[Raul's POV]
We arrived at the exam site last night. This morning, the participants have already gathered in front of the Monster Forest, now surrounded by a red barrier.
In front of us, Instructor Torun appears ready to explain the rules for the upcoming test.
"You will now be taking the third test," Instructor Torun announced loudly. "As you may have heard, this test often results in casualties! You won't have a Limiter, and you'll only be able to rely on your own abilities once you're inside!"
Upon hearing this, the participants' expressions turned tense. Some even began breathing erratically.
"The test will last for one day, and there is a red crystal in the middle of the forest that you must retrieve," explained Instructor Torun. "The duration of the test is one day, and you are only allowed to bring one weapon and one artifact into the forest."
In that case, I'll take my sword and the Masquerade Mask. I don't want my identity exposed when I show my true abilities.
"If anyone dies from a monster attack, we are not responsible for their death. You must decide for yourselves whether or not you are willing to take this test," Instructor Torun said gravely. "If anyone wishes to back out, now is the time. We won't be reopening the barrier until the test time is up."
The participants lowered their heads, reflecting on the instructor's words. It seemed they were weighing the risks and consequences of this test against the rewards it could bring.
The points awarded to those who complete the third test are higher than the combined points from the first two. This additional score will influence their future at graduation.
Soon after, I noticed ten people stepping out of line. It seems they'd rather withdraw than risk dying in this test.
"All right, you've made your decision. There's no turning back now, except by finishing this test," the instructor said firmly. "For those of you who have chosen to take the test, please draw a number that will determine your starting point."
The instructor then explained that there were eight starting points, each guarded by an instructor who would open the barrier for the participants to enter.
I drew number 5, which is located on the western side of the forest. There, I saw a female mage in her mid-20s. She's Master Erina—the Red Witch.
"Come here quickly. I'll open this barrier so you can pass through," Master Erina ordered.
Upon reaching her, Master Erina began reciting a spell. Soon, the red barrier in front of me opened to a height of about two meters, just enough for one person to pass through.
"Enter," Master Erina commanded. "Once you step into this forest, there's no way back until the test time ends."
After watching me pass through the barrier, Master Erina closed it tightly. Now, there really is no way back except to finish the test. I quickly made my way deep into the forest.
Based on my estimation, the assassins will likely try to enter the forest at night. They'll wait until the participants are exhausted before beginning their search.
"I must stop them from killing the others, including Brian, who is somewhere in this forest."
I doubt the instructors can prevent those killers from carrying out their plan.
---
[Brian's POV]
I've been fighting here for an hour, but the monsters keep coming. Is this why they call it the Monster Forest?
Roar!
I'm currently battling a pack of large blue wolves. Three of them are running toward me at high speed.
"Light Executioner!"
I swung my sword, glowing with golden light, and the three wolves died instantly. Their blood soaked the ground around me, but more monsters are on their way.
"I don't have time for this!"
I dashed toward the wolf pack, activating my Accel spell for more agility.
Slash, slash, slash! I killed the monsters relentlessly as they came at me, relying solely on their numbers. These monsters are nothing compared to what I faced in the second test.
"Moonlight Slash!"
With that attack, I finally defeated all the monsters here after fighting for almost an hour.
Phew... My body is exhausted...
I want to rest for a bit, but I remembered my promise to Ariel to always protect her. She's in this forest—how is she doing?
In this third test, if she encounters dangerous monsters, her life could be at risk. Unlike before, participants can actually die in this test.
"Ariel… I have to find her before getting that crystal."
---
[Viera's POV]
My heart is racing, and I'm breathing heavily after battling the giant bear for several minutes. Now, I'm hiding up in a tree, trying to avoid the terrifying monster.
This bear is incredibly agile despite its three-meter height. My arrows often miss when I shoot at it.
Growl...
The bear is sniffing around, getting closer to my position.
Damn, is it tracking my scent? What a troublesome monster.
Roar!
It roared in my direction. Has it found me?
I didn't have to wait for an answer because the brute began charging at me. Regaining my breath, I aimed my bow at the bear.
"Triple Shot!"
I launched three Magic Arrows toward the monster, but it dodged them all with ease.
Roar!
The bear jumped toward me, baring its sharp teeth.
I quickly leapt away using my Axio spell to dodge, and the branch I'd been standing on snapped under the force of the bear's strike.
"Piercing Shot!" I fired a spell-enhanced arrow, hoping it would reach the bear faster.
But once again, it easily dodged. I still lack the speed and power needed to take this bear down.
Roar!
The bear chased me once more.
What should I do to land a hit?
Landing on the ground, I started running at full speed to escape the bear's pursuit. What would Captain Raul do in a situation like this?
He always taught us to use the environment when facing a stronger enemy. But that's easier said than done when you're being chased by a monster like this.
Looking around, I saw only trees as far as the eye could see.
Think, Viera, think! What can I do to hit this monster?
Should I shoot when it loses track of me? But I tried that already, shooting from behind, and it still sensed my arrows.
Should I shoot while it's in the air? But if that fails, it might pounce on me and kill me. I'm not ready to play with Death.
Roar!
I looked back; the bear was closing in. If this keeps up, I'll run out of stamina before it does. I have to end this quickly.
Not far ahead, I saw a large tree. I got a cool idea, but I still haven't fully mastered the technique Captain taught me.
But I have to try.
Activating my Acceleration spell, I increased my speed, giving myself enough distance from the bear for my plan to work.
After circling around the tree, I turned back. The large tree blocked my line of sight, hiding me from the bear. But that's the point of this technique.
Tilting my bow slightly, I released two arrows at the tree. Both arrows curved, circling around the tree.
Roar!
Shortly after, I heard the bear's roar again.
Thud!
The tree shook as something collided with it. I walked around to see what happened to the monster.
Two arrows were lodged in each of the bear's eyes, penetrating its brain, and killing it instantly.
"I finally hit it…"
By taking advantage of the bear's blind spot, I'd used a Curve Shot technique, enhancing my arrows with speed magic. The bear hadn't expected the arrows to come out from behind the tree.
"I need to get out of here. I don't want to encounter any more annoying monsters like that."