Journey.

The region was crowded with over a thousand individuals, all looking up at the platform before them. It was over 100 meters wide, with old-looking individuals dressed in Hanfu-like clothing on it.

"We can see you all aspire to join our family!" One of the figures said in a sober tone, scanning through the crowd.

"We are glad to see so many people, but…" he said, raising a finger to the sky. "As you must all have been aware… we have limited slots."

His voice echoed through the region, resounding to the lower-standing individuals as a warning, betraying the situation. 

They all had discrete expressions, the majority displaying expressions of anxiety as sweat dripped off their foreheads.

"I can assure you all…" he said, gesturing that everyone stayed calm. He seemed to have noticed the anxiety of the masses. "The test would be free and fair."

Flabbergasted

The majority of the crowd stood astonished by the man's declaration, but due to their bewilderment, failed to notice the contemptuous glares from their mates.

'Haa, I'll have to pass this!' thought a handsome male as he placed an arm on his chin. 'The individuals around would be around my age group, at least I don't think anyone within the contestant is above 20.'

As he thought, he eyed all the people around, nodding gently as if confirming something.

"We have had good participants to this point, forcing our hands into taking a drastic measure!" Shooting shot glances at his companions, to which they nodded as if agreeing.

"Rule of the jungle… only the fittest survive!" 

As his last words entered the ears of the participant, they all glared at each in spite, waiting for the show opener.

"Immediately a certain death count is breached, a gate would be manifested on this platform, though statuses and gifts will be given out based on the order of entry.

So it's advised that you work on entering early," saying this, he and the other individuals present on the platform vanished.

An eerie silence prevailed for some seconds before an inpatient individual decided to open the dance floor.

***

Liam POV

I feel like something is missing…? Ohh! Now I remember, how I got to this point, right?

No way in hell I'm missing such an important chance to brag.

So do read on!

__________

As I lay on the bare earth's surface, I thought of my future plans… not like I have any. I just need to follow Big Mom's direction.

Seating up, I moved to the broken pod, reconfirming if I mistakenly missed out on some important clues.

I didn't miss anything though, the place was still desolate, maybe the broken glass of the pod counts as something.

Concentrating on the ring, I tried to bring the broken pod into it which worked perfectly.

Simultaneously I brought out a set of clothing that I found in it, immediately putting it on. I'm sure she planned this journey for a long time.

Cross-checking for any issues, I couldn't help but notice the clothing style. It was similar to medieval clothing; a tunic and large pants.

It looked old-fashioned and also mediocre… not like it matters, as long as it covers my nudity.

Time to complete my dressing, checking the ring again, I took out a short sword and a scabbard. The sword like others was old and rusty, and I could also wield it easily, due to its mass and size.

Checking again, I took out a belt, hurriedly placing it on my waist. The rest was not difficult, since I just had to attach the sword to my belt.

"I'm done!" 

I couldn't help but feel proud as I observed the dress. I now resembled a legendary warrior in a fantasy series.

Looking to the sky, I observed as the sun arose from its deep sleep. it was strangely beautiful, making me stare in awe.

Bringing me out of my reverie was the sound of rustling leaves. It was rather strange, causing me to put on my guard.

Immediately creating a distance from the sound source, I surveyed the surroundings for any intruder.

Perched on a tree branch not too far from me was a bird. If I were to compare it to Earth's bird, then I'll describe it as a hummingbird.

Its feathers were green in color, having a little white and red mixed in between. It looked alluring, building up my desire to own it.

But the moment I raised my legs in an attempt to move, it flipped its small wings speeding off into the distance.

"Fuck!" I said out loud, clenching my fist in annoyance.

No need to cry over spilled milk. Coming out of my cover, I took out the map, performing some calculations as I had been taught.

I just hope I'm doing it right. Starting my journey, I moved in the direction of the east, checking for any suspicious activity around me.

The forest had a diversity of plants and animals, ranging from small plants to huge trees. As for animals, I could only see small creatures around here, mostly birds.

Moving to a plant, which I assumed to be a rose. I reached out for it but was cut short by an insect that landed on the plant's surface.

It was a rare occurrence to see a plant that doesn't attract insects, especially a beautiful one like this… so I decided to watch as nature took its course.

Watching the enticing scene of the insect walking on the rose petal, I moved forward a little just to witness the horrifying scene as the insect got devoured by the plant I considered beautiful.

Falling on my butt, I moved further from the plant in fright.

Grrrr

Hearing the growling sound, I stood up hurriedly, meeting the eyes of what I'll describe as a wolf.

It had gray fur, with white mixed in between. Its hazel eyes reflected my appearance as it observed me closely.

My first thought was to run, but recalling my mission and what I'll have to do to see it through I stood in place, taking out the short sword from its scabbard.

Taking in deep breaths, I placed the sword before me, moving slowly to my right in steady steps.

While in Raymond's class, I was taught to read a person's body language, getting a brief of their possible weaknesses and other important facts.

While in Merlin's class, I was taught to read energy signatures, getting to know how strong and how good a person was in the aspect of cultivation.

From the above lessons, I deduced the creature before me to be a youngling. There is also a chance that it's strong or wise enough to hide its energy signature… I just hope that's not the case.