First Exam — Hunt! (1)

Chapter 15: First Exam — Hunt! (1)

Skipping all formalities which were forced upon arriving at the feet of the First Hunter Union, for even Hunter was bored by them to the core, signing paper after paper, it was time to step into a facility in which the exam would soon start.

It was round, similar to the gladiator's arena from Hunter's previous world.

To his surprise, it seemed quite modern. Made from marble, the entire arena was as white as Hunter's teeth.

There were countless viewers waiting for the exam to start, awaiting the yearly show. They had numerous snacks, such as popcorn, chips, and more!

At the highest peak of this arena were seats left for the guild leaders and the headmistress of the union. But since the arena was so vast and wide, it'd take an eye-related skill to properly see their faces from down below.

Hunter and Aimee were at the end of the gathered mass flooding the scene, having a pretty good view of what kind of people were participating in the yearly exam.

'Not just villagers… those should be people from cities… I sense even some strong people whose equipment seems similar to Aimee's? Well… it's becoming harder. It's not like I can challenge everyone like I did Aimee, telling them to take off their armor.'

That seemed like a huge blow.

Nonetheless, Hunter looked forward to what was about to start soon.

Before the show, however, it was time for the opening ceremony.

Numerous holograms appeared out of nowhere in the middle of the area, reflecting a woman's face.

She greeted everyone with a kind and warm smile, like an old teacher looking over her students.

However, she was far from looking old, as her skin was smooth and as white as snow, her appearance at most stretching toward her mid-thirties. Her violet hair was held up into a high bun, and her curves were encased in a black-purple gown that didn't hide her mature figure.

"Pleased to see so many aspiring hunters from all over our southern region. For those that have yet to know me, I'm Violetta Lux, the headmistress of The First Hunter Union. It will be me, alongside the guild leaders of the first union and their high-ranked officials, looking into your talent, potential, and skills."

Her smile widened slightly, "Are you ready to die?"

Only those ready to die could become hunters — it was what Violetta wanted to tell everyone assembled at the scene. While her blatant words scared a few, most decisively looked into the respective holograms, peering into her eyes.

Hunter was also in a chilling mood, "Seems like there's a digital signing. Good for you, Aimee."

"…what?"

Following that one straightforward question, Violetta began the opening ceremony by starting the tale of the hunter's importance and how this occupation was responsible for fighting monsters and demons to prevent another curse from swallowing the entire world.

Once again, however, her speech was quite indirect, leaving a lot of room for interpretation.

Then, the most exciting part of the speech began…

"At every stage of the exam, we and also the viewers will be able to sponsor you with skills. Upon receiving a skill book, you'll learn your sponsor's name and guild. Of course, it doesn't mean you are obliged to join them once you pass the yearly exam, but keep their kindness in mind. Now, I'll leave a room for others to talk to before we begin the exam," Violetta waved at everyone before her hologram became replaced by someone else.

It was a woman with a scarred face and terrifying expression — one of the guild leaders.

Her appearance silenced the entire arena, leaving only one sector laughing and chuckling. She spoke about her guild and their hunter principles, which were so wild that Hunter wondered if it wouldn't be better for her to live in the wilderness.

And just like that, more guild leaders began short introductions of their guild's principles.

Aimee's eyes shone like stars when a woman with blue hair and red armor spoke about her guild.

Hunter teased her from the side, "Is the word 'noble' enough to make you look so cute? I don't mind becoming noble, you know?"

"Of course, you don't mind. It's one of your ambitions as you will get all royal women to your harem. Starting from the queens, finishing with all the maids," Aimee replied with her usual tone, making her teammate harrumph.

Hunter curtly replied, "No way I go for everything that moves. I won't have time for the dearest women. You have to understand me better, Aimee."

"I will soon as I'm going to see you dominating the exam with your permanent alligator erection skill."

'Alright, I won't speak with her for now,' Hunter inwardly curved his lips up and gave Aimee one point for winning against him.

He then lifted his eyes at the hologram, curious if the boss would appear there.

But he didn't think she'd show herself since she wasn't interested in inviting anyone who passed the exam. The same thought was shared by other guild leaders and the headmistress.

Yet, Celestia took over the hologram, her confident and impressive aura stealing the arena.

'I missed your gorgeous face, boss!'

"Be yourself," the boss said.

'I will, boss!'

-

The holograms soon became filled with information.

[First Exam — Hunt!]

[Those who manage to bring the monster's corpse to the designated point will pass the first exam.]

And then, the holograms flashed with the map.

Hunter could see the vast expanse of dense forest stretching far and wide, with the tall mountain in the middle. Was it Yhwart Mountain at which feet the union was located?

Hunter didn't think so…

The headmistress' voice then rang out, "You all will enter our guardian spirit's domain which takes after the inhabited Yhwart Mountain and its forest. We stuffed it with real monsters a few years ago, allowing them to create their nests and even mini domains. Your objective is to bring the corpse of the monster to the mountain's feet, exactly where our union is in today's era proudly perched on."

[Time limit: 3 hours.]

First Exam — Hunt!

Starts now!