Late at night the four were rooming together in an inn. The inn was simple, having 2 sets of bunk beds on either side of the building with a candle sitting on a central nightstand in front a lone window. "I won't lie, I'm a little nervous, I've never actually seen a nonel. Now we have to hunt one." Qrezn said, the four laying down in their beds. "You've never seen a nonel? Even Shren and I have killed some in the past." Laiyth proudly proclaimed. "Huh, you country bumpkins? Though I of course have hunted nonels too." Tangret sneered. Shren shot him a look but remained silent. "Qrezn, its okay. Nonels look weird but they aren't that dangerous if you proceed carefully." Shren mumbled. Qrezn nodded with a confused look on his face. "What do they look like? Their pretty rare in the north, and I only received my blessing a few months ago so the elders never let me fight one." Laiyth's went wide as he listened. "Ah, that makes a lot of sense. I'm sure its got something to do with that brutal desert sun. Nonels look like hybrids but messed up. Their bodies just don't fit together properly. Their skin is also a dark black and has a really weird jelly like texture. If you had any weapon other than a great sword, I'd say that weapons would be pretty difficult to use against them." Laiyth explained. "Wow. To think such weird creatures could exist. Do any of you know how many we have to hunt tomorrow?" Qrezn responded. The three shook their heads. "Maybe they'll test us based on how many we can hunt since there are more than one of us." Shren said. "Good idea little brother! In that case we should come up with a game plan to get as many of those monsters as possible!" Laiyth shouted. "Hush! Do you know what time it is? We should probably get some sleep first; I don't want to die to a horrible plan you make up." Tangret hissed. Shren glared at Tangret once again but remained silent. "I don't agree with how you said it, but it maybe a good idea to get some sleep first. Plus the exam is in the afternoon, that gives us plenty of time to formulate a plan!" Qrezn said trying to lift the now dampened mood. Laiyth nodded, clearly hurt by Tangret's outburst. Shren placed his hands on his brother's shoulder, "Don't let it get to you Brother. Plus if we pass the exam we'll be able to go off on our own. Then we don't have to hear his complaints any longer." Shren whispered. Laiyth gave Shren an empty smile before turning over to go to sleep. Just before Laiyth fell asleep Qrezn spoke up. "Hey, Shren and Laiyth why do you want to become mercenaries? Tangret if your willing to answer too I'm interested in knowing. Personally I want to join Rakgur, I know I've said it before but let me tell you about it. Rakgur is a really powerful Orc Mercenary Group. They have three divisions, and I really want to join Borask. Their the ones who use melee weapons which is what inspired me to use a great sword." Qrezn explained. Laiyth sat up and faced the other three. "Well me and Shren here want to become mercenaries to see the world. We'd also like to help out our family back home. Sure we aren't exactly struggling but to give our family whatever they want is anyone's dream right?" Laiyth replied. Shren nodded along before everyone turned towards Tangret. "I won't tell you much, I don't know if I trust you but I want to prove that western demons are more powerful. I fight using their combat style in hopes of convincing the other demons but they just don't seem to understand. I figured that if I can become a well-known mercenary that they'd have to listen to me." Tangret explained. "Huh. Why are you so passionate about it though. And how do you know so much about western demons, we haven't been able to cross the sea in over a thousand years." Qrezn asked. Tangret didn't respond however, he turned and went to sleep without another word. "Rude, well it is getting pretty late. I'm going to get some sleep too." Laiyth said. Qrezn nodded laying down and preparing to sleep. Shren laid down as well wishing his new companions good night.
