Kael stood with the rest of the candidates in an entirely white room. The walls glowed with a faint light, and at the center hovered a circular artifact—a metallic ring inscribed with runes that pulsed with magical energy. Lirael Dawnlight stood before them, her expression far more serious than in the previous trials.
"You have overcome the first and second challenges," she said firmly, "but now you face the ultimate test: the Trial of Survival."
Murmurs spread among the candidates, but Lirael raised a hand, silencing them immediately.
"You will be transported to a magically created island, where you will face beasts of various ranks. Each beast will grant points based on its classification, and your objective is to accumulate a minimum of 100 points before the 24-hour time limit expires."
A hologram appeared in the air, depicting several beasts.
"The monsters in this trial are categorized as Rank F, E, and D. Let me remind you of their classifications."
Kael focused his attention. This was basic game knowledge he had reviewed, but for the less-informed candidates, Lirael provided a summary:
Rank F: Common creatures such as Magical Wolves or Infernal Boars. They pose the least threat.
Points per defeat: 5.
Rank E: More aggressive creatures with basic magical abilities, such as Scaled Flame Serpents or Shadow Bats.
Points per defeat: 10.
Rank D: Monsters with significant strength and advanced abilities, like Rock Bears or Mud Golems. These creatures can easily eliminate an inexperienced candidate.
Points per defeat: 20.
Lirael continued:
"The island is divided into zones based on threat level. Rank F creatures are found in the outer areas, while Rank D beasts reside at the center, where the challenges are greater. Additionally, there is an incentive: candidates may form teams to increase their chances of success. However, remember that only individual points count toward your final evaluation."
A grim smile crossed her face.
"You may also eliminate other candidates. By doing so, you will acquire half of their accumulated points."
An uneasy murmur rippled through the room. Kael clenched his fists. This format resembled one of the game's events, where players faced not only the environment's creatures but also one another.
Lirael raised her voice one last time:
"Remember, the use of external weapons or tools is forbidden. You may only use what you find on the island or the abilities you possess. One final warning: while you will not physically die, the pain of your injuries will be real. If you become incapacitated, you will be removed from the trial, and your evaluation will be concluded."
The candidates nodded.
"Good luck," Lirael concluded before activating the artifact.
The ground beneath Kael began to glow, and he felt as if his body was being swept away by a magical current. When he opened his eyes, he found himself in an entirely different landscape.
The island was vast and diverse. From his position, Kael could see a dense forest stretching to the north, while rocky hills rose to the east. The air was thick with magic, and he could sense the presence of hidden creatures around him.
"Well," he said to himself, unsheathing his sword, "time to begin."
The magical map floating in front of him highlighted several areas of interest, but Kael knew his best option was to start with Rank F beasts. Not due to a lack of confidence, but because he needed to conserve his strength for the more dangerous confrontations that would inevitably come.
As he moved through the forest, he recalled something crucial: the beast ranking system of this world.
Beast Classification System:
Rank F: Weak, often used for basic training or as a source of common materials. Example: Mist Wolves.
Rank E: Moderately dangerous, possessing basic magical abilities. Example: Thunder Eagles.
Rank D: Strong with advanced abilities; often require teamwork to defeat. Example: Lesser Manticores.
Rank C: Beasts with specialized skills and notable resilience; dangerous even for seasoned adventurers.
Rank B: Formidable creatures with tactical intelligence; facing them requires significant preparation.
Rank A: Elite monsters with the power to destroy villages or lead armies of lesser creatures.
Rank S: Living disasters capable of devastating entire cities. Only legendary heroes or organized armies can face them.
Kael refocused his mind on the present. The first creature he encountered was almost disappointing: a group of Infernal Boars grazing near a stream. Though they were Rank F, he couldn't underestimate them.
"Five points per head," he muttered, positioning himself for the attack.