Chapter 9: Assessment-1!
Thud!
Dave grinned as he alighted from the carriage, followed by Orion and Javier.
The reason why Javier followed them was to see if his idea was feasible. If it was, then he would try his best to talk with Orion with determination and passion; even Dave would be overwhelmed if he willed it.
Hunter Guild!
The shield of mankind, the balance, the known founder of potions, renowned as the strongest organization in existence, revered and upheld by every kingdom. As long as the guild endures, humanity's hope and resilience will never falter, standing as a beacon against all dangers.
The tower, the wall, the will, and the fire of mankind!
Orion looked at the six-story building. On top of the door was a wooden sign displaying the word 'Hunter Guild - Branch #212' elegantly written in Lunaria language.
The moment he laid eyes on the building, he felt a momentary pressure, as though there were hundreds of beasts lurking inside, roaring with fierce determination, ready to strike at their prey. Thankfully, when the orb passively activated, it also shielded him from the weight of pressure.
What an overwhelming pressure!
He took a deep breath.
"Massive building, isn't it? This is the biggest building in the whole Crimson City, and it's made not only to accommodate hunters but also to attract the younger generations like you.
Of course, this was also made to show how privileged hunters are."
"I'm going to confirm this again. Are you truly ready? Once we enter and you pass the assessment, there's a chance that you will die," Dave teased with a smile yet with serious words.
Orion fell silent and smirked. "I only feel excitement."
"Hahaha, as expected of you," Dave laughed as he led them inside the Hunter Guild.
This time they could feel loud laughter coming from inside the building, and as they entered, they saw the hunters either drinking, joking, finding some task, or discussing with the receptionist.
"Orion, this way."
Dave waved, ignoring the lively atmosphere.
"Aye! A group of orcs got George; may he rest in peace."
Gulp
"That damn old man... I told him to retire, yet he was stubborn. I knew it when I saw his current state."
.
"Should we take this mission? It stated to hunt thirty goblins."
.
"Well, we struck gold. We can take a few days of rest, hahaha."
"Cheers!"
.
Bang!
"Damn old fellow, are you saying you're better than me? Want to test it?"
"A fledgling like you? Haha."
"I'll gamble my chances; I must promote my rank no matter what!"
As Orion followed Dave and Javier to the counter, he observed all the hunters and concluded that the pressure he felt must be from them, as it combined like the will of a beast.
Hunters, they are truly strong.
Although the orb's influence disappeared, Orion could still instinctively feel it, followed by his imagination as the sturdy hunters laughed, mocked, rejoiced, and mourned.
"Sir Louis, please kindly step to the left room and wait for the assessment to begin." A soft yet alluring female voice echoed. "Next!.. Sir Dave, welcome back."
Dave smiled warmly at the young, stunning receptionist. "Natasha-chan, it's been a while. Hehe... You're as beautiful as ever with those captivating emerald eyes and long black curly hair... Ah, what a pity I'm not the man you're looking for."
Natasha softly giggled. "You jest, Mr. Dave." With a smile, she opened a drawer and handed a parchment to Dave. "The guild master conveyed the guild's intention to purchase everything on the list."
Click!
Dave clicks his tongue.
"The old man is as sharp as ever... Sigh... With this purchase, it won't be long before I leave the city again," Dave joked, shaking his head.
The things on the list, like blood and herbs, were now available in his shop. "Alright, I understand. By the way, I'm here to help my dear friend Orion. I hope Natasha-chan can help me include him in the list of participants for today's assessment."
"I see, please wait for a second."
Natasha nodded as she fetched a new parchment before asking for Orion's information, such as full name, age, address, status, and kin.
"Orion Evercrest, 18, from Crimsonleaf village..." Orion answered honestly as he looked at Natasha.
He had to admit, Natasha was gorgeous. Her green eyes sparkled like emeralds, her fair skin was smooth and white, and her smile was irresistible… No man can say no or even dare to lie, he thought.
After completing the registration, Natasha looked at Orion with a hint of pity, learning the young man was alone in the world, with no family to mourn or claim his death payment if he perished during the final assessment.
The least they could do for him, should the worst scenario happen, was ensure he received a proper burial.
"Mr. Orion, please move to the left room and wait for the assessment to begin."
"Orion, I know you can do this," Dave cheered.
"Young man, I advise you to take control of yourself," Javier commented.
Hearing their support, Orion nodded with resolve and walked to the left room.
'Ten minutes before the assessment starts,' he thought.
As soon as he entered the spacious room, his attention was immediately drawn to five transparent crystal balls positioned at the very front. They were rested on a table, supported by wood-like claws to keep them from rolling off.
There were also 38 participants present, and the number was still growing.
While he observed the situation, he noticed the other participants shared his firmness. Like him, they carefully observed both newcomers and those already in the room.
There was no competition in the assessment, but a test of luck and fate, where survival hinged entirely on the whims of both.
