Despite the fact that so many questions could be asked regarding Simon’s explanation of what happened, the female Veilmaster was not concerned about these potential questions.
No
She was concerned about the fact that Simon mentioned something about the birth of a new region called The Region of Death in the Blackwind Valley.
’From his words, this region is a place where many beasts and candidates fought and died. It could be the reason why there are so few candidates left alive.’
’But this should never have happened. What caused it? I’ll have to look into it... If that never happened, we would have known every single thing that was happening in the trial, but because of that, we were forced to focus our attention elsewhere.’
’This is so frustrating.’
The female Veilmaster decided to investigate every single thing that happened in the second trial after she was done checking the points of the current students.
"Alright. You. You’re next. Come out with your group members if you still have them with you." She gestured at a boy.
Some minutes later, every candidate was evaluated, and the female Veilmaster had a frown on her face as she looked at the teenagers to her right.
The two other Veilmasters also had frowns as they looked at the demons who passed the second trial.
The female Veilmaster let out a deep sigh, then she spoke.
"Before the first trial, there were one thousand, two hundred (1,200) of you mongrels. Seven hundred and eighty six (786) of you passed the first trial. For the second trial, one hundred and sixty nine (169) of you survived the second trial. However, not all of you passed the second trial."
The female Veilmaster shifted her gaze from the candidates to her right to the candidates to her left.
Everybody knew her next words since it could be seen by all.
"And out of the one hundred and sixty nine of you that survived the second trial, only eighty two (82) of you passed the second trial. Eighty seven (87) of you failed the second trial."
The atmosphere became tense, and those at the left hand side of the female Veilmaster had their heads hung low.
The female Veilmaster released another sigh while shaking her head.
"Normally, a third and final trial should take place after the second. The third trial is meant to show your prowess in one on one battles."
"The first trial tests your ability to track and locate even tiny objects. It also tests one’s luck and wit."
She subconsciously glanced at Simon, and everybody took note of that.
"The second trial mainly tests your ability to survive in a dark environment that’s suited for assassins. It also tests your ability to survive against beasts that thrive in the night and are similar to assassins in certain aspects."
"It also tests your ability to survive and adapt in an extremely dangerous environment."
The female Veilmaster paused for a moment, then she continued.
"Like I said, there’s meant to be a third trial which would be like a tournament. However, there’s no point in doing it anymore."
"The third trial was meant to cut down your numbers by half, but your numbers are already very low. So, we’ll conclude the trials and welcome all of you as Initiates of the Shadowgrave Clan."
The eyes of majority of the candidates on the right hand side of the female Veilmaster brightened with pride and relief.
The female Veilmaster then looked at the candidates to her left.
"As for you guys, you won’t be abandoned by the clan. I’m very sure many, if not none, know that we don’t kill or just send away those who fail the last trials of any year."
Many of the candidates on the left looked at the female Veilmaster with confusion and hope in their eyes.
"You guys would become the ears and eyes of the clan all over the demon realm. You all would become the Whisperers of the clan. It is not an easy task in the slightest, and mind you, some of you would die if you take on this role because you are essentially spies for the clan."
The gazes of some of the candidates flickered, and they all had pondering expressions hearing the words of the female Veilmaster.
"All of you would undergo intense training to become either Initiates or Whisperers, and after the training, you’d be able to take on missions from the clan."
"Becoming a member of the Shadowgrave Clan is a great opportunity for all of you because the Shadowgrave Clan is one of the few great clans that accepts anybody. The death rate for the trials is high, but as long as one is accepted, their life would definitely change and become better."
"Unlike other clans and kingdoms, resources are made available for everybody based on their merits and achievements. And we all know how difficult it is to get resources if one is not part of a clan, a kingdom, or an academy."
"So, relish this opportunity the clan has given to you, and don’t misuse it or waste it. Even if you have survived the trials, train hard and perform well while training. Learn, observe, practice, and be smart."
"Some of you might have been trained in the art of assassination by your family, but the Shadowgrave Clan is different."
Every candidate looked at the female Veilmaster with a variety of emotions, and excitement could be seen in the eyes of many.
"Once we’re done here, you guys would be taken to the Wall of Masks where each of you would choose the mask you’ll be wearing as Initiates from now on."
"When you choose your mask, it must always be on your face. It must never be removed for your own sake unless ordered by a Grave Lord or the Master- the Night Sovereign."
"Your mask is your identity since no two masks are made the same in the Shadowgrave Clan. You would also be given the opportunity to give yourself a title after picking your mask."
"You shall not be called or known by your birth name but by your title from now on."
"So, buckle up Initiates, this might be the last time you ever see each other’s faces or call each other by your birth name."