The Beast Hunters Academy was the most prestigious institution for those who wanted to learn how to hunt and sometimes tame these monstrous creatures that roamed the world. Only the best and the bravest could enter its gates, and only after passing a rigorous entrance exam.
Sixteen recruits from the Ironclaw Beast Hunters Association are being escorted by a first-rate beast hunter Andrew, who was their mentor and guide. They traveled in four carriages, each pulled by a pair of sturdy horses, across the vast continent. They had seen many wonders and dangers along the way, but nothing compared to the sight that awaited them at the end of their journey.
The academy was located on an island in the middle of a large lake, surrounded by mountains and forests. It was a majestic sight, with tall spires and domes, gleaming in the sunlight. The island was connected to the mainland by a long bridge, guarded by two massive statues of legendary beasts.
In one of the carriages, Steven and Jack, two friends from the Ironclaw beast hunter association gazed in awe at the beauty of the academy. They had dreamed of becoming beast hunters since they were little, and they couldn't believe they were so close to their goal.
"Wow, look at that!" Steven exclaimed, pointing at a tower that seemed to touch the sky. "That must be where they must have kept the tamed flying beasts!"
"I wonder what kind of beasts they have there," Jack said, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Maybe legendary beasts like dragons, or griffins, or phoenixes!"
"Or maybe something we've never seen before!" Steven added, his imagination running wild.
They were so absorbed in their conversation that they didn't notice the other passenger in their carriage. Liam, Jack's twin brother. Liam was unsurprisingly quiet and serious, which Jack and Steven failed to notice. He didn't care much about the beauty of the academy, he only cared about becoming a good beast hunter. And wanted to show his father that he could become one of the best beast hunters in the world.
The three of them were about to face their test, as they reached the end of the bridge. There, they saw a large gate, with a sign that read: "Welcome to the Beast Hunters Academy.
Andrew stopped the carriages and got off. He gathered the sixteen recruits and gave them a brief speech.
"Listen up, everyone. You have come this far, but this is where the real challenge begins. The entrance exam is not easy, and many have failed before you. But I believe in you, and I know you have what it takes to succeed. Remember, this is not a competition, this is a test of your skills and your spirit. You are not here to impress anyone, you are here to prove yourself. So, don't be afraid, don't give up, and don't let anyone or anything stop you. You are the future of the beast hunters, and I'm proud of you. Now, let's go and show them what we can do!"
The recruits followed an academy instructor to the front of a large forest, where they were said to be varieties of common-tier beasts roaming around. Some like rabbits and squirrels, but they were bigger than normal, while some were more dangerous, and were as big as bears. The instructor explained that each beast had a crystal inside its body, which contained its essence and power. The crystals varied in size, shape, and color, depending on the beast. He also explained that there might be a few intermediate-tier beasts so they should stay away.
The instructor gave each recruit a pouch to store their crystals, and a map to find their way back to the academy. He also gave them some tips and warnings.
"Remember, you have one hour to collect as many crystals as you can. The more crystals you have, the higher your score. And I advise you to go in groups, some of the recruits will die in the assessment. so go in groups to increase your chance of surviving. Use your map, use your senses, and use your brain. Good luck, and may the best hunter win!"
With that, he blew a whistle, and the exam began.
The recruits scattered in different directions, looking for their prey. Steven and Jack decided to stick together, hoping to increase their chances of success. They ran into the forest, excited and eager.
Liam, on the other hand, went alone, preferring to rely on his skills and instincts. He walked calmly and quietly, scanning his surroundings for any signs of beasts.
The three of them had different experiences and encounters in the forest, but they all shared the same goal: to pass the exam and enter the academy. They didn't know it yet, but their fate was about to change, as they faced the challenges and surprises that awaited them in the beast hunters' forest.
Just as Steven entered the forest he received a system notification.
[Quest: pass the Beast Hunter Academy exam]
[Reward: Since you have the opportunity to kill more common tier beasts, why not absorb their crystal and increase your stats and might have a chance of leveling up]
Steven was surprised by the system notification, but he quickly accepted the quest. He thought that it was a good opportunity to improve his strength and skills. He looked at his sword, which was a sword given to him at the Ironclaw. He hoped that it would serve him well in the exam.
He followed Jack who already ran ahead and was confident and fearless.
They ran deeper into the forest, avoiding the paths and trails that other recruits might take. They wanted to find a secluded spot, where they could hunt without interference. They also hoped to encounter some of the more dangerous beasts, as they would yield more crystals and points.
They soon found a clearing, where they saw a group of four beasts. They looked like wolves, but they were bigger and had longer fur. They had red eyes and sharp teeth, and they emitted a low growl. They were common-tier beasts, but they were still formidable opponents. They were called blood wolves, and they were known for their ferocity and teamwork.
Steven and Jack exchanged a glance and nodded. They decided to take on the challenge and attack the blood wolves. They charged at them, hoping to catch them off guard. However, the blood wolves were alert, and they quickly reacted. They split into two pairs and faced their enemies.
Steven swung his sword at one of the blood wolves, aiming for its neck. The blood wolf dodged the attack a little but it was still grazed by the blade, drawing blood. Steven followed up with another slash, hoping to finish it off. The blood wolf snarled and tried to bite Steven's arm, trying to make him drop his sword, but it missed. He kicked the blood wolf in the chest, making it stagger back. He then stabbed it in the heart, killing it.
Jack was fighting with another blood wolf, using his martial arts skills. He dodged the blood wolf's bites and claws and delivered powerful punches and kicks. He broke the blood wolf's ribs, nose, and jaw, making it whimper and bleed. He then grabbed its head and twisted it, snapping its neck.
The other two blood wolves saw their mates fall, and they became enraged. They howled and attacked Steven and Jack with more ferocity. Steven and Jack were ready for them, and they fought back with equal vigor. They fought until they finally managed to slay the remaining blood wolves.
Steven and Jack panted and smiled. They had killed four blood wolves, and they had earned four crystals. They quickly collected the crystals from the corpses and put them in their pouches.
They congratulated each other and decided to continue their hunt. They still had some time left, and they wanted to get more crystals. They left the clearing, and ventured deeper into the forest, looking for more prey.
****
"Which one of them is it"
"The blonde one with a sword"
"Why don't we separate them and see how he does on his own"
"I don't mind Lucas"