The moment Mortheus crossed the entrance of the spectators' room, a wave of respect and silent expectation accompanied him, as if his imposing presence brought the promise of something extraordinary. The eyes of recruiters and players turned to him as the formally dressed man approached with a respectful smile, ready to exchange greetings.
The handshake between Mortheus and the formally dressed man was firm, and curiosity permeated Mortheus's voice as he asked, "Hello, Tom. I'm looking forward to seeing what you have to offer today. Why was I called?"
Tom inclined his head toward the testing area, where intense activity was already underway. "We have two exceptional competitors challenging expectations. They are now heading to the second phase of the test, the strength test, and we believe your expertise will be crucial in properly assessing their potential."
Tom's assistant added, "One scored S+ and the other scored A- in the first test, and the previous record of our guild's Fullbuster was broken by a player named Viper."
Mortheus nodded, a glint of interest in his experienced eyes. "That's interesting. I want to see these prodigies in action."
Garret led the competitors toward the next testing area, a vibrant training field with magical runes and an aura of palpable energy, as if the room itself was infused with the promise of intense challenges.
"The strength test, despite its name, is divided into three parts: precision, brute force, and endurance. First, to our right, are laid out some basic weapons. The test is constructed so that everyone has equal chances, so if you're good at something, I recommend selecting your weapon now." Garret gestured broadly to an area filled with various equipment, such as bows, swords, and axes.
The strength testing room came to life with the frenetic movement of competitors, each making their choice among the available weapons. Blades gleamed, bows were taut, and the weight of heavy weapons resonated in the air. Liam, amidst this activity, remained calm, his eyes examining the variety of options. He chose to rely on the fists that had proven so effective until now.
Voss's eyes narrowed as he watched Liam's decision. A touch of disdain crossed his expression, as if he considered Liam's choice a display of inexperience.
"Do you really think you can win using just your fists?" Voss taunted, a challenging smile playing on his lips.
Unperturbed by the provocation, Liam replied serenely, "It's not always the weapon that determines victory, but the warrior wielding it."
Voss ignored Liam and advanced toward the equipment. He chose a pair of wooden daggers, predominantly present among the available equipment. Voss noticed that, despite being made of wood, they had a weight similar to metal daggers, although they weren't sharp.
Garret watched closely as competitors chose their weapons. The room was enveloped in an aura of anticipation, each player strategically deciding how to showcase their strength in the evaluation.
"Each of you must position yourselves in a lane. Viper, who was the first in the previous test, go to the spot marked with number 1 on the floor. Shadow Voss, who was second, go to the spot marked with number 2. Flame Horizon, who was third, go to the one marked with number 3, and so on." Garret explained where the competitors should go.
The ten competitors, each with their unique choice of weapons, headed to the designated spots pointed out by Garret.
Liam, staying true to his confidence in his fists, moved toward the center of the room, his eyes focused on the challenge ahead. His decision not to opt for weapons surprised some, but his confident expression remained unwavering.
Voss, who chose daggers, went to his position, throwing challenging glances at Liam as if eager to prove his superiority. His movements were sharp, the wooden daggers, despite being made of wood, a natural extension of his hands. There was a challenge in Voss's eyes.
While competitors prepared, excited murmurs echoed in the adjacent spectators' room. Recruiters and spectators exchanged comments and predictions about the competitors' performances.
"Did you see the posture of that Viper? It seems like he knows exactly what he's doing."
"Daggers? Interesting choice. Does Shadow Voss plan to choose the assassin class in the future?"
Meanwhile, Mortheus, the expert supervisor from the Renascentia guild, observed the scene with a keen eye. His analytical gaze swept over the competitors, seeking nuances and hidden potentials.
Back in the main room, Garret, with a confident voice, announced, "Competitors, get ready for the demonstration of the first part of the precision test."
He activated the central rune, and magical targets began to appear. Magical lights danced in the background, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. The tension in the air was palpable as competitors prepared for the challenge.
Liam, focused, observed the targets moving toward him. His eyes, focused and calculating, captured every movement. While Voss moved with agility, brandishing his wooden daggers, Liam remained unshaken.
