Writer's Note: Yo! Been busy due to really horrible work hours. Zaku has completed his trial and will now enter one of the illustrious academies for Shadow Hunters. His results will determine which organization will recruit him when he reaches of age, 15, when he graduates. First, he must pass the qualification tests and become a student. Enjoy.
Chapter 4: The Qualification Tests
"Now, Zaku. Be sure not to use your sword's power until the combat trial. Just use your ice powers and partial transformation to get classes for Shadow Hunters with those particular powers. That way, your combat prowess with Blue Dragon will be more effective if you require using your transformation," Jinzo said as he and Zaku appeared before a giant golden gate the next day.
"So much happened yesterday and now this," Zaku sighed. He had gotten a short sword, three barrels full of ammo for the Desert Eagle, Star Scream was upgraded and enchanted, and he got three additional magical items. One was a black ring he wore on the opposite index finger than the storage ring.
The black ring had a black dragon on it, a red diamond encrusted as a tiny eye for the serpent-bodied dragon. Jinzo said it had mysterious abilities, taken from an alien general he killed. The dragon definitely looked like none of the dragons he ever saw in picture books.
The second item were his black steel war boots. Metal covered the leather of the boots and the image of a red bear was on the sides of the boots. It had a simple magical ability of allowing Zaku to store spirit energy into it. Zaku did this sparingly as it was always good to have spirit energy and he could tap into the store spirit energy to replenish his own.
The last item was a silver, finger-less glove to wear over his left hand. It was enchanted to seal the star-infusion energy of the carving. The drawback was that his spirit energy would not be augmented by the carving's energy. This meant he could not kill creatures as easily as he did back at the vampire coven. He would have to kill creatures the same way as everyone else.
Besides those, he received emergency supply kits, extra clothes, and food. This was to prepare for the event Zaku was to participate in during the qualification tests. He also received two books. One was a survival guide Jinzo personally wrote for each of his Yakuza Shadow Hunters. It told them how to light a fire, set up tents, and other important survival knowledge. The second book was an encyclopedia of Dark creatures, listing their physical makeup, abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. It also had some details of their social behavior and tendencies. These two books were more important than the magical items, to Zaku. Reading these books would definitely increase his likelihood to survive and his health status and battle strategies.
"Welcome, Master Hatake and Young Master Hatake!" faculty of the Shadow Hunter Academy greeted, many people turning their heads. None of them received such a welcome, not even those from the great Shadow Hunter clans. They turned to see a man in a simple black tuxedo with the top button of his white polo unbuttoned. He radiated power and majesty.
Then they saw the boy beside him. Save for the steel boots, this boy wore a simple black V-neck shirt and black formal pants. They first stared at the glove over his left hand before seeing his jade eyes. They seemed iridescent and slightly glowed. Some more powerful Shadow Hunters sensed the boy had quite a lot of spirit energy in his body, but paled as they could not sense the man's power.
"Jinzo 'the Slaughter Throne 'Hatake. One of the top ten Shadow Hunters in the Red Sun Empire. Did some child finally pass his trial and became his foster child?" an elder of one of the four Great Clans muttered, his entourage silent and observing.
"Name and purpose?" a man in a white tuxedo asked as he saw Jinzo and Zaku. He had a laptop atop a desk and was responsible to track the visitors who would apply their children for the qualification test. Those who were already students merely showed their school I.D. before walking inside.
"My name is Jinzo Hatake, B Rank Shadow Hunter," Jinzo said, showing his badge to the man who paled upon seeing it. "This is my son, Zaku Hatake. His strength should equate that of a Rank G Shadow Hunter. He will apply for school here."
"B...B Rank Shadow Hunter?" the man stuttered as he carefully returned the badge after scanning it with a scanner and seeing the Jinzo's face and profile appear on a computer.
"Please. I cannot compare with those who live on the mainland with A Rank profiles or higher," Jinzo shrugged. "I'm not that strong, yet. Are we allowed access now?"
"Of course. Please head on inside. It is an honor to have you both here," the man burst as he stood up and gestured into the academy with the utmost respect and awe for the man. Those with an C Rank or above were the reason the Red Sun Empire could not be invaded and the reason the strongest of Dark creatures were slain.
When the Dark creatures came, they all started at the lowest rank. That was the H Rank. What used to be Japan, the island nation had quickly retaliated and killed most of the Dark Creatures as their nation was not that big compared to some of the larger nations. Thus, the island nation had an easier time protecting themselves with most of the Dark creatures dead.
It can be said, based on the Red Sun Empire's true origins, that the reason B Rank Shadow Hunters were considered the elite was simply because there were no real threats within most of the land. All over the world, the same could be said that Dark creatures of the A, S, and SS Rank might be the eldest Dark creatures in existence. That, or they are one of the more powerful species humanity was incapable of annihilating in the past.
"You are strong," Zaku noted as they walked in. In the Red Sun Empire, the top ten were all B Rank Shadow Hunters. Even though it was simply the B Rank, the differences in Ranks were like heaven and earth beginning from the D Rank. Most people spend countless years categorized at the E Rank, only gaining power equivalent to the lesser D Rank shadow Hunters due to magical items and artifacts.
