4 Don't Give Up. Slay! (Part 3)
Upon hearing the news from the system, the students were filled with profound joy which was dominantly expressed on their faces. During their jubilation, the system proceeded in its announcement,
[Stage 2 complete!]
[Do you choose to leave or stay?]
[Note: If you leave, you fail the test]
"Oh, I forgot about that," the students spoke.
The system was left with no reply, as none of the students departed from the Shadow Realm. The students, filled with the joy of completing the test, finally obtained the zeal to complete the test.
[Achievement Obtained!]
[Shadow Realm Pass (Beginners)]
"Wait, what's an achievement," Akira spoke.
[Sorry, the level of explanation is above your current level]
"What does it mean by that," a talented student spoke.
"Anyways, Akira how are you so strong?" He questioned.
"Oh, it's nothing. Just a lotta training," he replied.
The student looked back at Akira in doubt to his reply. In his mind, the explanation behind his power was beyond what he spoke.
"He must have a talent he's hiding," the student thought.
Akira turned away and sat at a corner, trying once again to regain composure and other elements. He checked his stats and was shown something contradicting to the core meaning of impressive.
[Stats]
[HP: 39]
[Strength: 15]
[Fatigue: 62]
[Protection: None]
[Level: 1]
[Achievements: Shadow Realm Pass (Beginners)]
[Skill: Stats1 (Activated), Destroy (Activated)]
[Talent: None]
"At least, my strength has increased. But it's growth is slow," he thought.
In the hushed aftermath, he reclined, awaiting the impending quest for the next elusive Goblin. Amongst the students, echoes of groans resonated—a symphony of battle-worn spirits. Each ache spoke volumes, a testament to the relentless struggle.
Yet, in this respite, a clandestine metamorphosis unfolded. Their stats, once mere numbers, began a gradual ascent—a silent pact with resilience. In the quietude, they mended, weaving the threads of endurance before venturing forth into the uncharted realm once more.
Advancing in the tried-and-true formation, the adept students seized the vanguard. Into the perilous expanse they ventured, where lurking Goblins awaited their relentless onslaught. Undeterred, the resolute echoes of determination drowned out the disquieting sounds of the treacherous realm.
As the students waged their battle, a symphony of clashes reverberated, a testament to their unwavering commitment to triumph over the Goblin horde. Sacrifices became a currency, willingly spent in the pursuit of success.
Amidst the chaos, Akira, initially a spectator, found himself drawn into the fray. The query from a comrade acted as a catalyst, and with a newfound resolve, he unleashed his prowess upon the Goblins, knowing this bout would forge his strength.
The relentless assault continued, but as weariness set in, the elusive level 2 Goblins remained elusive. A cease-fire was declared, a respite to recuperate from injuries, a temporary pause in the relentless pursuit of triumph within the labyrinthine confines of the beginner's portal.
The students, took a brief moment to rest and recuperate, but were disrupted by the following announcement of the system,
[Goblin head count: 27/45]
[Great job! 18 to go!]
"Oh great, I actually lost count of the Goblins I've killed," Ace thought in shock.
A few minutes into the students' brief recuperation, and they made their way further, into the depths of the realm. Whilst the students proceeded, a unique thought sparked in the mind of a student,
"So, if we eventually pass the test, how'll we leave?"
"Will we run back and go to the entrance, or something else will happen?"
The thought seemed useless, and once he voiced it out to his fellow students, they deemed it unworthy of any attention. After all, that is a question that will be answered when they complete and pass the test.
"Plus, we also have to get the skill the instructor told us about," he added.
The question sparked the interests of many students including those with talents. They pondered for a while, and finally, Akira made a suggestion,
"Maybe, we'll get it after we kill a special type of Goblin or something of that sort."
"I think you're right," another student replied.
After the brief discussion, they resumed their normal pace in search of the next Goblin they would kill. They wondered for a while in the Shadow Realm, and were finally faced with a Goblin. The area was dark, so the students failed to notice its presence, but it's animosity generated a chilling vibe.
[Warning! Level 2 enemy approaching! Be cautious]
[Warning! Level 2 enemy approaching! Be cautious]
[Warning! Level 2 enemy approaching! Be cautious]
The device kept sounding, on an on again until an unusual thought surfaced in the mind of the students - a large amount of level 2 Goblins were approaching.
"We gotta make it out of here," a student said.
Akira, had finally agreed with the suggestion of fleeing, as he had witnessed the immense strength of the Goblins firsthand.
"Yes, we have to be alive," other students affirmed.
They took few minutes escaping immediate danger, but were eventually tasked with the decision of destroying the Goblins.
"But, we must defeat the Goblins if we wish to leave," a student voiced.
Then, the students turned towards the Goblins, intending to kill them.
"No, they're to scary. I'm running," few students spoke due to the fear implanted in them by the level 2 Goblins.
Other students, stood firm and faced the Goblins head-on. They poured all their energy into the onslaught, as it was their only means of escape. They received significant damage but, went on with killing more of the Goblins.
The body counts stacked up, leaving only few Goblins alive. The students proceeded with few fallen comrades. Gradually, the students killed the Goblins, and were immediately given an announcement,
[Well done!]
[Achievement Obtained!]
[Ultimate Destruction]
[Stage 3 complete!]
[Do you choose to leave or stay?]
[Note: If you leave, you fail the test]
After hearing this, few light hearted students, happily fled from the realm.
"I'm gonna leave. This isn't worth it," some students spoke.
The number of students left, which were previously 289 drastically reduced to a mere 162 students. The fright of witnessing such an event hunted the students who fled and the unbearable scars left by the Goblins left the remaining students with a task of immense recuperation.
