All the candidates who had passed from Zane's exam room were then transported to the next hall, a vast space filled with anxious energy. As Zane entered, he saw other candidates streaming in from various gates, each guided by instructors who efficiently lined them up. The room buzzed with nervous anticipation. The high ceilings and grand banners bearing the academy's emblem added to the sense of importance and gravity of the moment.
After a few minutes, when everyone had settled, a man with a touch of gray in his hair stepped onto the stage. His presence commanded respect, and his eyes, though aged, held a fierce intensity. This was Vice Principal Edward Hawke, a retired S-rank hunter whose reputation was legendary.
"Welcome, candidates," Edward began, his voice carrying effortlessly across the hall. "I am Edward Hawke, Vice Principal of this prestigious academy. I congratulate you for clearing your first step to enter here, but this is not the end; it is just the beginning. The next part is the most difficult, and many of you will fail. Do not let this demotivate you. Give it your all. Only through hardships will you grow. Without facing challenges, you cannot become stronger."
His words, though stern, carried a weight of authority and wisdom. The candidates listened intently, absorbing every word.
"Now, for your practical exam," Edward continued. "Those who place in the top ten will receive additional facilities and a head start over others in the academy. So give it your all if you want to excel. This year's exam will be different. You will be teleported to an unknown location where you must gather points by either defeating monsters or by incapacitating other candidates."
A hush fell over the hall as his words sank in. The mention of competing against each other was a new and alarming development. Murmurs of concern began to spread through the crowd.
"How can we be expected to fight each other? Isn't that too extreme?" one student voiced.
"I know this has never happened before," another added, their voice tinged with apprehension.
Edward raised his hand, and the hall fell silent once more. "I understand your concerns," he said firmly. "But rest assured, we have prepared for this. Each of you will be given a bracelet."
At his signal, the instructors began distributing sleek, metallic bracelets to the candidates. Zane received his and examined it closely.
"This bracelet contains your basic information, rank, and year. It will be with you throughout your time at the academy. It also has a safety feature. If you are severely injured or if your vital signs show any abnormalities, you will be immediately teleported to our infirmary, where our healers will tend to you. So do not hold back."
"The test will last for five days. You have to secure a place for resting, make arrangements for your food, and prioritize survival."
The candidates began to calm down, reassured by the safety measures in place. The atmosphere in the hall shifted from anxiety to determination. Zane felt a mix of emotions—fear, excitement, and a burning desire to prove himself.
Edward continued, "Remember, this is not just about survival. It's about showing us your potential, your resourcefulness, and your will to succeed. You have all come here with dreams and aspirations. Now is the time to show us what you are made of."
The hall erupted in applause and cheers, the candidates' spirits lifted by Edward's powerful speech. The sense of camaraderie was palpable, but so was the undercurrent of competition. Zane looked around at the faces of his peers, each one filled with determination. He knew that this was his moment to shine.
As the candidates were led to the teleportation platform, Zane felt a strange mix of calm and readiness. He tightened the straps on his gear and took a deep breath. The platform hummed with energy, and in an instant, he was transported to a dense, unfamiliar forest.
The air was thick with the scent of pine and damp earth. The sounds of nature surrounded him—birds chirping, leaves rustling, and the distant sound of a stream. Zane quickly oriented himself, recalling his training on survival and combat. He knew he had to move quickly and stay vigilant.
"I think you should first find a place for resting and make a base, then collect resources for your survival," Alagor said, making Zane flinch as he was on high alert.
"Hey! Don't talk to me suddenly like that," Zane said aloud in his mind.
"Who do you think you are talking to, kid?" Alagor's deep voice carried a tone of superiority.
"T-that's cheating, you should not talk to me suddenly," Zane replied in a low voice, clearly scared of Alagor.
"Hmph, you are just too scared. Why don't you go back and hide at home if you are scared of just this?" Alagor said sarcastically.
'Urgh, he always does this, speaking whatever he wants. If I could just hit him,' Zane thought while clenching his fist.
"You know I can read your thoughts, right?" Alagor said.
Zane suddenly stopped thinking and changed the topic. "Y-yes, I should find a safe place first and gather resources."
The air was thick with the scent of pine and damp earth. The sounds of nature surrounded him—birds chirping, leaves rustling, and the distant sound of a stream. Zane quickly oriented himself, recalling his training on survival and combat. He knew he had to move quickly and stay vigilant.
Suddenly, a rustling in the bushes nearby caught his attention. Zane's heart raced as he turned towards the sound, ready for whatever might come. Out of the bushes emerged a small, deer-like creature, its eyes wide with curiosity.
Zane immediately threw a dagger at it, capturing it. "Now I don't have to worry for food for now, then I should find a safe place for making my base."
In the control room, filled with instructors and staff monitoring the candidates' progress on large screens, the atmosphere was intense but organized. Screens showed various activities and locations where the candidates had been teleported. Each instructor had a role to play, ensuring the safety and fairness of the exam.
Helen, a seasoned instructor with a background in strategic planning, watched the screens intently. She was in charge of monitoring the candidates' vital signs and alerting the medical team if anyone was in danger. "Candidate activity is varied. Some are immediately setting up bases, while others are scouting for resources," she noted to her colleague, Jacob.
Jacob, an experienced combat instructor, nodded. "It's fascinating to see the different approaches. Some prioritize defense, others offense. It will be interesting to see how their strategies play out over the next few days."
Meanwhile, in another section of the control room, Lisa, who was responsible for tracking the points earned by the candidates, updated the leaderboard. "The points are starting to come in. We're seeing a mix of monster defeats and encounters between candidates."
Edward Hawke, the Vice Principal, observed the room, his presence a steadying force. "Remember, everyone, our goal is to push these candidates to their limits while ensuring their safety. We want to see who can adapt and overcome the challenges we've set for them."
John, a junior instructor, approached Edward. "Sir, some of the candidates are struggling with the idea of having to incapacitate each other. Should we intervene?"
Edward shook his head. "No, this is part of the test. They need to understand that sometimes, the greatest challenges come from within. They must learn to navigate these moral dilemmas as well as physical ones. Trust the process."
As Zane continued his exploration, he found a small clearing surrounded by thick trees. It was an ideal spot for a base. He quickly began to gather materials, using his knife to cut branches and vines. Within an hour, he had constructed a basic but sturdy lean-to shelter.
He knew he needed to secure more food and water for the days ahead. Remembering the stream he had heard earlier, he set off in that direction, marking his path with small, inconspicuous signs to ensure he could find his way back.
Reaching the stream, Zane filled Water in his storage and took a moment to drink. The cool water refreshed him, clearing his mind. He then set up a few simple traps nearby, hoping to catch small game overnight.
Back at his base, Zane lit a small fire, careful to keep it contained and hidden from a distance. He cooked the deer meat, the smell making his stomach growl. As he ate, he reflected on the day's events and the challenges still ahead.
As the night grew darker, Zane remained vigilant, knowing that other candidates or predators could pose a threat. He settled into his shelter, the fire providing warmth and a sense of security.
In the control room, Helen noted the candidates' progress. "Many have set up their bases and are now securing resources. This is when things will start to get interesting."
Jacob agreed. "Yes, the initial setup is crucial, but the real challenge will be maintaining their position and dealing with the unexpected."
Edward watched the screens, his eyes sharp and focused. "The true test begins now. The next few days will show us who has the potential to become a true hunter."
As Zane drifted off to sleep, he felt a mix of exhaustion and satisfaction. He knew the days ahead would be tough, but he was ready. With Alagor's guidance and his own determination, he was prepared to face whatever challenges came his way.