Garret turned off the runes and explained, "This is what will happen when I activate the rune again. Be prepared to hit the targets before they pass you or disappear. I hope you've noticed that, due to different weapon choices, the targets have a different position. I will count to 3, and the test will officially begin."
"1."
"2."
"3."
Garret activated the runes, and the precision test began.
As the targets approached, Liam chose his moments with precision. His fists, quick and accurate, hit the targets with surprising efficiency. Each strike was an example of his unique skill and adaptability.
A new wave of targets emerged, now faster and more unpredictable. The challenge intensified, testing the competitors' agility and reflexes. The room vibrated with the energy of the test, and spectators in the observation room murmured in anticipation.
"This is a fierce competition. Who would have thought that the choice of a weapon would make such a difference?"
As the targets moved faster, Liam maintained his methodical approach. His fists cut through the air, hitting target after target. Each movement was an expression of his connection with the challenge, a manifestation of innate skill.
The magically conjured targets appeared in the background, moving with an almost ethereal grace toward the competitors. They were like fragments of light, translucent and imbued with a magical aura. Each competitor saw the targets adjust their trajectory and speed based on the weapon they had chosen.
Archers, with their taut bows, saw the more distant targets—small floating spheres of light swaying from side to side. Each shot required a combination of precision and perfect timing. The smooth movement of the archers, as they struggled to follow the trajectory of the targets, was a synchronized dance of dexterity.
Lance wielders faced medium-distance targets, which were like bright spheres performing elliptical movements in the air. They challenged the competitors to calculate the exact moment to strike. The lance spun skillfully in the hands of the competitors, finding its target in motion.
For those who opted for short-range weapons, the targets appeared closer, like shooting stars at an impressive speed. Each strike required not only precision but also agility to intercept the rapidly approaching targets.
Liam, in the center of the room, faced the diversity of targets with his agile fists.
His movements were a fusion of elegance and efficiency, his fists cutting through the space as he adjusted to changes in the targets' trajectory. Spectators, mesmerized by the precision of his blows, could barely keep up with the speed of his movements.
As Garret repeatedly activated the rune, targets multiplied and accelerated, challenging the competitors even more. The room transformed into a spectacle of lights in constant motion, each competitor immersed in their own test of skill and reaction.
At the height of the test, tension in the testing room increased. Even the most skilled competitors began to show signs of effort. Sweat beads appeared on their foreheads as they struggled to keep up with the growing speed of the magical targets.
Seeing the rising tension, Garret announced, "One more minute. Keep going, competitors."
Each of Liam's strikes was accompanied by facial expressions ranging from intense concentration to a slight smile of confidence. His gestures, fluid and calculated, denoted a deep understanding of the environment around him. The audience, absorbed in observation, couldn't help but admire the singular skill of the competitor in the center of the room.
Voss, despite his agility with daggers, began to show signs of pressure. The speed of the targets tested his expertise, and the confident expression started to wear thin.
Meanwhile, in the observation room, recruiters and spectators exchanged surprised looks and animated whispers. "Did you see that? Viper is exceeding all expectations!"
"But look there, Shadow Voss is doing very well with the daggers. He's incredibly agile!"
Mortheus, accompanied by Tom and his assistant, watched attentively, analyzing every detail. "These two have real potential. If they maintain this performance, they'll be valuable assets to our guild."
The competitors' facial expressions revealed the fierce competition. Some frowned in concentration, others maintained a determined look, while a few began to show signs of giving up.
Liam, however, remained surprisingly calm. His face, a mask of determination, revealed a focus that transcended the ordinary. Each movement was calculated, each punch a natural extension of his will.
As the test neared its end, Garret announced, "Time!" The magical rune ceased its activity, and the room plunged into a momentary silence. The targets, now motionless, left the competitors breathing heavily.
Garret, with a smile, addressed the competitors. "Excellent work, everyone. Now, prepare for the next phase: the brute force test. Follow me." The group moved to the next area, where tension only increased, and expectations rose to new heights.