Determined, Liam advanced through the area of magical lasers. The colored beams cut through the air, creating a challenging web that demanded the young man's concentration. Every move was an intricate choreography, a dance between magical light and the player's agility. His body flowed like water, elegantly dodging the beams that attempted to touch him.
The scent of magic permeated the environment, a subtle blend of mystical essences that somewhat reminded him of the smell of nature. It was as if magic itself intertwined with the pulsating energy of the training field. Liam took a deep breath, absorbing not only the scent but also the atmosphere charged with challenge and expectation. Each avoided beam was a small victory, pulsating a mix of adrenaline and accomplishment. His heart pounded, synchronized with the cadence of his steps.
With each dodge, Liam could feel the magical texture in the air, an almost palpable sensation. The gentle touch of the beams, even if non-lethal magic, added an extra layer of reality to his experience. It was a dance between the physical and the magical, a synchrony that challenged both the mind and the body.
His movements were graceful, like a synchronized dance with the luminous beams. Each dodge, each rotation, triggered a cascade of sensations. He could feel the tingling on his skin as magic passed nearby, an electric thrill that kept him alert and agile.
Amidst the advance, Liam's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. Memories of childhood, training days with his father, each move bringing forth a new memory. His eyes reflected not only determination but also a palette of emotions, from confidence to surprise at his own feats.
As he progressed, the magical beams became more intense, increasing in number and speed every 10 meters. The path to dodge became a true maze of light. Liam, in turn, was determined to face the challenge seriously, and his eyes reflected unwavering determination.
'This must be the true test, not just of agility but of concentration and planning,' thought Liam, his mind seeking solutions as his agile feet continued the dodge dance.
In the last 10 meters, Liam realized that the intensity of the magical beams was increasing, making each dodge more challenging. His thoughts searched for a solution, and he decided to implement a movement technique he had learned in childhood. 'I'll have to use the Serpent Dance to dodge without losing speed,' he thought, and immediately his movements became more erratic but precise. His agility and flexibility became even more evident.
[System Notice]
Lower-level observers couldn't see how he moved, but more experienced ones realized it was an exceptional movement technique.
Outside the test, the room was filled with murmurs and discussions. Recruiters, anxious and calculating, exchanged words as they watched the intense race.
The spectators, each absorbed by the scene, maintained a palpable tension. The recruiters' expressions varied from fascination to desire. "He's dodging them like it's easy! The Shooting Stars guild wants him!" exclaimed one of the recruiters, barely containing excitement in his voice.
"Hey, look, the hooded guy isn't bad either. Have you seen anyone dodge that way?" Another attentive spectator turned his attention to the second-place contender who, despite not being first, had already created a nearly impossible distance from his other competitors, sparking a new wave of murmurs.
"Call Supervisor Mortheus, these two are at least at the Beginner Martial Practitioner level, and I suspect the one in front is already an intermediate; get someone to recruit them quickly," said a man dressed more formally and less like a fighter among the spectators.
Soon, one of the players with shiny armor from Haven Shiny accompanied, "Immediately call the guild leader. We need to secure the budget to recruit these two. And fast!"
One of them, who was with the formally dressed man and seemed to be his assistant, asked, "Mortheus? Do you think we should really call him?"
The man then responded with a serious face. "Yes, Mortheus is an expert in skill assessment. If these two are at least at the Beginner Martial Practitioner level, as I suspect, we need his opinion. He will recognize the potential."
While recruiters debated and made quick calls, Garret watched the room with satisfaction.
Liam, completing the final stage of the race, looked at the system notice that appeared during the last part of the test and saw:
[Proficient Mana Utilization Detected]
[New Movement Technique Created]
[Estimated Rank: B+]
[Please Name It]
Liam was surprised to see the system notifications. He didn't expect the possibility of creating skills and naming them in the game. The idea that his real-life experiences could turn into virtual abilities intrigued him.
"Serpent Dance," Liam murmured, naming the technique. He wanted to maintain authenticity, bringing his own essence into the game. As he did this, the system notification blinked, confirming the creation of the skill.
Around him, other competitors began to cross the finish line. Garret, the instructor, stood ready, waiting for everyone to complete the race. He held a magical scroll, ready to announce the results.
Finally, all competitors crossed the finish line, some exhausted, others smiling at the challenging experience. Garret raised the scroll, grabbing everyone's attention.
"Excellent performance, everyone! Now, I'll announce the results of the speed race." Garret began listing the names and evaluations, his voice echoing through the hall.
"Viper - Time: 28.42s | Unharmed | Evaluation: S+"
The spectators' room erupted in a mix of applause and murmurs. Recruiters looked at Liam with a newfound level of interest.
"This must be a new record," commented one spectator, impressed with Liam's speed.
The recruiters' eyes turned to the formally dressed man, who was busy discussing strategies with his assistant. "Indeed, this Viper broke even the previous record of the Renascentia guild boy; they must be getting anxious now."
"Quick, note this information down. The time and evaluation are exceptional. When Mortheus arrives, pass it on to him," said the formally dressed man. Looking directly at Liam, he muttered to himself, 'This is the kind of talent that could elevate Renascentia to a new level. We must ensure he joins us.'
Meanwhile, the Haven Shiny player commented to his fellow recruiters, "If he maintained that speed with such a high evaluation, imagine what he is capable of in other challenges?"
Garret, pleased with the success of the competitors, continued to list the results.
"Shadow Voss - Time: 32.15s | Hit three times | Evaluation: A-"
Shadow Voss, as he was now known in the game, was torn between the frustration of not winning and the suspicion that Liam cheated on the test.
Recruiters continued to exchange impressions. "Not as fast as Viper, but still impressive. He came close to the previous record. We should keep him in our considerations," suggested one of them.
While the top two competitors attracted attention, the other participants had their results announced. Some even received praise, while others were severely criticized for their poor performance.
Around, the atmosphere became denser with growing excitement and expectation. The competition was not limited to just the race but also extended to negotiations between guilds.
Shadow Voss, deciding to seek answers, approached Liam. His steps were filled with determination and a slight nu
ance of disdain.
"Hey, my name is Darian... I mean, my name is Shadow Voss. How did you do that?" He questioned, trying to maintain a facade of indifference, but his curiosity shone through.
Liam, calmly facing him, replied, "Just practiced some movement techniques in real life, and it seems they fit well into the game."
Darian raised an eyebrow, his arrogant features mixed with surprise. Before he could respond, spectators began to comment on the incredible performance of Viper and Shadow Voss.
"Look, they're talking. Are they friends or rivals? If so, if we can recruit one, maybe we can get the other as a bonus!"
"You don't think I'm going to believe that, do you?" Shadow Voss smiled challengingly. "I know cheating when I see it. No one can dodge those beams that way without some kind of trick. Even I, a Martial Practitioner, got hit."
Liam maintained his serene expression, responding with a hint of humor, "Maybe I just have more knack for games than you."
Shadow Voss frowned, not used to encountering someone who challenged his supremacy. Before the conversation could progress, Garret, the instructor, approached.
"Easy, boys. Let's keep this civilized. The competition was fierce, and everyone here has something unique to offer. Let's move on to the next area."
"Are they friends or rivals? I'm eager to see what their strength will be!"
As the voices of spectators filled the room, an imposing figure appeared at the entrance. It was Mortheus, the supervisor, an expert in skill assessment from the Renascentia guild. His sharp gaze swept across the room, evaluating not only the competitors but also the recruiters.