《Power!》 Creeping Darkness I realize it in that moment, having one of my eyes pierced through did not lower a veil towards my sight. My constant wish was a dream, dreamt by someone who could no less grasp at it or even attain it. Having lost what I desired the most, I lost sight of myself. Even so, a piercing sensation from my chest prompted for my immediate wake. He peered into a sickening sight. Where a dismembered arm laid to the street, blood spilled from it. Another dismembered finger, several meters away. A head rolled to the street. The decapitated head was with eyes, eyes that peered to the vast depths of the sky with a cold gaze. The buildings were dyed with a bright red and as a result of his anger, something wrapped about his skin. *** Giente forest. A mass slaughter of a remote village at the outskirts of the nation was always the norm in these war times, and the village hidden in the forest of giant trees named ¡°Ivory,¡± was the latest to fall to the Abyss. With it being outside the protection of the Knights even though clearly it was a place still under their watch, a considerable distance was evident. However, a surprise attack from enemy forces will always cause an imminent retaliation. The larger the population was, the larger the number of Legions located to the land. If a Abyss horde appeared, all its units could be exterminated within minutes to the sighting, but a sighting of a Abyss horde has never be witnessed, that is in cities or towns closer to the hustle and bustle. But, a village not quite as adapt with technologies as other underlying areas, though suitable communication could be achieved if danger lurked. Still, a call urging for help and assistance with enemies of a demon-like nature, would reach the Legions comprised of Knights instantaneously but having gotten that message, the Knights would take a considerable amount of time before ever reaching. The distance was clear to both sides even when proceeding with haste. Nevertheless the Knights would come. To counter the invasion, the Legion of ¡°Shadow¡± went forth. Led by a valiant heroine, in a different league of her own both in skill and tactical ability, one of the few S-rank Knight, her name being, Isui Setra. In quick haste, the main attack force of the Legion was deployed to the village. Prior to it, a unit comprised of five Knights was sent to assess the situation, reported a horde that simultaneously attacked the village. *** Upon arriving, dead silence, then, war was issued and the Legion rained down upon the enemy. The outcome of the battle was already decided when Isui stepped upon the battlefield. *** A silent cry disappeared with the wind. ¡°Someone¡­ help me.¡± Speaking with a rather calmed tone, a wounded boy made his way towards anywhere, but there. Walking across a street, stained with the tone of deep red due to endless streams of blood, which darkened. The overall stench of mangled corpses was overwhelming but that was not the most unpleasant experience out of all. With a full moon illuminating the way, something was apparent. As a reality of an impending death loomed and finally settled, the only thing in front of him was the giant face of monster. As if amused, that horrid thing proceeded to stretch an arm towards cowering prey, with a smiling expression. And fear enveloped the boy to the point of silencing his voice. As such, no cries spilled forth. However! Before reaching contact, it was in that moment, the monster¡¯s head fell from the body, rolling onto the earth steadily. Suddenly, a silent figure covered in red, appeared before him from thin air. That person touched his forehead with a finger gently. Within a second, almost to milliseconds, they were atop a cliff to the north of the village. ¡°Stay here, alright?¡± The figure then spoke, but disappeared as fast as it appeared before. And behind him, was a group of these unknown individuals, clad in armor of a red shade with a small number of the villagers. At the end of that concentration of people, a massive shadow which loomed, generated by a metallic structure floating in the air. With the next words uttered to him, the boy¡¯s gaze shifted. ¡°Are you¡­ injured?¡± *** Landing abruptly to the earth, the Master of the Legion of Shadow came crashing down the battlefield with glowing crimson red eyes and unsheathed a pair of swords from their individual sheaths. ¡®Scorch Art: Slaying Moon!