"What's your name, kid?"
In front of me stood a tall man with a physique that spoke of years of rigorous training and discipline. His muscled torso was on full display, accentuated by the absence of a shirt, revealing a chiseled chest and eight-pack abs that spoke of his incredible physical prowess.
'Tsk, a show off.' I clicked my tongue inwardly but didn't dare to show it outside.
A thick beard framed his rugged features, adding to the air of authority and intimidation that surrounded him. His hair, a stark contrast against his tanned skin, was a snowy white, giving him a distinguished and commanding presence.
Despite his imposing appearance, I couldn't help but maintain a calm demeanor as I met his gaze. I had to. His piercing eyes bore into mine, searching for any sign of weakness or hesitation, but I refused to back down, knowing what would await me if I showed any sign of vulnerability.
"My name is Adrian, Sir," I replied, my voice steady and respectful despite the tension in the air. "I've come to participate in the Survival Training Course."
The man nodded, a hint of approval flickering in his eyes as he studied me with a critical gaze.
'First step, done.'
"Adrian, huh?" he mused, his voice gruff yet authoritative. "Well, you've certainly made it this far, so you must have some skill. Should I give you a..."
But he stopped speaking as if he remembered something.
Wait, he wasn't thinking about something bad, like increasing the difficulty or targeting me... Right?
"Well, Adrian boy, since you came a little early, you will have to wait till your fellow comrades arrive before we begin. And... You can either stay here and rest or... You can come with me and watch their experience. If you are interested that is. And note that this is my gift for you being the first. So..."
I weighed my options carefully, considering the pros and cons of each choice. On one hand, staying behind and resting would allow me to conserve my energy and prepare myself mentally for the challenges ahead. On the other hand, accompanying the instructor and observing the 'experiences' of my 'fellow comrades' could provide valuable and enjoyable time.
'Well, I'm not gonna miss the chance to see their suffering.'
"Sir, I want to watch them with you if possible." I then replied, while trying to sound smart. "I think I can learn by watching others's actions and discover mistakes I made along the way."
The man's lips curled into a faint smile, a glint of amusement dancing in his eyes as he nodded in approval at my response.
"Smart choice, Adrian," he remarked, his voice gruff yet oddly comforting. "Observing others can be just as valuable as learning from your own. Come, then. Let's see what funny shows await us today."
Huh? You aren't even hiding the fact you see the test as a funny show?
Well, I am not gonna mention that. NO. WAY.
With that in mind, I quietly followed behind the man.
As we made our way through the Survival Hall, the atmosphere was surprisingly quiet, the only sound being the soft hum of machinery and the occasional distant echo of voices from other parts of the building. The hall itself was dimly lit, with rows of screens lining the walls, each displaying a different location or scenario.
Eventually, we stopped in front of a room that had a sign hanging on the door, boldly declaring, "Strictly Prohibited."
The instructor paid no mind to the sign as he pushed the door open, gesturing for me to follow him inside. (Well, it was his room...)
As I stepped into the room, my attention was drawn to the set of screens being displayed in the front of the room. Each of them displayed a different location or scenario from the ongoing test for the first years, meaning, us.
Honestly, it looked like a security room where guards would watch through cameras. But this world didn't have cameras but used alternatives. The fantasy world should be filled with magic after all. Right?
"Hoho," But my attention was disturbed by this muscly man's amused chuckle.
"Come, Adrian boy. Looks like we have our second vic-challenger," he remarked, his voice tinged with amusement.
'Was he going to say a victim?' I thought while looking at the screen he showed.
"Come, take a seat. Let's see how your comrades will face my little adorable 'pet'."
"Oh, thank you," I replied and took a seat beside him while thinking of other things on my mind.
'You call that MONSTER a PET? And ADORABLE no less?' I wanted to curse at him but...
Anyway, the student on the screen seemed to be leisurely walking through the forest. Well, he has no idea a terrifying PET is following after him.
Hell, he has no idea that he is being tested.
'My condolences, my poor classmate whose name I can't remember.' I silently prayed as I watched the PET preparing to launch a surprise attack.
"ROOARR!" (The PET)
"Hehe. Here it comes!" (The Instructor)
"H-huh? HUUUH? M-M-Mooonst..." (The poor student)
Thud-!
"...PF... Pfft!!"
I couldn't help but stifle a laugh as the student on the screen stumbled backward, his eyes widening in shock and terror as the massive creature loomed before him.
The PET, a hulking beast with razor-sharp claws and fangs dripping with saliva, let out a deafening roar that echoed through the forest, sending shivers down my spine even from the safety of the observation room.
But before the student could even react, his face drained of color and his legs gave out beneath him, sending him crashing to the forest floor in a dead faint.
'Man, your heart must be weaker than a chicken, huh?' I chuckled inwardly, feeling a mixture of amusement and sympathy for the unfortunate student.
Beside me, the instructor let out a hearty laugh, his booming voice echoing through the room as he suddenly slapped my shoulder in 'amusement.'
"URGH-!"
'Damn, it hurts, be careful you senile old man!'
"Ah, that never gets old," he remarked, wiping a tear of laughter from the corner of his eye. "Looks like we've got another one out cold. Well, that's one down, a few more to go."