The next morning the four were back out on the town. The street was flushed with people and the hustle and bustle of daily life. It was early day as the group set out and so many merchants and mercenaries were just entering or just preparing to leave the town. They had just enjoyed a hearty breakfast from the inn and were heading off to formulate a proper plan. "Well it will be a lot of help if we pick roles right?" Laiyth said. "True, as an archer it wouldn't make much sense for you to fight on the front lines. Maybe we can come up with cool formations or something." Qrezn said eyes aglow. "But we can't leave the melee up to Qrezn all the time." Shren muttered. "What are you suggesting? I never agreed to fight along side you fools." Tangret said his face twisted in disgust. "The only reason we are still together is because we started taking this together and they won't let us separate now. Once we finish this exam I am getting as far away from you all as I can." Tangret spoke. "Hey, what is wrong. Why do you hate us so much? We just met yesterday. We couldn't have done anything to offend you this bad that quick." Laiyth replied, the anger in his voice clear. "Yeah, you honestly seem to hate us inside and out and I don't remember doing anything that bad. Actually no I don't remember doing anything at all." Qrezn said his brow furrowing as he spoke. Shren remained silent but his face was similarly painting a picture of anger. Tangret huffed before walking off from the group. "I hate you all because you're you. None of you are taking this seriously. This isn't some game we're playing nor is it something that you can just skip around and do. Unlike you I have a goal and I can't let some country idiots take me away from that goal! Stay away from me until the exam." He shouted before running off. "Should we chase after him? We didn't get to go over the strategy." Qrezn said. Neither Laiyth or Shren responded as they sat in shock. "Maybe we'll just have a to formulate a plan with the three of us. If Tangret wasn't planning on staying with us in the future maybe it is for the best we don't get use to having four members." Shren said, finally breaking the awkward silence. "Yeah maybe Shren's right you know? We can't over rely on someone who won't be there long term anyway." Laiyth replied, his usual sense bringing a sense of hope. "Well if you guys are sure. In that case what are you guys thinking in terms of strategy?" The three went back to MerCo headquarters as they formulated a strategy. Laiyth would grab the attention of a nonel, then Qrezn would quickly dispatch the nonel, and if he couldn't he would leave it for Shren to finish off. When Shren wasn't cleaning up left over nonels he would provide cover for the two protecting them from any dangerous surprises.
**
Tangret was walking by himself. "Those fools. Acting like this some game, lives are on the line here. I will prove that the western demons are better." He mumbled to himself. Tangret looked up, he realized he walked off without being sure where he was. He began to look around but none of the buildings he saw were familiar. The buildings near the inn were clearly taken care of often but the buildings around him were dilapidated, and some even seemed to be on the verge of collapse. Just as Tangret attempted to get his bearings 3 elves walked up. "Hey. What's a demon doing here? Why are you dressed so well?" The largest of the 3 elves shouted while pointing at Tangret's clothes. "What does it have to do with you? Do you live in this dump? How do I leave?" He replied, his brow furrowed. One of the elves began to shout. "What does this demon think is happening? This is our territory so you'd better apologize before Akut deals with you!" Pointing at the largest elf as he spoke. The other elf shouted as well. "Yeah! No one here messes with Akut and gets to walk away like its nothing!" Akut remained silent puffing out his chest. Tangret began to bear his teeth. "Is that right? You peasants truly are irritating. Prostrate yourselves and I'll forgive this transgression. Otherwise I'll have to get violent. I do have somewhere to be so do try to not waste too much of my time." A vein visibly pulsing on Tangret's forehead as he spoke. Akut smirked at Tangret. "And what is one demon going to do against 3 elves? It seems you really don't understand your place. NO ONE calls me a peasant!" He shouted as he grabbed Tangret by the collar. Tangret closed his eyes and took a deep breath. When he opened his eyes he created a dark dagger and quickly swung at Akut's hand. Akut managed to avoid having his hand completely cut off but could not escape being cut deeply. His face twisted in anger as he created a hand axe. The two elves with him created short swords and all 3 charged Tangret. Tangret made no noticeable attempt to dodge but the elves never reached him. "What is happening. I can't move." Akut roared. "Let us go demon! Maybe we'll leave you with your life." One of the elves shouted. Tangret smirked. "This is true power. My family truly does know nothing! Even out numbered these weaklings can't fight back if I take hold of their shadows. Sure we lack the trees of the western demon's but that doesn't mean we can't make it work. Now maybe I should deal with you three. I did warn you after all and its not good to not listen to your betters." Tangret said, a snicker on his face as he began to approach the now frozen elves. "Wai-wait! Let me live, you can take them!" Akut said tears forming in his eyes as Tangret grew ever closer. "Akut! No no no please!" The other two elves shouted tears streaming down their faces. Tangret didn't stop though. As he continued to get closer the cries of the elves got louder. The elves closed their eyes as they feared for their sealed fates but Tangret continued walking. He walked pass the elves, eventually freeing them. They collapsed as control of their bodies was returned to them. As they turned to see where Tangret he vanished, with no trace of him left behind. They remained on the floor as they tried to gather their senses.
