[Elena's PoV]
That night, our clan gathered at the basecamp to rest and discuss the developments in the first stage of the survival exam.
"The Dragon Clan, which controls the northern part of the island, plans to search the waterfall area about 5 kilometers from here," said Russel, one of our team leaders. "If I'm not mistaken, Geralt de Jimena is leading that clan."
Geralt is a student from the elite class, known for his strong Fire Nature Mana. I'd say he's just as powerful as Brian right now.
"The Dragon Clan isn't the only one eyeing that area," Sarah Volkswagen, the bespectacled woman, added. "It looks like the Lion Clan is also interested in exploring the site, rumored to have many green crystals and two red ones."
Speaking of red crystals, I just got one earlier after a fight with Raul.
My heart still races when I think about it. It's been a while since I faced an opponent who fell so easily. Raul was clearly holding back, though—he didn't even use his Nature Mana against me.
Could he be saving that ace for something else?
I glanced at the red crystal in my hand. Without realizing it, my fingers touched my lips, which had pressed against his earlier.
Strangely, the way I took the crystal didn't disgust me at all.
"I..."
I want to fight him again... I want to feel that adrenaline rush once more...
"Leader!"
A voice snapped me out of my thoughts.
"Why are you zoning out in the middle of our discussion, Leader?" Russel asked, looking puzzled by my behavior.
"S-Sorry, what were you talking about again?"
"We're discussing whether to join the battle for the waterfall area," Sarah replied.
The waterfall, huh? There are still many areas on this island under the control of strong clans. If we engage now, it'll only weaken us, making the last days of the exam much harder for our clan.
"My suggestion is that we wait and see how things develop tomorrow." I couldn't shake the bad feeling I had about leading my clan into a fight there. "For now, let's focus on exploring other areas."
"But Leader, if we just sit back and let one of them take control of the area full of crystals, we'll fall behind!" Sarah objected.
She had a point. So far, our clan had only gathered around 220 points by the second day, and that's before splitting it among the 12 teams that make up our clan.
"You might be right, Sarah. But it's only the second day. We still have plenty of time to catch up."
After a bit of persuasion, they finally agreed not to join the fight for the waterfall area.
---
[3rd Person PoV]
Meanwhile, on the northern side of the island, controlled by the Dragon Clan, a red-haired man stood before his team members. This was Geralt de Jimena—the leader of the Dragon Clan.
At this point, they were leading in points, with a total of 300 from one red crystal, five green crystals, 25 blue crystals, and 100 yellow ones.
"Our scouts have found an area likely filled with crystals," Geralt informed his subordinates. "But before returning, they spotted scouts from another clan—probably from the Lion Clan, which controls the southern part of the island."
The members began murmuring among themselves, and one man stepped forward.
"Geralt, are we going to fight them?"
The crowd fell silent, eager to hear their leader's decision.
In terms of strength, the Dragon Clan was the strongest on the island. That's because many elite students had joined their ranks. Only Elena, leader of the Eagle Clan, was a threat to them, while the Lion Clan's strongest fighters were Brian and Valeria.
"Isn't it obvious?" Geralt clenched his fist and raised it into the air. "We'll crush them until there's nothing left!"
---
On the eastern side of the island, a large basecamp stood, capable of housing over 100 people. The wooden walls were sturdy, ready to fend off any attacks.
Around a campfire at the center of the camp, several members gathered to discuss something. They were the Lion Clan, led by Brian the Hero.
"Are you sure you saw someone near the waterfall?" Brian asked one of the scouts.
"Yes, I'm sure. I think they were from the Dragon Clan," the scout confirmed.
"What's our next move, Brian?" Valeria, who was also present, inquired. "It's clear they're aiming to take over the waterfall area as well."
Brian and Valeria were the strongest members of their clan, appointed as Leader and Deputy Leader. So far, Brian had only recruited weaker teams, often bullied by stronger ones.
This made him hesitant to directly confront the Dragon Clan at the waterfall. His clan would likely lose in a battle against them. However, if they missed this opportunity, they would fall too far behind. His clan was burdened by too many weak teams.
"You won't be fighting the Dragon Clan tomorrow."
The team leaders looked worried.
"Brian, if we don't control that area, over 70 percent of our clan won't pass this exam," Valeria warned, highlighting the risk of ignoring the challenge.
"Just because I'm not letting you fight doesn't mean we can't control the waterfall area," Brian said confidently. "I'll challenge Geralt to a one-on-one duel."
The team leaders were stunned, but soon they erupted into cheers, praising Brian for his bravery.
"Brian!"
"Brian!"
"Brian!"
---
[Raul's PoV]
That night, Scarlett, Piers, and I were inside a cave near the waterfall area. We had to come at night to avoid being spotted by scouts from the other two clans interested in this place.
The cave hid a secret chamber containing two red crystals.
"Captain, how much longer do we have to keep digging?" Piers complained.
Yes, we were digging through one of the cave walls to open the hidden chamber.
"Let me see." I walked over to Piers and touched the section of dirt he'd been working on. "I think we're almost there."
"What exactly are you planning, Captain? Why go through all this trouble?" Piers asked, curious.
"Well... You'll see tomorrow," I replied cryptically. "Remember what I told you. When you hear Scarlett's explosion, break down this wall. Got it?"
"Got it, Captain," Piers nodded.
Yeah... I'm the one who designed this secret place in the game. There's a trap—a powerful water current flowing behind this dirt wall. I created it as an obstacle for players to overcome before claiming the red crystals.
I heard Brian plans to challenge Geralt to a duel for control of the area. If my plan works, I'll take down both big clans. But... I'm afraid Scarlett will be furious if she finds out what I'm planning.
Better keep it from her for now.
"Hey Captain, you're making that creepy smile again, you know."