Chapter 363: First Contact With The Enemy
The branch creaked slightly beneath them as Ren adjusted his position, crouched with his arms resting on his knees.
A faint wind stirred the leaves around their perch, rustling softly like whispers from below. Far beneath them, the mist covered forest stretched in every direction, deceptively calm.
Ren broke the silence. "This exam was designed to incite conflict. Brutal conflict."
Lilith leaned back against the thick trunk, arms crossed. "Obviously. One prize, too many competitors, and a time limit? It’s built to create pressure. And bloodshed."
Thorn nodded, wiping sweat from his brow. "And with only until sundown... we’re talking eight hours at best. Shorter days this far up the mountain."
"That’s the point." Ren glanced at Thorn. "A compressed window. Everyone knows they can’t afford to play it safe. The ones who hesitate will lose."
"But that light pillar thing?" Thorn frowned. "That’s the real devil in the details. If you grab a ruby, you’re telling everyone where you are. Might as well paint a target on your back."
"That’s the point of the lights." Ren said. "And since you need all three fragments to pass, it’s not about being fast. It’s about surviving long enough to hold them. Or take them."
"Which means," Lilith said quietly, "this forest is going to become a bloodbath."
Thorn gave a low whistle. "Whoever designed this exam isn’t just smart. They’re definitely a sadist too. But at the same time, I understand."
"This isn’t just a test of strength. It’s a test of restraint, planning, endurance, and luck." He chuckled. "I’m... impressed."
"Which is why we’re not getting involved yet." Ren said, his tone final. "We conserve our energy. Stay in the trees. Watch the movements. Try to map out the locations of the rubies as they get revealed."