Room C of the grand Citadel of Worship was painted light grey. The walls were high and dainty, and there was adequate space for the 74 participants who passed the written portion to sit.
The test wasn't "hard," to say. If you had studied thoroughly, you would have done well.
Those who failed most likely didn't pick up the book at all.
There were marks on the floors that told applicants where and where not to sit. In just three minutes, every boy present sat down in an orderly, rigid fashion and awaited their next instructions.
Carmel Haidar, the woman whose gaze terrified every fiber of Samuel and Diallo's beings, stepped forward with a grin.
Her outfit was neat and proper. With an impartial first glance, one wouldn't think of Carmel Haidar as being as unhinged like she was.
Truthfully, it's utterly frightening to witness how appearances can create such illusions toward a person's impression.
"You passed the written exam." Her tone was purposely flat. "This next portion will reduce your numbers from seventy-four... to four."
Despite having heard this already, most—if not all—participants couldn't repress a shudder.
Carmel eyed them with a pitiful expression. "Why are you scared?"
Before anyone could answer, she responded to herself. "It's quite sad. This is the next generation of Protectors." Carmel placed a hand on her chest. "If I were the queen, I would resign immediately if these are the people protecting me."
She paused.
"Then again, I wouldn't need protection." A wide sneer spread across the face of the headmaster.
I'm glad you're not queen. Samuel thought to himself as he gazed at Carmel. Just the idea of her as ruler of Lebrad was truly horrifying. Even though Samuel didn't hear much of Diallo's past, he still could connect the dots on how Carmel Haidar was a wicked person.
He faintly turned his head to look for Diallo. In place of his joyful yet sorrowful acquaintance, Samuel saw the head of Blepharo Clemens.
The stoic and deadpan participant, who had brown hair that was neatly sectioned off with only minor hair strands loose and copper-colored eyes, quietly watched Carmel. His side panel was nothing short of gorgeous. A defined jawline, perfectly sized nose, and rounded ears gave his look such charm.
I think his name was Blepharo. Samuel recalled how Blepharo calmly called out to Carmel Haidar and questioned the components of her exam. His tone had no hint of fear or infliction. He was dead serious the entire time!
I wouldn't have had the courage to ask Carmel as he did.
Samuel didn't spend any more time thinking about the one who passed the exam in just two minutes and instead looked back at Carmel.
"Behind me," she continued, gesturing to the figures present. "are also participants."
The twelve figures stepped forward. It was five men and seven women. The man to the right of Carmel, who had black hair slicked back and cold grey eyes, snickered.
Noticing this, the female beside him, one dressed in mobile pants and a black shirt, smacked his shoulder. Her blue eyes frowned while her lips curved down.
Are they children? Samuel wondered as he surveyed their interaction.
"They're not as powerful as me, of course." Carmel said with a prideful look, "But they're more than enough to kill any one of you."
Samuel's eyes narrowed at her delivery. What could they possibly have to offer in this exam? It's supposed to be just us participants. There's no need to include your own!
For the first time in his life, Samuel felt his blood boil. What are you planning, Carmel Haidar?
He didn't know why this woman infuriated him so much, but there were some guesses. It was mainly to do with how she broke apart the Haidar family with non-remorseful actions.
The death of Diallo's father, her vow to kill the Haidar children, all of it. Why couldn't she appreciate her family?
Doesn't she know how much a family should mean to someone?
It was greed and cupidity at its finest.
Samuel lulled himself down; he knew too much anger was unhealthy. I'm so sorry, Diallo. He tried, but failed miserably, to imagine his mother acting this way.
The images wouldn't coincide. Thea acting like Carmel was virtually impossible in his mind.
Carmel interrupted his thoughts. "The reason they're here is simple." As if plucking the question out of his mind.
"They're here to slaughter you."
"..."
The room felt like it was squeezing in.
"Yes. You very well heard me right, gentlemen. Over the next three months, I'll release them one by one."
She locked eyes with Samuel, who was now sweating beads off his forehead. "They'll be given whatever they want. Weapons, food, and even magical abilities. It's all to make this Protector's exam more interesting.
"I like increased stakes, and what better way than this, right?"
She wouldn't let the party answer. "Of course I'm right. If you see one of my personally selected participants, I'll advise you of one simple thing: kill or be killed."
Then, watching the expression of the participants in front of her warp, Carmel chuckled. "Don't be scared! It's simple; just kill them before they kill you. I will also remind you that no one but your partner is on your side. Even other participants are enemies. Kill them before you are killed. Your partner will be decided once we reach the area where the test will take place. They have also been predetermined for you by a special team that I oversaw."
No one objected; no one dared even speak. This woman was far too manic to argue with.
Carmel glanced at her son, who wouldn't make eye contact back. "The exam will take place in Desby Forest. You will be transported via multiple carriages shortly. Gather your belongings now."
Carmel paused, then flashed a wickedly annulling grin.
"The hunt is about to begin."