After the great cataclysm fifty years ago, the destruction reduced the world population and flattened nations to the ground, causing humanity to rise again from the fall.
Arden was quickly divided into five great nations namely — Northwind, Eastlight, Southshore, Weststone and Heartland.
Among these great nations, Heartland was considered the strongest as not only does it house a reputable number of guardians and high-ranking hunters but it is also the home of the strongest person, the one and only Seeker to ever grace the planet — Axel Storm.
As the heart of all the great nations, the other four nations naturally bowed to their lead and worked together with them to seek out new ways to solve humanity's pending doom.
Eldertree was a big city within this reputable nation.
And at its coliseum, the new generation of hunters were about to become the first to participate in a challenge that hasn't graced the world before.
Plenty of reputable and famous figures from Heartland Nation and the neighboring nations were present to witness this pioneer moment in history... to spectate the birth of a new generation and the rise of a star... a participant who would rise above the others.
"Norian Sterling's son is taking part in the challenge. I heard he's awakened a B-rank talent and has been handling small challenges with ease. He's likely to succeed… maybe even become the top student," one observer whispered.
"Have you noticed the Whitlock sisters down there? Both are unusual. The younger one may have a common talent, but she's still exceptional," another replied.
"You're forgetting my family. Look at my twins—they'll pass without question," a third voice added confidently.
Clashes began at certain VIP areas between some prominent figures, each debating a particular topic... who would succeed and who would triumph.
Gigaman drifted midair and paid heed to the noisy crowds with a gentle smile… not because he wanted to, but because there was nothing he could do to silence them. With so much noise, the effect of his skill, Voice Application, would be reduced.
He helplessly looked toward a particular area.
Coincidentally, it was the same area where Norian Sterling was seated.
Understanding the assignment, Norian sent a veil of energy spreading across the entire coliseum for a few seconds.
And instantly, the crowd went silent. The weaker ones panicked, while the stronger ones tried to pinpoint which powerhouse had done it.
Witnessing the silence, Gigaman began addressing the crowd once again.
"Without wasting much time, we would like to begin this year's challenge." His voice echoed.
At that moment, dozens of hunters wearing a particular uniform dragged a gigantic looking machine through the air and slowly descended upon a cleared area at the middle of the spacious field.
The machine was very big and wide, its height was over twenty feet high and its width was around the same measurement. Its body was sleek black with mixtures of blue, red and green lights forming strange patterns across it.
"What is that?"
"I've never seen anything like it before," someone muttered.
"Is this what the students will be using for the challenge?"
Marlon and the other participants also observed the machine with odd expressions, wondering what it was and how it could test their capabilities to become hunters.
Beside Marlon, Ashton and Logan began to come up with different speculations — one believing it would test their talent at a deeper level and the other convinced it was a portal-like device.
While debates continued, the unknown machine landed on the clearing. All attention was drawn toward it.
"This device is called the Survival Matrix — just as the name suggests, it combines many survival scenarios among the low-level danger zones, as well as their environments and monsters," Gigaman explained.
"Once within the Survival Matrix, each participant will be assigned a specific identification number that we on the outside will use to track progress, danger status, and more." He continued, voice loud and clear, naturally forcing everyone to listen attentively.
"As I mentioned earlier, the Survival Matrix might be able to eject participants when they reach a certain health status or at the point of certain death. Nonetheless, it would be in the participants' best interest not to rely on it, as it has limits and an uncertain success rate."
This time, eyes turned in confusion... The danger of the Survival Matrix rippled through the heart of the listeners.
"Scenarios within the Survival Matrix will also be broadcast outside, making it easier to identify outstanding participants."
"And lest I forget, since the difficulty of this Survival Matrix is unique, a good team feature has been added with special benefits."
"There are plenty of other unique features that will be revealed once it is in use." He concluded.
His lengthy explanation took quite a few seconds for the crowd to digest. The spectators were filled with awe.
'Hehe.' A sharp grin appeared on Marlon's face.
At the beginning of the explanation, he had been disappointed, thinking no one would get to witness his awesome battle scene. But near the end, when Gigaman mentioned their adventure would be broadcast, joy like never before welled in his heart.
Nonetheless, unlike him, a few of the participants were let down, the likes of Logan, Ashton and others who had little to no confidence on their strength.
"The Survival Matrix will be ready in ten minutes. Until then, please all participants prepare yourselves, ready your gears, and gather your teammates," Gigaman announced.
Immediately, his voice ceased, and the orderliness within the group of participants shattered.
"Lady Selena, please join my team! With you around, we have a higher chance of surviving."
"I will give one hundred thousand credits to anyone who allows me into their team, as long as they are strong."
"Drever said he would be forming a team, I want to join."
"Jonathan is also creating one."
The popular students got flooded by people ready to join, some even willing to pay.
There were ten of those popular students and at least five dozen people crowded each one of them at this moment.
The bane of society, the likes of Marlon, Ashton, and Logan, were left behind.
Logan and Ashton did not budge from their position beside Marlon. From the beginning, they had already made up their mind to go with him. Even if there were no team features, they would still take the adventure together with him.
And Marlon did not mind.
As long as they did not stand in his path to greatness, he didn't mind becoming the overpowered hero figure.
Nonetheless, what the three did not expect was that Lyra would come and ask to join their team.