Chapter 16

"Okay Ray, we will take a break before continuing" the Doctor said.

Ray complied and left the room.

After completing a series of gruelling tests, Ray found himself once again in the company of the other hunters being assessed. They gathered in a designated rest area, their faces adorned with a mix of exhaustion and anticipation. Ray exchanged knowing glances with Jake, a fellow hunter who had stood by his side throughout the trials.

Jake let out a low whistle. "We've come a long way, Ray. The final part of this phase of the Hunter's Trials is no joke. It separates the hunters from the novices."

Ray nodded, a mix of excitement and nerves coursing through him. "I'm ready for whatever they throw at us. We've all trained hard for this moment."

As they conversed, a scientist approached them, wearing a white lab coat adorned with various insignias. His eyes sparkled with curiosity and a deep understanding of the trials they had undergone. He introduced himself as Dr Francis, the lead scientist overseeing the final phase of the Hunter's Trials.

"Ladies and gentlemen, congratulations on reaching this stage," Dr Francis began, his voice carrying an air of authority mixed with genuine admiration. "This final phase is designed to push your skills and abilities to their limits. It's an immersive simulation that will test your decision-making, adaptability, and combat prowess."

Ray and Jake exchanged glances, their excitement growing. Ray spoke up, eager to embrace the challenge. "Dr Francis, we're ready to face whatever comes our way. We've trained hard and are prepared to prove ourselves."

The scientist nodded, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "That's the spirit, Ray. Inside the special chamber, you'll find advanced technology and simulations that will create realistic scenarios. Your ability to think on your feet and make split-second decisions will be crucial."

With a sense of anticipation, the officials led Ray to the entrance of the special chamber. As the doors opened, a wave of technological marvels greeted his eyes. The chamber was a futuristic fusion of sophisticated machinery and cutting-edge simulations.

Ray stepped into the chamber, the atmosphere humming with electricity. The walls were lined with high-resolution screens, ready to project lifelike scenarios. He could see robotic figures that replicated supernatural creatures, their movements eerily realistic. The scent of ozone filled the air, a testament to the advanced technology at work.

Dr Francis stood beside him, explaining the intricacies of the simulations. "Inside this chamber, you will face simulations of various supernatural creatures, each with their own unique abilities and challenges. Your objective is to adapt, strategize, and overcome these simulations using your skills and instincts."

Ray took a deep breath, grounding himself in the moment. "I'm ready, Dr Francis. I won't let you down."

The scientist smiled warmly. "I have no doubt, Ray. The trials will push you to your limits, but they are meant to reveal your true potential. Trust in your abilities, make use of the skills you have honed, and remember, every challenge is an opportunity for growth."

With those words of encouragement, Dr Francis stepped back, allowing Ray to fully immerse himself in the final phase of the Hunter's Trials. The chamber doors closed behind him, and the simulations began, transporting him to a realm where danger lurked, and victory awaited.

"In this set of trials, you will be facing combat against multiple enemies, if you manage to get through at least 4 trials, you will get to start the next phase of these trials, if you fail, the highest possible rank you can get is D rank." The doctor explains. "We will heal you each level if needed without it affecting the final results."

"Okay" Ray acknowledges.

"Even if you fail a level, your results will be analysed to finalise your hunter rank."

Ray was met with a group of five imps, each presenting a moderate challenge. With a calm and focused demeanour, Ray engaged in swift movements, quickly assessing his opponents' tactics, and exploiting their weaknesses.

The imps lunged at him with their sharp claws, their snarls echoing through the simulated arena. Ray adeptly sidestepped their attacks, evading their strikes with ease. He relied on his agility and reflexes to outwit the imps, staying one step ahead of their frenzied assault.

With precise strikes, Ray incapacitated the imps, delivering calculated blows that rendered them momentarily unable to continue the fight. He skilfully targeted their vulnerable spots, exploiting their gaps in defence. His strikes were efficient and effective, swiftly dispatching the imps without sustaining significant damage.

The remaining imps grew increasingly cautious as they witnessed their companions fall. They hesitated in their attacks, momentarily thrown off balance by Ray's skilful manoeuvres. Seizing the opportunity, Ray capitalized on their hesitation, further incapacitating them, and reducing their numbers.

In the face of Ray's agile combat style and strategic strikes, the imps struggled to coordinate their attacks effectively. Their movements became more predictable, allowing Ray to anticipate their actions and respond with well-timed evasions and counterattacks.

With each passing moment, Ray gained confidence and control over the battle. He swiftly disabled the remaining imps, leaving them sprawled across the simulated battlefield. The sound of their defeated cries reverberated through the arena as Ray emerged as the victorious combatant.