Legend of the Lightning Strike
17. Second Test: Survive!
The sun began to bake the square where the remaining Heavenly Troop test takers who passed the first test were gathered. There were only one thousand and two of them.
The sun was just beginning to rise. Those thousand or so people, the Heavenly Troop test takers, were about to take the second test. They finally gathered in the square of Prisma City. They were fully equipped with their equipment, including mage gear, artifacts, weapons, and everything else they usually use on their travels.
It's important to note that each continent has its own station. So, when the first test ended yesterday, some participants were able to quickly return to their home continents. Several teleportation stations were built on each continent, made possible by artifacts expertly crafted by people skilled in magic, artifacts, and support. They designed the teleportation machines.
This transfer requires a common frequency, and the cost is not small. So, only a few nobles can afford it with their money.
This is a business, so it naturally drains resources for artifacts crafted by blacksmiths, as well as magic, and so on.
As the second test was about to begin, the teleportation portal to Prisma City was packed. Early in the morning, the Prisma City square was immediately bustling with people, both those taking the second test and those simply watching.
Chairman Yarko returned to the stage and prepared to give his instructions.
"Warriors, I congratulate you on successfully passing the first test. This means you are qualified to take the second test. But remember, it's possible that not a single one of you will pass this second test."
Everyone was silent as they listened to Chairman Yarko's explanation.
"For this second test, we will be heading to a specific location, and that will be the venue for the second test. Also, prepare to focus and concentrate on this second test. That's all I can give you as a hint for the next test."
Yarko propelled himself with his internal energy, floating three meters high so that all the participants could see him.
"Now!" Yarko opened his arms, "All participants in the second test, follow me to the second test site!"
Yarko turned around but remained in the air, his legs still straight. He flew like cotton and continued moving. All 1,002 participants followed Chairman Yarko from below. Everyone moved in an orderly fashion, with a committee directing the spectators to take a different route to avoid collisions with the examinees.
Chairman Yarko exited the square. The participants followed after passing through. The city streets were blocked, so the procession of the second test participants was unimpeded.
The onlookers were amazed by the sheer number of defenders of righteousness. They would all defend the weak from the forces of darkness.
They continued walking and passed a large street. Chairman Yarko turned left and entered a large, tall gate.
It was the Colosseum, a magnificent venue for the battles and sparring of warriors. Everyone knew that the Colosseum was built by the God of War, Dasatama. It was a testing ground for the warriors of Prisma City who had advanced in rank to test their abilities.
At the far side, Yarko stopped. He then turned around, still in the air. Then, he slowly descended one of the steps. The Colosseum was circular and large, and Yarko was now at one end of the circular side.
Above them, buildings surrounded them, with numerous open doors. On the steps, Yarko lowered his arms. He then relaxedly crossed his arms as he waited for all the participants in the second test to enter the Colosseum.
The approximately 50-meter-tall building surrounding them was the usual spectator viewing area. This time, there were also many spectators up there. However, the most visible were warriors from various continents who had already made a name for themselves in the martial arts world.
They wanted to see how far these young warriors had progressed. Perhaps there were also teachers of their students. Some of their students were also taking this second test.
This time, everyone was silent, waiting for Yarko to say what he would say.
"This second test is endurance!"
A survival mission? What did it all mean? Everyone wondered: survival against what? Would they form teams and attack each other, and the team that survived would be declared the winner?
And the team that didn't survive would be eliminated?
"The tip this time is: find a good person you can trust for this survival mission! I'll give you about 15 minutes to gather the best partners you can.
And I'm not limiting the number! Alright, time is running out, and in 15 minutes, I'll close the discussion period and begin the second test."
Leader Yarko then walked up the steps, leaving the participants behind, and sat on the 20th step. Yonan sat down in one of the chairs there.
The warriors immediately took the initiative, searching for someone they deemed powerful enough to form a team.
Those who looked noble and wore expensive armor immediately attracted attention, and many approached them. At the very least, they understood that wealth and possession of numerous artifacts could be leveraged to survive.
Barsha approached Aji when she saw him alone with his arms crossed. "I'll be by your side because I promise my cousin. So, I'll be on your team."
Barsha's words were expressionless, and she had already approached Aji. Aji simply smiled slightly.
"Many people or not, it doesn't matter to me." Aji glanced at Barsha for a moment.
Barsha hadn't expected a warrior with such a stubborn disposition to exist. However, upon seeing his strength in the first test, Barsha realized that Aji possessed strong internal strength. With his strong physical strength, he was likely a warrior.
"You don't want to go with a team with more people?" Now, Aji asked Barsha, curious.
"What's the difference?" Barsha replied lazily, "Dozens of people on one team, but with low strength, are just targets for attacks by powerful enemies!"
Aji now understood that Ganada's grandson also had a stubborn disposition and wasn't good at forming teams.
"Miss Barsha, come with my team?" a man called out to Barsha. He was Nagada, one of the king's daughters in Prisma City. Prisma City itself had its own kingdom system, with the king and governor of Prisma City having their own territories.
The king had limited territory, but the governor controlled the entire Orpris Continent.
Nagada had gathered many warriors under his command, perhaps 550 in number. Everyone gathered around him, as Nagada was renowned for her wealth and immense power. This was because Nagada was one of the few warriors capable of combining two elemental powers: fire and water.
She possessed quadra abilities, though only two elements, throughout the continent. Mastering two elements and being able to combine their attacks was extremely rare.
"I'm not interested, Nagada! We'll meet in the third test!" Barsha was extremely confident; he and Nagada had been good friends since childhood.
Those with the blood of warriors often met and discussed the world of martial arts. Although they all competed, many also formed alliances. While they specifically competed in martial arts and achievements, they generally united when an attack from the dark faction or demonic forces occurred.
Nagada smiled as she looked at the two of them. He glanced at Aji for a moment, and Aji's eyes also met hers.
"Alright, good luck to you!" Nagada turned away from Aji and Barsha.
Aji himself didn't pay much attention; he sensed that this wasn't a team-based battle. Aji's intuition told him that a special force had been assembled around the Colosseum, ready to attack. Aji could sense their energy, a force ready to be unleashed.
Hadn't the others noticed? Of course, Aji knew, as they were a group of assassins highly trained in hiding their strength.