Chapter 12: Endurance

Garret led the competitors into an enigmatic room, enveloping the environment in an almost tangible suspense. The place they were taken to unfolded as a sanctuary of magical runes, emanating a mysterious energy that filled the air.

The chamber, where Garret guided the competitors, unfolded like a stage immersed in magical runes, pulsating with an enigmatic energy that intensified the tension around it. As the newcomers prepared to face the Endurance Challenge, a magical screen emerged in front of the recruiters and other spectators. "This test may unveil true gems or, who knows, unexpected surprises," whispered a spectator, eyes fixed in anticipation of what was about to unfold.

Within the room, the atmosphere became palpable, charged with anticipation and nervousness. Garret, with firmness in his presence, revealed the rules of the test, capturing the competitors' attention with his words.

"This is the Endurance Challenge, the last stage of the strength test. Here, each of you will confront a symphony of challenges, both physical and mental. Gravity will become a relentless opponent, simulating physical resistance that will test your limits. Additionally, illusions will challenge your minds, presenting monsters and extreme situations."

The competitors absorbed Garret's words, aware that this test would truly separate the extraordinary from the common. The leader continued, "Meticulous sensors will be attentive to each response, both from the body and the mind. If you choose to give up, a simple gesture or word will be enough. Remember, this test is not just about physical strength but about endurance, concentration, and the determination that propels you."

Under Garret's meticulous instructions, the competitors entered the room, its doors closing with a muffled thud, immersing them in an isolated and tension-filled experience. The sound from the outside vanished, replaced only by the echo of participants' accelerated breaths, as if the environment itself held its breath, awaiting the unfolding of events.

Gravity in the room began its gradual increase, imposing growing weight on the competitors. The first few minutes were relatively calm, but soon the physical endurance of the participants was put to the test, a progressive challenge that generated a sense of increasing oppression.

Liam, maintaining his firm posture, faced the physical pressure with determination. His eyes, once filled with curiosity, now displayed a spark of concentration as he assessed the situation accurately.

Focusing on his breath, Liam delved into the deep teachings of his clan, repeating the mantra of breath to keep his concentration intact. 'Inhale the power of the present, exhale the distractions of the past.' Each breath became an anchor, a way to regain serenity amid the growing adversity.

Calm began to take over his mind, and the concentration, previously diminished in the previous tests, showed signs of restoration. As gravity increased, illusions began to manifest, imposing imposing monsters attacking from all directions with roars echoing in the participants' minds, challenging their mental endurance. The environment became an arena of mental challenges, where internal struggle mixed with physical pressure, creating a unique symphony of overcoming.

'In each breath, find the calm of the center. Inhale deeply, feel the internal energy.' Liam lost himself in his own world, completely forgetting who was around him as he persevered in his mantra, finding strength in the discipline taught by his clan.

While Liam concentrated intensely, other competitors began to show signs of weakness. The closed room was immersed in a tense atmosphere, mental and physical challenges testing the endurance of each participant. The magical screen in the observation room transmitted every movement and expression, creating palpable anticipation among the spectators.

The recruiters, once relaxed, now watched attentively, their expressions revealing renewed interest in the Endurance Challenge. Comments among them arose, highlighting uncertainty and expectation regarding the newcomers' performance.

"It's time to separate the wheat from the chaff."

At the peak of tension, one of the competitors, unable to withstand the growing pressure, let out a scream. "I give up!"

Garret reacted instantly, conjuring a rune that teleported the competitor out of the testing room. The tense environment granted a brief respite, but the real challenge persisted for those who remained.

The magical screen in the observation room meticulously captured every moment of the trial. The recruiters, now completely absorbed, witnessed the gradual elimination of the competitors. Hushed comments among them echoed, emphasizing the ruthless nature of the Endurance Challenge.

Liam, at the epicenter of the challenge, delved deeply into his concentration. Increasing gravity transcended the physical aspect; it became a genuine mental arena. Applying the ancestral techniques of his clan, he sought to maintain calm and channel his internal energy. 'Exhale gently, release worries.'

Under the growing pressure, Liam felt each muscle become heavy, each breath turning into a herculean effort. However, his determination persisted, fueled by the will to overcome yet another challenge and validate his abilities. 'In the now, I remain, focused and strong, like the constant flow of the river of life.'

The words, simple but concentrated, became a mantra, an anchor for his mind amid the storm of challenges. He discerned the texture of the air around him, heavy and dense, as if each movement were executed under the resistance of an invisible current. The smell of sweat and the palpable tension in the air intertwined, creating a sensory environment that echoed the intensity of the test.

[System Notice]

Inside the closed room, gravity continued to increase, turning each movement into a challenge. The muscles of all participants protested against the growing resistance, but the determination of some remained unshaken.

A second competitor, visibly shaken by the illusory monsters and physical pressure, gave in. "I can't take it anymore! I give up!" His scream echoed in the room before Garret, once again, activated the teleportation rune, removing him from the test.

Liam, even facing the same adversity, stood firm in his concentration. His muscles protested, but his resilient mind maintained composure. The room, now impregnated with the energy of mental challenges, seemed to vibrate with the intensity of the trial.

