Chapter 17: The Hunter Exams Begin
The next two months passed in a blur of intense training. Akira and Ren threw themselves into the grind, pushing their bodies and minds beyond their limits.
---
Montage:
Akira swings his twin swords through the air in a forest clearing, his form fluid and graceful. His Blazing Slash bursts into flames with a roar, cutting through training dummies, their charred remains scattering in the wind. His strength has increased, his body conditioned to take on even the toughest opponents.
Ren weaves through the forest, his twin daggers flashing as he performs a series of fluid movements, striking trees and rocks with pinpoint precision. His agility and reflexes have become almost supernatural. His attacks are faster and more deadly than ever, his focus honed to a razor-sharp edge.
Both Akira and Ren spend hours in the forest, fighting goblins, wolves, and even minor magical beasts, gaining experience, refining their skills, and learning to work together in harmony.
Akira meditates by a small stream, his hands pressed together as he focuses on expanding his mana pool. Slowly, the shimmering glow of magic surrounds him, and he feels his mana reserve grow, his connection to the system deepening. He practices controlling his fire magic, learning to pour it into his weapons with precision, making his flames burn hotter, brighter, and deadlier.
Ren stands by the stream’s edge, concentrating, channeling his own magic—his speed and stealth improving by leaps and bounds. He practices his fire magic, summoning small flames in his hands, and then gradually moving on to more advanced techniques, like using fire to augment his agility.
By the time January arrived, the duo was stronger than ever. Their weapons gleamed in the morning sunlight, their bodies battle-hardened, and their minds focused. They were ready for the Hunter Exams.
---
Cut to:
The grand Hunter Exam Stadium stood tall in the distance, a massive coliseum-like structure with an arena in the center. Thousands of spectators had gathered to witness the legendary test that could grant someone the prestigious Hunter License.
If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.
Inside the stadium, competitors lined up, each looking focused and ready. The crowd roared with excitement as the Announcer, a tall, charismatic figure with a booming voice, stood at the center of the arena.
"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen!" the Announcer’s voice rang out, making the crowd cheer even louder. "Welcome to the Hunter Exams! This is where the best of the best will rise, and only the strongest will survive! The exams will last three months, and only the most powerful and skilled will walk away with the coveted Hunter License!"
He paused dramatically, scanning the eager faces in the crowd.
"Today, we begin with Phase 1: The 1v1 Battle! Each competitor will face off against another in a match of pure skill and determination. Only the winners will move on to the next phase!"
The Announcer began calling out names, and the first few pairs of competitors stepped forward, engaging in fierce battles. Each match was over quickly, the tension palpable in the air as the crowd cheered wildly.
Finally, the Announcer’s voice rang out again, and the stadium went silent.
"Next up! Akira Azami... versus... Julian Ferna, from the noble house of Ferna!"
The crowd gasped, whispers traveling like wildfire. Akira’s name echoed through the air, but it didn’t seem to excite the audience. Most were already buzzing about the infamous Julian Ferna, a cocky mage with a reputation for arrogance and raw power. He was a noble, one of the highest-ranked participants, and many had already pegged him as a top contender.
A few moments later, a figure in a black cloak stepped into the arena, the late arrival causing whispers to grow louder. Julian Ferna stood on the other side of the arena, his hands glowing with arcane magic, a smug grin on his face as he looked down at Akira, who had just appeared. He scoffed.
"Really? You’re the one I’m facing? What an embarrassment," Julian sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. "You’re late, and you don’t even look like you belong here."
Akira, who had just arrived, didn’t even flinch. His face was calm, his eyes narrowed with focus. He had no time to listen to Julian's insults. His mind was on one thing only: the fight.
As the announcer began to explain the rules, the air began to hum with energy. But before the match could officially begin, something strange happened. There was a sudden spike of mana—two large, sharp surges of mana heading directly toward the stadium. The crowd fell silent in anticipation, the hairs on the back of their necks standing up as they felt the mana crackle in the air. The ground rumbled slightly as if something—or someone—was approaching with immense power.
Then, with a deafening crash, the ground exploded, and a dust cloud filled the air. The crowd gasped in shock as two dark, cloaked figures emerged from the dust, their presence overwhelming. They were dressed in identical black cloaks, but what stood out were the white and purple masks and white and red masks they wore.
As the dust settled, the figure in the white and purple mask spoke with a cool, steady voice. "I am Akira, sir."
The crowd was stunned into silence. The announcer, along with the other spectators, could only gape in disbelief. There, standing before them, was the very same Akira Azami who was supposed to have entered the ring earlier. But he had arrived late—very late.
Akira gave a small, slightly apologetic shrug. "Sorry about that. My friend here..." He motioned to the figure in the white and red mask. "...is terrible with directions."
The crowd exploded in murmurs of disbelief and laughter. Julian Ferna, on the other hand, looked infuriated, his pride taking a massive blow. "What is this nonsense?!" he shouted, eyes blazing with fury. "I don’t care who you are—this is a mockery!"
Akira stepped forward, his eyes sharp as he met Julian’s gaze. "Does it matter? I’m here now, and we’re about to fight."
Ren, behind the mask, gave a slight chuckle. "Let's just hope we make it through the first phase."
The announcer, still recovering from the shock of the entrance, regained his composure and raised his voice. "It seems we’ve had a... dramatic entrance! But no matter! The match will begin! Contestants, prepare yourselves!"
With the ring set and the audience roaring in anticipation, Akira stood tall, his twin swords gleaming in the light. Julian Ferna, now fuming with anger and embarrassment, clenched his fists, prepared to show Akira why he was the superior contender.
---
The first phase of the Hunter Exams was about to begin.