Chapter 10: Assessment-2!
A statue!
Orion and a few other participants fixed their gaze on the small statue, their expressions revealed a mix of curiosity and unease.
Those with knowledge and experience quickly recognized it, breaking into a cold sweat. Meanwhile, the less informed simply assumed that the statue was similar to the magical crystal balls used to measure physical fitness.
The statue had no distinct facial features or detailed anatomy, except for the hands that were clearly defined as they covered the face, as if in shame, sorrow, or despair. The gesture conveys an emotional response, possibly representing introspection, grief, or an effort to block out external stimuli.
The wooden statue's size was around 11.5 inches, and it was made of old wood with slight burns and cracks around its body.
Just as Orion was curious, the orb within him passively triggered. This time, it allowed him to have a glimpse of Marco's incomplete animal illusion… a fleeting yet intriguing vision.
This was the third time he witnessed such marvels, and it no longer surprised him.
Though it was weaker than the fusion of overwhelming pressure he felt from the guild entrance, Marco's pressure and animals were far more intense than when he first met Angus.
The moment he saw it, wisp-like energy entered the statue.
Boom!!
Orion felt as though a relentless hammer was hitting his head, followed by constant whispers echoing in his ear, illusions in his eyes, and even his own mouth seemed ready to burst into uncontrollable chatter.
He was overwhelmed but still tried to endure the damn illusion, whispers, and his own desire to talk as his emotions were being aroused every second.
'An impostor like you will never be me.'
A child made of illusion appeared before Orion with pale skin and red eyes. He was exuding a sinister aura as he transformed into an adult.
'Don't you want to return from your world? Just commit suicide...'
'Ahhh... my father had never truly loved you; an impostor can never replace me.'
'Sooner or later you will die a gruesome death.'
'Answer me... Answer me, answer meee!!'
Grrrthh!
With gritted teeth, Orion's red irises burned even brighter, fierce and unyielding. His unwavering resolve became a guiding light amidst the oppressive illusion, whispering and urging to retort.
Swish!
Suddenly, as if sensing his situation or his determination, the orb responded, and an invisible and undetectable energy spread over his body, shielding him from the oppressive force.
It destroyed the illusion, whispering, and the urge...
Cough...
Drained by the orb as it drew on his strength, Orion collapsed to the ground, his body trembling and drenched in sweat.
Before he could utter a word, he realized that he wasn't the only one suffering from such an illusion and whispers.
Before his eyes were the other participants.
You could see that some were shakily standing, some were unconscious, and some were prostrating on the floor, mumbling incoherently every few minutes.
It was a sight to behold.
While many participants were ensnared by the illusion and whispers, there were also a few who managed to stand out amidst the oppressiveness.
Among them was Randel, who already broke the illusion as he stood shakily while drenched in sweat. Then there was Louis, who was kneeling in silent struggle, and Rose, who expressed a horrified expression as her gaze locked onto the hunter examiner.
You could say that Rose was truly shocked.
But before Orion could observe the three who were able to leave the oppressive force, a certain bald middle-aged man attracted everyone's attention.
Bang!
"Bastard, you're nothing but an illusion made from a forbidden artifact! How dare you torment me like this? How many times will you stand in my way?" Clint roared, his face twisted in fury. "Get away, I said get away... It ain't my fault that you're dead!"
"Ahh, fudging bastard, why can't you just stay dead?"
As Clint continued to curse, black veins bulged along his arms and neck, the pain surging through him far greater than the other trap participants.
This!.. Orion exclaimed, not expecting the hunter-examiner to be so daring as to not only trap them in illusions and whispers but also subject them to such torment both mentally and physically.
He now realized the item on the table was a forbidden artifact—different from magical items like the alchemically crafted crystal ball told by Dave.
A wonderful item.
A genuine forbidden artifact with negative effects. As for its effects, well, he already experienced it. As for the negative effects of using it, that he doesn't know.
.
.
"His name's Clint, right? Well, he failed again… What a tragedy," Terry commented, his eyes fixed on the old show.
"Yes, this is Mr. Clint's fourth assessment. He always fails his second test," Natasha said in affirmation.
Navarro scoffed. "Hmph... With that mental state, how many times have we advised him to fix himself up? He's doomed to fail."
"Well, he could have passed if Marco hadn't activated the forbidden artifact without notice... To make matters worse, he didn't even explain a thing."
Marco stayed silent and composed, observing the current situation before responding.
"We are chosen as examiners to filter out those who are strong both mentally and physically. I have no intention of showing favoritism." He paused and met Terry's gaze. "In the forest, monsters or hunters need to be on guard even when resting. There's no such thing as informing the other party of what's to come."
"We live by the law of hunt or be hunted, kill or be consumed."
