I lined up with everyone else after a week of individual training. I had spent a lot of this week sparring with the other creatures in my cohort. That was where I had my highest tier skill, where each level meant much more improvement compared to the other skills.
Experience: -18,500 EXP
Features: Interface, Avatar, Skill Attunement
T1 Skills: Movement (53/100) +6, Listening (34/100) +1, Balance (33/100) +4
T2 Skills: Danger Sense (20/100) +2
T3 Skills: Claw Combat (18/100) +6
What amazed me was that I still had such a long way to go in terms of fighting when I was already this strong. I guess that was another reason they had us spar with the Master Assassins and Fenrir so that we wouldn’t get big heads.
Even with my improvement, I felt that I could make them really work for a win at least. At least that was my hope. It was hard to quantify each level. Mes had explained that it was a percentage based on the total understanding of the skill. New things that aligned with the skill gave a bigger boost to understanding than rote practice.
That was a big reason why I was okay with sparring, even with the risk it posed. While my Claw Combat wasn’t that high, my Movement was by far my best skill. Learning when to tense and breathe was a key part of it.
Mes had assured me that while there was overlap, one skill wasn’t taking away from another. It was just that higher tier skills had a lot more depth to them. Movement was mostly focused on myself, while Claw Combat depended a lot on the opponent. That was another reason why it was so hard to level up. There was only so much variation while fighting against the other creatures in my cohort.
Paladin Bloodclaw made his way to the front of our group, glaring at all of us. I don’t think it was possible for him to smile. I knew badgers could smile, but Bloodclaw seemed to be in a constant foul mood.
“No one slept the week away. And you are all healthy enough. That is good. Your test now is against challengers. Once you are a Neophyte, there is no infighting. But many other creatures covet your positions and the rewards that come with being successful in this line of work.”
“That’s right, it is kill or be killed. Any challenger that kills you, will take your place as a Neophyte. If you want to back out now, let me know.” No one spoke up. We all had our own reasons for being here, but none of us were quitters.
“Didn’t think any of you would quit, but that was your last chance.” Paladin Bloodclaw gestured and a pair of mice rolled out a table with weapons, harnesses, and sheaths. I also noted necklaces with a small red stone on them. “These are live blades based on what you have been using in the past.” No one moved to take one. One thing we all knew in our souls was not to mess around while Paladin Bloodclaw was nearby.
“You will be taken to an island. Failed applicants, other members of the order, criminals on death row, they will each have a blue pendant while you have a red. You need to get two blue pendants to pass. You may not kill or rob other members of your cohort, but you can and should kill any other creature.” I gulped nervously but kept as still as possible. Things were getting really serious. I thought we might have to run a course or something, not a death island right away.
“Each extra blue pendant is worth one point. No taking them off and put them on when you claim them. No hiding them. No destroying the cameras or messing with the people monitoring the event. They will be dressed in white and wearing masks. If they give you any instructions, follow them without question or you will fail instantly. You can team up or not. That is your choice, but the requirements and the rules against infighting remain the same.”
“You have to remain on the island for at least two days. Once those two days are up, you can make your way back to the drop off point. You can also return if you are wounded and give up if you don’t have two blue pendants. The other creatures have been released at the far side of the island in separate groups, so they are spread out a bit. The time limit is five days. After that you should return to the drop off point or you will be left behind, along with the rest of the creatures on the island that are still alive. Which is a death sentence so there is no confusion. Any questions?” I tried to think of any, but Paladin Bloodclaw had explained everything pretty much.
Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.
Knaves raised his hand. “Speak,” Paladin Bloodclaw said.
“Will they have guns?” Knaves asked.
“Possibly. No information is being given to you about the threat you will face. Just like you would experience in a real mission. There are no civilians, only yourselves and the creatures that need to die.”
Sharpfang asked the next question. “If we collect all the blue pendants, can we knock other people out?” I had thought of that, but I didn’t want to ask and draw negative attention to myself. But Sharpfang didn’t care in the slightest it appeared. He probably wanted to prove he was the best.
I was going to kill as many as I could regardless. I needed EXP and this was my job. Even if it was stressful, I just had to believe in myself.
“Yes. But let me make it clear. You are not allowed to target or build traps with the sole purpose of hitting one of your cohort. While there might be collateral damage, just be aware the other creatures will work together in their groups. That is enough questions. Get your equipment and then get your pack at the edge of the room. It has already been filled with supplies. You can also get anything you want from your rooms as well. Report outside in fifteen minutes. Dismissed,” Paladin Bloodclaw said.
I went over to the table and put on my pendant right away. I didn’t pick a weapon since I had my claws. I then raced over grabbed my pack and checked it. Each pack had a small paper tag with each creature’s name on it. Dried fish, berries, and four water bottles. There was a lighter, a spool of metal wire, compass, plastic map of the island, and that was it.
There was enough food for a rough five days, or a full belly for two days. That was probably another test within the test. I quickly put on my pack and rushed to my room. I put in a single change of clothing and Mes’ stone. I was not leaving that behind no matter what.
I then raced back outside to get in line with everyone else and spent the time adjusting the straps on my pack, so it fit snuggly on my pack and didn’t chafe. “Think we should team up?” Blackfur asked me while looking at the other two pairs and Knaves by himself.
That was a tough question. I wanted to say yes right away, but I wanted to work with Mes to do well. I was also nervous, this being my first time I had to go out and kill creatures. I knew we were being judged and I couldn’t count on having my paw held. I took a deep breath to steady myself. “I don’t think it is a good idea. They clearly want us to be independent,” I replied.
“Alright,” Blackfur replied a bit unhappily. Tough for him. I wasn’t here to make friends and help other creatures. I was here to get stronger and kill creatures. A bus began to approach around the training building on a service road.
Paladin Bloodclaw drove a bus up to where we were standing and got out. “Everyone in. We are going to the docks and then on a boat. You will be at the island in about two hours.” Everyone quickly got on the bus and was fairly quiet as Paladin Bloodclaw got on last. The entire bus tilting slightly due to his large size and armor.
I pulled out the map and took a look at it. The island was a rough circle about ten miles or sixteen kilometers across. A solid half day of travel. In the center there was a half ring of cliffs next to a crescent lake, with the cliffs being on the outside. A small stream ran East from the lake. There were several roads and a couple of buildings that were marked on the map, but there was no large town or other settlement.
Our initial landing point was marked on the Southern edge of the island. I would move along the coast to the West and circle around to the North side of the island. There were more trees, less roads, and rougher terrain on that side according to the map.
That would also cover my left side and make any traps visible. The biggest risk was how exposed I would be on the coast. I would need to watch out for any other creature that had the same idea. We came to a stop at a dock with a small boat. Everyone got off with their packs and onto the boat. Paladin Bloodclaw drove the boat as well.
Unlike the large cargo ships I had been on with my father, I felt ill on this small boat. My stomach wanted to crawl out of my throat. Cats and water didn’t mix at all. I grasped a railing near the back of the boat, closed my eyes, and focused on my breathing.
It wasn’t helping that much. Only Grizzle and Shiversnout were affected, but nowhere as much as I was. The rocking just threw off my sense of balance. This truly was the worst as I tried to keep my stomach under control. Each time the boat went up and down, my stomach tried to go up out of my throat, and then my guts wanted to purge themselves.
I was glad I had used the bathroom in the morning before all of this. Having an accident would be incredibly embarrassing. I couldn’t even chuckle or smile about the thought of Paladin Bloodclaw having to clean up a mess. The fact that the thought even entered my mind, was a clear sign that this boat trip was the absolute worst.