Atkinson was deep within a forest, the trees towering around him. The dappled sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting shadows on the ground.
He thought to himself, "(Hmm. This exam would be a perfect place to level up and get stronger.)"
The air was thick with the scent of earth, and the sounds of nature surrounded him, but he knew he wasn't alone.
[Passive Skill: Essence Sense is in effect]
Suddenly, a monstrous creature with pale green skin lunged at him from behind a bush. A Goblin, with jagged teeth, glowing red eyes and rust dagger in its hand. The only thing it wore was a piece of cloth around its waist.
"Not today!" he said as he summoned his Draconis Axes, the weapons materializing in his hands with a crackle of energy. With a swift motion, he slashed the Goblin in half.
As the creature's body fell to the ground, it ignited in flames, the fire consuming it in an instant.
[Passive Skill: Soul Absorption is in effect]
[-Increases the user's stats by a small amount of the absorbed Soul original stats]
[Mastery: 11%]
[You've gained 259 EXP!]
But before he could catch his breath, more Goblins emerged from the shadows, their menacing growls echoing in the air. Atkinson's had noe found himself surrounded. "Great, just what I needed," he muttered, gripping his axes tightly. "Free experience points."
The first Goblin charged and slashed at him with its dagger. Atkinson sidestepped, swinging his axe in a wide arc. The blade connected with the creature's side, sending it sprawling to the ground. It was soin set ablaze.
"(That's two.)" he said.
Another Goblin lunged from the left, but Atkinson was ready. He ducked low and rolled to the side, coming up on one knee. "(Too slow?)" he taunted in his head.
He thrusted his axe upward and catching the beast under its jaw. The creature howled in pain before collapsing, its body crumbling into ash.
As the remaining Goblin hesitated in fear, Atkinson took a moment to catch his breath.
"My stamina?" he called out.
He charged into the fray, swinging his axes with precision and strength. One by one, he dispatched the remaining monsters, their roars filling the air before being silenced by the flames that consumed them.
Finally, as the last Goblin fell, Atkinson stood amidst the smoldering remains, panting heavily.
[You have leveled up!]
[You have leveled up!]
"(That was a workout.) he said to himself, wiping sweat from his brow. "(But still, I leveled up.)"
[Level: 10 (360/1,000)]
[Strength: 26 > 39 (+13).
Intelligence: 33 > 44 (+11).
Dexterity: 21 > 35 (+14).
Agility: 25 > 46 (+21).
Vitality: 20 > 29 (+9).]
***
In a dimly lit chamber, the Venatori Elite Vanguard gathered around a large table, their eyes fixed on the magical holograms flickering above it. The images displayed students in various scenarios, showcasing their skills and abilities.
Darius Blackwood leaned back in his chair, a smirk on his face. "Did you observe how he vanquished the Goblins? He has no need for the dramatics," He chuckled, glancing at the others.
"Yes, but it's all just about brawn," replied Seraphine, a sharp-eyed strategist known for her analytical mind. "His tactics are plain and transparent."
"I would declare he holds great promise," chimed in Garrick, a burly warrior with a booming voice.
"Speaking of potential, have you seen Ravi's elemental abilities?" asked Mira, a mage with a quick temper. "He conjure a tempest most fearsome. Never did I think I would witness a soul wielding the very lightning in such manner during this exam."
"True, but he needs to focus more on precision," added Elara, a calm and collected healer. "His power is impressive, but if he loses control, it could backfire. He could hurt himself or his allies."
"Should he have any need," added Garrick.
"(Tessa, her swordsmanship is something else.)" thought Jarek, a cunning rogue with a mischievous grin. "( It as if she's dancing around her opponents. I'd love to see her face off against someone or something with more tenacity.)"
"Hmm," muttered Kaelin Vex, who had been silent up until now. His gaze remained fixed on Atkinson's hologram, studying him intently. The others noticed his usual, yet alarming quietness.
"Kaelin, are you alright?" asked Lirael, a perceptive archer with a gentle demeanor. "You've been awfully quiet. What do you think of Atkinson?"
Kaelin finally spoke, his voice low and thoughtful. "All is well. He either has a summoning ability or he is a Braveheart."
"Oh, Kaelin. Are you still on about that?" Darius asked.
"Upon what matter do you inquire?" Kaelin inquired. "Braveheart most be closely observed, and should they stray from their righteous paths, peril of execution most await them."
Darius raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "That's deep, Vex."
"Or at least your sarcasm," Jarek joked, earning a chuckle from the group.
Jarek looked back at the hologram. "(Oh, what's this?)"
