Chapitre 18: Chapter 18- Final Test
All of the regulars from different positions were now gathering in a big hall. There were around twenty to ten for each position so the total was about sixty regulars. They were all gathering here because today was special.
Today was the final position test. In other words, it was the last chance they had to make it to the top 20% in each position since the administrators would only take one-fifth of the number of regulars for every position.
For the regulars who managed to get many points way above their peers, it was not a nerve-wracking situation. However, for the regulars who were at the bottom, this was their last hope of making it in the tower, so the pressure and stress were unimaginable.
"You have been informed that today is the last position exam. By the authority of the Floor Ruler, I was assigned as the test director. So be grateful that I will make it simple, chosen regulars." A black-haired man in a red suit spoke with sarcasm at the last of his sentences.
Some of the regulars felt some familiarity with the test director and began trying to remember him.
"Wait, that red suit and voice! Is it truly him?"
"What is it that Novec, the red devil!?
"Holy sh*t, it is truly him!"
The crowd became a bit chaotic as they whispered among themselves, spreading the terror of the red devil to the ignorant ones.
Seeing the regulars worked up like this, a grin morphed on his face.
Novec motioned the regulars to be quiet. "Now… now, please don't be too eager yet. To do the test, you are going to be divided into two groups. Don't worry about fairness since we will make both groups as equal as much as possible."
"The test is called "Hunting in the dark". Just like its name implies, you are going to hunt "Stone Carps" within their dark habitats."
"As you can see here, stone carps are a carp-type Shinheuh with many brown and brown-dark strips on their bodies." Novec explained slowly as he pointed to a holographic screen, showing the figure of stone carps.
"For every stone carp you catch, your group gets 1000 points that will be divided equally among the group members. For every stone carp that you kill, your group gets 200 points that will be divided equally as well." Explained Novec.
"The two groups will compete on who will get more points by catching or killing the stone carps. Winning this test will get each regular of the victorious team by 1000 points. However, the other group will not be the only competitor. You see, the stone carps have their natural predators."
He stopped his explanation and pointed at another fish image. "This Shinheuh is called "Knife Shark". As you can see, even though it is a shark species, its size is very small. However, do not look down on it just because it's small and the weakest shark species in the tower."
"To be able to hunt the stone carps in their dark lairs, its eyesight is incredible, they are able to see easily in the darkness, and with its amazing speed, they are also able to catch up with the nimble stone carps. A model hunter in the darkness."
Hearing the explanation, some of the regulars whispered nervously to each other.
"But no need to worry as there are only a few of them. As long as you are not caught alone and light your way with the lighthouse they can be easily repelled." Novec waved off his hand to dispel the regulars' uneasiness.
"Now, look at the map!" Novec clicked his fingers as the image changed into a map of the underground water area with many branching tunnels.
He pointed his finger at a section of tunnels with an "A" tag on it. "This is where group A starts."
Then, he pointed to another section with a "B" tag on it. "And this where the group B starts."
"To be considered as "being caught", the stone carps must be delivered to your respective starts. So if the carps are taken or escaped on the way, you will get no points. Also, killing your teammates or regulars from your opposing group will make you disqualified."
"However, to be considered finishing the test, you have to return to your starts before the end of the test, understand?" He increased his tone at the end of his explanation to give the emphasize.
"You can see and discuss it yourself with your group mates. The hunt will start in three hours so prepare it well, chosen regulars." Novec ended his words and walked away, leaving the now thinking regulars on their own devices.
. . . . . .
"What did you say that my plan is bad?! What about your plan then, trash?!"
"The hell did you say! Wanna fight huh, bastard?"
"Come on guys, calm down! We are going to lose if we fight each other than making plans right now."
The regulars of group A were heatedly discussing and arguing about their plans.
"Stop it! Rather than arguing without any results, it's better if we elect the group leader first. Then we must follow whatever his plan is, how about that?" A light-bearer suggested to stop and fix the mess.
"That's a good idea! But who's gonna be the leader?"
"I suggest him. He is a light-bearer, has a good head, and leadership skill."
"Yea, I think that's okay."
"Me too…"
"Yea…"
Happy that his plan worked and he managed to get their support to become the leader, the light-bearer turned to the last people left. A yellow-haired boy and a long black-haired youth.
"What about you two?" He asked.
Liu Guanyi glanced at him and said, "You can do whatever you want, but how is your plan to deal with the Princess?"
Being suddenly asked such a difficult question, the light-bearer was stunned.
"You don't have any, right? Because no matter what your plans are, she will cut them all easily. The princess is just that powerful compared to us. That's why do whatever you like." Liu Guanyi casually said as he walked away with Xin tagging along.
The light-bearer was dumbstruck while the regulars now had realized it as they started to panic. They knew that fighting against a princess of Zahard head-on was suicidal.
It didn't matter how many regulars they throw to fight her, in the end, it would still amount to nothing.
Moreover, the princess herself wasn't a fool. With her on group B's side, the light-bearer could imagine that their morale was sky-high.
And if she led the group, which was very likely, they would be much more tight-knitted than this group would ever be.
'Damn, the test director rigged this game! We would never be able to win from the start!' The light-bearer cursed in his heart.
Then, he looked around and saw the bleak and hopeless-looking regulars all around, then it suddenly clicked in his mind.
'Wait! did the test director make it like this with that in mind?' A realization dawned on him as a smirk surfaced on his face.
'Well… now, this indeed becomes much simpler.'
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