The first-year students of the Hunters Academy spent the rest of their day making plans and alliances.
Naturally, Alex and his friends did the same and even called over Abigail to include her in the planning.
"I know I can only make it to the second stage of the competition, but that should give me enough points to jump a class. So don't worry too much about me." Abigail said once the issue was raised.
It would be a miracle if she survived the first stage of the competition. But she couldn't ask for more.
"I see… In any case, once the event begins, make sure to find us. You have my contact information; all you have to do is send me a message and I'll give you our location.
"One last thing though, make sure to carry anything you deem necessary to survive. Be it medical supplies, weapons, etc. One can never be too careful." Alex added.
This time, he was learning from his mistake and had already planned to include anything needed in three stages.
"Of course. I'll see you guys tomorrow." Abigail said and left for her dorm.
"Let's return as well," Alex suggested, and they departed.
.....
The next day
The thousands of students who would partake in the main event all gathered at their class-allocated combat systems, ready to enter the immersive universe of virtual reality.
Sometime later, the instructors made their way to the front of the building. Instructor Horvey stepped forward and addressed the students.
"Good morning everyone. I trust you are prepared for today's event. Just as explained to you, today marks the start of your competition with the first event being The Convergence Maze."
His gaze moved to every student who paid rapt attention to his words. As usual, the top student of the year was at the forefront of the class. At this point, it was almost a normal routine to see him stand in front.
"Upon entering, pick a pod and the bots will assist you in immersing. Once inside, you will be put in a temporal state of slumber where you will be reconditioned. Once that is over, you will all be put in a large space where you can find your friends and comrades."
He released a stuffy breath once he finished his instructions. "Instructions will be made available when you're all ready. Godspeed."
He then stepped aside and made way for the students to make their way inside.
...….
The students were given time to select the weapons and items they wished to carry with them in their storage devices.
They were then transported into a large space where the thousands of students partaking in the competition could be seen.
Alex looked around to locate his friends and found them a second later as they were close by. He moved towards them.
"Have you guys been waiting long?" He asked as he observed his surroundings. They appeared to be in a large plain where a massive structure could be seen in the distance. No one needed to tell him that that was the Convergence Maze.
"No, we just arrived as well. Have you received the message from Abigail?" Ross replied. The way they talked was almost as if this was the world they had known all their lives.
Alex checked his smartwatch but saw no messages and before he could reply, a message came. "Oh, just got it."
After sending out his location to Abigail, he approached Julia who walked into his embrace as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
"Are you ready for today?"
"You know me, Alex, I'm always ready. And with you by my side, there is nothing I can't do." Julia replied with her head placed on Alex's chest, enjoying his scent and warmth.
"That's good. We should stick close together. The Convergence Maze is known to be a vicious place of traps and death. But we should be able to clear this rite of passage without much issue."
To the students gathered here, this was simply a write of passage they must undergo to shed their childhood and step into adulthood. Of course, some people will die, but that has been the way since their empire was born.
They were a race of warriors and there was no room for weaklings. Ross' attention was focused on the Convergence Maze, his brows furrowed in concern.
Once the barrier around it is depowered, they would be all teleported to the lowest floor where they must find their way out while fighting.
It sounded easy on paper, but previous records show that this Maze had a success rate of 46%. While he was confident in his strength and abilities, anything could happen.
"You okay buddy?" Alex saw his expression and asked. He could understand the feelings of his long-time friend.
"Yeah…" Ross replied with a small stiff smile and returned his gaze to the surrounding students. He understood that not many of them were going to make it out alive.
Sometime later, the trio noticed Abigail approaching them from the distance. "Hey, everyone" She waved at them once she got close to them.
On her back was her trustee quiver and a bow. She was ready, set and go to go. She noticed that Alex also carried his favourite weapon, the short staff that had the ability to take the form of a long staff of a spear.
Julia carried a large sword on her waist that gave off a cold feeling as if taken right from the depths of a frozen tundra. 'Wow…'
Of course, as a member of a rich family, there was nothing she couldn't get. Ross on the other hand carried no weapons at all. For him, his fists were all the weapons he needed.
Suddenly, the students observed as the barrier around the Convergence Maze came down, signalling the start of the competition.
But to them, it was the first step of their rite of passage as some of them won't be going back home.
"Alright guys, it's time to get serious," Alex stated and they all got ready. To stick together and not be separated during teleporting, they were told to make physical contact with those they wished to go with.