Chapter 46

The next day dawned bright and promising for Ray. He rose early, his mind buzzing with anticipation for the hunters exam that lay ahead.

As Ray stepped outside his house, he was greeted by the warm rays of the sun and the gentle breeze that carried the scent of blooming flowers. It was a day filled with possibility, a day that held the key to his future as a hunter.

Soon, Jessica arrived in her car, a confident smile gracing her face. Ray climbed into the passenger seat, the weight of his ambitions mingling with the excitement in the air.

"Ready, Ray?" Jessica asked, her voice filled with encouragement.

Ray nodded, his gaze fixed on the road ahead. "As ready as I'll ever be. Let's do this."

The car journey to the hunters exam venue was filled with a mix of nervous chatter and moments of quiet reflection. Ray mentally rehearsed his strategies whilst Jessica offered words of reassurance and wisdom, reminding him to trust in his abilities and stay focused on the task at hand.

Arriving at the venue, Ray stepped out of the car and found himself surrounded by a bustling atmosphere. Hunters from all walks of life had gathered, their determination evident in their eyes. The air buzzed with a palpable energy, a shared anticipation for the challenges that awaited them.

Ray checked in at the registration desk, receiving his identification badge and the schedule for the exam. He joined the throngs of hunters, each one preparing mentally and physically for the trials that awaited them.

"I'll be waiting here for you after your exam, Barnes should be around somewhere." Jessica smiled before disappearing amongst the crowd.

Ray's heart raced with a mixture of excitement and nervousness as he searched for Barnes amidst the bustling crowd. He spotted his mentor standing near the edge of the exam venue, observing the hunters with a discerning gaze. Making his way towards Barnes, Ray felt a surge of confidence knowing that he had his guidance and support.

"Barnes," Ray called out, a hint of anticipation in his voice. "I'm about to start the exam. Do you have any last-minute advice for me?"

Barnes turned to face Ray, his expression calm and collected. He exuded an air of wisdom and experience, his presence commanding respect. "Ray, my advice to you is simple yet crucial. Aim for excellence, not just the passing grade. Challenge yourself and push beyond your limits. This exam is an opportunity for growth, a chance to prove your worth."

Ray nodded, absorbing Barnes' words. He knew that this exam would be a defining moment in his journey as a hunter, and he was determined to make the most of it. With a final nod of gratitude, he bid farewell to Barnes and stepped into the exam venue, his mind focused and his spirit resolute.

Ray followed the other hunters as they proceeded to the test chamber.

Meanwhile, Jessica appeared next to Barnes.

"Ray has shown tremendous growth and determination. I believe he has what it takes to excel in this exam." her voice filled with conviction.

Barnes nodded, a hint of pride in his eyes. "Indeed, Ray's mana manipulation skills have surpassed my expectations. He has honed his abilities with unwavering focus and dedication. If he can showcase his true potential during the exam, there's no doubt he will achieve a C rank minimum. And who knows, he might even bring us a surprise".

"B rank?" Jessica asked shocked "I admit he's quite close, but from C to B is a difficult chasm to jump".

"That is possible," Barnes admits to Jessica's dismay "But I'm thinking there's more to him than even he knows."

Jessica's eyes widened in pure shock, "You think he's a noble?"

"The chance is there." Barnes smiled mysteriously.

As they spoke, Ray stood among the other aspiring hunters, his gaze fixed on Dr Francis who was about to explain the rules of the exam. His heart pounded with a mixture of nervousness and excitement. The scientist outlined the rules, the various stages, and the criteria by which they would be evaluated.

Ray quickly made his way through the tests until he got to the final test of the first phase.

"Okay Ray, you've returned to where you were before, your showing so far was very impressive hence I'll be loading the same monster as before. Prepare for the 5 minotaurs."

Without wasting a moment, the Minotaurs charged towards him the second they materialised, their hooves thundering against the ground. Ray's mana manipulation skills surged to life, empowering him with enhanced speed and strength. He moved with grace and precision, deftly dodging the Minotaurs' powerful strikes and retaliating with calculated counterattacks.

His mana flowed through him, guiding his every move. He felt a deep connection to the energy around him, allowing him to anticipate the Minotaurs' attacks and react with lightning-fast reflexes. With each swing of his weapon, he infused his strikes with mana, delivering devastating blows that reverberated through the arena.

But the Minotaurs were relentless, their brute strength and sheer size making them formidable opponents. Their horns and massive axes posed a constant threat, forcing Ray to remain vigilant and agile. He weaved between their attacks, narrowly evading their deadly blows while maintaining a steady offensive.

As the battle raged on, Ray's focus never wavered. He could feel the energy of the arena pulsating around him, the mana coursing through his veins. It fuelled his determination. He tapped into his reserves of mana, channelling it into powerful spells and manoeuvres that turned the tide of the battle in his favour.