Ceremonial Inauguration (Part 2)

"What! We aren't your puppets!" The thought loomed in everyone's hearts, but they all were hesitant to voice it out, given the position they found themselves in.

They stood silently, their strength about to be poured fully into the challenges ahead. They stood firm and ready for all, the announcer would throw at them, but their activities were all halted, due to a question that resonated in their minds - how would the activities be organized?

After seeing the student's reactions, the announcer came to know what confused the students, and spoke,

"Sorry for the delay, if you have seen the marvelous room that can simulate seasons, head over there. You'll be communicated the format once you arrive."

Upon hearing the announcement, the students expressed satisfaction while exiting the main area. The air was filled with anticipation and anxiety, and the students' feeling of it truly exceeded what any other person felt.

Briefly, the students walked towards the room. They stood stagnant, unbeknownst to the impending danger. Soon, sounds began echoing in the room - the voice of the announcer.

"Now, everywhere will become dark and you'll face Goblins. Don't worry about us observing you, we possess a skill that lets us see even in the Shadow Realm."

Following the announcement, darkness arrived, concealing light beams that intruded into the room. The student's hearts raced, and their legs quivered upon recollecting their experience in the Shadow Realm.

The scars left by the Goblins in the Shadow Realm - Beginner's Shadow Realm of all - still existed in the minds and spirit of the students, and worst of all, it had claimed residence not to leave anytime soon.

Grrr!

The famous Goblin sound once again resonated. It triggered a roller coaster of emotions in the minds of the students, but they stood firm, vowing to face it head-on.

"Participants, you should be familiar with these Goblins. They're all level 2s. So be prepared!"

The amplified voice of the announcer, echoed with seriousness evident in it. The 20 individuals seated at the raised platform were also fully immersed in the battle that was about to unfold.

"Okay, this is just a simulation of the Shadow Realm. I've faced the real deal, why should I be afraid of this, it's an imitation and a flawed one at that."

"For one, it isn't as dar... wait, I have to think about this fight." Akira found himself thinking of unusual things but also tried desperately to calm and console himself.

He calmed himself and walked through the path he saw fit to follow. His decisions didn't offer any help in the battle, as he was the first to stumble upon a Goblin.

"W-what! Already?"

He quickly reversed his movements and ceased any form of attack. As the area was a bit lighted, Akira was able to perceive the figure of the Goblin.

"At least, this room isn't as dark," he spoke, clenching his fists ready to charge toward the Goblin.

Akira kept observing for a while and finally decided to pounce on the Goblin. He sprinted over to the Goblin, and with the Destroy skill already active, he squandered little time in defeating it.

"Oh, I guess level 2 Goblins aren't as strong after the test."

His mind was filled with joy and victory and the sudden surge of confidence surprised even himself. Defeating the level 2 Goblin so easily had given him a great boost in motivation.

It was then, he realized - I have to impress the individuals, but how? He looked around, trying to envision the expressions of the individuals if, by any chance, they saw him.

Another Goblin approached, but as Akira was fixated on envisioning the individuals, he was caught off guard and his HP was reduced.

His mind's attention was restored, and he cursed himself for not paying attention to the battle.

"Man, that wasn't impressive."

He felt he had reduced his chances of being accepted by any of them. The room was quiet, and the individuals didn't expel any sounds. Everyone was doing well against the Goblins, destroying them without a trace of hardship.

"Then that means, I'll have to up my game!" he spoke spontaneously dashing towards Goblin.

"This shouldn't be hard," he thought, midway through his attack on the Goblin.

He thrust forward, with all the strength he could muster, and landed a heavy attack on the Goblin, but it wasn't exterminated. It stood ready for more bashings from Akira.

Akira looked back at it with surprise beaming in his eyes. His body glowed, signifying the process of him checking his stats.

"Well, the skill works," he thought, as his eyes shimmered and he saw his stats being shown.

[Stats]

[HP: 92]

[Strength: 15]

[Fatigue: 6]

[Protection: None]

[Level: 1]

[Achievements: Shadow Realm Pass (Beginners), Ultimate Destruction]

[Skill: Stats (Activated), Destroy (Activated)]

[Talent: None]

"I guess the Goblin did a number on me," he stated while placing his hand on his face soothing it from the pain.

The Goblin retaliated to Akira's earlier attack, and soon a heated battle ensued. Reinforcements came to help the initial Goblin who was currently battling with Akira.

"Wait, more Goblins?"

Akira was perplexed at the sight but maintained composure so that he would be recognized positively by the individuals seated on the raised platform.

After continuous bashings Akira handed out as if it was an extremely enjoyable dish, the Goblins ran out of numbers. Only a few remained, and Akira eventually did away with the remaining Goblins.

Akira laid down to rest but was disrupted by the sudden alarm which sounded all around the room.

"Ah! What's that?"

He stood up, discerning the entire room, making an endeavor to locate the area the sound emerged from. Soon, a voice, similar to that of the announcer - no, it was the announcer's voice - uttered,

"Halt all activities, students."

"Drop all weapons and exit the room. The lights will be restored soon."

"Head over to the main area. There, you will be assigned to a particular individual."

"Good luck during the assignments."