"Well said."
"Yes, yes, we live by the law," Terry said in amusement before shifting his gaze to those who broke free from illusion.
This meant that Orion, Randel, Louis, Rose, and those on the brink of overcoming such force had a much greater chance of surviving when they consumed the power of the potion.
Half an hour flew by...
The remaining participants who weren't able to break from the oppressive force were now released, some panting heavily while others had completely lost consciousness.
Of the remaining 28 participants, only 16 remain.
Among the sixteen, Randel, Louis, Rose, Mary, Kent, Mark, and Orion stood out because they were able to break free from such oppressive force in just over six minutes.
"Sixteen passers." Marco nodded calmly, not expecting too much of it. "Natasha, please inform the hunters hired for this event to escort those who were weakened or unconscious... and remind them to be a little bit gentle."
"And also remind the other receptionists to buy the blood from those who failed the test."
Marco felt discomfort talking so much, but as the one in charge of the second test, he had to fulfill his part just like everyone else.
"Understood."
"Wait!" Clint roared, struggling to stand as he fixed his gaze on Marco. "Honorable hunter, I may have failed the second test, but didn't I prove my worth in the first test? Surely that makes me qualified enough to drink the potion.
Please, give me a chance!"
Without sparing a glance or words from his colleagues, Marco spoke plainly. "Escort Mr. Clint out."
"Wait, wait... I am strong! Far stronger than any of them... Fudging bastard, why are you bullying me? Why can't you just let me drink the potion? I curse you..."
In his weakened state, Clint was forced to exit the room. He roared nonstop, yet neither Navarro nor Terry objected to Marco's decision.
It was a rule, after all!
"Hmph, serve him right," Navarro mumbled before another receptionist entered the room, gently pushing a service trolley covered in white fabric.
"Sir, 16 incomplete potions are now ready."
"Good." He paused before continuing. "You can go and help those who failed the test; remember to explain things to them."
"Understood."
Another fifteen minutes passed, and finally, Orion and the others had completely recovered as they stood in line.
Marco returned to his position.
Terry still smiled looking at Orion and the others, while Navarro showed a solemn look as he opened his mouth.
"I hate to say this, but as part of the rules, I must convey the wishes and goodwill of the Hunter Guild.
For those who wish to withdraw from the promotion, now is your chance... I will remind you here and now that once you drink the potion, you will only have a 76% chance of success; the remaining 24% is certain death.
The trials you've endured so far were meant to ensure not everyone meets that fate. The guild has no desire to see lives lost needlessly.
You have ten seconds to decide. Your time starts… now."
Navarro remained silent for ten seconds. Finally, of the remaining sixteen, only one participant withdrew, leaving only fifteen active blood.
"Tsk." He tsked, seeing one falter and leave the room. "Alright, for the rest of you who stayed, let me first congratulate you for passing the two tests. As a reward, I will now reveal the name of the potion you will drink—it is called 'Beast Potion.'
And currently, all of you are qualified to drink its tier one, known as fledgling."
Removing the white fabric from the service trolley, Navarro revealed the transparent potion bottle, inside was a gray-like liquid.
The potion was currently incomplete, and for it to be completed, the participant needed to add blood of the chosen animal and simply stir or shake it to complete the process.
"With that explanation and the blood animals of your choosing, the first five may now take a step forward... May the great 'Sleeping Ember' help you."
Silence filled the room!
Suddenly, Orion and Randel took the initiative—one was determined and eager, and the other was energetic and positive as they held the small vials containing the blood of their chosen animals.
"That's the attitude. A man should always be brave and not hesitate." Navarro nodded to the two before looking at the other three that followed.
'I should just mix the blood into the potion, right?' Orion, observe the gray liquid in the potion bottle. Taking a deep breath, he emptied the vial of blood into the potion, gently shaking it like a professional scientist.
As the potion and blood mix, the color becomes dull red, and a faint smoke rushes out along with heat and cold air.
Complete!
Orion felt a mix of warmth and cold affecting the vial as he glanced at Randel and the other three participants. With a nod, he raised his bottle, mimicking the gesture of raising a wine glass.
Gulp
It's kind of sweet are all potions taste like this.
Orion stood tall with calmness as he savored the sweetness of the potion.
Just as he praised the potion's taste, he felt warmth and cold surging through his whole body. However, it was nowhere near as intense as the sensation when the orb awakened and nearly killed him.
The sensation was far more tolerable, but after fifteen seconds, an intense itch rose from nowhere, as if thousands of ants were crawling beneath his skin.
He wanted to scratch the itch. However, he knew better that it was a bad idea and would only hurt himself in the process.
His skin turned red, and the hair on his body stood on end, feeling goosebumps before the itch changed to pain.