A beam of light descended from the heavens, striking numerous regions of the test area, creating a beautiful scenery.
From one of the pillars of light, Sol walked out with his eyes shut due to the intense light. His robes fluttered in the wind as he slowly opened his eyes and saw what he could only describe as a magical forest.
This was a tranquil forest with ancient trees that constantly let out whispering sounds and ancient secrets that Sol couldn't understand. Luminescent flora bathed in magical hues, creating an enchanting glow, while wisps of ethereal mist meander between the trees, carrying hints of eldritch magic.
Ding.
[Host has been transported to the Mystical Grove]
[Difficulty: Tier 1-2]
[Races present: Elves, Fairies, Nymphs, Shape-shifters, Goblins and Centaurs]
[Available resources: Blood Orchids, Spirit wood, Wraith root, and Faery Nectar]
Sol watched the details presented by the system, and he was stunned the system even bothered to give him some information, especially since it had been silent all this while.
Ding.
[New mission acquired]
[Become the Rank One student of the Alpha Academy by the end of the ranking exams.]
[Reward; Unknown]
[Sub-mission available]
[Attain the highest score by the end of the first test]
"Hmph! It only talks when it wants something done." Sol snorted disdainfully.
He believed the system had given him information concerning the inhabitants of the area because it cared about him, however, it seems he was wrong.
"What is this place anyway?" Sol put aside those thoughts and focused on the task at hand.
Ding.
[The Mystical Grove is but one of eight designated zones within the secluded training grounds of the Alpha Families. Overseen by the skilled warriors of Aetheria, this training facility ensures that its inhabitants do not surpass the tier-two proficiency level. Additionally, the Aetherian guardians maintain control over the population of tier two beings dwelling within this area…]
[The limited number of tier two entities within this region bears the responsibility of safeguarding exceedingly rare and valuable resources in exchange for their continued existence. Unfortunately, the residents of this training ground endure oppression and bullying from the Aetherian guardians, fostering deep-seated animosity towards students sent here for training.]
"That explains why the mortality rate of this test is always high," Sol muttered in understanding. "However, this method will bring out the best in students who survive," he added.
While Sol didn't agree with the method, he couldn't deny its effectiveness. Anyone capable of fighting his way through this place will naturally be stronger than those who simply hid through the exercises.
Sol also noticed two more important things from the information given to him by the system. Some resources located in Mystic Grove were not listed in the notebook given to him by Instructor Kane. However, he assumed there was a limit to what Instructors were allowed to tell students, and he simply gave Sol the same information he gave the rest of the class.
"I will have to work on his loyalty once I'm done with the tests," Sol said.
The second thing he noticed was that the elves were amongst the list of races present. Weren't the elves one of the alpha families in Aetheria?
Ding.
[The world is fair in the sense that the strong always benefits. The elves fell from grace by losing their spot as an alpha Family, and for this alone, they are treated like every other beast living outside the walls of Aetheria.]
Seeing this, Sol let out a sad sigh because he knew the system was right. Even on earth, when two governments fight, the citizens forcefully drafted to war are those who suffer over issues they don't know of.
"When two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers," Sol muttered with a frown.
These were the words he kept telling himself when he was on earth, and they helped him stay focused on his goals. Only after the level where he considered himself an elephant did he stop using those words, but he forgot even an elephant can be killed.
"I died the moment I stopped growing," Sol muttered again as he reflected on his past life decisions.
If he kept fighting for more and hadn't just stopped to preserve what he had, he wouldn't have died. At least he would have still been useful in the eyes of his friends. He would have lived long enough to notice something off about them, or he would have grown to a level where they wouldn't be able to touch him.
Stagnation is death.
A tree only stops bearing fruit when it dies.
Humans should be the same!
"This time, I will not be satisfied with worldly achievements," Sol said, as his eyes blazed with determination. "Once I am done conquering the mortal plane, I will reach for the heavens as well!"
Crack.
The sound of a twig breaking reached Sol's ears, and he frowned deeply, suspecting his declaration may have reached the ears of a foe. He stood there for a second and considered what would be his next move in response to the approaching figure.
Run or fight?
Sol hesitated for a moment before springing into a nearby bush. He didn't want to show the enemy his back, which would increase the possibility of him getting killed, and he also wanted to know what was moving in his direction due to curiosity.
Sol remained hidden for close to a minute before something jumped out of the forest with wounds riddled all over her fair body. Her oval-shaped face and pretty eyes were one Sol could never forget.
"Katherine Tepes!" Sol rose to his feet, revealing himself while saying the name out loud.
How could this happen, when they had only arrived here?
Or was he so focused on the system and his thoughts he failed to keep track of time?
Kathrine landed gracefully while her hands moved in strange motions, causing strings of blood to dance around her while she focused on the shadowy figures pursuing her.
Upon hearing someone call her name, she turned hastily, only to see a familiar figure emerging from a nearby bush.
"Sol?" She muttered in shock.