Chapter 44: Tests V

Ben stood up and prepared to follow the instructors.

The examination was far from over.

The successful candidates were led toward a large transportation hall on the other side of the training grounds. Unlike the previous testing areas, this hall had no visible arena or training equipment. Instead, a massive circular formation covered the floor.

Several instructors stood around it.

One of them stepped forward.

"The fourth examination is the Survival Trial. You will be transported to a controlled environment designed to simulate a dangerous region. Your objective is to survive for three hours."

A large screen appeared above the formation.

[Fourth Examination: Survival Trial]

[Objective: Survive for three hours]

[Evaluation: Survival, adaptability, judgment, and resource management]

[Passing Requirement: Remain alive until the trial ends]

[Warning: The environment contains hostile creatures and dangerous terrain]

The candidates began discussing the test.

"Three hours?"

"Are we supposed to fight the creatures?"

"Will there be any resources inside?"

The instructor raised his hand.

"You may fight, flee, hide, or use any other reasonable method to survive. However, the trial will evaluate your decisions as well as your ability to remain alive. Reckless actions that put you in unnecessary danger may affect your score."

He paused before continuing.

"You may use your innate abilities and equipment. However, the environment is protected by a special formation. Any attempt to escape the designated area or damage the formation will result in immediate elimination."

Ben listened carefully.

The previous tests had evaluated his combat ability, wisdom, and control. This one would test whether he could survive in an unfamiliar environment while managing his energy and resources.

The instructor continued.

"Each participant will be transported to a different location within the trial environment. You may encounter other candidates, but cooperation is not required. The trial will end when the three-hour limit expires or when you are unable to continue."

A candidate raised his hand.

"What happens if we encounter another participant?"

"You may cooperate with them. However, attacking other candidates is strictly prohibited. The trial is designed to evaluate your ability to survive the environment, not to eliminate other participants."

Ben nodded.

That meant the threats would come primarily from the environment itself.

The instructor gestured toward the formation.

"Participants will enter in groups. Once the formation activates, you will be transported to your assigned locations. Do not attempt to resist the transfer."

The first group stepped onto the formation.

A bright light spread across the hall.

Their figures disappeared.

One group after another entered the formation. Eventually, the instructor called Ben’s group.

"Participants thirty-one through forty. Step forward."

Ben walked onto the formation.

Amanda and Maya were standing in the waiting area. Maya raised her hand to wave at him.

"Be careful!"

Ben nodded.

The formation beneath his feet began to glow.

A moment later, the hall vanished.

Ben opened his eyes.

He was standing in the middle of a dense forest.

Tall trees surrounded him, their branches blocking most of the sunlight. The air was damp, and a faint mist covered the ground. Strange sounds came from deeper within the forest.

A notification appeared before him.

[Survival Trial Begins]

[Remaining Time: 3 Hours]

[Objective: Survive]

Ben looked around.

He couldn’t see any other participants.

The academy had clearly transported everyone to separate locations. That would prevent the candidates from immediately forming groups and relying on one another.

Ben checked his surroundings.

The trees were unusually large, and their roots spread across the ground like thick ropes. Some plants emitted faint energy fluctuations, while others had sharp leaves that could easily cut through ordinary clothing.

He could also sense several hostile creatures nearby.

Ben remained still for a moment, observing the environment.

The first thing he needed was information.

He examined the trees, the ground, and the direction of the wind. The mist was moving toward the east, and the forest seemed quieter in that direction.

However, the absence of sound did not necessarily mean that it was safe.

Ben decided to move slowly.

He followed a narrow path between the trees, keeping his senses alert. Every few minutes, he stopped to examine his surroundings and listen for movement.

After walking for about ten minutes, he found a small stream.

The water was clear, but Ben did not drink it immediately. He crouched beside it and examined the surface.

A few small creatures were swimming beneath the water. They looked harmless, but their bodies emitted a faint energy fluctuation.

Ben decided not to take the risk.

He continued along the stream, using it as a landmark.

A few minutes later, a low growl came from behind him.

Ben stopped.

Something was moving through the bushes.

He turned around.

A creature emerged from the trees.

It resembled a wolf, but its body was covered in dark scales. Its eyes glowed red, and a pair of sharp horns protruded from its forehead.

A notification appeared.

