The elder in charge of the special training stood in front of the group of trainees, and addressed the group. "I am very proud of the progress that you have made in this three months of intense training. I can honestly say that this group is the best we have ever seen. For that reason, we have decided to increase the difficulty of the graduation test to conform to your improvement."
"What do you think the test is going to be Bhirl?" said rahz.
" Shhh!!! Be quiet"
" Do you think we have to fight one of the elders? Because I am ready... Let's go!!!"
" Shhh!!!"
" Maybe we have to steal something from an enemy village"
" DAMN IT RHAZ!!! SHUT THE HELL UP!!!"
Looking at the screaming Bhirl, everyone present was flabbergasted about the sudden outburst. It was extremely disrespectful to interrupt an elder no matter who it was.
Realizing what he had done Bhirl thought. 'Just wait Rhaz, you are going to pay for this one. Better prepare that smug face of yours.' With a face full of embarrassment, Bhirl bow to the elders and said " I am very sorry for the interruption elder please continue."
"Since the young lord allowed us to continue, then let's proceed." said the elder in a sarcastic tone.
Bhirl’s face turned even redder from embarrassment and he just wanted to look for a rock to hide under.
"As I was saying before the rude interruption, the test this year will be a lot tougher. during past years we would have asked you to kill one beast of your same level or higher. However, the level this year is so outstanding that we have decided to up the ante. This year the test will require you to reach level 5 through the slaying of beast in the forest outside the village."
Commotion started to spread amongst the trainees, that could not contain the excitement.
Shhh!!!
One of the elders try to keep the order in the square so they could continue the explanation of the task.
" Within 50 miles of Hellgahvall there are many beast that range between level 3 to level 4. To the north you will find a cave known as the crystal spider cave. The further you go into the cave the higher the level of the creatures walking around. This is a very dangerous but profitable place. The silk of the spider is very durable and can be made into wonderful dresses. If you manage to get some, the village can buy them from you at 2 copper per stack. The crystal spiders are very fast so it is a good hunting ground for classes with high agility."
" To the east within the 50 mile perimeter you will be able to to find Timber wolves and bears. The fur of the wolves are even more profitable than the crystal spider silk, the village will buy it at 2 copper per skin and the bear because of its size will be 4 copper for the skin as long as it is not too damage. If you want to achieve maximum profit by keeping the pelts intact, the best way is by stabbing the beast through the eyes and into the brain to kill them".
"For those of you that use axes or other heavy weapons a cut to the neck or a chop to the top of the head is the next best option. It is very important to remember that a pelt is not more important than your lives. Always keep that in mind. That being said, The area to the east is better suited for warriors with high strength able to go through the tough hide of the beast"
" To the south it is the territory of the the snow leopards. They are fast and very cunning. If you are hunting in the area you need to be extra careful. They are nocturnal creatures and can climb trees very easily so I recommend coming back close to the village during the night. The snow leopards have a beautiful coat that is very popular with the ladies. The village will pay 3 copper coins per every hide".
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
"Last but not least, to the west you can find Ice Kobolds. They are Rat like creatures that like Shiny objects. There are large deposits of copper close to the mountains so it is like heaven for this creatures. You can find them in their caverns or digging the copper deposits close by. It should be clear by now where we get the copper for our weapons. Kobolds are not particularly strong but they are always found in large numbers. Do not be deceived if you see a lone kobold because for every kobold you see there are 100 more nearby. This is the most profitable location but also the most dangerous. Unless you reach level 5 do not attempt to take them on".
"Elders will be assigned to each of the 4 areas making sure nothing too bad happens to you. The Elders are not there to help you passed the test so make sure you don't rely too much on their assistance the zones are pretty large areas and they might not be able to make it to your location. Accidental deaths are very common during this test so please don't gamble with your life".
"You will pass the test if in 3 days you can come back and your level has improved to Level 5".
"Do not worry about the corpses of the beast you kill, there will be a team in charge of keeping track and giving you the credit you deserve . The pelts will be examine and rated before payment is issued accordingly".
"The test will start tomorrow. Go prepare".
Rahz had wised up since the last time he had played a prank on Bhirl and try to quickly leave the training grounds.
"Not fast enough Rahz"
"Is that a flying kick? As savage as ever."
"Good thing I have gotten quicker. Muahahaha, I win this one." Said Rahz while dashing to his home.
Ouch....
Bhirl smile while he threw rocks towards the fading silhouette. " Sigh, he is getting really strong I need to double my training."
When Rahz came home, his mother was hard at work making lunch and just the smell made Rahz stomach growl.
With a smile on her face Etta told Rahz to take a seat and wait for the food.
" Did they tell you what the test was about? "
" Yup. 3 days in the wild, we pass if we reach level 5." Said Rahz while trying to grab some food from the pot."
" How far out are you allowed to go" Said Etta smacking his hands away from the food.
" I think they said 50 miles in every direction".
Etta furrow her brows and very seriously said to his son, " There are occasions where Level 6 beast appear at the 50 mile mark, promise me you will not try to be a hero Rahz, it is too early for you to fight that kind of opponent. Even though beast won’t get wisdom until they have their first evolution they are still very powerful".
Being stare at by his loving mother, Rahz finally nodded and said "I promise".
Rahz spent the afternoon getting ready for the test. He packed pretty light for his outing as he was only going to be out for 3 days. Rahz took a small leather pouch and put what he considered essential for the trip. He took his Maintenance kit, Some dry food and finally he took a flint. Once he had arrange his back, Rahz went out and started to train his 2h axe proficiency for the rest of the day.
As the first light of the day hit the snow covered rooftops of the village, Rahz was standing by the door of his home. He was carrying his 2h Axe on his back and had a leather pouch strap to the waist. With the meeting time a couple of hours away, It was too early to head there.
"Why don't you do maintenance on your weapon, it always calmed me down when I was an adventurer" Said Rhaen after observing his nervous son.
Rahz decided to follow his dad advise and started to clean Mr. Choppy while thinking about everything that he had learn over the course of the special training, he had come a long way. Very soon he was so immerse in the the task at hand that he completely forgot about the test. It wasn't until his mom called him to the table that Rahz snap back to reality.
Rahz had a very sumptuous breakfast before realizing that it was time to go. He picked up his axe and headed for the door saying goodbye to his parents.
" Hold on son"
The sudden call made Rahz stop in his tracks. Rhaen pull his son aside and told him to pick the east side for his test, the reason being that the creatures there seldom climb trees so he could sleep up there relatively safe from harm.
"I know you love your axe but a lot can happen in a battlefield. Take this, it might save your live."
Rahz looked at the knife handle sticking out of the sheath and was pretty stoked. That was a very stylish knife. He placed the knife around his waist and thank his Dad with a bright smile on his face.
After checking that he had everything he needed, Rahz finally headed to the meeting place.