Morning finally arrived over the camp.
A giant desert cock strolled across the area and blasted a loud crow that alarmed the trainees, waking them from their slumber to a new day... the day that would determine their fate as hunters.
Drever was the first to stroll out of his tent; he was already fully dressed for the day's occasion.
He began moving around the encampment, ensuring everyone was awake and preparing for the journey to their entrance exam venue.
Heartland National Hunter Academy had already made it known that they would be sending a sky ship to pick them up and take them to the venue.
As the leader, his job was to make sure everyone was ready before it arrived, to ensure a swift departure.
While strolling around, performing his leadership duties, the words of his father from the night before whispered through his mind.
"This entrance exam isn't a test — it's a culling. The Academy won't be searching for talent, only for those ruthless enough to survive. Many will board that ship, but few will return. So when it begins, remember — if what's left of you isn't unbreakable, then you were never worthy of my name."
Drever's expression faltered slightly. His previous deduction — that the abrupt shift in the exam's date was due to something very serious — had been proven true by his father's words.
'What could be happening this time? he wondered quietly. 'Even though Father tried to hide it, I could sense the uncertainty and worry in his tone.'
He murmured this to himself just as he arrived at Marlon's tent.
He scanned the tent and noticed no movement or sound coming from within.
"He's not awake yet?" he frowned. ''Since he has no talent, has he finally decided to quit the entrance exam?"
Without wasting time, he pulled open the tent's makeshift door and peeked inside.
Behold — sprawled on the bed was a deeply sleeping Marlon, lying in an undignified pose.
"Marlon!" Drever barked.
Instantly, Marlon leapt up from the bed and took a defensive stance, his eyes wide and alert.
"Oh... it's you."
When he recognized Drever, his shoulders relaxed. A mischievous grin crept across his face. "What a caring leader — you came to watch me sleep?" he said teasingly.
Drever stared at him without responding for a few seconds. He wondered if someone like Marlon who seemed to have no real skill beyond running his mouth, should even be taking the entrance exam.
If it were within his power, he would have told him to stay behind. Not because he despised him, but because he knew how much ridicule and scorn Marlon would face once the exam began.
'Who knows? Maybe he has some hidden talent connected to that talkative nature of his.'
"Get ready quickly. The sky ship will be arriving in less than an hour," Drever said firmly.
"Oh, right! The entrance exam is today. How exciting, I haven't been on a sky ship before," Marlon replied, stretching with a yawn.
His reaction was not what Drever expected. He had thought the realization would dampen his mood, but apparently, he was wrong.
"You haven't been on a sky ship before?" Drever asked, curious.
"Nope," Marlon said simply, shaking his head.
"That's strange. Your father is Osward Ashleigh, the owner of the biggest aerospace company in Heartland Nation, and you've never been on a sky ship?"
"If you were a father, would you let a useless, talentless son near your workplace? Or allow him to enjoy luxuries like riding in a sky ship?" Marlon asked with a half-smile.
He already knew his father was wealthy, in fact, he was one of the richest men in Heartland Nation, and even among the top fifty wealthiest figures in the world.
But that man would rather feed money to a rat than spend a single credit on him. At least, that's what he'd gathered from the memories of this world's original Marlon.
"Sorry for digging deeper than I should have," Drever apologized.
"No need." Marlon chuckled. "Look at me now, I've made a nice name for myself. 'Masochist Marlon.' Doesn't it sound cool and pleasing to the ear?"
Stretching his arms in a dramatic gesture, he grinned proudly.
Drever simply offered a small smile and walked out of the tent with a single thought — that Marlon might really have some serious mental issues.
Once Drever left, Marlon rushed to take a quick bath and change into a fresh outfit — black pants paired with a red stylized hoodie and matching sneakers.
He looked especially flashy.
"Today, the world will know my name," he grinned at his reflection. "And with so many beautiful ladies around, I've got to look my sharpest."
After getting ready, he packed his remaining clothes and a few snacks into a large bag, stored them in the free slot in his inventory, and stepped out of the tent.
Unlike yesterday, when the camp was calm at this hour, trainees could now be seen moving around energetically, fully geared up and focused.
Different flashy weapons were on display — glowing swords, advanced guns with intricate sci-fi designs, and more.
Even the lowest-quality weapon among them was worth over a hundred thousand credits. For anyone without a wealthy background, owning such precious gear was nothing more than a dream.
Fortunately, for now, Marlon's ability didn't require a weapon to function.
But when he awakened a skill that did, he promised himself he'd get the very best.
"Marlon!"
As he was walking, Ashton and Logan called out his name and ran toward him, their faces bright with confidence.
They began sharing their progress eagerly — both had reached Level Three and doubled their maximum Aether capacity.
While they were speaking, a deep rumble shook the ground.
A low hum filled the air, and all heads turned upward.
Far above the desert horizon, a vast shadow stretched across the sky — a colossal ship descending slowly, its silver hull gleaming beneath the morning sun.
"Sky ship!" someone shouted.
A collective gasp followed as the massive vessel pierced through the clouds. It looked like a floating city — several layers of decks stacked on top of one another, engines glowing blue and leaving trails of vapor as it hovered closer.
The nearer it came, the louder the roar of its engines grew. Powerful gusts blasted across the camp, scattering sand and shaking the tents violently.
Then, with a final heavy thud, it landed.
Dozens of mechanical air-stairs unfolded from its sides and extended to the ground.
"Everyone, line up!" Drever commanded, his voice sharp and clear.
The trainees hurried into formation, standing in neat rows as they began boarding in an orderly manner.
It took a while for the entire camp to board, but once the last trainee stepped in, the sky ship's engines flared to life.
Slowly, it lifted off the ground and soared upward, drifting gracefully across the sky — toward the destination that would decide their destinies.
....
Quick question:
So Far is the story good, mid or bad.. please leave your response in the comment.
And how many would you rate this chapter on a scale of one to hundred
SECOND WEEK CHALLENGE:
⭐ Power stones: 39/100
⭐ Reviews: 0/5 (we need more review guys)