On the sixth day of CEHA's entrance exam, the protests and petitions against the organization had grown to a new peak, with 8 million signatures being collected within 48 hours - representing nearly 10% of the population of The New Earth.
In response to the ongoing protest, CEHA officials attentively heard the grievances against them. Pascal Rigal, the acting Grand Master of CEHA, and Rang Hyonu, the organization's second-in-command, convened and presented themselves before the media representatives and student council members to address the grievances.
Olivia Aveline, the President of the CEHA Student Council, declared, "We insist that the entrance examination, which is currently being conducted, be halted immediately in order to prevent any further harm. Until a thorough evaluation of the safety protocols is completed and a reliable plan is implemented to guarantee the protection of those taking the tests, these exams must not be continued.
We are confident that these modifications will assist in establishing a more equitable and impartial admissions process that is in line with CEHA's values."
Olivia Aveline addressed Pascal Rigal and the rest of the gathering with a gentle yet unwavering gaze. She had become an inspirational figurehead at CEHA due to her exemplary conduct and the respect she had garnered from her peers. Her strict yet compassionate approach was highly appreciated, and her influence was deeply felt, making her a powerful figure within the organization.
Pascal Rigal rose from his seat and approached Olivia, the camera capturing them both and broadcasting the scene to most of the world. His expression was stern as he declared, "CEHA. The entrance exam for this year has already undergone extensive evaluation before it is administered to the participants."
He gave a faint smile and a glance as he continued, "Furthermore, a pocket dimension of this size and complexity cannot be disrupted in the midst of its primary scenario without risking a high number of casualties."
Olivia started to say something, but Pascal cut her off by raising a finger. He finished his thought, "If we were to interfere in the process, the consequences would be disastrous." He smiled again, then settled back down in his seat.
"What kind of changes would the student council like to see in the entrance exams?"
"Does the student council have a timeline for when they hope to see changes to the entrance exams?"
Several journalists fired questions at Olivia, yet the girl remained unfazed, her gaze fixed on the two people who were her greatest hope at that time.
After a while, Rang Hyonu stood up from his seat. His dashing figure and firm face immediately provoked many admiring comments from people around the world. He had a handsome figure with his curly red hair and a tall stature, making him stand out in the crowd.
***
Anonymous Horse: "Mr. Rang Hyonu is indeed a very impressive man; he radiates a strong and powerful aura despite his young age.
Anonymous Pig: "Oh my gosh, I hear about him a lot, but he doesn't show up in the media very often. He's really an impressive person."
***
Rang Hyonu stood, and the room instantly hushed. He paused for a moment, then said, "Do you have any suggestions on how to approach this exam without having to take more extreme measures that could cost lives?"
Olivia responded. "We're hoping that, if possible, someone can find a way to access the pocket dimension in order to provide assistance to those inside."
"Yes, that is possible," Rang Hyonu answered. "But, there are certain requirements that must be satisfied: only a beginner-level person can enter and a maximum of four people are allowed. Nevertheless, if your worries are valid, then those four people are responsible for their own lives too."
There were still ways to provide aid and support to those in the pocket dimension. To be able to enter, four people with a Beginner level of 50-100 are required. Those who have already surpassed this level in Yunatea are not eligible to participate, as the pocket dimension's rules do not allow it.
***
The girl with short blonde hair, who looked to be 13 years old, was in a hurry to prepare something when her hunter device suddenly turned on. She pressed the screen, and a face appeared on it, the face of someone who had just been the center of attention of many people.
"Lily, are you sure you want to join me?" It was Olivia Aveline.
"Hu… Hum..." Lily nodded quickly. "Is there still a spot for me, Olivia?"
"Yes, there is still one spot for you," Olivia replied. "However, you need to be aware that this is an incredibly dangerous mission, Lily."
"I understand the risks," Lily replied. "But I'm willing to take them."
Lily smiled warmly as she felt ready and walked towards the door. "The task of a Hunter is never easy, Olivia," she said before ending the call. The door opened just as she was about to open it.
Lewis, her 13-year-old twin brother, stood before her with a stiff face and narrowed eyes. "What are you going to do, Lily?" he asked.