¡¯ Those swords were immediately coated by black flames that flared and wavered ceaselessly, but a moment later, then the blades were stained by a shade purple. Apparent as it were, she landed at the center of all of it. The largest concentration of Abyss, lay in wait. Unlike previous Abyss, these ones were of a smaller size, though they utilized their numerous numbers for an additional advantage. With the eyes of a predator sizing up prey, Hunter Isui proceeded to move her gaze from one soldier to the next. As soon as those horrid creatures noticed her presence, they began to throw themselves at the Hunter. Still that was futile. Without notice or even grasping her movements, Isui swiftly maneuvered past three soldiers which stepped up in front first, cleanly slicing their necks entirely and decapitated them. Three down, more to go. With both swords tightly gripped, she kicked the ground and charged forward. Another two pounced at the exact time to intercept the enemy, as they reared ugly heads at her. These types of Abyss soldiers¡¯ were distinctively ¡°born¡± with claws riddled for disemboweling and mangling. Thankfully, the Hunter¡¯s armor was of sturdy feature, able to ward off and withstand the sharpness of those claws as her movements from swaying from left to right made the enemies¡¯ attack futile. Up front, a surge of raw power and unmatched speed was released in quick succession from the Hunter while thrusting her left leg, aiming for the knee joint of a soldier to the left. The Abyss yelped but quickly began to heal, at a miniscule rate, though. An approaching slash from a Abyss to the right managed to strike the Knight. However that was not the case as an afterimage was the only thing it grasped. Quicker reflexes prompted Isui to evade but to also launch a counterattack, when it eventually lost momentum. As predicted, that one fatal flaw in its attack caused an opening to appear. Noticing this, Isui¡¯s foot met the soldier¡¯s chin. Strangely, the trees began to spin around the soldier¡¯s line of sight, it shot into the air. Only bad luck followed as the onslaught still continued. With one leap, a sword clashed with its neck, slicing entirely. In that same moment, the gathered momentum was further held on. Isui furiously spun down to the earth, decapitating the knee injured soldier beneath. And, ultimately created flames wheels in the air. ¡°¡­¡± After a light landing, her eyes gawked at the remaining number that seemed to surround her from each side. Not in a panicked state, Isui sharpened her focus on each of their movement.You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. As they approached, time began to slow down. Isui crouched down slightly, swaying from each direction, with a swift movement of the feet each time silent in approach. Her eyes narrowed even more, cleanly cutting down the numbers, one head after the other, in a process of who was more bloodthirsty. Speed was relative. Even when met with overwhelming enemies, she fought without being inflicted injuries to note of. As such, the agitated Abyss plunged into a state of shock and panic, causing a more desirable effect for the Hunter. Pale faces that saw death looming a distance away, had the single intention of focusing. Right now, additional soldiers stepped forward in a frenzy. Regardless of strength, they noticed that their numbers were far more superior. Perhaps if all jumped in at the exact moment, that could overwhelm the enemy. Concluding that she would not await for a counterattack, another soldier met an untimely end with the confrontation pressing to the final stage. When following the rule of gravity, the decapitated bodies fell to the ground with a thud. ¡°¡­¡± Weaving between each soldier, red blood splattered out profusely with every successful strike. The Knight¡¯s sword embedded into another soldier¡¯s neck. No scream for help or signs of anguish came out, and the other, impaled into another soldier from the chin, exiting horizontally out the cranium of the skull. The slicing of flesh followed once more and she added to the body count. Agile movements, complimented by her fighting style. twenty of the surrounding enemies had already fallen. Standing no chance, not even the sliver of hope grasped them and they finally understood that. However, amongst a remaining few, one boasted a larger physique and cried furiously. With a determined gaze, it threw the far smaller ones to the air in front and then, grabbed another two to guard itself, ultimately creating a shield. The current objective, create a blindspot in order to hamper the enemy¡¯s vision with the first launch but also protect itself, as it neared closer. For an unsightly creature, that plan was above average for its kind, but the execution was poor since that meat shield was far less an obstacle in the Hunter¡¯s way. After coming in close distance, her frightening quick reflexes allowed for a deadly response. ¡®Scorch Art: Silent Blaze!