The candidates gathered once again, this time at the edge of a massive stone platform inscribed with glowing runes—the teleportation array that would cast them into the wilderness.
Ardyn Vale stood before them, his expression colder than ever. In his hand, he held a small box filled with silver tubes—flares.
"Listen carefully," he began, his voice cutting through the murmurs. "You are about to enter the Verdant Wilds, one of the most dangerous regions near the Capital."
He held up one of the flares.
"Each of you will be given one of these. If you find yourself in mortal danger and wish to forfeit the examination, fire the flare into the sky. Immediate rescue will follow. However, if you activate your flare, you will be disqualified. You will not be allowed to retake the examination."
He paused, letting the weight of his words settle on them.
"Beyond that, there are no rules. Survive for three days. Hunt if you can. Hide if you must."
Ardyn's eyes narrowed.
"Points will be awarded based on the number and quality of the beast cores you collect. Rank One beasts will earn you few points. Rank Two will earn you more. And if you dare to bring back the core of a Rank Three beast... well, you will be rewarded handsomely."
Nervous tension filled the air. Even the most confident candidates clenched their fists or shifted uneasily.
Ardyn stepped aside.
"The array will scatter you randomly throughout the forest. You will be alone—no groups allowed. Trust in your training, or pray to the stars."
One by one, the candidates stepped onto the teleportation platform. When it was Eryon's turn, he tightened his grip on the flare handed to him, his heart thundering in his chest.
He looked at Kael and Ryn, who nodded silently. No words were needed. They would each survive—and they would meet again at the end.
With a flash of blinding light, Eryon's world twisted, and he was hurled into the unknown.