The ten remaining participants were gathered in the room were they took the written exam. Some of their hearts were still racing. The atmosphere was tense, filled with unspoken questions and anticipation.
Kaelin Vex, stood at the front, his eyes scanning the room.
"Congratulations on passing the written exam," Kaelin said, his voice steady. He nodded at the previous invigilator, who stood silently beside him.
Suddenly, a blinding light enveloped them. The participants shielded their eyes, and when the light faded, they found themselves in an expansive area filled with unfamiliar faces. The air crackled with energy as competitors from various individuals milled about.
"What just happened?" Lara exclaimed, looking around in confusion.
"Welcome to the next stage of the Hunter Exam," Kaelin announced, his tone commanding attention. "This is where you will face unofficial hunters from different Territories. You'll need to prove your worth through a series of test, and make it towards the final exam."
"Test?" Maya asked, her voice tinged with excitement and fear. "What kind of test?"
Kaelin stepped forward, gesturing to the coward of individual. "You'll engage in combat, strategy, and survival challenges. Each trial will test your skills and teamwork. Only the strongest will advance."
"(Teamwork?)" Atkinson inquired.
" Great, just what I wanted," Jin muttered to himself, crossing his arms.
Ravi chimed in, "Nice, more fighting."
"(Right.)" Tessa pondered. "(I shall not allow fear to best me. Not when I have journeyed this far..)"
Atkinson took a deep sigh, trying to calm his racing brain. "(This is stupid. The Hunter Exam is completely different from what I planned into the game. I was only suppose to compete with individuals from only Territory, not all of them."
Jin then inquired, "Sir, what is the first test?"
Kaelin's eyes narrowed slightly.
Jin gulped in terror.
"You'll find out soon enough. For now, prepare yourselves. The first trial will begin shortly." Kaelin said as he walked towards the front of the place.
Atkinson began to look around.
"(1,2.. 9..)" Atkinson began to count. "(There are approximately 25 Territories in every continent which only has 5 countries excluding the independent Territories.)"
He continued, "(And if I am counting right, these are the 20 from The Venatori Elite Vanguard on stage, well the remainder are just apart of The Venatori Vanguard.)"
Kaelin Vex stepped forward, joining the nineteen other members of The Venatori Elite Vanguard on the stage. The atmosphere grew electric as the crowd of participants hushed, all eyes on the imposing figures before them. The strongest among them, a man with a commanding presence and a scar running down his cheek, stepped forward to address the gathered competitors.
He has long, dark hair that flows back in a slightly windswept manner, framing his chiseled face. His piercing blue eyes seem to hold a depth of experience, wisdom, and kindness.
He wears a dark leather tunic adorned with subtle silver accents giving him an air of authority. His pants are made of a sturdy fabric, allowing for ease of movement, and he sports knee-high boots that are practical. A dark, hooded cloak drapes over his shoulders.
"Welcome, hunters!" he boomed, his voice echoing through the area. "I am Darius Blackwood, a member of The Venatori Elite Vanguard and the current Representative of Dawn Hope's."
Darius continued with lighten expression, "You have all been summoned here to demonstrate yourselves in the Hunter Exam, a challenge crafted to stretch one's utmost bounds."
Darius paused, allowing his words to sink in. The participants exchanged nervous glances, the weight of the moment settling on their shoulders.
"In the second test you shall encounter the trial of endurance within a woods filled with Monsters," he continued, his expression turning serious. "You must depend upon your skills, instincts, and, should it be required, your guile. Yet heed this warning; this is not merely a trial of survival against the beasts that dwell in the darkness. You are also permitted to engage in combat amongst your fellow hunters. Bonds may be forged, yet trust will be rare to find and most won't be able to afford."
A participant raised his hand, his voice shaking slightly. "What happens if we're in danger? Will we be rescued?"
Darius's gaze hardened. "You will be monitored at all hours in the exam. Should one find themself in dire peril, they shall be taken from the exam and surely fail. This is not a game; your very lives are on the line."
"(I would love to hear him say that in my situation.)" Atkinson said inwardly.
Maya swallowed hard, glancing at her friend. "So, we have to be careful about who we trust?"