¡¯ A flash of light appeared in tenths of a second. A single motion from her quickdraw generated a blinding slash, searing hot in wake that a mark of black flames coated the air in front. Having dealt a lethal strike, the aftermath was clear. The last remnants of the large soldier and whatever support it used, was burned into sheer nothingness, completely incinerating upon activation of the attack. Scorched and decapitated, the soldiers¡¯ existence was steadily being erased but not be surprised, that was their duty. The prolific ¡°soldiers¡± of a horde were ¡°born¡± as the lowest in the hierarchy. Being the lowest meant that they also were the weakest of the bunch. Still, Hunter Isui never wavered as the rate of movement decreased, finally laying waste to all of them. *** Blood ran down that ground as a gaze caught fragmenting bodies. Not a single emotion of remorse was left, leaving an impression to the Knight. Those nerves of steels never allowed for a weakened state of vulnerability towards the sight of a massacre. However the main objective still remained, ¡°find and dispose of the horde¡¯s head, the boss.¡± Isui promptly swung both swords, cutting through air to remove pungent blood off the blades. The blades¡¯ durability would not be ruined by filth. ¡¯Thirty one. Weren¡¯t there thirty two of them?¡¯ In that moment, slight movement was noticed when Isui made eye contact with another Abyss soldier, hiding in the large bushes near the trees. It probably was the sole survivor. Having caught that glowing light from the eyes, made all of its instincts skyrocket to a nervous state to sheer terror. Even if it could not speak the same language, it could understand the concept of fear from a single glance. In tenths of a second, before it could even make an attempt at fleeing, a launched sword impaled its head, blowing a hole into the brain and released blood that splattered following that as the whites of the eyes were revealed. Regardless of how frightened, her method however cruel urged the complete annihilation of all. A cold stare was emitted from the eyes with leaves that soon fell down the ground, branches rustled and the sword flew back to the Hunter¡¯s palm as if commanded by waving her hand. The boss still was not to be forgotten. With one powerful step, she focused all strength into her legs and dashed forth unimpeded. Quickly swerving through, wind would blow at her black hair. The boss was the target. It being the most powerful proved a threat and through heading a distance into the forest, it would show itself. Still, even if the main target of the assault was located, other Abyss could not be forgotten and ignored when seen and the closer into the forest she went, a spike in danger was evident. But having thought so, the difficulty of the task never fazed Isui. Suddenly, Isui¡¯s trusted instincts rang once more. In those split moments, the murky bushes rustled. And suddenly, without warning, a fist almost able of covering her body in its embrace, a giant clenched fist came hurling down with great speed to the Knight. Immediately, a loud bang shook the ground as the assault made contact. Dust and pieces of the ground were blown flew in all directions like rain. Even the nearest trees shook from their foundations. Silence crept all over. Steadily, dust settled. With that, she was probably crushed by a massive fist, since no signs of her escaping were not shown, Isui would lay to the ground in a bloody pulp. The large Abyss, being a ¡°guard¡± rammed a thick fist at the enemy and defeated her. But that was not the case. Miraculously, the sneak attack was stopped, not to mention, with only a finger to the clenched fist from Isui¡¯s left hand. Isui immediately cast a glance at the guard¡¯s face. ¡®Did this thing¡­ just punch me?¡¯ A contest of strength of power. The counterattack began shortly and she gripped ahold of the arm with her left hand. The muscles located across her left arm and upper body began to pulsate throughout and she pulled down the guard as if it were a child. With a lightning quick reaction, she aimed her right fist and would thrust it to the middle of the guard¡¯s chest, punching it from point-blank range. A powerful strike generated by the one of strongest Knights cut through the air. When reaching the intended target, a loud bang that deafened everything near could be heard. Her fist created a almost crater-like wound into the Abyss¡¯ chest. With that, the large guard was immediately thrown into the air, flying a great distance until violently landing to the ground with a noticeable thud. Isui still poised in a stance, her left hand clutched upon the thick arm. Strangely enough, upon striking the large Abyss, its right hand was ripped off as her grip never released the arm. With a single punch, the confrontation ended and she threw away the large