***
Tessa moved stealthily through the underbrush, her keen eyes scanning every corner of the forest. The air was thick with tension, and the distant sounds of growls echoed around her. Suddenly, she spotted a creature.
"(A Grayfang.)" Tessa thought.
It was a Grayfang, known for there sharp teeth and quick reflexes, and were similar to wolves but more deadlier with thick hide and longer claws. Tessa could see that it was charging at an individual who was Ravi.
With a flick of his wrist, Ravi summoned a line of ember, launching it towards the head of the Grayfang. The fireball struck true, lighting up the creature's dark fur as it let out a pained howl before collapsing. Tessa's heart raced, but not from the thrill of the hunt; it was from the sight of the lowly peasant elementalist claiming a kill. Was it a sense of elitism.
"Nice shot, peasant," she called out, her voice dripping with disdain as she stepped out from the shadows, sword drawn. "But don't think that makes you any less of a target."
Ravi turned, his expression a mix of surprise and defiance. "Huh? It's you-"
Before Ravi could finish his words, Tessa disappeared. In a flash, Tessa lunged forward, her blade slicing through the air. She aimed for Ravi's neck but he blocked it with his two foreheads while taking a step back.
Ravi groaned in agony, "Argghhh!"
Tessa wasn't done however. She slashed at Ravi's shoulder, but he ducked just in time, the blade grazing his tunic. Ravi retaliated, conjuring a gust of wind that pushed Tessa back, causing her to stumble slightly.
"The hell?! Why are you doing this?!" he shouted, gathering energy for another attack.
Tessa regained her footing, a fierce grin on her face. "What do you mean." She charged again, this time feinting to the left before spinning around to deliver a powerful strike from the right.
"I am trying to kill you," she said.
Ravi barely managed to dodge by sidestepping, but the force of her swing sent a shockwave through the air, cutting a nearby trees.
"(Holy!)" Ravi shouted in his mind. "(This girl is strong.)"
Ravi then gritted his teeth in irritation.
"You're going to regret underestimating me!" he yelled, summoning a sphere of fire above his palm.
As the flames intensified, Tessa narrowed her eyes. "Whatever, peasent. "
Tessa charged, ready to decapitate Ravi. But before she could deliver the finishing blow, earth began to rise and surround Tessa.
"What-" Tessa said.
Ravi focused intently, summoning the earth beneath him to rise and form a sturdy prison around Tessa. The ground trembled as the walls of dirt and stone surged upward, trapping her within. With a swift motion, he directed the earth to hurl her against a nearby natural wall, but he quickly realized that he needed to allow her to breathe. He concentrated harder, and the earth obliged, popping her head out just above the surface.
Tessa glared at him, her anger evident. "You think this is funny? You're going to regret this, peasant!" she cursed, her voice laced with fury.
Ravi met her gaze, unyielding. "Really, but what if I kill you right now?"
Tessa unwavering confidence still remained as she said, "Do it."
Ravi sighed, "I don't want to die, Tessa, see I remember your name. But I don't want to kill anyone either."
Her eyes narrowed, and she scoffed, "To maintain this, you'll need to use mana, and eventually, it will run out. You think you can keep this up?"
"(Is she ignoring me)" Ravi inquired.
He replied, "I have enough."
Suddenly, a massive figure charged at him from the side. Before he could react, the giant male grabbed his face, dragging him through the dirt and rocks. Ravi struggled, but the grip was too strong. They burst into an open field, and he was thrown aside like a rag doll.
Tessa was free from her earthy confines. She wasn't concern on Ravi even the slightest or what has just attacked him.
"Stupid, peasant," said Tessa as she brushes the dirt from her clothing.
Suddenly,bher attention was drawn to a familiar face.
"Hello, Tessa," said a girl around Tessa's age.
She had purple hair and red eyes. She wore royal like clothing with greaves on her feet and gauntlets on her hands. She also had a sword strapped to her waist.
"Who are you?" Tessa inquired.
The girl then gritted her teeth and her face turned red, clearly annoyed. "You don't remember my na-?"
"Oh, I remember you," said Tessa, who was suddenly right infront of the girl. "Your are apart of that low-class noble family."
The girl stepped back in shock. "When did you-?
Again, Tessa cut her off and her expression then hardened. "I don't care who you are; you're just another low-class noble who doesn't deserve their status. I on there other hand is here to prove my worth."
Tessa draw her sword and pointed it at the girl. "So depart from my presence, before I am compelled to take your life in cold blood."
To Be Continued...
Next Chapter: Hunter Exam (6).