"Hey, why so serious guys, haha?" a young man with short blond hair said with a wide grin. "I know I just got here, but come on, isn't silence a bit unbearable? Let's cheer up and smile."
"Tsk... A kid like him is what I hate the most," Clint, a bald middle-aged man, mumbled, expressing displeasure.
"Come on, cheer up, old man, young lady—everybody! Let's all feel joy and embrace more positive thoughts, haha."
"Tsk... Fool."
"Oh! Okay."
"Randel, take your seat and shut up." Louis covered his face with his left hand, clearly exasperated by his friend's antics once again.
The energetic Randel broke into a humorous dance, drawing a few laughs.
When Orion saw this, he couldn't help but laugh. Randel's infectious cheerfulness made him undeniably funny and entertaining. The guy was completely out of place yet somehow perfectly in the right place, easing the tension and breaking the awkwardness.
A few male and female participants started to make noise because of him.
.
.
Ten minutes flew by, and soon the joyous atmosphere gradually faded as Natasha entered the room respectfully guiding three middle-aged men.
One appeared serious, another remained calm, and the third wore a carefree smile.
"Only fifty participants? The numbers had truly dwindled." One of the examiners spoke with a rough yet serious voice that echoed in the room.
This made Orion and the others fall silent.
"What can we do? It's not like we can force the citizens to risk their lives," Marco added.
"Just accept it, Navarro. It's already a blessing that we had these numbers, as for how many will fail and die... We can only hope… none."
The three examiners discussed as they approached the crystal balls.
"Hmph… So be it." Navarro scoffs, clearly irritated. "Terry, since you're in a good mood, then you handle the first assessment. Let's see how many of these guys will fail. I doubt that smile of yours will last long."
"Alright, jeez..." Terry leans on his cane as he step forward, his deep black eyes sweeping over the participants. "Participants, divide yourselves into five groups; each group must contain at least ten members... Line up facing the crystal balls."
Orion quickly followed the instructions as he rushed to the third line, taking his place as the fifth member of the group.
"Good," Terry nodded. "Now, let me explain the first test. As you can see, this is a physical crystal ball. This device allows us to measure everyone's physique.
White glow means fail.
Green glow means passed.
The white glow indicates weak physical fitness. It also suggests the body is too fragile, sick, or impaired to contain the power of the potion, and if you tried to… hehe, you'll experience unimaginable pain, as if being tortured before Kaboom.
Literally exploding.
A green glow, on the other hand, signifies a normal yet strong physique—one capable of containing and absorbing the potion's power. However, do understand that there is still a risk of death. This just means your body is stronger than the other and has a 35% chance of survival.
To avoid unnecessary deaths, we will test everyone."
"Now, to begin the first test, I ask the participants in the first row to step forward, touch the crystal ball, and imagine yourself filled with strength."
"Understood!" Randel shouted with excitement as he closed his eyes, imagining himself full of energy.
And then imagined his healthy body with zero disabilities, particularly when he was in a good mood.
After ten seconds, his crystal ball glowed green, while the others glowed in white.
"Randel passed, Jake failed, Sheena failed... Next group!" Terry called out, beside him was Natasha, keeping notes of those who passed the first test.
"All failed... Next."
"Louis passed, Rose passed, Mary passed, Kevin failed..."
"Next."
.
Orion took a step forward, placing his palm gently on the crystal ball. Unlike Randel or the other participants, who imagined themselves brimming with strength and energy, he focused on the sensation of being enhanced and cleansed by the magical orb.
Unlike some vague imagination, he thought it was better to focus on the things he experienced.
A genuine, healthy body full of strength and vigor!
Within two seconds, his crystal ball glowed resplendently.
'Fast!' Terry, Navarro, and Marco exclaimed, exchanging a knowing look.
"Orion passed... Evan passed, Clint passed, Raul failed, Kera failed."
"Next!"
"Cena passed, Lilly passed, Kent failed... Next!"
The first test went on, with some passing and some failing.
A few of the participants even became desperados, unable to accept that their bulky muscular bodies were weaker than a skinny fellow in their group.
As disappointment grew, more failed participants were escorted out of the room, and after half an hour, the first test finally concluded.
Remaining participants: 28!
"Out of fifty participants, twenty-two failed," Navarro said, his expression growing more serious. "Terry, can you still smile with so few passing? Sigh, this is just the first test—what about the second?"
Click!
He scanned the remaining participants before clicking his tongue in frustration.
"Calm down. It's not like the end of the world," Terry replied, unfazed.
"Dammit... Terry." Navarro's chest heaved in frustration, his old friend's attitude pushing him to the edge. "Forget it. Talking to you is pointless. Marco, it's your turn." He glanced at his silent but composed friend.
As Marco stepped forward, Orion and the others watched him intently as he pulled something from his bag.
Thud!
A statue!