arm. Therefore, she proceeded with the prior objective, setting in further into the forest. But, the intended target was closer than expected. Suddenly, with no traces of sound being generated, something was fired. A sharp projectile was launched from the darkness of the forest. Reacting to it, Isui parried the projectile, striking it with the blade of the sword. Isui passed a glance at a now falling object and peered into the darkness. Strength once more gathered into her legs and she dashed forth, in the direction of the attacker. However, not allowing the Knight for a rather easy approach, additional projectiles would be thrown although the barrage was quickly evaded with gracious and agile steps. And finally, she could see it. Atop a branch, the boss ceaselessly threw more projectiles. When noticing the enemy¡¯s approach, the agitated boss leapt onto another tree¡¯s branches, then another, obviously attempting to flee in the opposite direction. It was understandable. Its underlings were wiped out, so to were the guards and finally, the strongest enemy came crashing through. No choice but to run away. That plan of escape was simply a failure though since the Knight was already in striking distance. Strangely enough, she never retaliated, only leaping up a few meters below it. The boss gave off an expression of pure shock and in disbelief, threw more sharp projectiles from its hardened skin. Atop the trees¡¯ branches was a danger zone. As such, it prompted to sprint on the ground after landed lightly. A single glance was passed behind but nothing other than air and falling branches could be seen. It was in that moment, something felt odd. The movement of its body no longer quickened and came to a halt. It was alarmed and to that surprise, its arm was pinned down to the bark of a tree, an arm impaled by a sword. ¡®Scorch Art: Fang of Tar.¡¯ It noticed too late. Isui coated her other sword in hand while falling, with a pitch black substance and swung. Immediately, blade met neck, relieving the head off the body, thus decapitating it. And the boss¡¯ head landed onto the ground. Following the final strike, a large creak resounded. Isui caught the motion of a tree falling down. Not only was the boss cut down but also the tree it was pinned on and in quick succession, the massive tree was uprooted. A colossal tree lost equilibrium, thereby, descending to the earth. It was large. As such quite a lengthy amount of time would pass until it reached to the ground. However before that, she would not let it fall. Swiftly gliding through the air, up to the middle of the tree, Hunter Isui clutched ahold at the tree¡¯s massive trunk. Once again, with pulsating muscles all over the body, she flanged it into the sky. A feat too great and a testament to the Knight¡¯s strength, a colossal tree launched upwards. As witnessed before, Isui utilized no reinforment method or anything of the sorts. Her overall pure strength of prior swift slashes of the sword, a monumental punch and clenching a grip to a massive creation, that was only thanks to her physical capabilities. Unlike of normal Knight, not even elite Knight could boast such power, using it with effort as there being no repercussions whatsoever. After launching the massive tree, Isui pointed one of her swords at the tree from the sky. Focusing Ethereal energy into the very tip of the blade, a spark was generated. The spark immediately grew in size and light, was emitted. ¡®Scorch Art: Dark Star!¡¯ Suddenly, a loud bang capable of toppling any mountain, was heard throughout the entire forest, blewing tree branches from afar with hurls of wind. A flash of light with a shade of purple from that spark of light which grew in size, then, exploded into a monstrous display could also be seen, accompanied with the wind pressure generated by the explosion. *** The villagers and distant Knights sighted the massive explosion that completely incinerated a colossal tree. Suddenly, Isui emerged in front of the same boy as before from thin air. In those moments, he gazed with blinking as those fleeting moments seemed like an eternity. Her eyes pierced passed at the vast horizon. *** The village was ravaged. More than 85% of the residents were deceased. Dismembered limbs and other parts of the body laid across the village as well as the vast amount of blood. Another peaceful village was once again recorded in history, only to be spoken of having the cruelest of fates descend upon them due to bloodlust. The Start The surroundings were dyed with a whiteness that shared a slight contrast to a shade of pink. That calming color was everywhere. It was not clear as to if the surroundings became dyed with it or if, perhaps those surroundings were composed