Chapter 7: The Forest of Trials
The morning sun pierced through the shroud of mist that blanketed the open field outside the tournament compound. A large circular portal shimmered in the center, guarded by Federation mages and instructors. All the qualified participants from various dojos stood in rows, excitement and anxiety etched on their youthful faces. Today marked the beginning of the real tournament—the first elimination round.
Kairos adjusted the training band around his wrist, glancing sideways at Riku, Zara, and the rest of the Addson Dojo team. Despite their humble origins and weak reputation, they had made it this far. Now, the real test would separate the strong from the unprepared.
A booming voice echoed from the floating platform above. It was an official from the Federation.
"Welcome to the Preliminary Elimination Round: The Forest of Trials."
A large holographic map appeared mid-air, showing a vast forest teeming with rivers, hills, and red danger zones.
"You will be dropped in squads of five into different sections of the forest. Your task is simple: eliminate as many beasts and monsters as possible. Every kill will be tracked and ranked. Top 1000 with the highest kills progress to the next stage. The rest… are out."
Murmurs erupted in the crowd. Some smiled confidently. Others swallowed nervously.
"Remember," the announcer continued, "You will not die. The Federation has placed a full protective barrier and surveillance system. But injuries are real. If you're knocked out, you're disqualified."
As Kairos listened, a voice chuckled in his head.
"Finally, some fun. I've prepared a tracker interface just for you, Kairos. Every kill, every stat—you'll see it live. Let's see how the God King performs."
Evalof's presence made Kairos smirk. He flexed his fingers.
Suddenly, beams of light struck the ground, teleporting squads into the forest. Kairos felt his body lift and dissolve into particles.
He landed hard among thick trees, leaves crunching beneath his boots. Around him were Riku, Zara, Hano, and Vee—his assigned squad.
A countdown timer flashed above them: 24 Hours Remaining
"Let's move," Kairos said calmly. "We stick together and build momentum. We don't need to be first, just in the top 1000."
They dashed into the brush. Within minutes, a snarling beast burst from the shadows. A mutated boar with obsidian tusks.
Riku lunged first, striking with his staff. Hano followed with a slash from his twin blades. The boar screeched and turned toward Kairos.
"Take it," Evalof said lazily.
Kairos dashed forward, slid under the beast, and landed a direct punch to its throat. A faint blue shockwave rippled out. The boar collapsed, twitching.
Kill Registered: +25 EXP
Current Rank: 789th
Item Dropped: Minor Strength Elixir
He quickly collected the item. Vee widened her eyes.
"Did it drop something?"
Kairos nodded. "Let's keep moving."
As the squad pushed forward, more monsters emerged. Wolves with steel fur. Serpents with glowing eyes. A colony of wasp-like creatures.
They fought, bled, and advanced.
Each time Kairos landed the final blow on an enemy, Evalof responded.
"Good. Here's a stamina recovery pill. Your next target is a Cyclone Bear northwest. Big score."
The squad followed Kairos' instincts, unaware he had an inner guide.
Hours passed.
Current Rank: 119th
Total Kills: 14
As night began to fall in the forest, the squad reached a clearing. The Cyclone Bear stood in the middle, feasting on a dead griffon. It turned, eyes locking onto them.
Massive.
And angry.
Kairos stepped forward, cracking his knuckles.
"Stay back. Let me handle this one."