The spaceship trembled slightly as it descended, the hum of the engines growing louder. Beyond the windows, the trial planet came into view—a sprawling world designated PX-739. It was a raw, untamed expanse, a stark contrast to the polished cities Ray had grown up in. The planet's surface was a mosaic of dense forests, jagged mountain ranges, and sprawling plains interspersed with glimmering lakes. Towering cliffs shimmered with veins of an iridescent mineral that seemed to catch and refract light. PX-739 looked both breathtakingly beautiful and inherently dangerous, a place where life and death walked hand in hand.
As the spaceship broke through the atmosphere, the skies of PX-739 revealed a perpetual twilight. Two massive moons hovered in the horizon, casting a silvery glow over the terrain. Winds swept across the plains, carrying the faint sound of rustling leaves and distant animal cries. It was a world teeming with life—most of it hostile.
The candidates disembarked onto a massive metallic platform, one of many scattered across the planet. The structure hummed with energy, likely powered by advanced technology that ensured stability despite the harsh environment. The air was cool and crisp, tinged with the faint smell of damp earth.
At the center of the platform stood a man who immediately commanded attention. Commander Darius Kane, a decorated B+ rank soldier, was the assigned overseer for the trial. Darius was a striking figure in his sleek black Union uniform, which bore the insignia of his rank on his chest. His short-cropped silver hair gleamed under the light, and his piercing blue eyes swept over the candidates like a hawk surveying its prey. A thin scar ran down his right cheek, a testament to his years of experience in the field.
When he spoke, his voice was deep and commanding. "Welcome to PX-739," he began, his tone devoid of any warmth. "This planet will be your proving ground. Over the next two weeks, you will face challenges that will test not only your strength but your intelligence, adaptability, and survival instincts."
The holographic displays behind him flickered to life, showing a map of the planet. It was divided into color-coded regions.
"The trial zones are as follows," Darius continued. "Green Zones, the safest, are home to F-rank monsters. Yellow Zones contain E- and E-minus rank monsters, presenting a moderate challenge. Red Zones are highly dangerous, populated by E-plus rank monsters. Only the most skilled or reckless should consider entering."
The candidates murmured among themselves, their eyes fixed on the map.
Darius's gaze sharpened, silencing the noise. "Points are the key to your success. You will earn points by defeating monsters and completing certain objectives within your assigned zones. However, defeating other candidates will allow you to claim their points by transferring them via your badges. Let me be clear—stealing badges without earning points yourself will not help you. Points are tied to your efforts, and only the strong will thrive."
Ray's hand instinctively brushed the badge clipped to his chest. Its smooth surface glowed faintly, a reminder of what was at stake.
The instructor folded his arms, his expression stern. "Now, listen carefully. Killing another candidate is strictly forbidden. Anyone who violates this rule will be immediately disqualified and face severe consequences." His tone dropped an octave, making the weight of his words unmistakable.
As the briefing continued, Ray couldn't help but notice the tension building among the candidates. This wasn't just a trial against the environment—it was a competition where alliances could be forged and broken in an instant.
Finally, Darius gestured to the holograms. "You'll be divided and dropped into various Green Zones to begin. The choice to move into more dangerous territories will be yours. Be smart, but don't waste time. The clock is ticking, and only the best will rise to the top."
Ray exchanged a glance with Lyra. The faintest hint of a smile played on her lips. This was it—the trial that would determine their future.