The timer finally hit zero. A loud chime echoed, followed by an announcement.
[Students Survived: 187]
[Disqualified Students: 52]
Murmurs spread through the crowd.
"Tsk, still a lot of disqualified people… Though, I guess sandworms were hard to find."
"The fewer competitors, the better for us."
"I heard a group of fifty got wiped out. More than half of them failed."
"Damn, that's rough."
Before the discussion could continue, another announcement appeared.
[Next challenge will start in 30 minutes. Prepare yourselves.]
Some students immediately sat down to eat, especially those who had just arrived. Others collapsed onto mats, using whatever time they had left to rest. Meanwhile, a handful of students including Shin trained with their swords, sharpening their focus for the next trial.
The thirty-minute break passed in a flash.
[4th Challenge: Endless Sea]
[Objective: Survive.]
The moment the countdown hit zero, a portal materialized before the students a swirling vortex of deep blue, pulsing like the tides of an unseen ocean.
One by one, they stepped inside.
A rush of cool air greeted them as they emerged on the other side. The scent of salt and fresh sea breeze filled their lungs, a stark contrast to the dry desert they had just left behind.
Before them stood a massive stone bridge, stretching far over the vast ocean. The bridge was ancient, its surface worn smooth by time, yet it held firm under their weight. Beneath it, crystal-clear waters shimmered, revealing colorful schools of fish weaving between coral reefs.
Towering in the distance were ten colossal ships, their dark sails billowing against the sky. Each ship was uniquely designed some resembling ancient war vessels, while others looked eerily unfamiliar, almost otherworldly.
The sound of seagulls echoed overhead, their cries blending with the rhythmic crash of waves against the shoreline. Soft white sands stretched along the coast, where the tide lazily rolled in, leaving behind scattered seashells and fragments of driftwood.
The students stood in awe, their senses overwhelmed by the drastic shift in environment.
"…This is completely different from before."
"I thought we'd be thrown into some crazy death trap immediately, but this…"
"The air feels… fresh."
Shin, standing at the front, narrowed his eyes toward the distant ships.
"It won't stay peaceful for long."
As if on cue, the announcement rang out once more.
[4th Challenge: Endless Sea]
[Objective: Survive.]
The students tensed, realizing that this paradise might not be as welcoming as it seemed.
Shin looked around, taking in the massive ships lined up before them. "These look just like medieval ships from Earth..." He muttered, recalling his history lessons.
Turning back to the group, he asked, "Shall we go?"
They all nodded, stepping onto the wooden bridge that led to the towering ships. As they walked, Shin calculated in his head, "With 187 students and 10 ships, at least 19 students will be on 7 ships, while the other 3 will have 18 students. We're only six… We'll need more members."
They climbed aboard using a long rope ladder, and as Shin set foot on the deck, his eyes widened. "It's even bigger now that I'm actually here."
"Yeah, and look!" George grinned, pointing at the side of the ship. "We even have cannons!"
Lloyd groaned, holding his head. "Ugh… I already feel dizzy."
Jack scowled. "I told you to grab a bag before coming here!"
Rayden, nervous, glanced around. "Guys… what do you think the challenge is going to be?"
George crossed his arms. "No idea. Last year, they didn't do this."
Lloyd, Jack, and Lix nodded in agreement.
"Two years ago, they made us race with ships," Gorrath spoke up, his voice serious.
Rayden paled. "Since there are cannons… does that mean it's a battle challenge? Or maybe… there are monsters under the sea?"
A chill ran down Shin's spine. "Monsters… under the sea?" His mind raced, panic creeping in.
Rayden swallowed hard. "Wh-What? C'mon, it's just a theory, right? That doesn't mean it's going to happen…"
But Gorrath's serious expression made him even more terrified.
Shin took a deep breath, trying to shake off the unease. "H-Hey, we should find more members." His voice betrayed his fear.
The group agreed.
"I'll give my opinion once I check how this ship works," Gorrath said, heading toward the captain's quarters and the engine room. After inspecting everything, he returned with a thoughtful expression.
"The engine is automatic, we just need to burn wood to keep it moving. Now, all we need is someone who actually knows how to steer the ship," he explained in a firm tone.
The atmosphere grew tense as the reality of the challenge began to sink in.
Shin looked down from the ship, watching as Arze gathered the remaining students.
"Wow… he's really kind," he murmured.
"That guy had 50 students in his group back in the desert," George said. "Even though half of them got disqualified, I'm surprised those guys still chose to stick with him."
"They don't have a choice," Gorrath said in a serious tone.
Rayden glanced around. "Should we start? The other groups are already moving."
Shin sighed. "Yeah, I guess there's no one left to recruit." Disappointment was clear in his voice—until a loud voice called out.
"Heyyy! You guys still got room for more?~"
The eerie, almost playful tone sent chills down their spines. The group hurried to the edge of the ship, peering down.
There, waving up at them, stood Lorenzo, Victor, and Ling.
Shin's eyes widened in excitement. "They're the student monsters, right?! All of them are at the four-mana core level!"
Without hesitation, he yelled back, "Yes, please, come aboard!"
The others exchanged uneasy glances, knowing just how powerful these three were.
As Ling, Lorenzo, and Victor approached the long rope ladder, Ling spoke in a hushed tone, his sharp eyes glinting with intent.
"Remember our plan."
Lorenzo's lips curled into a chilling grin, his eerie expression meeting Ling's unwavering gaze. Victor remained silent, his posture relaxed but calculating.
They climbed aboard, stepping onto the deck. Gorrath's eyes immediately narrowed, his stance firm as he studied them with suspicion.
Meanwhile, Shin and the rest of the group greeted them with open arms, oblivious to the underlying tension.
"Glad to have you guys on board!" Shin said enthusiastically.
George, Lloyd, and Rayden nodded, though they couldn't shake the uneasy feeling creeping up their spines.
Gorrath, arms crossed, remained silent, his instincts screaming that something was off.