Chapter 32: Escape
By this time, screams could be heard from all over the island. The candidates who were stupid enough to stand and fight had mostly been defeated by this point, so even the candidates with enough sense to run away were now being hunted down.
In a small clearing, two fighters wearing Hunter Academy uniforms were walking around among a pile of a dozen unconscious candidates, taking all of their watches and stowing them away.
Mindaugas said, "That makes 34 watches. More than I need, but I'll never say no to a little bonus! I could use some new equipment."
Iwaka replied, "It's a pity we have to restrain ourselves so much. These Mice are like wet cardboard! It feels like I'll kill them just by looking at them. I've been wanting an opportunity to try out my new Hunter martial arts technique."
But before Mindaugas could answer, an unnatural shrieking noise came from their pockets.
"An emergency alarm?" Iwaka asked, confused. He and his companion retrieved their digital tablets and stared at the message shown on the screen.
"Candidate 23,332 has defeated two Hunters and taken an aid terminal. An additional cash bonus of $10,000 and immediate test validation will be awarded to the student who captures this candidate's watch."
Mindaugas said in shock, "Do you think this could be the guy from last night? There's no way we have two different candidates who can beat up a student in this year's batch. Bro... you doing alright?"
Iwaka had turned with fury, veins pulsating on his temple and neck. He spat out between gritted teeth, "We don't have a second to lose. I'm going to find this asshole and strange him with my bare hands. If any other student gets in my way, they'll get the same treatment."
Mindaugas put up his hands in protest. "Hold on, man! We don't exactly know for sure it's the same guy. If we chase this guy down and it's the wrong dude, we'll have lost half an hour on nothing when we could've been working for a bigger bonus. They say the best revenge is living well or whatever, so think of how good you can live with a fat bonus!"
Iwaka glared at him. "What the hell are you yapping about? Join me or stay behind, I don't care which. I'm going to redeem my honor for the humiliation I suffered yesterday."
Mindaugas replied hesitantly, "Well, you know everyone else is going to be going after him, considering that fat bounty. It's a pretty small chance that we'll be the first ones there and that nobody else will come while we're fighting him."