"Hi, Lewis... Uhmm..." Lily was perplexed by Lewis's question.
"Are you out of your mind? What do you think you're going to do by entering that pocket dimension? Help that crippled?" Lewis said, his voice slightly raised.
"No, not really... I mean... Yes..." Lily stammered, then she bit her lower lip. "Lewis! Many people's lives are at stake here. I'm trying to help a lot of people, not just Big Brother Nathan," she replied quickly.
Lily didn't wait for Lewis to answer and ran off. Despite this, Lewis still followed her.
***
Nathan stood alone on the vast sheet of ice, a solid block of determination in the middle of a desolate and ancient forest.
He had been prepared for this exact moment. The tension, anticipation, and fear were palpable in the air.
"Are you sure you don't enjoy the attention of many people, Master?" Luna floated just above Nathan, trying to start a conversation before the battle began.
"Do I appear to be the type to enjoy that?" He responded casually.
"Do you not?" Luna responded.
"I just want to finish my class quest as quickly as possible, then it will be easier for me to win this massive battle."
It was midday, and Geen, soaring through the sky, could distinctly make out the horde of monsters running toward Nathan.
The forest was eerily silent, the only noise audible was the crunch of his boots on the icy ground. He had been standing there for what felt like endless hours, yet he was unwaveringly ready to confront whatever was coming, no matter how many monsters there were!
Luna gave a light chuckle. "Most people would be terrified at the sight of so many monsters. Yet you don't seem to know the meaning of fear, Master," she said.
"If I don't do this by myself, I'm afraid that even if I have 30 minutes, I won't be able to kill the 50 monsters required for the quest. That would render my efforts futile. So, I have to do this, and I don't care what people will say about my actions. I live for myself," Nathan said confidently, a smile lighting up his face.
Nathan could feel the presence of the monsters before he even saw them. The air around him seemed to be charged with energy and fear, and he could feel the ground vibrating beneath his feet as the monsters approached. He could hear them now, their roars and growls echoing throughout the forest.
"Let's spend all my available stats, Luna," said Nathan slowly, then he allocated the stats he had where he thought fit the situation he was in.
[10 Stat Points -> Strength]
[5 Stat Points -> Dexterity]
[5 Stat Points -> Agility]
[10 Stat Points -> Magic]
"Status!" Nathan muttered under his breath.
[Status]
[Name: Nathan Gardner]
[Race: Half Human]
[Level: Beginner Lv. 59]
[Exp: 1,864/21,908]
[-]
[Strength: 80]
[Dexterity: 55]
[Agility: 55]
[Magic: 80]
[Constitution: 60]
[Stamina: 76]
[Stat Points: 0]
[Skill Points: 944,838]
"That's great!" He exclaimed. Then, he bellowed, "Berserker Form!"
Nathan saw hundreds of monsters running toward him at full speed. They were a terrifying sight, with sharp claws, fangs, and eyes glowing under the sun.
"Dragon's Fury!" He shouted.
When they were just yards away, Nathan took a deep breath and held it. He tensed his muscles, ready to fight. He could feel the power within him, and he knew he was ready.
***
Anonymous Hippo: "Nathan sure has guts, but I'd rather have brains than brawn in a fight like that!"
Anonymous Dog: "He is either brave or crazy. I'm still trying to figure out which one!"
Anonymous Cat: "I admire your ambition, Nathan, but I'm not sure this is the best idea you've ever had! This is stupid!"
***
"Fire Blade Aura!!!!"
As he spoke the words, a bright orange light engulfed his swords. The heat was intense, and the swords began to glow a brilliant red. Nathan smiled smugly as he watched his swords blazing in the fire. He crouched down as his two blazing swords were ready.
Nathan was surrounded by an array of monsters of various kinds and levels, all advancing upon him with a menacing rage. He could feel their anger radiating from them as they stormed closer, ready to unleash their fury upon him.
He could feel his adrenaline surging through his veins as he tightened his grip on the two swords in his hands. His anticipation and excitement were palpable, a smile of determination playing on his lips. He was ready to leap into the fray.
"Alright, let's do this!"