The academy was going all out to bring out the best and worst of the first years. Alliances will form and collapse. But this was a necessary step to understand the nature of the people to become the next generation of hunters.
It was a cruel but necessary step as lives have been lost due to betrayals from comrades on a hunting mission or resource gathering.
Instructor Horvey continued despite the gloomy looks that had returned to their faces, "You students will be dropped into an unstable environment where veiled spaces and cosmic mana waves are the norm.
"Of course, where there are veiled spaces and cosmic mana waves, there are void creatures. Your main goal is to survive."
Alex was reminded of the time he survived the cosmic mana wave. However, unlike the real world where he survived and was not sure if he could again, the VR world did not know that. He would be as susceptible as everyone else.
"Trial one: Cosmic Mana Waves. I don't need to explain what happens when one is caught in one of those. Survive any way you can."
He said with a stern look, however, that look also conveyed another message. What if you had the choice of saving your comrade but in doing so, both of you lose your lives? Once again, they were reminded of the systemic reconditioning.
"Trial Two: Collect rare magical minerals and plants hidden in that dangerous environment. The more you have, the better. There are no rules…"
The statement was pretty much saying one can take from another person and it was a game. And because they would not know they were in a virtual world, betrayals would be commonplace.
As the competition heats up, tension rises, and alliances are tested. They were basically being thrown into the real world.
"That covers the entirety of the Veilstorm Descent. And as always, figure out the rest on your own. That is the true mark of a great hunter."
Alex and the rest of the class had lost all expressions of excitement. They were not even sure if this was a competition as while they would be competing, it would be on the premise of everything being real.
For instance, what if they fought and one of them killed a fellow student? The implications scared them as it would also show whether they were psychos or beings with emotions.
'This is going to be a mess. How is the academy going to fix something like this? What's more, who even proposed this?!' Alex's thoughts were similar to what the other students were also thinking.
"Instructor Doe, isn't this a bit too cruel?" A student couldn't help but ask as the more they thought of what their potential actions could do to them, the more cold feet they had.
"Maybe… But what do you expect once you leave the walls of the academy? The universe isn't kind to weaklings and people with no backbone." He said and then released a sigh.
The instructor understood the concerns of the kids and rightly so, even he was averse to this until he heard the entire thing. He looked at the gloomy expressions of the kids and then added,
"Naturally, if you don't have it in you to carry out certain actions, avoid them. You cannot begin and opt out once you partake in the competition.
"You also have to option to opt out of the competition. Just know that, once you do, it's instant demotion." He started with a stern look on his face.
The class became quiet as the students considered their choices. Sooner or later, they were going to face that kind of choice in the future. At least, this way, once out, they would realise it was all a simulation.
Still, they would get to know how it felt to be in the real world. Instructor Horvey observed their pondering expression and gave them a few seconds to regain their composure.
Alex and his friends just exchanged glances. However, in their eyes, there were hints of resolve and determination. They had gotten this far; they were not going to back down now.
"Good…Now then, let's take a look at the final stage of the competition, then you can have the rest of the day to yourselves."
Changing the content once again, he projected the final event for the first-year competition.
[The Sigil of Celestials]
"The final stage is a race to the top of what is called a Celestial Tower." He brought up an image of the structure he was referring to. The tower was huge and looked like an ancient structure that reached all the way to the clouds.
It went without saying, that this stage also required they undergo a reconditioning. However, he still made sure to point that out.
"This massive structure is filled with celestial constructs and ancient trials. The top ten who reach the summit will earn elite status, but only one can claim the Celestial Sigil."
"Trial one: Facing the celestial constructs. These beings are powerful and intelligent, each guarding a floor of the tower. They test your combat skills, magical abilities and strategic thinking."
"Trial Two will be a mental trial. In this trial, certain floors of the tower challenge your minds, using illusions and psychological warfare to break your spirits."
Alex heard this and turned to Julia, who returned his gaze. The meaning behind his look was clear. The academy was going to use what they knew about everyone to test them.
For someone like Julia who was possessive of him would most likely suffer the most.
"Don't worry, I'll be fine. Besides, I doubt the academy would do something like this without having a failsafe in place." She whispered to him to appease his rising worries.
"Of course…" Alex replied, and his gaze returned to the instructor. Right now, what he needed to do the most was to prepare himself for what was to come.
"The final trial is a simple challenge of the ultimate guardian. Defeat it and claim the celestial sigil." The instructor ended his explanation.
But the entire class was enveloped in an air of suspense and gloominess. This competition was more than they had bargained for.
"The points for coming out as the final victor is 10,000 points." The instructor dropped this final bomb that instantly raised the heads of all students.