Leap of Faith

Most of the participants began to move.

The distance to the next mountain was impossible to jump, even with a demon's body, which led some to resort to throwing an anchor with a rope to the next mountain.

Each participant was allowed to select one item from a range provided by the facilitator to bring to the venue.

Some brought weapons, while others brought useful items like the anchor and rope. There were also participants who brought nothing, trusting in their abilities.

Vince saw that the perfect example of a participant who didn't need any of those items was Lexus.

Lexus grinned and rose from the ground, bolts of fire shooting downwards from beneath his boots, lifting him into the air.

"See you, Vince! I hope you don't die so we can have a duel!" Lexus shouted before flying to the next mountain like a rocket.

Vince watched the rest of the participants in action.

One flew in his true demon form, using wings. Another stepped into the air as steel steps emerged with every step.

Max leaped like a beast, and Vince was amazed at how she covered the huge distance with a single leap.

There was only one person who used his true demon form.

Most of the participants were first-class awakened, and using a demon form in the middle of the test would likely exhaust their soul force much earlier than expected.

Vince thought it was a foolish move, considering there were likely harder obstacles ahead, and the person couldn't maintain their demon form for long.

When demons become awakened, they unlock their power core, allowing them to transform into their true demon forms.

A true demon form varies from one individual to another. They still resemble a person, but an enhanced version—they could grow larger, develop extra limbs or body parts, and their powers could evolve while in demon form. Their senses are also greatly heightened.

However, one couldn't just transform anytime they pleased. Shifting into demon form, especially for someone with a low power class, could be energy-consuming and wouldn't last long.

All the participants who managed to get out of the forest had moved on to the next mountain.

Vince was left on the cliff, unsure of what to do.

He didn't have an item he could use to bridge the gap to the next mountain.

He looked down the cliff and saw the river flowing so calmly that it seemed as if the water was barely moving.

The next mountain had a tall cliff with a rugged face, featuring vertical striations of rock, making it difficult to climb. Even if he jumped, there was no easy way to rise up the mountain other than by scaling the rocky edges.

'How about I take a leap like Max did? Maybe if I try, I can do it too.'

Vince took several steps back, considering a jump.

He had practiced leaping during his training but had never jumped such a long distance before.

But trying wouldn't hurt, right?

Vince tilted his head as he looked at the jagged edges of the mountain's cliff.

'Or maybe it would.'

He hesitated. But what other choice did he have? He couldn't take a detour down the mountain because it would take too much time.

Let's just try, then.

Vince took a deep breath.

He stood a few steps back from the cliff's edge, feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and upper body leaning forward.

He then sprinted with powerful strides, building up enough speed without losing control.

As he approached the edge, he pushed off with maximum force using both legs and swung his arms forward to increase momentum.

Vince sprinted toward the cliff's edge, his heart pounding in rhythm with his racing feet.

With every ounce of strength, he leapt into the air, his arms swinging forward to propel him further.

For a brief moment, it felt like he was soaring—weightless, free—with the wind rushing past him as he sailed over the chasm. The jagged rocks below seemed far away, like distant spikes waiting silently in the depths.

But as Vince neared the other side, realization hit him too late.

He wasn't going to make it.

The cliff on the far side loomed closer, but not close enough.

His arms outstretched, he reached for the rocky ledge, his fingers grazing the rough surface as his feet slipped beneath him.

His heart lurched, his body suspended for a fraction of a second in a terrifying limbo between land and air.

Gravity took hold, pulling him downward.

Vince's body slammed against the side of the cliff, knocking the wind from his lungs. He grunted in pain, instinctively reaching out and managing to grasp a jagged protrusion of rock with one hand.

His other hand scrambled, fingers desperately searching for another small ledge to cling to.

His legs dangled helplessly over the abyss, and below him, the gentle flow of the river echoed softly through the canyon, its calm waters lapping quietly against the rocks.

He felt the chill in the air as he maintained his grip. His weight was heavy, but with his strength and the training he'd been through, it was manageable.

He was inches away from plummeting into the river below, but somehow, he held on.

After quickly assessing his surroundings, Vince pulled himself up. His fingers ached, the rough stone biting into his skin.

At last, his feet found a foothold on a narrow ledge, allowing him to balance just enough to rest.

Vince looked up at the cliffside above him, still a long way from the top. He'd missed his jump, but he wasn't finished yet. The climb ahead wouldn't be easy, but he had no other option.

'If only Fiona were here, she could have helped me out.'

He hissed and smirked, wiping the sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand.

Pet servants weren't allowed in the test venue, so bringing the sassy cat had been impossible.

Vince clung to the jagged cliffside; his breath uneven.

His fingers, strong but far from invincible, dug into the small cracks and crevices of the rock. His demon blood gave him an edge in strength and agility, and his training included rock climbing, which helped him a lot.

He planted his feet on a narrow ledge below, testing its stability before pushing upward. His arms flexed, veins bulging as he hauled himself higher.

His hand slipped once, sending a jolt of panic through him, but he quickly steadied himself.

'Phew. That was close.'

His movements were quick but far from effortless.

He climbed with as much speed as he could muster, knowing time wasn't on his side. But his speed was tempered by caution, each move precise. His legs pushed him upward, his claws scraping into the stone when he needed extra grip.

Finally, after what felt like hours, his hand reached the final ledge.

He hauled himself over the edge, rolling onto his back as he collapsed onto solid ground.

Lying on the ground, gazing up at the bright blue sky, he closed his eyes for a moment.

Suddenly, a piercing shout of agony shattered the seemingly peaceful mountain.