[ OBSERVATION ROOM ]
"So, what do you think of this year's applicants?" The question came from a glamorous woman reclining comfortably in her chair as she watched the countless screens displaying the examination.
Fernardh folded his arms and observed the footage for a moment. "I don't know yet," he replied. "But I can tell you one thing, we have quite a few talented candidates this year." His eyes narrowed slightly.
"It's refreshing to see after... that incident." The woman smiled knowingly.
"Yes. The academy has been unusually quiet these past few years."
A brief silence followed before she suddenly asked, "Tell me, Fernardh."
"Hm?" Fernadh looks at her with doubts
"Do you think you could baet them in a serious fight ?"
Fernardh raised an eyebrow look at her he replied. "What do you think....?"
The woman rested her chin on her hand.
"Hmmm..." A playful smile spread across her lips. "What if I said you'd lose?"
Fernardh immediately chuckled.
"Well, if the great Miss Loene herself believes that, then who am I to disagree?"
His voice dripped with obvious sarcasm.
Loene's smile twitched. "..."
Her shoulders drooped slightly. "That's not a very fun answer."
Meanwhile, Fernardh wore a satisfied smile, having successfully ruined her attempt at teasing him.
[ SOUTHERN REGION – GREAT FOREST OF DRWGIL ]
"AHHHHHHHHH!!"
A scream echoed through the forest.
Branches snapped beneath frantic footsteps as several figures sprinted through the dense vegetation.
"WHY ISN'T THAT THING LEAVING US ALONE?!" Aero shouted while running for his life.
Luex, who was only a few meters ahead, spoke between heavy breaths.
"It is said that Anathemati become more excited the more fear and despair their prey shows!"
He leapt over a fallen log. "So stop talking and focus on running!"
"HOW IS THAT SUPPOSED TO HELP ME?!" Aero yelled.
"JUST RUN!" Luex shouted
"GODDAMN IT!" Aero cursed out
The sound of pursuit grew louder and Closer.
Closer.
Then— BOOM!!
A gigantic tree beside Aero exploded apart.
Wood fragments flew everywhere.
Before Aero could even react, an Anathemati burst through the shattered trunk.
Its grotesque body twisted unnaturally through the air.Its jaws opened impossibly wide.Rows upon rows of jagged teeth filled its mouth.It lunged directly at Aero.
Time seemed to slow, the creature's claws, Its teeth, the foul smell of blood.
Everything became painfully clear.
Then..... Null Zone activated.
The space around Aero distorted for a brief instant.. his body shifted mere inches to the side... Just enoughto dodge.
The creature's jaws snapped shut where his head had been moments before.
[CRACK!]
Aero stumbled across the ground.
"WHAT THE—?!"
The Anathemati crashed past him, the impact shattered several nearby trees, by the time Aero regained his footing, he realized something horrifying Luex was gone the others were gone.. he was.. he was alone. Completely alone! the forest suddenly felt much larger, much darker, much more dangerous.
The Anathemati slowly rose from the debris.
Its dozens of black eyes locked onto Aero.
A predator studying its prey.
Aero forced a nervous smile.
"...Okay."
The creature lowered its body ready to pounce.
"Let's talk about this."
Aero spoke to a creature who speaks no human tongue..
The Anathemati growls.
"I'm sure we can solve this peacefully ahaha...
ha."
Its muscles tightened.. Aero slowly took a step backward..The creature took one forward.. the Anathemati launched itself.
"NOPE!" Aero turned around and sprinted.
The chase resumed immediately. Trees blurred past, roots and rocks threatened to trip him with every step, behind him, the Anathemati crashed through everything in its path like a living disaster and ready to devour him sooner or later...
"WHY IS IT STILL CHASING ME?!"
The creature lunged again Aero ducked and it seems that his useless passive skill some how came to use.
Its claws sliced through a tree trunk instead.
"JUST LEAVE ME ALONE IM NOT GOING TO TASTE GOOD!!"
Another leap.
"AHHHHHHH!!!!!"
Aero screams echoed thought out the forest along with the Anathemati's roar..
[Near by test takers]
"Yo did you hear that?"
"Hear what?"
"You didn't hear that weird ugly screamed?!"
"Nahh"
"Hmm" looks confused "i guess it must have been my imagination"
[ MEANWHILE – LUEX ]
"Haa... haa... haa..." Luex finally stopped running. His chest rose and fell rapidly as he leaned against a massive El-Reu tree.
After several moments, he carefully looked around.
It was peaceful just the sounds of the forest... no sounds footsteps, screams and sight of that nightmareish creatures.
Luex released a long breath. "Whew..."
A relieved smile appeared on his face.
"That was intense."
He wiped sweat from his forehead.
"I genuinely thought I was a goner."
His smile faded slightly, then he noticed something. "...Wait."
He looked around again.
The realization slowly hit him.
"Aero?"
Silence.
"Aero?"
Nothing.
Luex's eyes widened. "Oh no."
A painful expression spread across his face.
"Please don't tell me he got left behind..."