As the figure touched down on the ground, the enrollees' eyes widened in awe. He was tall, with broad shoulders and a commanding presence. His face was rugged, with a thick beard and piercing blue eyes that seemed to bore into their souls. He wore a long, flowing robe adorned with golden embroidery that shimmered in the sunlight.

"Allow me to introduce myself," the figure said, his voice booming once again. "I am Master Hawthorne, headmaster of the Aurum Ignis Academy." He gestured towards the academy's entrance, a grand gate that stood tall behind him. "Behind these gates lies a world of adventure, magic, and danger. A world where only the strongest, bravest, and most skilled hunters survive."

The enrollees felt a shiver run down their spines, but they were undaunted. They had trained for this moment, honing their skills and preparing for any challenge that lay ahead. They stepped forward, their eyes fixed on the headmaster, ready to face whatever tests the academy had in store for them.

"Only those who prove themselves worthy will be granted the privilege of training at the Aurum Ignis Academy," Master Hawthorne continued.

"But if you have what it takes, if you possess the courage, strength, and skill to face the unknown, then this is the place for you." He looked at the aspiring hunters with a keen gaze, as if measuring their potential. "The academy is not for the faint of heart, nor is it for those who seek an easy path. It is for those who hunger for adventure, for those who yearn to test themselves against the greatest challenges."

Everyone nodded in understanding, their determination only growing stronger. They had always known that the Aurum Ignis Academy was not a place for the weak-willed or timid. It was a place where they could become the best versions of themselves, where they could push themselves beyond their limits.

The headmaster's booming voice echoed through the courtyard, causing the students to stand at attention. "Are you ready to embark on this test?" he asked, his eyes scanning the crowd. "Beyond these gates lies the Forest of Trials, where danger lurks at every turn. But fear not, for you have trained for this moment."

The air in the auditorium was thick with tension as the students exchanged nervous glances, their minds racing with apprehension at the headmaster's words. His voice boomed through the room, commanding their attention as he outlined the task ahead.

"To pass this screening," he said, his eyes scanning the room, "you must traverse the forest and defeat the weakened Darkspawns that lurk within." His words hung heavy in the air, a palpable sense of unease settling over the students.

"Each Darkspawn is worth a certain number of points, ranging from 5 to 30," he continued, his voice rising in intensity. "Your goal is to gather a total of 150 points and reach the end of the forest within the span of 3 days."

At the mention of Darkspawns, the students gasped audibly, their eyes widening in apprehension. The headmaster quickly reassured them, "Fear not, for these Darkspawns are not like the calamities that threaten our world. They are far weaker, artificially adjusted to the level of your combat levels."

The students shifted uneasily, their palms clammy with sweat as they contemplated the task ahead. The forest loomed large in their minds, a dark and foreboding place filled with unknown dangers.

"Just as the forest presents dangers," the headmaster went on, "it also offers bountiful blessings with the right skills. There are plenty of resources for you to survive in 3 days. But you must be clever, and you must be quick."

He paused for a moment, letting his words sink in. "Remember," he said, his voice firm, "students may forfeit this test by firing out the flares that have been given to you during the registration. But if you can complete this task, you will prove yourselves worthy to be part of this academy."

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

The room fell silent as the headmaster finished speaking, the students lost in thought, their minds racing with the possibilities and dangers of the task ahead. They knew that the coming days would test them in ways they had never imagined, but they were determined to emerge victorious, no matter the cost.

With a satisfied hum, the headmaster gestured towards the gates. "Now, go forth and show me what you're made of. The Forest of Trials awaits, and only the strongest and most skilled hunters will make it through."

Without hesitation, the students charged forward, their feet pounding against the ground as they raced towards the gates that led into the forest. A chorus of voices rose up around them, shouting the rallying cry of their academy: "For Agartha!"

Their voices echoed through the trees, a fierce declaration of their determination to succeed. With every step they took, their spirits grew stronger, their bodies infused with a newfound energy.

The forest loomed ahead of them, dark and ominous, but the students showed no fear. And so they charged forward, their hearts pounding with adrenaline, their eyes fixed firmly on the task at hand.

As the other students charged forward with excitement, there was one young man who stood out from the crowd. He was small in stature and sported black turtleneck that seemed too large on him, white shorts, combat boots, and gloves. He also wore round, nerdy glasses with a string holder on one side. His jittery demeanor and distraught expression stood in stark contrast to the fierce determination of the other students.

Daniel noticed the young man and immediately stopped in his tracks. He approached the boy with a look of concern etched on his face. Meanwhile, Amber briefly looked back at Daniel's actions but continued rushing forward into the forest without a second thought.

"Hey, are you okay?" Daniel asked, placing a hand on the boy's shoulder. The young man simply stared at him with confusion and unease, unsure of what to make of Daniel's kindness.

As Amber disappeared into the forest, Daniel realized he had to catch up. "Go without me," he said to the esper. "Let's see each other again if the opportunity arises."

But Amber, who had no time for Daniel's distractions, merely huffed snobbishly and paid no attention to his words, determined to reach the end of the forest before anyone else.

Daniel turned his attention back to the young man, his expression filled with concern. As he looked at the boy, he was reminded of someone he knew in the past.

"Are you going to be alright?" he asked softly. "Would you like to come with me?"

The boy hesitated before bursting into tears. "I didn't want to take this hunter exam," he sobbed. "My father made me attend this academy and become a 'real man' or something. I just want to stay at home and read books and make things. I'm not cut out for all of this."

Daniel's heart went out to the boy. Being a hunter was not an easy path to take, and it required great willpower and courage. He couldn't imagine how difficult it must be for the young man to be forced into it against his will.

"What if you turned around and forfeited your admission?" Daniel asked, hoping to provide an alternative to the boy.

"I can't do that," the boy replied through his tears. "My father said he'll throw out all of my books if I don't go through with this. I'd rather die than let that happen."

Daniel chuckled weakly, troubled by the situation. "How about you come with me, and I'll look out for you until we get through the finish line. Then, you can talk to your father about his decision. It'll be better than coming back empty-handed."

The boy looked up at Daniel with hopeful, yet teary eyes. "You will?" he asked. "But won't I get in your way?"

"It's fine," Daniel replied, his playful wink adding levity to the situation. "Besides, I'm pretty strong myself."

"Okay," the boy said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Call me Theo."

"I'm Daniel," he responded with a smile. "Now let's get going, we have a test to pass!"

With Theo by his side, he charged forward with a renewed sense of purpose, his feet pounding against the earth as he raced towards their destination, their silhouette disappearing into the horizon.

The air around them was thick with tension, and as they ran, Daniel couldn't help but wonder what kind of obstacles awaited them ahead. Regardless, he believed that no task ahead was too monumental, afterall, this was only the start of his true goal. The two boys ran and disappeared into the sunset, leaving behind traces of dust that soon also faded into nothingness.

However, little did they know that what truly awaited them in the Forest of Trials, was something far more daunting than what they had ever anticipated.

"Go ahead and run to your hearts' content," a shadowy figure murmured, their voice a menacing growl, the words dripping with malice.

"It won't last long."