"Its no good if I become a criminal. We demons may respect strength but a criminal is nothing but an abuser of that beautiful strength. I will prove myself without such crimes." Tangret said as he continued walking. Flashes of his family flipped through his mind and for a few seconds he considered going back home, "Maybe I acted too rash." He thought to himself. Tangret continued to walk as he searched for any familiar buildings. He had been wandering for a while and Midday was rapidly approaching. Tangret searched for while longer before finally finding the MerCo headquarters. He prepared to run towards it until he saw Shren, Laiyth, and Qrezn. He froze, "Those fools again. Is there no way to get to the exam site while avoiding them?" He thought to himself. Tangret eventually gave in, "Even if I can evade them to the site I'd have to interact with them at the site." He mumbled frowning as he spoke.
**
Shren was looking around for Tangret. "It's almost time for the final exam, that jerk better be here." Shren's was lightly shaking as he spoke. "Its okay, its not time yet so lets calm down." Qrezn said, trying to fix the atmosphere. "Qrezn's right Shren. Even if he is here its not like we can start right away." Laiyth replied, but he was clearly searching for Tangret too. Tangret appeared from the corner of Qrezn's eye. "Hey! There he is!" Qrezn shouted quickly getting the attention of Shren and Laiyth. Shren shot Tangret a look while Laiyth shook his head with his arms crossed. As Tangret made it to the group the elf from yesterday appeared from behind Qrezn, Shren, and Laiyth. "Alright, looks like your all here. How about we get started huh?" The three yelped as they turned to see her standing there. Qrezn and Laiyth hugged each other as they jumped while Shren quickly ran behind them. "Wh-where did you come from?" Qrezn asked. "Yeah we've been standing here the whole time!" Laiyth shouted looking out for more surprises. "And what are you doing here? I thought it would just be our group for the final exam?" Shren asked, hiding behind Laiyth as he spoke. "Ah Shren, what a great question. As for you two I came out from the guild. You've been standing in front of it this whole time and never noticed the door behind you? You clearly need to work on your surveying skills, as mercenaries be wary of danger at all times." Qrezn and Laiyth looked as if they wanted to rebuke her claims but eventually hung their heads in disappointment as no such arguments appeared. "Y-you remember my name?" Shren asked, still hiding behind Laiyth. The elf showed a gentle smile as she replied. "Of course, I always remember the promising ones. Now back to your question. My job is to escort you fledglings to the exam site. Along with give you some ground rules, but before that let my tell you something." She said pointing at Tangret. "You've got some nerve keeping me waiting. I'll let it slide this time but don't pull anything funny in the exam site. Don't cause your group trouble either, it'd be a shame if such a promising group was destroyed before they can prove themselves." Tangret clicked his teeth but followed the group as they made their way to the exam site. The trip to the site was relatively short, only being on the eastern forest right outside the city walls. The sites were relatively plan but the buildings made it clear that the houses on this side of the city were well kept, and a fair amount larger than the houses near the inn. Laiyth and Shren walking in amazement of the buildings, Qrezn stuck close to the elf trying to learn more about her and the secret behind her strength. Tangret meanwhile, sulked behind the group avoiding conversation with any who approached him. The trip only took 15 minutes before they made it to the city gate. The elf leading the four stopped and turned to face them. Before she spoke their faces scrunched as the scent of blood filled their noses. A chill went down their spines as the elf opened her mouth. "Listen up. Once we enter the forest there will be no talking." The elf began "There is a Field in place to keep the nonels inside. You four are tasked with eliminating 20 and bringing back proof, in the form of their mantin. You are responsible for your own safety at the end of the day and we will not enter to save you if you are going to die so act accordingly." She shot a look at Tangret as she explained. "You'll have 48 hours and are free to use any methods at your disposal to eliminate these nonels. No funny business, if any of you die there will be an investigation to ensure that you were not killed at the hands of your so-called allies. Any questions before you begin?" The elf said looking at the four readying themselves. "I-I have one. When we finish the exam how will we leave the Field?" Shren asked. The elf smiled before speaking. "This is why your my favorite. You truly have a knack for this. Return here, I'd recommend placing a marker it gets real dark in there, and after the 24 hour mark we'll have a mercenary stationed there to let you out. Good luck you four, and try not to die." She said before turning and entering the force. Without another word the group followed her as they entered the forest. She stopped once more at a strange warp in space. She turned halfway towards them and motioned them inside, a soft smile on her face. As they approached the Field a strange force could be felt, as if it was weighing them down. They froze for a moment before looking at each other. They nodded and steeled their resolves. They prepared their weapons before taking a deep breath. Silent still the four entered the Field. The final exam had begun.
