Challenging

A few hundred meters from the starting point of the test, there was a folding camp table with three people standing around it. Some supplies covered the surface of the table—tablets, a drone deployment station, and a portable espresso maker.

The three people were a young blonde woman in a neat suit with a red cross on her arm, a middle-aged man in a general's dress uniform, and a man in his thirties wearing an athletic outfit—Elizabeth, Omega, and General Pantherson. Steam rose from their cups and puffed from their mouths as they sipped espresso and engaged in conversation with each other. Meanwhile, screams of terror and anguish could be heard from very close by.

Though neither of the men seemed to be bothered by the brutality that had already begun, the young woman seemed to be having a hard time of it. "Do you really have to make these young people almost murder each other?" she asked. "You've already tested their physical prowess and determination. This just seems cruel."

General Patherson replied, "You're a bit mistaken. Yes, the physical aspect of a Hunter is certainly important, and our candidates have shown their grit to a certain extent… but it's another thing altogether when you're being hunted down like an animal! The most important aspect of mental fortitude for a Hunter is being mentally prepared to fight and die on the battlefield, and this test will prove that."

The general squinted over his drink. "Honestly, Elizabeth, I'm a bit surprised to continue to hear that you hold this mindset. You have field experience, after all—both with Marines and Hunters in the Black Zone."

Elizabeth replied, "Of course I'm familiar with what you require of Hunters. I've even attended training for Marines, General. But even then, I've never seen such sadistic training!"

Omega interrupted her and said, "And those higher standards of ours are exactly why the fatality rate for Marines in a Level 1 Black Zone area is 70%... And it's only 12% for us Hunters." 

His voice took on a sarcastic tone as he continued, "You know the brutal reputation of the Marines. Even still, compared to the Hunters, the US Military practically treats their troops like babies, putting far too much priority on their bodily safety and comfort. The Hunters instead prioritize the success of the mission and the bare survival of our troops! The Marines will pull back if they deem injury rates too high, but a Hunter will break every bone in their body if it means they'll succeed and survive."

General Patherson smiled at Omega's words. "I should hope that news relieves you, Elizabeth. As the new head of medical staff at the Academy, you can rest assured your patients will only very rarely die."

Elizabeth gave a deep frown at the general's words. "Please excuse me," she said, then set down her drink and left the table to check on the field infirmary about ten meters away.

Omega didn't seem bothered or insulted by Elizabeth's leaving them. He only smiled and picked up his tablet from the table. "Computer, zoom in on candidate 23,332. I want constant monitoring of him." 

General Patherson shot a quizzical look at Omega. "Is there a problem? It's not like you to take such interest in one candidate." 

Omega replied casually, "No, sir. Just a little something to amuse myself with. This candidate has been making some interesting strategic choices and I'd like to see what he does next."

General Patherson raised his eyebrows in surprise as he looked at Alexandre's information on his own tablet. "You, the Butcher of London, are interested in this boy? He doesn't exactly look like anything special." 

Omega replied, "Don't worry, General, I'm not going to hurt him. To tell you the truth, I think this candidate has a lot of potential. When it comes to Hunters, you can't just judge them by their appearances. Come on, join me and take a look for yourself."

General Patherson gave this a moment's thought, then picked up his own tablet from the camp table. "Computer, zoom in on candidate 23,332. If he's drawn Omega's attention, then let's see what this greenhorn's capable of."