of that color entirely from the beginning. Regardless, the creations of plains of grass all across the land were blown by a gentle wind. And one significant feature out of all, a hill. A rather suitable hill was with a tree standing stagnant atop it. Additional wind also blew branches of the hill, gently. The whitish haze grasped everywhere, however emerging from this haze, a pair of figures appeared, standing but also moving away from the tree atop the hill. The figures of a woman and man, which would part ways from each other. ¡­Figures of a promise. *** Year 5,018. Airoterp. Risse residence. Slumbering in sheets dyed red, one bony arm draped out, almost reaching to the floor with long fingers. Traces of a red dust blew off atop his back on the covers. The sun already reached a point into the sky that the environment was illuminated without fail. To that active level of light of sunshine and steadily rising levels of heat, the countless residents of the city would begin their day. However, the lad to the bed found such movement a bother, even if not said verbally. A steady light penetrated out a glass window next to the bed. However, his passionate rest was set to be ruined from the start. To his bedside, an alarm clock strike at 06:00. Immediately, the alarm clock mercilessly rang, as an awakened lad became aware of an interrupting sound in the background. Drawing blood from the get-go, he instictively assimilated a sphere of flames into the air which gathered light. Whilst on the bed, he became more furious at each passing second and fired unimpeded at an annoying object generating an unpleasant experience. Aiming capacity was dead-on. As such, the alarm clock flew away from the explosion to the centre of the room. And for a few more seconds, the irritating thing went dead silent, but would unfortunately come back with fury. Therefore, loudly releasing an annoying sequence of tones. ¡°Useless!¡± He immediately said with an annoyance in his voice, while gritting the whites in the mouth. Perhaps, a more direct approach was required. Unexpectedly, the soles of his feet touched the floor. No other choice, but to deal with it head-on, further enveloping his right foot in flames. The lad would widen the gap between himself and the annoying alarm clock. Apparent flames sprouted to coat a portion of his right foot from the knee to the sole. With that, one huge breath was taken as if to prepare one¡¯s self for an athletic event. Following sprouting flames, the lad released the alarm clock into the air, when suddenly foot met metal and with that kicked the clock out the window nearest to him. Slight wind pressure blew at the drapes. Afterward, a room filled with animated movie posters, to a display case of well placed figurines. For an average male entering his 20¡¯s, they would have a somewhat collection, but all that was pale in comparison to this collection. A textbook geek. Tall with a sharp look. A small build which meant small muscles than the average. Quite honestly an everyday looking young man. He set his gaze to the sight outside, as if he were entranced by movement. But to an extent, he quickly pulled out the trance to ready his clothes and wash up, first. *** Before the lad could lick off the last traces on the plate of a devoured meal, he decided to grip a handle of the door leading outside, however a paper stuck to the refrigerator caught his gaze. Once outside, the lad gazed back at a desolate house, he called home. The beginning of the spring day with green grass and chirping birds, glinted at the arrival of a new season. It marked the start of the year which signaled a new phase in life. And he embarks on his first day as a Knight candidate. {Inoyva Risse.} *** On the sidewalk, Inoyva firstly summons his mode of transportation. A formation of light enveloped the sidewalk, giving rise to sudden winds. Appearing out the formation, a creature on all fours, stood. Inoyva is greeted by an eager and excited hound with a white coat and reptilian eyes; an overzealous summon called ¡°Alka.¡± ¡°How have you been doing?¡± Not retaining the ability of speech in terms of a specific language, Alka barked out to Inoyva as if he understood what was implied. ¡°Good boy. Anyhow, let¡¯s go. Cai is probably waiting.¡± *** Afterward, Inoyva mounted the hound, making their way on to a predetermined destination. It was a particular season. With spring grasping the surroundings, the inhabitants were also influenced by it. However, out of all things which were painstakingly awaited for, the Hunter candidate exams would commence in a few hours. Upon arriving, the warm breeze which sweeps away at leaves on the ground and moves waves the ocean waves, blew at the awaiting damsel within his sights. Inoyva suddenly became mesmerized by her black and green hair fluttering and her unyielding expression in the wind. And a smile edged out on his face. {Cai Setra.