'Could this be Professor Albus Dumbledore? His beard certainly rivals those fictional wizard's, extending it beyond his body height.'
'Perhaps he's using some arcane potion for hair growth? He should atleast consider dyeing it to a more natural shade.'
Jass glancing up at the principal and to her best to lighten her own mood with silent jokes.
She apprehend that Jazzy and Jessica were absent, contrary to her earlier impression.
Their supposed presence had been a mere figment of her imagination, much to her vexation and pique.
'My sole focus should be monitoring the so-called hero and his entourage for my own protection. I must become the strongest in the world to achieve my goals.'
Jass at this moment become genned up of intense gaze, she wondered looking at that old man.
'Why is this elderly man staring at me? Surely he's not… pedo… damn it. My dirty mind…'
Jass caught the principal's smile directed at her before he descended to the ground in front of the seated students.
A large screen above arena broadcasted his every move as he monologue the crowd in a voice weathered by age.
"I am Principal Benja. Students, your parents are here to witness your capabilities. This event will dispense live evidence of your suitability for your assigned classes over the next three years."
"Naturally, there's potential for both promotion and demotion based on your performance in this tournament."
The principal's announcement captivated the audience.
—Click!
With a snap of his fingers, the space around him fractured, and a down to earth U-shaped door uproot from the ground, displayed a jungle-like mysterious environment on the other side.
Principal Benja continued while stroking his beard.
"Whoever endures this challenge will prove their worth. The rules are straightforward - survive… probably like the Lion race for one day. Review this as a trial run for future tournaments with other campus students."
Jass raised her hand to quizz about few matters, wanted to verify some context.
The principal acknowledged her with a broad smile, pinque everyone's interest, including Jessica, who is now the sole representative of the Stella family.
"How will you determine who belongs in which class? Is there a specific criteria for success?"
Chuckling heartily, the principal replied.
"Hohoho~~ bitc… Lady, As I've explained, survival is key. Live like a lion. There will points for it, which will awarded based on your conduct and hard-work. You'll work in squads comprised of your roommates. Best of luck!"
—Click!
With another snap of his fingers, all students vanished without a trace.
Parents turned their contemplation to screens broadcasting live footage of their children landing in the mysterious new environment.
***
Jass surveyed the forests' air and everything, aware of her roommates standing behind her, pursuing counselling or path from her before they start researching about their surroundings.
Cassie interrogated, sniffing the air.
"Jass, what is your idea? Have you everbeen alive a challenge like this?"
"Just so your damn job. Why you all are very talkative person? If you won't keep quite… I will fix your lips with fevikwik glue."
"..."
The others also tried to gather information using their senses and instricts, though weren't sure of what exactly they were searching for until now.
"We're supposed to live like lions... perhaps it is better for us to mimic their behavior to earn points. I should find a territory first."
Muskan climbed a tall tree to scout the area.
After a few minutes, Muskan reported her findings to the group, as per Jass's instructions to gather intel first.
"There's nothing but dense jungle as far as I can see."
"If you have spotted a large cave not too far from here. We could use it as a temporary shelter for next 24 hours."
Avora suggested, building on Muskan's information.
While the others quickly agreed, Jass hesitate because for some reason it wasn't the situation like novels' plot was ongoing toward.
"What if there's something unexpected waiting for us there?"
Jass finally introducing a note of caution to their planning.
Jass was aware of a the many creature populated in the cave with its children, even dragon.
The scenario mirrored the novel she knew, with one key difference: the hero hadn't make his pretence yet for heroine.
In the original story, he would have encountered Cassie here, teaming up with her and gradually winning her heart after some manipulation.
"We'll fight if it is essential. What else?"
Muskan declared boldly.
Avora pronto silenced her with a rough tap on the head. Cassie looked to Jass for their next move.
"I'll explain my thoughts once. Listen carefully, as I won't repeat myself."
The group nodded painstakingly as she leaned against a tree, striking a cool pose with crossed arms and legs.
Jass raised her index finger.
"Why should we act like lions, as the old man apprise? I can see you all are acting like it."
Muska tilting her head with excitement.
"It sounds very funny and relished to me."
"... Shut up, crazy cat!"
Jass glared, causing Muskan to shrink behind Cassie with fearful expression.
"The principal highlight for survival is nothing. Our goal isn't to become lions, but tolerate, apply, and goes through. We each have this chip-like coin."
Jass explained, revealing a small silver token from the back of her neck.
The others produced similar coins just like their hand roamed behind neck, consternation them.
"W-When?"
"I didn't even sensed it."
"It might be at that time when principal Benja thrust us here."
"Yes, Cassie is right. These are our lifelines. Whoever amasses the most will survive this competition."
Jass looked at cave direction.
"We don't need to mimic lions entirely, but we can adopt their instincts. If you are mindfulness them everyone can see some hints that advice us where we should act as per an animal behaviors, not become them outright."
"What's the distinction?"
Cassie inquired, replica the group's idiosyncrasy. Jass smiled faintly just like a twin sister of demon queen, reminiscent figure of a villainess.
"Just like I said… Rather than taking measurement as if lions entirely, we will focus on our own instincts. One, two or whole squad, will hunt for targets and plucking another students' coins after redeem a prominent opportunity."
"That doesn't seems very different from being lion."
Cassie pointed out.
Jass retorted, cursing and was shameless at this time.
"Would you prefer marking territory with bodily fluids like urine or doing mating rituals like lions? Perhaps you will enjoy competing for mates through physical combat with others?"
The trio blushed, falling silent.
They reached a consensus before asking about the required number of coins to pass the competition.
Jass told them that a minimum of 50 was necessary, guarantee them she would handle the details.
Soon, they found themselves near the cave entrance, with Jass and her companions concealed behind dense foliage.
"Just adhere to my strategy." Jass instructed.
"Understood, Jass!" Avora replied enthusiastically.
"As you command, your highness!" Muskan chimed in playfully.
"Mmm!" Cassie affirmed sweetly. "Let's conquer whatever's lurking inside, be it goblins, insects, or even a dragon."
The cave entrance was vast, it could easily accommodating 70 people at once if they wish for.
'Well, what the hell! There are numerous students in the distance at 100 meters. This individual approached silently, like a stalking lion. Not a single footstep betrayed their presence. Is this hero?'
Suddenly, Jass sensed movement behind her. And before she could turn, a hand grasped her shoulder. Her instincts kicked in instantly.
Without looking back, she seized the hand, twisting the entire arm.
She swiftly maneuvered behind the assailant and struck the back of their knees, enforcement them to kneel. In a flash, she pressed an icy dagger against the individual's throat.
Jass hissed coldly, still not having seen the face of her would-be assailant.
"What do you think you're doing? Are you trying to get yourself killed?"