Chapter 21: Hunter Paradise
The sun rose for the third time and the hearts of the Hunter Exam candidates were flooded with relief. Finally! It surely wouldn't be long now before it was announced that this stage of the test had come to an end.
Many found themselves strangely excited. They'd been pushed further than they'd known they could go, being forced to show more resiliency than any ordinary person in the face of such a difficult situation. They'd proved their own strength, and now they felt like they could do anything.
Of course, the good moods were undercut by incredible thirst and hunger, but the candidates forced themselves to ignore their delirious cravings for just a bit longer. It wouldn't be long before they'd have a chance to rehydrate and recover.
***
William, as usual, went to retrieve his water bottles from the ground, then went to see Marlon and Alexandre. "Here," he said. "It's not much, but it'll give you a little relief while we wait for Omega to put an end to all this."
Alexandre raised an eyebrow. "I'm surprised you still have water after all this time."
Marlon added, "Yeah, that's pretty weird. I saw your bag last night and there was nothing there. What's up with that?"
William had grown to enjoy the company of these two people, but he was also keenly aware that the Hunter Exam wasn't over yet. One test still remained, and it would be best for him to remain discreet about his secrets. "Just drink up and be grateful," he said smugly.
Just then, there was a crashing noise in the forest. Omega, the doctors, and the other administrators had finally arrived.