} A tall lad set foot on to the bridge were Cai awaited on. Being a tad bit late, Inoyva would have to worm his way into her good books again. Only to find Cai immersed in a foul mood. ¡°Morning¡­ I know that I didn¡¯t arrive at the exact time. But, I have good reason.¡± He said with traces of nervousness in his voice. ¡°Let¡¯s hear it, then.¡± ¡°Well¡­ I thought you weren¡¯t going to ask, so I didn¡¯t prepare one.¡± Cai focused her gaze, feeling dumbfounded. ¡°Tardiness disgusts me.¡± ¡®Of course, it does.¡¯ Immediately, Cai began glaring right into Inoyva, as if he was imagining aiming for the neck. Her gaze held many meanings, the most apparent, annoyance. Even so, wallowing in the past would never change the events that already occurred. She sighed inwardly and lessened the heavy levels of annoyance encircling in her body. For that current state of mind, Cai walked a few paces, trailing off to the other side of the bridge. Strangely, she pulled out a piece of paper and looked to the Inoyva. ¡°So, did you get one?¡± Inoyva calmly step forward in the same direction and he pulled out a piece of paper, also. ¡°Yeah. It¡¯s probably from Irisdescent, but why call us without any information about it.¡± To his side, Alka was eager for attention from his master, lifting up its snout. Inoyva casually gestured his long fingers into the hound¡¯s mouth. ¡°I¡¯m not sure. We already took the written entrance test. And obviously the next thing delivered would be a letter of acceptance, but there¡¯s nothing of the sorts.¡± ¡°Only a date and time.¡± Despite calling out Inoyva, Inoyva gazed upon an adorable sight. The hound, panting and would wag its tail from left to right. Immediately, Cai noticed a sudden flash of light from Alka. Noticing that Alka fulfilled its task, that being transporting its master to the predetermined destination, Inoyva initiated the same transportation method as before in order for Alka to return back from where it came.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it. The ground where Alka stood on revealed a formation of light once more, the hound was covered and returned to its origins with a slight hurl of wind. As a point that was somewhat rendezvous point, the bridge served as a place for the two to meet. With that, the time had come for Cai and Inoyva to arrive at the place they wholeheartedly wished to. Their plans were to be carried out with haste it would seem. However strangely enough, having walked a few paces in front of him, Inoyva advanced fast and grabbed ahold of Cai by the arm. Following a tug of the sleeve, Inoyva gripped on to her arm, pulling her closer to his body. The action and motion he partaked in was swift, to the point of passing in a moment¡¯s notice. Inoyva drew the maiden closer to his body, ultimately they came into contact face-to-face. Unclear of the initiated gesture, despite one thing being clear, their faces were too close to each other. Evidently the lad prompted for the contact of his lips with Cai. However that being his intention, the feeling was not recuperated. ¡°We don¡¯t have time for this.¡± From the very start of being pulled, Cai lifted her right hand. That hand was atop Inoyva¡¯s mouth, thoroughly covering the lower part of his face. Cai pushed the lad a short distance with a gentle shove from both arms. Even after the advancement, the air around them hadn¡¯t cleared for some reason and they kept a warm expression. Immediately, Inoyva noticed her back pointing to him. Cai turned the other way. Cai¡¯s eyes peered into the distance. As well as an expression filled with a gapping smile, Cai¡¯s body would fidget ever so slightly over the span of minutes. Her reaction was not unwarranted, though. To their destination, they walked to the place where their entrance exam would take place. The trials ahead would prove difficult, as predicted, but a new experience of new places and people would bring excitement. *** Irisdescent, one of the most prestigious elite academies in the whole nation of Acirfa Htuos, and currently ranked 3rd in the world rankings. As one of the most suitable places for Knight candidates to train at, countless, upon countless applications were issued in order to be enrolled into it. Even so, various tests were conducted in order to grasp the aspiring candidates¡¯ skills and abilities. Even not for combat capabilities, other innate talents like a quick-witted mind were also welcomed. As such, unlike other elite academies, Irisdescent opted for talent rather than financial resources from their students. Without talent, hardworking students able were also welcomed. ¡°¡­¡± The maiden with black and green hair and the tall lad with black hair, both managed to make in time. Cai and Inoyva¡¯s attention was immediately caught by a large building, confidently displayed towards them from the giant gates of Irisdescent. The gates were no exception, with the sheer size of staggering height and thickness. ¡°It¡¯s here.