In the shadowy depths of Gloomy Forest, Lucas and his team donned their basic armor and stepped into the dense, shadowed woodland. The thick tree cover made it nearly impossible to see clearly, and any small mistake could lead to a deadly ambush.
Lucas kept his eyes peeled while also grinding experience in his game, nearly reaching the next level with his assassin character. The experience bar was four-fifths full, and he was close to leveling up.
"Stay sharp; these cat monsters are everywhere. Jeff, without that armor, you'd be in real trouble," Lucas warned.
"I know, I know." Jeff, still shaken, patted his chest. "These cat monsters are worse than goblins! At least goblins put up a fair fight. These things just hide and strike from the shadows."
"Let's hope these monsters don't knock us out of the exam," Emily added, frowning with concern.
She'd heard of several classmates already quitting due to injuries, some even giving up their chance at the National College Entrance Exam. She was more alert than ever, realizing this forest was more dangerous than it seemed.
Jack glanced at Lucas, who was still glued to his game. "Luckily, we've got Lucas! His arrow skill is like it's made for these cat monsters. Let's just stick with him."
"No arguments here!" Jeff chimed in. "Lucas, think we can keep our team for the entrance exam?"
"Sure, but since you're all openly counting on me," Lucas replied without looking up, "I'll need a fee."
"Seriously? With our friendship?" Jeff was stunned.
"Friendship's one thing; the National College Entrance Exam's a real test," Lucas said calmly. "Five thousand each. Friendship rate."
"Deal!" Jeff agreed instantly. "Whatever it takes!"
Emily smiled. "If that's what it takes, we're all in. But having you with us is worth it."
With everyone on board, Lucas nodded, smirking. He knew five thousand was more than fair considering the usual rates for help in tough exams. It would also give his friends a reason to feel they'd earned their place.
He refocused on his game, now exploring a swamp area with his character's wind elemental companion clearing the poisonous fog. The swamp looked calm, but Lucas knew it was home to a powerful creature—the Venomous Cat.
With his fire elemental illuminating the area, the swamp was bathed in a fiery glow, and hidden creatures in the shadows were startled.
A few ordinary cat monsters jumped out but quickly backed away, frightened by the flames.
Suddenly, a low growl filled the air, sending a chill down Lucas's spine.
"Roarrr!"
A sound wave pulsed through the game, causing his screen to shake. Lucas held his breath and looked up to see a massive, tiger-sized cat monster stepping out of the mist.
Its fur was jet-black, and its crimson eyes gleamed with malice. Its claws glistened with a toxic purple glow as it locked its gaze onto him.
"That's the Venomous Cat," Lucas murmured, swallowing hard. He'd seen this creature's speed before, but its presence now was even more intimidating.
He whispered to himself, "Sound wave attacks, insane speed, poison spray, and deadly claws—this thing's a nightmare boss!"
Lucas decided to make the first move, quickly summoning Rapid Arrow and firing six arrows at the beast. Just as the arrows were about to hit, the Venomous Cat vanished in a blur, its speed too fast to follow.
"You've got to be kidding!" Lucas muttered, but to his surprise, his final arrow triggered a "guaranteed hit," striking the cat's hind leg and forcing a sharp yowl from it.
"Yes!" Lucas grinned, planning his next move. But before he could act, the Venomous Cat closed the distance in a flash, unleashing a wave of purple poison that surrounded him.
"Argh!" Lucas gasped as his screen darkened.
Back in reality, he sighed and shook his head with a wry smile. "That Venomous Cat is trickier than I thought. I'll need to slow it down with my ice elemental next time."
Meanwhile, back in the real Gloomy Forest—
Lucas refocused on his surroundings and noticed a strange smell in the air. He turned and looked around, seeing a faint mist rising in the distant trees as if something was burning. Jeff walked over, frowning. "See that smoke? Looks off—coming from… the swamp?"
Hearing "swamp," Lucas felt a chill. He'd just been beaten by the swamp's boss in the game, and now it seemed like he'd have to face the real danger there as well.
As he was mulling it over, Jack pointed out, "Lucas, look—those transfer students are heading toward the swamp!"
Sure enough, Lucas saw that it was Harvey and his friend Finn, the same guys they'd seen at the entrance. The two seemed completely unfazed by the forest, smiling confidently as if they owned the place.
Lucas kept his voice low. "Let's avoid that area if we can. The poison fog's no joke, and that's where the Venomous Cat lives."