A blast from a metal horn echoed through the central training grounds of the academy. Over five hundred first-year students gathered tightly at the entrance gate to the western training forest.
There were ten classrooms, with students divided into groups of five, totaling one hundred teams. Each group received its own map and route. The goal: reach the final checkpoint deep within the forest, passing through three designated checkpoints along the way.
"This training will last three days and two nights," the head instructor of the first-year class announced firmly. "Each group must reach all checkpoints within the time limit. If a group fails to arrive at a checkpoint by the designated cutoff time and doesn't signal, a support team will be dispatched immediately."
Whispers of excitement rippled through the crowd of students.
"Monster hunting is an important bonus task. Each group must collect monster cores and present them at each checkpoint. Scores will be recorded both by group and individually. The quality of the cores and the type of monsters will affect your overall points."
The instructor paused briefly before continuing in a stern tone.
"Do not venture into the deeper forest outside the designated routes. Anyone caught doing so will have points deducted and be summoned for attitude adjustment by the faculty."
The chatter slowly died down. Only the sound of wind brushing through leaves remained.
"If danger arises, fire a red flare into the sky. Instructors will respond within fifteen minutes. Remember—retreating is not weakness. It's a sign of someone who knows how to survive."
Group 23 consisted of Fiona, Kairos, Melina, Irene, and Rens.
"Starting from point A, we need to reach the first checkpoint before evening," Fiona said, tracing the map with her finger. "It's about forty kilometers. There's a stream and hill to the southwest. Sticking close to the water route is safer, but it'll take longer."
"If we want to collect more cores, a faster route might be worth it," Rens suggested.
Kairos pointed to a route along the bushes. "The first checkpoint is near the stream. Following the water will conserve our energy. There are resting spots along the way, and monsters usually gather to drink there—it makes hunting easier."
Fiona glanced at him and smiled softly. "Sounds good to me. I agree."
They set off in the late morning. Sunlight filtered through the thick canopy above as Group 23 moved in sync with Kairos leading and Fiona navigating from behind.
They encountered three C-rank monsters resembling wolves. Kairos dashed forward, closing the distance with swift movements, striking each beast's weak point at the neck.
Within seconds, they had secured their first three monster cores.
By evening, Group 23 arrived at the first checkpoint just before the cutoff time. They checked in with the stationed instructor and set up camp near the stream.
They had a good start, collecting a decent number of cores. While the monsters weren't of high rank at this early point in the path, it was enough to start revealing the competitive edge among groups.
The soft glow of the campfire flickered across their faces as quiet conversations filled the night.
Fiona sat beside Kairos, who remained as silent as always.
"Thanks for keeping an eye on the flow. We managed to hunt more easily because of you," she said softly.
Kairos nodded slightly, said nothing, and offered her a faint smile.
Fiona turned her face away, her hands resting tensely on her knees. That smile... it was warmer than the fire.
Elsewhere, Kaian's group also camped at the first checkpoint. They hadn't hunted many monsters. Kaian looked visibly frustrated, while his teammates stayed quiet, too intimidated to speak.
Eventually, Kaian broke the silence with a calm but determined voice.
"Get ready for tomorrow. The next checkpoint leads deeper into the forest. There might be some B-rank monsters, but most will still be C-rank."
He paused before revealing his plan.
"We'll change routes tomorrow. We'll break off from the main path and head deeper into the forest to hunt higher-rank monsters."
His teammates hesitated, until one of them finally spoke up.
"Uh... Kaian, isn't that a bit dangerous? The instructors warned us not to stray from the path. Won't we get points deducted for that?"
Kaian sighed but kept his expression composed.
"I know you're worried, but don't be. I'm confident we can handle it. We'll just detour slightly to get a few high-rank cores."
He narrowed his eyes toward the dark woods.
"Even if we lose some points, the value of the high-rank cores will more than make up for it. Plus, we'll earn recognition. Taking down an A-rank monster as a first-year? No one forgets that."
No one responded. Some still hesitated, but they didn't argue. And some... secretly wished for a chance to stand out too.
Day one of the hunt ended without incident. But the next day... might not go so smoothly.
A reckless plan was already in motion—one that could stir real trouble beneath the looming clouds gathering silently above the treetops.