[Ironfang Beast]

[Realm: Bronze]

[Threat Level: Moderate]

The beast lowered its head and stared at Ben.

It had probably detected his presence and decided to attack.

Ben studied it.

A Bronze Realm creature wasn’t particularly dangerous to him, but he didn’t want to waste energy fighting every beast he encountered. The trial would last three hours, and he needed to preserve his strength.

The Ironfang Beast suddenly lunged.

Ben moved aside.

Its claws struck the ground, tearing through the soil.

The beast turned and attacked again.

This time, Ben stepped forward and struck its neck with a controlled blow.

The impact sent the creature tumbling across the ground.

It struggled to stand, but Ben moved in and struck it once more.

The beast fell silent.

Ben looked at the creature.

He had defeated it without using any visible ability. However, the fight had still consumed some energy.

He continued moving.

The forest grew denser as he went deeper. Several times, he encountered traces of other creatures, including claw marks on tree trunks and footprints in the soil.

He avoided the areas where the signs were particularly fresh.

After another twenty minutes, Ben reached a rocky slope.

He climbed to a higher point and looked across the forest.

From there, he could see a distant mountain range. A faint energy barrier surrounded the entire region, marking the boundary of the trial environment.

Ben couldn’t determine the exact size of the area, but it was large enough that wandering without a plan would be dangerous.

He looked toward the mountains.

The higher ground might offer a better view of the surroundings. However, the terrain was steep, and the mountains could contain stronger creatures.

Ben decided to remain near the forest’s edge.

He continued along the rocky slope, searching for a location where he could rest without being easily ambushed.

After some time, he found a shallow cave beneath a large rock formation.

Ben examined the entrance.

There were no fresh footprints, and he couldn’t sense any creatures inside. He entered cautiously and checked the cave.

It was empty.

The cave was small, but it provided shelter and had only one entrance. It would be easier to defend than an open area.

Ben sat down and checked the remaining time.

[Remaining Time: 2 Hours 21 Minutes]

He had already spent nearly forty minutes exploring.

Ben closed his eyes and focused on his surroundings.

He could hear the movement of creatures outside the cave, but none appeared to be approaching. For now, the location was safe.

He decided to rest briefly.

A sudden sound woke Ben.

Something had entered the cave.

Ben opened his eyes.

A large creature stood near the entrance. Its body resembled a bear, but its back was covered in thick stone plates. Its forelimbs were unusually large, and its claws scraped against the cave floor.

[Stoneback Beast]

[Realm: Silver]

[Threat Level: High]

Ben stood up.

The creature had probably detected him while searching for prey.

Its eyes fixed on him.

A deep growl echoed through the cave.

Ben narrowed his eyes.

A Silver Realm beast was stronger than the Ironfang Beast he had encountered earlier. It would be more difficult to defeat without revealing his abilities.

The Stoneback Beast charged.

Ben moved to the side, avoiding its first attack. The creature’s claws struck the wall, causing several rocks to fall.

The cave shook.

Ben quickly moved toward the entrance.

Fighting inside the cave would be dangerous. The narrow space limited his movement, and the creature’s strength could cause the entire structure to collapse.

He stepped outside.

The Stoneback Beast followed him.

Ben moved across the rocky ground, keeping the creature away from the cave. He avoided its attacks and waited for an opening.

The beast swung its forelimb.

Ben ducked beneath it and struck the creature’s side.

The impact made the Stoneback Beast stagger, but its stone plates absorbed much of the force.

Ben frowned.

Its defense was stronger than expected.

The beast turned and charged again.

Ben retreated, allowing it to build momentum. When it reached him, he shifted to the side and struck its foreleg.

The creature stumbled.

Ben followed with another controlled strike, this time targeting the joint beneath its armor.

The Stoneback Beast roared.

Its movements became less stable.

Ben continued attacking its weak points, avoiding direct clashes with its armored body.

After several exchanges, the beast lost its balance and fell onto its side.

Ben moved away before it could recover.

The creature struggled for a moment, then stopped moving.

Ben took a breath.

The fight had consumed more energy than the previous one, but he had managed to defeat the beast without using White Ruination.

He looked toward the cave.

The entrance had been partially damaged by the creature’s attacks. Several rocks had fallen, making it unsuitable for resting.

Ben decided to leave the area.

He checked the remaining time.

[Remaining Time: 1 Hour 47 Minutes]