The fourth, fifth, and sixth competitors followed the same path, succumbing to the increasing physical resistance and mental illusions. Each surrender cry was like an echo in the room, reinforcing the harshness of the Endurance Challenge.

Liam, in his own inner world, maintained his discipline. Every breath was a conscious act, an anchor against the storm of challenges. While other competitors withdrew, he remained, his gaze focused and his internal energy aligned.

The seventh competitor, visibly shaken, struggled to stand under the growing weight. However, physical and mental endurance reached its limit, and he finally exclaimed, "I can't take it anymore! I give up!" Again, Garret acted swiftly, teleporting him out of the room.

The room, now inhabited by a more intense aura, witnessed Liam's singular persistence. The recruiters in the observation room followed every move, their expressions reflecting surprise at Viper's inner strength.

Garret, observing the unfolding events, couldn't help but comment with an impressed tone, "This group keeps surprising me."

The Endurance Challenge continued relentlessly, testing each competitor to their physical and mental limits. Shadow Voss faced the increasing gravity and illusions with visible determination. However, even with his facade of confidence, his endurance was wearing thin.

As gravity increased, Shadow Voss struggled to stay on his feet, his movements becoming slower and heavier. The expression that once displayed

 confidence now showed signs of exhaustion and desperation. He seemed to have lost the internal battle against the forces pressing on him.

"Damn..." His voice, once firm, now trembled with a mix of frustration and resignation.

A few seconds before he could gather enough concentration to announce his endurance, his body gave in, and he fell to the ground.

Garret, once again, acted efficiently, activating the teleportation rune that instantly removed Shadow Voss from the testing room.

In the observation room, recruiters watched attentively the elimination of another competitor. Comments among them were exchanged, highlighting the different reactions of the participants to the challenges. Some discussed Viper's remarkable endurance, while others analyzed the variety of strategies used by the competitors to face the adversities.

Mortheus leaned forward, his eyes fixed on the magical screen. "Only Viper and Swift Arrow left, Viper is expected, but it's incredible that Swift Arrow has persevered this far. With that level of concentration, he would have been better off choosing a magical class."

A recruiter, known for detailed analysis, commented, "Shadow Voss showed initial strength, but the mental pressure of the test eventually undermined his endurance. If he weren't so impatient and had better concentration abilities, he would have lasted longer. Interesting to see how each one deals uniquely with the Endurance Challenge."

Gravity reached its peak, demanding Herculean efforts from Swift Arrow to remain standing. His tense muscles and labored breath revealed the intensity of the challenge. Spectators in the observation room followed every move, some murmuring about the remarkable endurance of the archer.

"No... can't... give in..." He muttered between gasping breaths, but exhaustion was evident on his face. His determination was not enough to keep his body standing, with one last moment of glory, he fell to his knees, and his body slowly descended to the ground.

Garret, with keen eyes, recognized Swift Arrow's tireless effort. With a respectful gesture, he activated the teleportation rune, removing Swift Arrow from the testing room. The magical screen in the observation room captured the scene of the elimination, and spectators expressed a mix of surprise and respect for Swift Arrow's tenacity until the last moment.

As the observation room absorbed Swift Arrow's elimination, attention turned to Viper. Liam roared with an unusual intensity, dissipating the remaining illusions. The roar echoed in the room, causing the illusory creatures, which previously distracted the participants' minds, to falter.

However, a few seconds after Liam's roar, one of the largest beasts responded with a roar, challenging Liam's ability to keep his mind clear under the growing pressure of gravity. His muscles gave way, unable to resist the challenge imposed by the beast, and Garret acted swiftly, teleporting Liam out of the room.

Garret teleported Liam out of the room, then left the room and gathered all the competitors. "Congratulations for completing all three tests of the Strength Challenge; next, I will announce the results of the Strength Challenge."

Garret, leaving the room, gathered all the competitors. "Congratulations on overcoming the three challenges of the Strength Challenge. Now, I will announce the results."

"1st: Viper - Scores: Precision: S, Brute Force: S+, Endurance: S | Final Grade: S"

"2nd: Shadow Voss - Scores: Precision: S-, Brute Force: A, Endurance: A+ | Final Grade: A+"

"3rd: Thunder Kat - Scores: Precision: B+, Brute Force: A-, Endurance: A- | Final Grade: A-"

"4th: Swift Arrow - Scores: Precision: A, Brute Force: C, Endurance: S- | Final Grade: A-"

"5th: Flame Horizon - Scores: Precision: B+, Brute Force: B+, Endurance: A- | Final Grade: B+"

"6th… 7th… 8th… 9th… 10th"

The evaluations continued, revealing the position of each competitor in the Strength Challenge. The faces of the participants varied between satisfaction and disappointment, depending on the announced result. Viper, the standout leader, maintained a serious expression, his mind already focused on the upcoming challenges.

At the end of the list, Garret gathered the competitors with a serious look. "Congratulations to all for facing the challenges bravely. The Strength Challenge ends here. Now, prepare for the next tests, where we will begin the Combat Challenge. For now, you have 30 minutes to rest."

The room was filled with murmurs and exchanged glances as the competitors assimilated their performances and prepared for the next phase. The competition was just beginning, and the true trials still awaited those who aspired to achieve greatness in the unfolding world before them.