"The ones who had gathered the biggest number of tags shall have the priority in choosing who they have as their teammate, and more importantly, where exactly they should go." As Winsdoor said that, the second supervisor came out dragging a giant map on four wheels.
The map was at least 5 feet tall and 6 feet wide. Talon could see most details on the map.
'That desert is truly massive.' He thought to himself. 'Almost 90% of the map is just desert, and that small place in the middle, I assume that's the city.'
"You can choose from 4 different areas you can go to. All of them are north, but they vary greatly from one another so consider your choice carefully." He said. "Now, we shall start, Miss Leen, do you have any desired group members you want to join forces with?"
Everyone immediately looked at Leen, curious about what she was going to say. Nobody there seemed to know her well enough and some were even terrified of her after the show of power she did not so long ago.
The girl didn't seem to be bothered by the eyes around her and simply replied. "Is working alone allowed?" She asked.
Winsdoor adjusted his glasses as he looked at her. "Were my words encrypted, Miss Leen? The rule is that only two or more people are allowed to go through the next phase unless you do not want to continue, of course."
"Tsk..." The girl clicked her tongue as she looked away. Her eyes wandered around the place, looking at every single person. Her glare made many flench, but some quickly realized that this might be an opportunity.
"I can be the second member of your group if you want." One contestant suddenly said with the best fake professional smile he could muster.
"No, I can be of help! I am stronger than him!"
"No, choose me!"
In a few moments, the entire arena was submerged in chaos as everyone tried to catch Leen's attention. They had realized that if they were able to join her group, their chances of survival might actually rise way higher, and consequentially, they would be able to pass it.
However, with that many people trying the same thing, quarrels erupted rather quickly.
"Shut up, you weak bastard! You have only gotten one tag! You were lucky to survive!"
"Says the person who took two and then hid in a corner like a scared rat for the rest of the test! At least I fought fair and square."
"Do you want to fight?"
"Bring it on, idiot!"
"Silence!!!"
At that moment, Winsdoor's voice echoed in the entire place, making everyone instantly silent. Their souls shook from the sheer power of his voice.
"I do not accept disrespect where I am. This is no wild forest nor the place where you can argue childishly, remain silent." He said with a stern tone.
Even though he didn't say any insults, everyone felt ashamed of what they did and turned to face him again.
"Even for someone like her, that region is too dangerous!"
"My grandpa went there once as a part of an army, he said most of the army was wiped out and only a few were left alive."
Such things could be heard everywhere and that confused Talon even more. 'What? So that's a dangerous zone? Well, that should be expected, but their reactions are certainly weird.' Enjoy exclusive content from m-v l'-NovelFire
"Uh, what is the Lost Mist Region?" He asked Leen in a low tone.
The latter gave him a side glance. "I will tell you later."
"... If you say so."
***
After that, the process continued peacefully. People were able to choose their groups. Most went with the optimal number of 6 people, while others went with 4 members. Only a few did choose the duo strategy.
Most of them simply did it out of arrogance and not confidence which made it obvious that they wouldn't go far that way. However, nobody stopped them, not even the supervisors. A fool will always be a fool, no matter what you tell them.
After that, they all chose the area they would go to. Talon noticed that most of them chose the first area and from what he heard, it was the safest out of the four options. Some chose the second area, and even fewer people chose the third one.
What shocked him was that not a single group chose the fourth area. Not even the arrogant fools seemed to consider that as an option even.
At that point, Talon was certain the fourth area was exceptionally dangerous compared to the other ones. That naturally raised the question, why did Leen choose that area as their test? Was she unaware of how dangerous it was?
From the way she talked, that didn't seem to be the case. So, that only left one single possible option.
'She chose that deliberately.' Talon mused as he looked at the girl. 'Does she have something to do there? Or maybe she just wants a challenge? Ugh, I really can't read her at all.' He thought to himself.
As he was struggling inwardly, the process finally came to an end.
"Thank you everyone for your presence. The test shall start officially in three days. Make sure to get to know your group and work on strategies and plans together. Don't forget, teamwork is the key to passing this test, so make sure to work together and not separately."
With that, the contestants were able to finally leave the Blue Tower. Many immediately went to greet their families to tell them about the good news while others immediately gathered with their groups to start the work. Three days might sound like plenty of time, but considering the dangerous test, it was probably not enough.
As for Talon, he stopped at the entrance and looked at Leen who was taking her belongings from the receptionist. "So, where should we go to talk?" He asked.
"..." The girl put her backpack on and said. "Follow me. I know a place."
"Lead the way then."
A//N: If you enjoyed reading, don't forget to support the book with GT and PS. Thank you!