A hint of a smile seem to be creeping onto his lips as Darius spoke. "This challenge will test the mind, spirit and brawn. Remember this, for the mightiest may endure, and the wisest will flourish."
Jin clenched his fists, determination igniting within him.
Tessa was also determined, as her eyes shining with resolve and pride.
"(What is this guy going on about?)" Ravi pondered.
Darius nodded, clearly impressed by some of the participants spirit as if he could sense them
He smiled, "Very well! Prepare yourselves. The trial of survival shall commence at daen. Employ this hour wisely, forging alliances and readying thyself for that which is fated."
"As you all know from your last abode, chambers shall be bestowed upon you, and will shared with the previous participants, if they still linger here," said Darius. "You can all leave.
Ravi muttered to himself in low energy tone. "(If I am correct, I will be sharing a room with the noble. Damn it.)"
Jin and Atkinson glanced at each other with irritation.
The participants began to leave the gathering, a mix of excitement and dread filled them. They knew the challenges ahead would test not only their strength but their resolve and trust in one another.
Jin thought, "(The Hunter Exam had truly begun, and I have to be ready to face whatever awaits me in that monster-filled forest.)"
***
Atkinson was jolted awake when a pillow flew through the air and hit him square in the face. He groaned, pushing the pillow off and squinting at Jin, who was dressed in a proper attire.
"Again? What do you want, Jin?" Atkinson mumbled, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. He could see the determination in Jin's gaze, a stark contrast to the annoyance that had woken him up.
"I'm here to propose an alliance for the Hunter Exam," Jin said, his tone serious. "We both know it's going to be tough, and we could use each other's strengths."
Atkinson narrowed his eyes. "I only look out for myself, Jin. I don't need anyone slowing me down," he replied, his voice firm and unwavering.
Jin's expression shifted from hopeful to annoyance. "You think you can do it all alone?"
Atkinson said, "Yes."
[Skill: Status Peek is in effect]
[Name: Jin Anthony.
Age: 18.
Level: 5 (0/500).
Class: Iron Knight.
Job: Hunter (Unofficial).
Titles: None.
Coins: None.
Health Points: 150/150.
Mana Points: 350/350.
Stamina Points: 300/300.]
[Attributes]
[Strength: 15.
Intelligence: 35.
Dexterity: 15.
Agility: 15.
Vitality: 15.
Unallocated Points: 0]
[Skills]
[Active Skills:
[Slash] [Guard]
Passive Skills:
[Martial Vigor]
[Equipment]
[None]
[Items]
[None]
"(Martial Vigor?)" Atkinson inquired.
Atkinson continued, "Besides, why do you need my help. After all, you look down on me."
Jin stepped back, frustration evident in his posture. "Because I know you are a Braveheart."
Atkinson's expression hardened, as he slowly rised. Deep down, he felt a stir of fear.
Atkinson swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood up, stretching his arms above his head. He reached for his usual attire—a fitted black shirt that showcased his chiseled physique and dark pants that offered both comfort and utility. He then slipped on boots.
As he turned to face Jin, who still stood there, waiting for a response, Atkinson's expression turned cold and annoyed. "I'm a Braveheart, Jin," he declared, his voice steady and unwavering. "I don't care about you or your people. To me, you're all just useless NPCs in this game you all call life."
Jin's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Strength means nothing if you're just dragging dead weight along with you. I'll take my chances on my own as one should" he replied, his voice dripping with indifference. "The only way I can help you is by telling you this. Rely on your own power and nothing else but your own."
With that, he turned on his heel and walked toward the door, leaving Jin standing there in silence, a mixture of frustration and disappointment hanging in the air. As Atkinson stepped out into the corridor, he felt a sense of misguidance, but he soon dismissed that from his mind.
He trekked downstairs. As he reached the bottom, the murmur of voices filled the air, and Atkinson paused for a moment, taking in the scene before him.
In the room, several participants were gathered, their expressions a mix of anticipation and anxiety. Some leaned against the walls, arms crossed, while others paced back and forth, clearly restless. The atmosphere was thick with tension.
To Be Continued...
Next Chapter: Hunter Exam (5).