Strang Proposition

Jack Blades crossed his arms and said, "It's time to get down to business! Today you're going to face one of the toughest physical tests you've ever had to endure! If you thought you're finally done with training exams, you're sorely mistaken. This exam will push you to the limit and make you endure intense suffering! However, after this physical ordeal, I'll consider the victors to be ready to start learning Hunter martial arts, and then start exterminating Zombies!"

He gave a cruel chuckle. "Those of you who I determine to be ready will receive my training for free. The others will have to pay for this training out of their own pocket!"

Some in the crowd howled with joy, while others shouted, "At last!"

It went without saying that everyone wanted to start killing Zombies as soon as possible. It was the entire reason everyone was at the academy, after all! And more than that, all the students wanted to gain experience and power. The sooner they could improve their capabilities, the less chance that they'd become the victim of some other, more powerful Hunter's bullying or coercion.

However, there was a sizable number of students who didn't see the point in all this focus on physical fitness. After all, the S.G.C. had already transformed their physical body and given them the power to evolve through killing Zombies. Compared to that, it seemed almost impossible to gain meaningful physical power through simple training. It's not like it would give them a stat boost!

After allowing the reactions to play out for a bit, Jack Blades added, "Allow me to explain what today's test will entail. It's all about swimming today! You'll have to follow me closely! If you thought running behind me was difficult before now, you'll have no hope of success today. For every hour you follow me, you'll earn 5 points. Those who follow me all the way will get 100 bonus points. That's really all there is to it!"

He paused. "Well, perhaps I'll take a little pity on you sad pack of vermin. Anyone who knows their limits and chooses to give up now will receive an immediate 15 points. You can go back to the academy and do whatever you wish with your time while the rest of your friends work their asses off in the frigid ocean water. It's below freezing in that water, you know! So, who wants to give up?"

This offer was almost an insult. After all, you'd earn 15 points after only 3 hours of swimming. For someone with a Hunter's transformed body, this probably wouldn't be too difficult. Anyone who actually took this option would be seen as nothing but a loser—

"I give up!" came a voice from the crowd.

Alexandre was taken aback, for the speaker was none other than William. But Alexandre's surprise lasted only a fraction of a second before he began furiously trying to figure out exactly what detail William had observed and which Alexandre was now missing.

Marlon narrowed his eyes and crossed his arms at William's words. Though he knew of William's intelligence, he clearly didn't understand the decision any better than Alexandre did. "What's going on?" he murmured. "Why you quitting like a little bitch?"

William turned to the two of them and said seriously, "I really advise you both to give up also. Trust me. We'll make up for it later."

Marlon snapped, "Man, I've got no choice! I don't have the kind of skills you and Alexandre have. My body's all I have going for me. I know it'll be tough, but I can handle it!" His expression went somber. "I've got to, don't you see?"

William didn't reply. He gave the tiniest nod. "I still think it's a bad idea," he said. "You're more capable than you know, Marlon."

Alexandre cut in, "But you've got to do what you think is best. You'd best not lose!"

Marlon gave them both a smirk. "Fuck you, of course I'm not gonna lose."

Jack Blades called out loudly, "Okay, that's one quitter! Anybody else? No? Alright then. From now on, any withdrawal before the first hour will be considered a forfeit, and you'll get 0 points. Let's get started!"