As the clerk led me deeper into the establishment, towards the arena, I finally asked, trying to hide my nervousness, "So... what exactly do I have to do in the examination?"
He gave me a quizzical look before answering, "Well, of course, you have to fight a monster. Then based on your performance, we'll assign you a rank." Then he looked at me– giving me an encouraging smile with his hand gesturing a thumbs up.
Wait— did I give him too much money? Isn't the change in attitude too much? As I wondered this I heard him continue.
"Since you are here for the basic level examination, the requirements aren't too high, you just have to fight for a minute and the match would be over even if you don't kill it. Moreover, in case of emergency, a healer is kept on standby near the arena. The monster would be a low level one so don't panic and do your best!"
"Oh, I see, thanks."I replied, slightly optimistic after hearing him.
"Oh, don't mention it sir, I'll be going back to the counter now. All the best." he replied as he lightly patted my shoulder and turned to leave.
---
The arena wasn't some grand amphitheater like the ones I had seen in gladiator matches on TV. It was a more practical space— an empty ground, large enough— that the surrounding area would not get damaged during the fight. Furthermore, the fighting area was sealed with magical barrier so that the monster could not escape or attack the spectators. The arrangement for spectators was minimal with only a single row on a raised platform where I saw two people— the judges I presumed.
Standing at the center of the arena, I could hear my heartbeat pounding in my chest. My palms were slick with sweat. Was this even worth it? He said the monster won't be too powerful but I don't even know his standard for powerful!
Maybe I should've just run away without an ID. It's not like having one would help if I ended up dead right here.
But this wasn't the time for doubt.
I forced myself to take a deep breath, pushing back the fear clawing at me.
No need to panic. I just need to survive for a minute. Run around, dodge, and they'll end the fight. I'll get the lowest rank, but I'll get my ID. And then— I can disappear. It's a solid plan. I can do this.
But the moment the buzzer sounded and the cage opened, all my thoughts crumbled.
A beast the size of a wolf burst forth, its red eyes burning with bloodlust, and its fangs gleaming like daggers. It charged straight at me it's figure menacing.
Instinct took over. I thrust my spear forward, but the attack was clumsy. The beast dodged effortlessly, letting out a furious growl that sent a chill down my spine.
Run? Too late. Its speed was monstrous, faster than I had imagined. My plan was flawed from the start. There was no escape, no way to delay my approaching doom.
I began to back away, trying to maintain distance. A desperate plan formed in my mind — keep just enough space, bait it, and when it lunges, strike the spear through its eyes.
And the it came, The beast's muscles tensed, and in a heartbeat, it rushed at me, again.
I steadied my spear, trying to time my strike.
But before I could react, pain exploded in my thigh. Its claws had sliced through me, and I collapsed, blood soaking the ground beneath me. I felt a stinging pain as my wounded flesh was exposed to the crisp air. Strength drained from my limbs, and darkness began to encroach on my vision.
The beast leaped at me, jaws aimed for my throat.
But just before those fangs could close in, something shifted. Time seemed to freeze. My eyes felt unfocused and a strange phrase echoed in my mind — foreign and unfamiliar. Words I didn't recognize, didn't understand but, on instinct I recited them in my head. I didn't speak them out loud but I felt everything around me change for just a second.
Then, in an instant, the crushing weight vanished. The monster that stood on top of me was gone. No blood, no carcass — nothing. As if it was erased from existence, leaving no proof behind.
I lay there, gasping, staring at the empty space where it had been.
What... just happened?
But there was no time to understand. Darkness swallowed me, and I finally lost consciousness.