¡± A heavily breathing Inoyva sought to rid off excess ¡°weight¡± on his back, expressing by passing glances at Cai. Quite evident, Cai was carried on his back for majority of the way there. The gates to the elite academy were already opened for the commencement of the exam. Entering onto the sacred ground, they located a massive crowd from varying individuals, who were rather young like them. Inoyva gulped. All other individuals probably came with the same invitation. The next generation of candidates aiming for acceptance made their way into an assembly hall stretching out to unknown lengths. Hesitation had no place there, heading in headfirst. *** There was no reception, not even one person from the elite academy coming to welcome them. Only a large room, with dim lights that illuminated some small portions of the room. It was then. ¡°Good morning, gathered candidates. My name is Sero, this will be your first introduction into the first part of Irisdescent¡¯s combative entrance exam.¡± Suddenly, on a massive screen that caught their gathered attention, the image of woman appeared. It relayed instructions. Rather than physical confrontation, a projection of upcoming tests was clear to everyone. ¡°Wait! What is this? A combat test? We¡¯re supposed to fight?! The contents of the invitation never said anything about this part! We couldn¡¯t even mentally prepare.¡± One male candidate spoke furiously at the massive screen. ¡°He¡¯s right!¡± ¡°How do you expect us to actually fight with so little information!¡± ¡°We already took the entrance exam, what bullshit is this?!¡± Immediately, commotion brewed all around like wildfire. It was understandable, they were invitated to fight without even knowing that fact. ¡°Seriously? ¡°Mentally prepare?¡± ¡°So little information?¡± When you¡¯re headfirst into the jaws of a monster, will that be your excuse?! If so, leave you pieces of shit! This is elite academy, not high school. It¡¯s either fight now, or fuck off and get kicked out before you enroll.¡± It was clear, her message came with a cold glare accompanied by words that silenced them all. The standing and on-looking candidates became dead silence. Without wasting time, the woman from the massive screen, spoke. ¡°You¡¯ll be dispatched into simulated forest and city-like environments. In these areas, each candidate will be placed at different parts at the initial start. When the signal is given, each candidate is to locate other candidates and battle each other to earn a total score of fifty points.¡± Narrowing his eyes, Inoyva placed a hand to the chin. A seriousness was to his expression. ¡°Each candidate will be worth one point at the beginning of the exam, but when you defeat your intended opponents, the value of your points increases. The means of fighting are simple. Each candidate will be given a vest and a saber. You are required to slash your opponent¡¯s vest in order to enquire their accumulated points.¡± The woman continued. ¡°The saber glows, however, is not a physical object, except for the hilt. So, it cannot cause harm to anyone but when in contact with a vest, it will react with two consecutive flashes of light, meaning you gained points. The vest of defeated candidates will have glowing scar on it.¡± For their first time, the candidates held to a calm state, almost giving off an aura of belonging to the place. ¡°Use any means necessary to defeat your opponent, however, you are not to severely injure or kill your opponent. If the rules are broken, you¡¯ll be immediately disqualified. The exam ends when 2,240 of you reach fifty or more points individually. That is all.¡± *** Ruined city area. A ruined it was. However well-equipped the elite academia was in terms of finance, the sheer size of the city and the detail put in was extraordinary. If they were not told of that place¡¯s true purpose, anyone would conclude that a calamity had descended upon the area. Some similarities between this city and where Cai and Inoyva lived were somewhat apparent. ¡®Now, let¡¯s see... Flame Art: Straw Sword!