章節 11: Forest
Within the castle, time flew by, as the day of rest began.
During this time, Adam did not do much, he ate, relaxed, and considered his future plans. Including what he wanted to ask for his armor and weapon, for being the top ranked in the first and second test. He had several options, a sword sounded good. Spears also worked well, the distance they could provide in a fight, a keen advantage.
If he chose something unconventional, the blacksmith may not be able to successfully craft it.
Also in this period, he got a set of new clothes, a black linen shirt and pants that gave the illusion of being slimmer.
As his old clothes were in horrible condition from the endurance test. It simply would not do to keep wearing them.
He didn't get a visit from the blacksmith yet, that he had been told to anticipate.
Adam assumed, they would visit after the 3rd test.
As for the stored experience points that would allow him to level, there was the upcoming test he wanted to see through, before strengthening himself.
He could always do it during the test, as a last resort.
He had to confirm one more time that he was capable of putting his old way of living behind him.
If there was no risk, it would be harder to choose whether to sink or swim.
At least, that was an option for the tests, that left room to be, to an extent, rash.
The uneventful day of rest ran its course, the sky darkening, and once more, was filled with light as the next day's sun rose. Passing light through the windows, announcing to the heroes that it was the day the survival test would begin.
The only heroes left were Adam, Marcaine, Elaina, and the male teenager, whose name he found out was Vinn.
Everyone else was denied the role of hero.
Through resting, the heroes regained some vigor, returning color to their face. Marcaine was able to get his arm healed by the mages, no longer however, having the stern expression on his face.
Although Adam could say something, a 'Are you okay?' after facing the fear of death, didn't cut it.
Having been scared out of their wits, the lighter vibe that eased communication between them was torn apart, making the initiative to do anything of the sort, difficult.
Shortly after sun rose, Adam and the rest of the heroes went to the training field for the final details of the test.
Areis who watched them walk up, had a mirthful expression as he noticed Adam, his lips curling up.
Areis explained, the idea was to survive 7 days, in the nearest forest, taking only the clothes on their back. There were wild beasts, and a chance to encounter monsters.
The goal was to survive, and run if a monster is encountered. Use what means one has to survive. There would be no rescue before the end of the 7 days. The heroes would have to split up.
It was not a test where teamwork was being evaluated.
The heroes while valuable, if they could not show they could handle themselves, would not be worth the effort, or investment to assist them.
Adam observed a superficial effort of the attendants and other castle staff, to be of help to the heroes that rejected the request. The same went for the heroes who ran away, during the bravery test, were given in a manner of speaking, scraps of earlier support.
Making it apparent, to be called a hero, after this next test would answer the question if their utmost support should be provided to them.
A hero who cant hold out in a battle would just be crushed.
A hero that runs for the hills, when a small risk to their life appears, would not be able to fight, saving neither themselves, nor others.
Far more people would be eligible as heroes, if all it took to be on was courage.
But people who met all criteria, rare is an understatement.
For the 3rd test, after the rundown given by Areis, the heroes were taken to the forest, the testing site, by way of a horse-lead-carriage. Adam noticed it was middling in craftsmanship.
The trip was bumpy, and after a few hours, the heroes reached the forest.
Upon exiting the carriage, the coachman seeing they all got out, rode away, the neigh of horses fading into the distance.
The four alone, gazed at the forest. The trees larger than most on Earth, the foliage rich and vibrant.
Without the pollutants of Earth, the air was refreshingly breathable.
Nature in this world was thriving.
Seeing the heroes mood improved and the test was imminent, Adam said his farewell to them: "Best of luck, Marcaine, Elaina, and Vinn, see you in a week."
Adam's gaze bright, he entered the expansive forest, an earthly scent entering his nose. The shade of the trees enshrouding him in a cool embrace.
For the next week, he would live & do his best to survive here.
His brow lowering, he surveyed the entrance of the forest.
The tasks he had ahead of himself were to locate a source of water, to find food, and to make or locate shelter.
It could be especially cold at night, though not certain that a fire was needed,
it was something that Adam should keep in mind too.
As he looked around, he kept an eye out for animals, and fallen twigs.
There were no streams, rivers, or lakes. The same went for bushes, with berries that if found could appease his hunger.
Adam's feet walked over the grass, as he continued exploring.
The idea that there was not much in the forest was building.
However, keeping him vigilant, was Areis mention of animals, and monsters which more than likely would make themselves known during this test.
A bit later, levity crossed his face, as he observed, what seemed to be a deer peeking its head over a trunk of a distant tree.
Remembering how survival shows had mentioned the importance of conserving energy, he decided against attempting to hunt it.
His lack of a weapon, affirming this thought. Even if he did somehow hunt it successfully, it could cause problems, namely monsters and more dangerous beasts to swarm his way.
Adam continued to look around, not having any luck, after coming across the deer.
The sun was beginning to dip, making room for the moon, when he saw something unexpected.
Before his eyes laid a stream.
In his excitement, Adam was about to head towards it. However, his eyes caught wind of an obstacle that caused him to halt in his tracks, and hid behind a nearby tree.
Adam looking over the corner was able to confirm.
A brown coat of fur, with streaks of grey. It sat on its hind legs, its tail the shape of a dried paintbrush. Its ears sharp, its face was down, looking at the water.
Adam could not see its face, but he was sure.
It was a wolf.
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