However, today was different. There was no other choice, and he had to secure his future in the academy.
Contemplating he had no other option, he agreed to Ahiro's terms. The confidence in his voice was genuine, even though the boy in front of him had little experience in actual battles. He knew he had to make the best of this opportunity, especially with time running out.
As soon as they agreed to the terms, a drone emerged, hovering in front of them. The mechanical voice of the drone echoed through the forest, cutting through the tension like a blade. It instructed both candidates to place their badges in the designated spaces that appeared above them.
Ahiro reached into his pouch and retrieved the badges he had collected. He carefully placed them in the indicated space, his fingers trembling ever so slightly. This was it, the moment he had been dreading and preparing for.
Marcus, too, retrieved his badge and placed it with a confident flick of his wrist. He was determined to win this duel and secure his place in the academy. The emblem on his token gleamed in the dim forest light, a stark contrast to the uncertainty that hung in the air.
As the tokens were securely in place, the drone's mechanical voice once again pierced the silence. "The duel will be won by whoever makes the other candidate either unconscious or forces them to surrender," it repeated, its words final and unyielding.
Ahiro and Marcus exchanged one last look, a mix of determination and apprehension passing between them. The drone's countdown was about to begin, and there was no turning back now. Their fate in Valorius Academy hung in the balance, and only one of them would emerge victorious.
With the forest still, the drone's mechanical voice seemed to echo louder in the silence. Its cold and impartial tone added to the weight of the impending duel.
"The use of awakened abilities is allowed," the drone continued, "but any attempt to harm the opponent beyond the permitted limit will result in disqualification." This warning served as a reminder that while they could use their awakened powers, they had to do so within the bounds of fairness and restraint.
Ahiro, despite his initial anxiety, was now focused and ready. His <
The countdown was about to begin, and both candidates braced themselves. They knew that these moments leading up to the actual clash were crucial, and each second felt like an eternity in the dense forest, under the watchful eye of the drone.
Ahiro had never participated in a duel before, but he had observed enough to understand the basic rules. With the token placed, both candidates retreated a few steps, positioning themselves for the impending showdown. The drone initiated the countdown in its emotionless voice, "1... 2... 3."