¡¯ A fiery thing occurred on Inoyva¡¯s feet. Immediately after reciting a few words in his mind, sudden flames sprouted underneath the soles to ultimately coat the feet along with his shoes. And quick as a bat, Inoyva kicked the ground in order to search for potential opponents. For the brief seconds of peace, he would locate no opponents. It was understandable, the exam commenced not so long ago, the gears eventually would spin until chaos enveloped everywhere as everyone aimed their spears at everyone else. Not far enough from his initial starting point, a figure then was caught Inoyva¡¯s glance. An opportunity showed itself. Speed was imperative, as he was with some indication of unsuspecting prey which showed no signs of locating him, Inoyva geared up his saber for action. Not missing a chance, Inoyva shot out and aimed his saber at that candidate. A sudden gust of wind followed and realization finally grasped the candidate. A surprise attack from somewhere left a streak of black, as of now, withdrawal was no longer as option. ¡°What the¡­!¡± Inoyva¡¯s saber flashed. Certainly, if considering the sheer amount of individuals taking the exam, Inoyva would find another opponent not so far. As predicted, Inoyva located two others around the corner and discretely bent the corner to avoid being spot. Already, those two were at each other¡¯s throats. Inoyva awaited for a the moment to strike them down. Crouching down at a run-over car, he assimilated additional flames to his feet. And suddenly, a chance appeared. The steadiness of Inoyva¡¯s hand created precision slashes with devastating speed. Apparent as it was, they were ultimately defeated at the swiftness of his strikes. *** Elven forests area. At the same time, Cai launched her demolishing attacks, also. As stated once before, everyone in her line of sight would be ¡°destroyed.¡± Pretty much evident, Cai was with no intention of executing her strikes with a plan of moving forward, though that was not unwarranted. Cai possessed heightened senses as well as heightened muscles that allowed her to display monstrous strength with only a flick of the fingers. As such, those eyes reflected a thrill of fighting and crushing all other living beings who stood in her path. However, she still remembered the rule of not fatally wounding her opponents. To each side when locating another opponent, Cai carried out a rhythm of slamming the opponent and then slashing. But, there would other individuals who could potentially keep up with her devastating speed and power, though a challenger worthy enough to incite her full strength did not appear. The sounds of utter mayhem, with echoes of explosions accompanying it, resounded throughout the numerous battle fields. *** Suddenly, smoke was sighted in the scene of mayhem, as time passed by. The start was slow, but each great thing starts as a minuscule amount until displaying unimpeded presence. Out of nowhere, the thunderous roars of combat were heard. The whereabouts of its origin being the open fields of the forest suddenly caught attention. In the prolific struggle of things, chaos ensued at a blink of an eye. Clear evidence of struggles became apparent. Individuals within striking range from each other would attack unimpeded. However, precautions were put in place for no deaths to occur. *** ¡°The next generation of Knights.¡± That message spread like wildfire across the masses. Billboards and other advertisements across the nation displayed awaited news of the exam. Commonly associated with already polished Knights that were officially listed, candidates garnered as much attention, perhaps even more. For fame, financial wealth or developing connections that could better one¡¯s life, the countless benefits a well-known Knight could attain varied, offered great rewards. Some did not share the same views as these, though. Having to fight in order for peace or retaliation on the Abyss, they too walked the same path but would diverge at some point to attain their own goals. Despite a clash of ideologies, elite academies welcomed any able bodied individual with open arms. Most candidates would charge forth with their dreams in focus. If they could be accepted into an extraordinary elite academy and could draw the attention of Legions who would scout them at the end of the training period would be their end goal. Everything was one the line. ¡°Attention! It was a slow but thrilling start, with hundreds of candidates being eliminated but 2,240 individuals have already reached the minimum scores. Therefore, part one of the entrance exam is over. All candidates are to report to the Assembly Hall to review if they made it through or not.¡± *** Undisclosed information. Summon: Refers to an entity called to a specific location from its original homeland in the vast habitats and environments. It can be summoned anywhere, regardless of the distance between the 2 parties. A ¡°contract¡± is formed binding both entities to each other, if the agreed upon terms are fulfilled by both parties.