Trials

"A Trial is what its name implies, a trial." The captain began, making some roll their eyes. They waited until the captain continued talking.

As his words hung in the air, the recruits exchanged glances, a mix of anticipation and trepidation filling the room.

"Trials encompass a wide range of challenges," The captain continued, "from combat to puzzle-solving and teamwork, among other things. However, there is one common element in all the Trials, and that is danger."

"How dangerous can they be, sir?" A skeptical voice questioned, obviously thinking it couldn't be that bad.

The captain looked at the recruit as he snorted, saying, "Since Trials are divided into different ranks, I will answer you considering only the statistics of the lower-ranked tests. Normally, in a Trial with a hundred participants, half of them would die."

His words hit most of the recruits like a blow, causing their faces to turn pale.

It was as if they realized for the first time that the Trials were far from being a mere game.

Knowing what they were thinking, the captain said, "This is precisely why the first Trial on each planet does not carry the risk of actual death. It works as a stepping stone, letting us get used to Trials before venturing into the real ones."

"But, sir, why do people still participate if the chances of dying are so high?" Edward asked, still frightened.

"Because of the rewards. Money, elixirs, treasures… And most important, reputation. All that awaits the winner. However, where there is light, there is darkness. In most cases, while the winners get everything, the losers lose it all."

"I still can't understand, sir. Isn't life more important than rewards?"

Kayden noticed how, at Edward's question, some recruits like Nick sneered at him.

It wasn't strange since most of them already knew they were going to have to risk their lives to achieve their goals.

Even if they were also afraid, they found Edward's cowardice pathetic.

The captain sighed and replied, "You have a point, you cannot enjoy the rewards if you are not alive. However, sometimes risking your life to get a better one, is better than merely surviving."

Charles raised his hand, calling the captain's attention, and asked politely, "Are these rewards truly necessary to become an outstanding cultivator, sir?"

"They would not be if you had a large enough background to provide you with the necessary resources, which is frankly unlikely for an earthling since our planet has just gone through the Awakening. Nonetheless, even these people would participate sometimes."

"Why would they want to participate if they don't need to, when there is a considerable chance of dying, sir?" Someone questioned, confused.

"Did you forget what I said was the biggest reward? Everyone, no matter his background, would need enough reputation to ascend in society."

Charles asked another question, breaking the momentary silence, "What about the first Trial, sir? Is there any clue?"

The recruits leaned in, eager to hear more about the upcoming challenge.

"Not much, but we do know a few things. First, although we do not know why, dying in the Trial might have disastrous consequences for your future. This is why the government strongly discourages those who are not prepared to participate."

He paused, some of the lower-ranked ones such as Sophie and Edward fretting.

"Secondly, the Trial will have a single winner, but there will be rewards for more people, whose value will depend on their performance."

'Just a winner?! Isn't that too difficult?' Even Kayden, as confident as he was, doubted that he could win among people from all over the planet.

"Last but not least," the captain emphasized, "there will be thousands of Trials, all of them exactly the same way, and they will not be rebroadcast in any way. Each one will have a maximum of a thousand participants."

"Thousands?" Someone murmured.

"Yes, since the first Trial will have a huge number of participants, it is divided so that the number of people per Trial is not excessive." He uttered with his stern voice.

'I understand now. Being the winner out of a thousand might be harsh, but is undeniably easier than with the entire planet. I must succeed, as this is just the first step on my journey.' Kayden thought.

"What do you mean by broadcasting, sir?" Josh asked.

The captain took a moment to explain, "Trials' popularity is also due to entertainment. Countless people around the universe enjoy watching them, and this is how a participant can spread his fame across the endless stars."

"But sir, why won't they rebroadcast this one?" Josh inquired in a doubtful tone.

"Because this Trial will not be as entertaining as common ones," the captain replied. "First, the participants' level is too low. Second, and the main reason, there is no risk of death."

"Isn't it sadistic that viewers are only interested if participants can die, sir?" Questioned Josh as he and many others frowned.

The captain sighed and explained, "It might be to us, earthlings. However, this is something common in the cultivation society. People love the adrenaline rush of watching others fight with their lives on the line."

Kayden saw how other recruits disagreed with the captain's words and thought to himself, 'This is why Lord Thasal told us to adapt. You can't judge the cultivation society by our standards. The only way to succeed is by adapting.'

Nick, seemingly unfazed by the captain's words, interjected in a direct tone, "Then how will the government know our performance at the Trial, sir?"

"Although we will not be able to observe you directly, Lord Thasal said the results of the Trials will be made public," The captain answered.

As Kayden contemplated the captain's words, a sudden realization dawned on him. He drew an analogy between the Trials and the world of gaming.

'I see. It is as if the Trial was a game divided into different servers, and each server has its own ranking, which anyone can look at after they finish.' He reasoned.

"All right, that is enough for now. I will be waiting for you here in six days, do your best effort." The captain concluded before walking away.

The recruits observed his imponent back as he entered the building.

Some recruits remained talking, while others left immediately after the captain.

Feeling the urge to improve his cultivation even further and uncover the full extent of his potential, Kayden headed for his bedroom with a determined stride.

As he walked, the desire to surpass his current limitations and ascend to greater heights burned brightly within him.

The Trials weren't just a means to an end but a journey that would shape him into the cultivator he aspired to be.