"Why do you think I can still possess my own gang?" Jinzo laughed. "I expect you to succeed. Protect my friend's daughter. His stepson, don't bother with him. He's stronger than you are. Well, as strong as the Blue Dragon. Remember, keep the blue lightning and gravity sealed. Do not use them."
After half an hour later, one thousand applicants had arrived. However, less than half would be accepted. Jinzo and the other guardians and family members were not allowed further inside the academy and watched as the applicants ventured into the main auditorium. Inside were two stalls. One stall was for girls. The other stall was for boys. At each stall, the applicants were required to do weigh ins and measurements. Then, they had to place their hands on crystal balls to gauge their spirit energy levels.
"Please put your hand on the crystal ball for spirit energy testing," a man said after Zaku had his weigh ins and measurements done.
"Alright," Zaku said and placed his hand on the crystal ball. Inside, two spheres of light shined within the crystal ball.
"Two stars. Proof of Zaku Hatake reaching the status of G Rank Shadow Hunter," the mn said as he wrote down Zaku's information onto a laptop. "Now, please display some of your power, or powers. You may also state what they are if you wish to keep the information private."
"Do I have to show them all?" Zaku asked.
"No. We received information from Lord Jinzo Hatake regarding the status of your left hand prior to your adoption. Please keep the glove on unless you desire to reveal the star-infusion carving," the man said in a low tone, pity in his eyes as he knew the painful procedures to acquire one. "Your transformation ability is recorded, but please display your ice ability. Please create ice and then manipulate its form."
"Will this suffice?" Zaku asked, covering his hand in ice. Then, it changed into an ice dagger before vanishing.
"Yes. Ice creation and manipulation is confirmed. You have passed the inspection. Please enter the door to your right. It will lead you outside. Follow the sidewalk to the training fields. Further tests will be held there. The first is a basic combat test. Please make any preparations for the coming test," the man said.
As Zaku did as instructed, he learned the basic combat test was simply defeating a buff, man who had no spirit power whatsoever. Zaku easily defeated the man by tapping him on the chest and encasing the man in ice from the neck down. With no spirit power, the man could not resist or break the ice. After a short while, only five hundred remained and they learned there were two combat tests left.
"Hello everyone. My name is Maximus Crawford. I am the proctor of the second combat test. I am also the Shadow Hunter Academy's beast master. As is tradition, you will all select a Dark war beast as your opponent. Should you emerge victorious, you will receive a younger version of the same species as your own personal war beast. Mankind can only tame war beasts, not demon beasts. However, war beasts with demon blood are an exception. Do note that your life will be at stake and no one will save you unless you surrender. You can face three different war beasts, assuming you survive. That is three chances. Should you be defeated thrice, surrender, or die: you fail. Only one victory is permitted. Choose wisely and do not assume arrogance," a man in a bright red armor warned as he appeared before them.
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The applicants cried out as the ground shook, stadium walls and stands emerging from the ground. The applicants were shocked to learn they were standing in the middle of an arena. The only difference was that the sands of the arena had a two mile, oval-shaped race track for field training. Ahead of them, behind Maximus, was a giant steel cage. Murmurs buzzed around as they saw their families and guardians fill the new stands, even those who failed joining the crowd of spectators looking down at them.
"Those at the H Rank will fight war beasts in one of four platforms situated around the racing track. Those at the G Rank will fight war beasts in the central platform. When your name is called, report to your respective arenas. The one among the H Rank who defeats the most powerful war beast will be given a drop of phoenix blood of his or her choice. The one among the G Rank who defeats the strongest war beast will be given a drop of wyvern blood for himself and his war beast, also of choice. Those two people will also get to wear a white leather jacket with golden zippers and buttons to wear as part of their uniform instead of the usual black and silver," Maximus said and began calling out names.
Of all the remaining participants, only twenty seven were at the G Rank. Of the twenty seven, twenty four were members of noble or powerful clans and organizations. Many stared at the people of the H Rank with pity or disdain. The competition was bigger among the H Rank, but those at the G Rank had tougher competition. It was because a single drop of wyvern blood was a huge reward. The body of the Shadow Hunter would be reborn on a higher existence and there was a chance of a blood essence inheritance.
Their academy was also the most prestigious. It was because the principal and owner of the Shadow Hunter Academy was the most powerful Shadow Hunter in the entire Red Sun Empire and was the only A Rank Shadow Hunter. Not even the emperor, whose palace was also in the capital, dared to anger the supreme expert. With such a powerful expert backing the academy, it was no small wonder a drop of phoenix and wyvern blood was offered. Wyverns were also of the dragon race, but had wings attached to their forearms. Other nations considered them dragons though because it was a small difference.
"With this as the second-to-the-last trial, the final qualification test must be extremely dangerous. That must be the reason we are provoked to defeat the strongest war beast and gain its kin," Zaku muttered as an electric notebook was given to each of the G Rank. Within contained data of nine different war beasts. On the data, it also stated that the race you defeat does not matter if someone else defeated a war beast of the F Rank.
