The first years of the Hunter Academy were up and awake, ready to face the last and most difficult event of all.
The Sigil of Celestials
However, an issue arose as many students expressed their desire to forfeit the last event. Their experience in the Veilstorm Descent had shown them what being a hunter was all about.
Facing their own deaths made them question their resolve to become hunters. It was a defining moment for the majority of students.
Though the lesson within the trial was picked up but the students, the experience was terrifying.
Naturally, the instructors had no problem accepting their forfeit as they foresaw something like that happening.
In fact, the academy had had situations where students quit the academy when they went through experiences like this, and while no student had said anything yet, some would most likely not show up in the next academic year.
...…..
Alex and Ross stood by their pods with determination in their eyes. After being briefed on Julia's absence, Ross could see the reasoning behind it.
The Sigil of Celestials was a trial that tested more than fighting skills. Students would undergo mental trials in addition to fighting the celestial constructs that would be lurking in the tower.
"You ready?"
Alex asked, glancing at Ross who looked at him.
"Absolutely. And don't worry, I won't break down like last time."
He had thought long and hard about his experience and his determination was strengthened like never before. Though he didn't know what the mental trials would be, he knew he wouldn't break easily.
"Good to know."
Shortly after, the bots guided them into their pods where they would undergo systemic reconditioning before the start of the trial.
....
Alex opened his eyes and looked at his surroundings. Before him was a large hall with high pillars reaching at least 30 meters high.
The space was expansive and several meters ahead was a staircase that went to higher floors.
He recalled what and why he was here at this moment and his expression hardened. Then, he retrieved his weapon and slowly walked to the stairs.
Just because it was a race to the summit did not mean he must run all the way. Danger could be lurking everywhere, even the ground floor could surprise him.
Aside from overcoming the celestial constructs and mental trials, he must look out for traps hidden throughout the tower.
The traps had different functions as one could instantly kill you or even send you back to the ground floor.
And what was wondrous about the tower was that each participant would not meet until they arrived at the summit where they must fight for the Sigil.
Finally, there were trials unique to every participant.
"The Sigil of Celestial grants one the power to overcome their limit. However, reaching it is more challenging than anything I've ever faced."
He muttered recalling the words of his instructors. Just like they were about to climb the tower, they had also gone through it.
And they were the ones who survived. Their experience was eye-opening.
The tower was that deadly.
Sometime later, he reached the foot of the stairs and looked up where he saw a swirling blue portal that would take him to the next floor.
With a deep breath, he climbed and reached the portal, staring at the swirl with determination. A second later, he disappeared into the portal.
...…..
Appearing on the first floor of the tower, Alex noticed the weird environment. Beneath his feet was what appeared to be the ground yet, rough all over its surface.
There was no atmosphere as the place looked like a giant rock several hundreds of kilometres in diameter floating in the darkness of space.
In his view, there was almost no end in sight.
"This is strange…?"
He had expected many things but floating in such a space was not one of them. What's more, it appeared as though he was the only being present.
After waiting for several minutes when nothing popped out to try and kill him, he began to move after choosing a random direction.
He didn't even know if he was moving North or South. None of such information could be inferred due to the weird environment.
However, he didn't have to.
Alex narrowed his eyes as he noticed a being in the distance with his back turned and looking into the deep darkness of space.
He wore black armour just like he did and held a spear in his right hand. The person's profile was awfully familiar no matter how he looked at it.
'It can't be…'
His heart skipped a beat when a certain conclusion came to mind about the being in the distance. Then he heard the speak and he instantly knew.
"Took you long enough to arrive here, Alexander."
Slowly the person turned around with a smug grin on their face and Alex could only stare in absolute shock.
Before him was a being that looked exactly like him.
'A clone?'
The realization sent shivers down his spine. The first trial he must overcome was to battle with himself.
'Shouldn't a trial like this happen on a much higher level?'
He was honestly confused looking at his clone.
'And if this is just the first trial, what about the others that would follow?!'
The implications of this trial were serious as he knew facing himself was a bad combination.
How was he supposed to fight a being that would definitely have his level of strength, his techniques and even know his weaknesses?
"Unfortunately for you, this is reality, Alex. To move forward, you're going to have to face me. If you win, you leave. But if you die…."
The clone Alex replied as if he knew what Alex was thinking. After all, it was a copy of Alex. It observed Alex with keen interest, watching as his eyes lost focus.
Then, the clone flickered its right hand as he held the spear behind him and slowly approached Alex with its smug smile. It didn't care if Alex had yet to recover from his shocked state.
If he couldn't accept reality, then he wasn't qualified to be here.
Then…
*WHOOSH!*
The clone instantly appeared before Alex as it launched a fierce spear thrust with the intention of killing Alex in one move.
However…
Alex sidestepped the thrust with ease as he reciprocated the attack with his own. He may have carried a surprised and shocked look on his face but he accepted reality long before the clone moved.
He was merely feigning weakness of the mind.
Alex may not know all the trials he would be facing, but he knew to be prepared for anything and one of those was to recover from any shocking reveals before his enemies tried to use it against him.
The moment Alex sidestepped and dodged the spear, he delivered a powerful kick to the exposed right side of the clone.
*BAM!*
The kick was powerful and on point, as he held nothing back. He more than anyone knew not to underestimate himself.
Clone Alex was sent flying as he skidded across the rough surface of the large rock and sparks flew everywhere from his armour grating the rock.
With equal stats, it was anyone's game. The least mistake could cost him dearly.
"The only one to die here would be you."
Alex replied with a stern gaze as he watched the clone come to a halt several meters away.