Once Lore scored some breakfast, he hurried along to the meeting hall. Lore moved along with the large crowd of other recruits. He glanced around, and from that quick peak it looked like there were even fewer candidates. Maybe because most of the others didn't believe they'd make it? Or maybe just too scared to try. Either way, Lore knew he had to keep pushing himself if he ever hoped to beat the odds.
Once inside the meeting hall, all the candidates stood around until Commander Radi came to brief then.
"At attention!!"
All candidates shot to attention, and saluted Commander Radi.
"At ease."
"Recruits, I will be briefing you on the second stage of the Elite Squad selection exam. For the next two months, you will have to hunt and kill an A-Rank monster. Do it however you please. Groups, alone, with magic, or a fork, I couldn't care less. Just get it done. An A-Rank, or higher grade monster is rare, and truly powerful. In that regard, Candidate Lore, I've heard of your exploits in defeating two adolescent wyrms, and an Elder wyrm. You are exempt-"
"Excuse me, Sir, I don't mind participating, and would rather do so. I'd still like a chance to prove myself.."
Radi sighed and shook his head. "I suppose you deserve a chance. But let's see how well you fare against something bigger."
"Yes sir!" Lore replied.
"I am giving you two months, but the faster you succeed, the better. The first, two hundred of you to finish, move on to the final stage."
A murmur rippled throughout the crowd, and Lore noticed several of those who had been waiting nervously began to relax.
"You weren't made aware before, but even if you don't pass these trials, we still plan to train all candidates who failed. You are all the future of the Knight Order, we can't afford to lose any of our precious defenders, future leaders, or potential legends. So, whether you pass or fail, you must continue to fight, and improve yourself. "
Commander Radi turned away from the podium and walked towards the exit. "Now go forth and conquer! I wish you all luck!"
The crowd cheered, and started moving off into the city. Lore followed suit though he wasn't exactly sure where to start looking for information about the upcoming trial.
Lore made his way to the closest adventurers guild, and inquired about any A-Rank, or higher monster. They informed him there were none currently in the area. However, they did say that there was a rumor of a dragon being spotted near the mountain range to the north. There was also word of a Demon Lion in the desert to the south.
He thanked them and left. He looked up at the sky and saw the sun setting. It was almost dusk, and Lore knew he needed to find somewhere to sleep.
***
The following day dawned bright and clear.
The night before he had made up his mind to hunt down the rumored Demon Lion. Lore secretly had grudges against any Lion species.
Lore thought briefly of his time in the mountains, and how the Snow Demon Lion had nearly killed him.
Lore set out south determined to defeat the Demon Lion.
***
Lore traveled for three weeks without seeing anything remotely dangerous. That changed when he reached the edge of the desert. His eyes scanned across the horizon, searching for signs of danger. Nothing seemed to be around, but he could feel the danger around him.
There was an uneasy feeling in the air, and Lore felt as though he was being watched.
His gaze shifted to the ground, and his eyes widened with shock.
Right in front of him lay a massive footprint. He had forgotten how large the animal was, but more shockingly was how easy it was to find its tracks.
Lore stood in awe for a moment, before snapping out of it. This was no time to stand around gawking like some village idiot, this was his chance to prove himself worthy.
Lore quickly moved to follow the trail, and continued walking. He hadn't gone far when he heard something behind him. Turning around, Lore saw a group of soldiers running towards him.
"What do you think your doing?" One soldier shouted, while pointing his spear at Lore.
Lore didn't answer, instead he kept on walking.
"We said stop right there!" Another Soldier yelled, and pointed his sword at Lore.
Lore stopped abruptly and turned to face the soldier.
"I'm a Knight Oder member, Apprentice Knight Lore."
The soldiers lowered their weapons, grumbled amongst themselves, and then addressed Lore. "Why are you entering the desert?"
"I mean to slay the Demon Lion"
One of the guards laughed loudly.
Lore glared at the guard and took a step forward.
"Oh my god! You're serious aren't you? What kind of knight are you?"
Lore stared straight ahead, not saying a word.
"You're kidding right? Come on, let me see your weapon!" The Guard demanded again.
Lore raised his hand to show the guard his blade. Etched into the handle of the swords guard sat the seal of the Knight Order. Lore brandished his black longsword. Lore had decided to unname his blades until he became a legend.
The guard inspected the sword carefully, looking at each side, and then examined the hilt. He looked up at Lore with a confused expression.
"So, why have you come here?"
Lore shook his head in contempt "If you must know, I'm here hunting a Demon Lion rumored to roam the desert. If you can give me any clues to it's location would be appreciated."
The guard snorted "That's impossible, the beast doesn't exist anymore."
"Yes well, I've seen its tracks, and followed them for quite some distance."
A smile crossed the guard's lips. The group of guards returned to patrolling the outskirts of their town. Lore turned, and traversed farther into the desert.
He spent the rest of the day searching for the Demon Lion's lair. After following the tracks for several miles, he came upon an abandoned mine shaft. There was fresh claw marks on both sides of the entrance.
People just called it a desert from all the sand, but there were many rock formations formed throughout. Giant plateau's streamed over the horizon, stretching further than anyone could imagine. Some even reached higher heights than Mount Gorgon itself.
As if someone had taken a giant brush, painted the sky red and yellow. The sun set over the western horizon casting shadows across the land. Stars twinkled brightly in the night skies, illuminating the darkness.
***
Somewhere in the desert a pack of three Demon Lion's was out hunting. Three was the largest a Pride could form before life become unsustainable. They moved quickly through the desert sands, their eyes glowing bright blue in the dark. Their large bodies covered with thick brown fur, making them appear like wolves instead of lions.
They spotted something moving in the distance. Instinctively, they charged towards it. One of them leapt high into the air and pounced onto a lone traveler. His scream echoed off the surrounding cliffs.