Zaku did not care as the other twenty six began fighting their respective war beasts as he deliberated which one would benefit him the most. There were nine creatures in total. They were a tiger, snake, fox, eagle, wolf, panther, rhino, phoenix, and wyvern. It was absolutely shocking and most of the spectators who never had a relative apply to the academy were also shocked as they saw people challenge and die to the phoenixes and wyvern.
"Oh my god! Someone defeated a G Rank Wyvern! Who is he?" a man cried out, a boy coughing blood as he did a fist pump on the stage.
"With this, the Oda Clan has a prestigious youth of the next generation," another man nodded.
"YEAH!" the boy screamed as he shook his spear in the air as his free hand held onto his left side.
"Crap. That means he is the top," one of the G Rank applicants cursed with despair and resignation.
"Unless someone beats a war beast at the F Rank, but that's suicide. Not only is the species a higher rank, the war beast is also rare and more exotic. The difference is just as great as comparing most of them to the wyvern. Each of them would be as great to own as the wyvern, the F Rank wyvern being the top prize offered. As no one dared to fight an F Rank war beast, the rest of the G Rank applicants fought, lost, or died until it was just Zaku left to challenge.
"G Rank applicant number 27: Zaku Hatake. Please come onto the platform and declare your challenge," Maximus said, all eyes on Zaku. Most of the spectators were inwardly disappointed as no one dared to fight an F Rank war beast or see much carnage and blood.
"I choose to fight the F Rank war beast of the tiger race," Zaku said, stunning everyone. Even the nearby H Rank applicants gave pause, drawing more attention until the word spread all over. The only person not stunned was Jinzo Hatake, a huge grin on his face.
"Doesn't disappoint in the slightest. Also the most ideal choice as you get a drop of wyvern blood anyway and he has that partial Lycan transformation. A tiger is the best option as they are a war beast with the most potential. While the weakest as a cub, they gain a new power as they grow. The end result would rival a wyvern anyway. It is no small wonder why people compare tigers to dragons anyway," Jinzo laughed. Those among the top clans had heard Jinzo and realized Zaku was his rumored foster child. If he was adopted by one of the elite ten B Rank Shadow Hunters, than Zaku was most certainly a boy with huge potential.
"Very well. The war beast you have selected to fight is the Rank F war beast: Amethyst Tiger King. Bring up the war beast!" Maxmimus roared, ten men bringing a rather angry, giant tiger from the steel cage door at the far end of the arena. The tiger had black ash fur, golden stripes, an amethyst crystal embedded on the center of its forehead, and radiated a menacing aura from its body. It glared down at Zaku and Maximus as an invisible barrier formed around the center platform as it was taken atop the platform by the ten staff members.
"This is the final challenger among the G Rank applicants. The war beast is a Rank F Amethyst Tiger King. A particularly rare breed of war beast found in the underground mountain area of Mt. Fuji, this tiger's main attributes are earth and lightning. Unfortunately, the challenger is one with ice powers. Ice is a well-known defensive and control attribute and is difficult to fight with offensively. With a weaker rank, Zaku Hatake will have a difficult time slaying this beast. However, he may keep the beast core and amethyst crystal within the tiger should he prove victorious," Maximus said. "Challenger, are you ready?"
"My ice won't work alone. Then I can only go berserk," Zaku growled and a dark energy swirled within his body. A black sphere of light emerged from his heart, encompassing his body. It slowly dissipated to show a changed Zaku. He had blue fur on the back of his arms, razor-sharp claws, blue fur on his cheeks, wolf ears, and even his jet black hair turned into blue fur. He outstretched his arms as he howled at the sky, spirit energy bursting forth from his body. The glove on his hand remained, changing shape so as to avoid being damaged during the transformation.
"A transformation ability?" one of the applicants gasped and saw ice form over Zaku's body. "Even elemental powers!"
"He smells like a Lycan, but he was human. What is this? How is this possible?" another person commented. This person was a half breed but Zaku smelled completely human before. It was too strange and no one could have guessed the true reason for Zaku's transformation.
"His skeletal structure also shifted. Most of his spirit energy comes from his heart. The light also seemed to originate from that area," one woman observed, one of her powers being X-ray vision. Unlike a man's fantasy, most X-ray powers really did see only bones and metals.
"Since the tiger is one captured, its strength should be lowered. Still, Zaku will have a difficult time as he cannot use his blue lightning or gravity control. If he can't use lightning, he has to endure the pain instead of absorbing the lightning. Earth is also the best defensive attribute. My guess is that it has to do with the amethyst crystal on its head," Jinzo muttered as he saw the tiger glare at his foster son. "My friend's step son, Shiro Oda, tamed a G Rank wyvern and his daughter, Suna, tamed a G Rank eagle as she lost to a G Rank phoenix. This fight will test if he can indeed be worthy to protect her."
"To surrender or die is to fail. Zaku Hatake vs. Rank F Amethyst Tiger King. Man against a war beast akin to a king. BEGIN!" Maximus roared and the crowd watched as both enemies lunged at each other from the start.