The four looked to the sky after entering the Field. "So this is the final exam huh?" Laiyth asked. Their eyes remained locked on the sky, light just barely penetrating the Field making it darker than night. "The Proctor said that we should leave a marking right?" Shren asked grabbing a nearby rock. "Not bad but maybe something heavier, or manmade might be a good choice. Don't want to get lost here." Qrezn said looking around for anything. Tangret began walking off without a word into the forest. "Hey Tangret! Where are you going?" Laiyth shouted. Tangret clicked his tongue before turning around. "I can barely stand all of you and yet you think I'll work together with you for two days straight? I don't know what idiotic strategy you all came up with but leave me out of it. I'll handle the nonels myself, stay out of my way." Tangret turned back around and quickly vanished into the darken forest. The three looked at each other. Shren shook his head as he casted Light. "Does this mean we are going with the strategy we planned?" Shren asked looking at Qrezn and Laiyth. "Guess so. He really does hate us huh." Qrezn said. Laiyth shrugged. "That just means we got to work extra hard to prove that he isn't nearly as strong as he thinks he is. Alright boys lets go!" Laiyth shouted before driving one of his arrows into the ground. The three pierced deeper into the forest, Qrezn in front followed by Laiyth and Shren.
The three carefully snuck through the underbrush of the forest. Shren dismissed the Light after Laiyth made the marking and they were now hunting for nonels. Laiyth acted as the groups eyes and ears listening for any disturbances. Qrezn, his blood rushing with adrenaline, had his hands firmly on great sword prepared to strike at a moments notice. Shren was doing his best to focus his mana, trying to sense any approaching living creatures. Laiyth put his hand and the group stopped. "It's weirdly quiet no? I haven't seen anything alive, or dead for that matter." Laiyth said still diligently surveying their surroundings. "Now that you mention it this forest is weirdly empty. And you guys smelt the blood when we entered the forest right?" Shren nodded. "I haven't fe-" Shren began before the three were alerted by a blood-curdling scream. "HELP! WHY CAN THEY STILL MOVE! WHERE DID THEIR SHADOWS GO?" The voice screamed. It was so loud that the three were sure that even the Proctor could hear it. Despite that they hesitated on what to do. "That voice was certainly Tangret. What trouble could he have gotten himself into right after he left?" Laiyth said. "But we have to help. Even if it was only for a little while he's an ally!" Qrezn said lightly panicking, his grip on his great sword slipping. "Sure, but I feel he's made it quite clear he's no ally of ours any longer. Plus the Proctor told us we are responsible for our own safety." Shren coldly replied. His face was devoid of emotion as he delivered his icy view. Qrezn shivered as he looked at Shren. "How could you be so cruel? No matter what he's still a living person! We have to help." Qrezn firmly shouted. "Living for now, how long has he been looking down on us? Do you really think that he'd even accept our help?" Shren replied, his voice still monotone as he spoke. "Okay, okay. Let's get over there first and then decide. After all it would be no good if we decided to save him and he's already dead. The scream came very clearly from that way, so are we going?" Laiyth said breaking up the situation, he pointed west, his other hand ready on his bow. Shren reluctantly nodded as Qrezn tightened his grip on his great sword. "Great, then lets go!" Laiyth shouted. The three charged off at full speed.