Chapter 10: Hunter Exam (3).

As a male with maroon hair approached the door to one of the rooms, he noticed a girl standing in front of it, her back straight and her head held high. She was dressed in elegant attire, symbolizing her nobility. The guy, on the other hand, wore simple but practical clothing.

As they soon stood face to face, the girls gazed at the males with a mixture of disdain and curiosity. She couldn't believe she was being forced to share a room with a peasant. The guy, however, looked at the girl with a confident smile, his eyes sparkling with friendliness.

"Hey, you must be my roommate," the guy said, extending his hand in greeting.

The girl hesitated for a moment before taking the guy's hand, her touch brief and cold. "I am Tessa," she said, her voice dripping with an air of superiority. "And you are...?"

"I'm Ravi," he replied, his smile unwavering. "Nice to meet you, Tessa."

Tessa's expression turned skeptical as she looked Ravi up and down. "A wretched soul," she muttered, her voice barely audible.

"(Is she calling me a peasant?)" Ravi inquired in thought. "(I can't understand stand when these folk talk.)"

Ravi's smile faltered for a moment in annoyance, but he quickly recovered. "Hey, being a peasant isn't so bad," he said, his tone light and carefree. "We may not have all the fancy things you nobles have, but we've got hard work on our side."

Tessa's eyes narrowed, her gaze cold and dismissive. "I highly doubt that," she said, her voice dripping with condescension.

Ravi chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "You know, Tessa, I think we're going to get along just fine," he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm and his teeth seemingly clenched.

Tessa's expression turned icy, her eyes flashing with annoyance. "I highly doubt that," she repeated, her voice cold and detached.

Ravi's face then turned red with anger, however he tried to hide it with a smile.

As they stood there, the tension between them was palpable. Ravi, however, seemed oblivious to the awkwardness, his smile still plastered on his face. Tessa, on the other hand, looked like she'd rather be anywhere else.

"Well, I suppose we should get settled in," Ravi said, gesturing to the room infront them. "After all, we're going to be living together for a while."

Ravi took out the key and inserted it into the door. It then opened.

Tessa's expression turned even more sour, but she nodded curtly and stepped aside, allowing Ravi to enter the room first. As they stepped inside, Ravi couldn't help but notice the luxurious look and feel of the place. However he also realized the look of disdain on Tessa's face.

"(Nobles and there standards.)" Ravi thought.

"Hey, don't worry, Tessa," he said, his tone light and teasing. "I promise I won't try and get in your way."

Tessa's eyes flashed with annoyance, but she didn't respond, instead choosing to ignore Ravi as she began to search through the closet. Ravi, however, just chuckled and shook his head, his smile still plastered on his face.

Tessa commented in her head, "(These garments be most unadorned.)"

***

Maya's eyes were widened as she strided into the through the grand hallway, her gaze darting everywhere. She had never seen anything like it before. The high ceilings, the crystal chandeliers, and the intricate woodwork showed wealth and luxury.

As she made her way to the room she was assigned to and would be sharing, Maya's excitement grew. She had heard who she would be rooming with.

Approaching the door, she said, "I hope me and Lara can get along."

When Maya entered the room, she was struck by its beauty. The large windows let in a flood of sunlight, illuminating the plush carpet and the elegant furniture. Lara was already there, with a look of quiet contentment.

"Hey, isn't this place amazing?" Lara asked, looking up with a smile.

Maya nodded, her eyes still scanning the room. "I know, right? I've never seen anything like it."

"(That advancement was fast.)" Maya thought.

Lara chuckled. "I know what you mean. I've been to some nice places before, but this is something else. You should change, they put others clothing in the closet."

As Maya began to Maya in the separate room which seemed to be the bath room, Maya couldn't help but notice the little differences between Lara and herself. Lara's was confident, and her personality was approachable.

But despite these differences, Maya didn't feel any sense of jealousy or resentment. Instead, she felt grateful to be sharing this experience with Lara, who seemed kind and down-to-earth, and not some creep or prick.

Exiting the bathroom, she was now wearing a dress which was pale blue with silver embroidery, consisting of a soft, flowing blouse and loose, flowing pants.

She said, "I still can't believe we get to stay here," Maya said, shaking her head in wonder.

Lara smiled. "I know, right? It's like a dream come true."

As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the room, Maya felt a sense of contentment wash over her.

The candles casted a warm light in the darkness as Lara and Maya prepared to sleep.

"Good night," said Lara on her own bed.

Maya replied, "Yes, good night."

***

It was next day. Atkinson was dead asleep.

Jin stood by the window, gazing out at the bright morning sunlight streaming into their luxurious room. He checked his pocket watch for what felt like the hundredth time, his anxiety growing with each passing minute. The examination scores were supposed to be announced today, and Jin couldn't wait to see how he'd fared.

Across the room, Atkinson lay sprawled across his bed, fast asleep. Jin scowled, feeling a surge of irritation.

"(How could this guy. sleep at a time like this?)" Jin thought. "(Doesn't he care about the exam results?)"

Jin's eyes landed on a pillow lying nearby. Without hesitation, he snatched it up and threw it at Atkinson's sleeping form. The pillow hit Atkinson squarely on the head, and he jolted awake with a startled yelp.

"What the...?" Atkinson sat up, rubbing his eyes, and glared at Jin. "What's wrong with you?"

"The exam scores are being announced today," Jin said, his tone curt. "We need to get going."

Atkinson yawned, stretching his arms over his head. "I was having a good dream, and now you've ruined it. I'll wake up when I want to."

Jin's scowl deepened. "No, you can't. Get up, Atkinson. We don't have all day."

Atkinson eyes narrowed. He swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood up, his movements fast and deliberate.

"Have your way, idiot. But don't expect me to be all cheerful about it. I'm only doing this because I have to, not because I want to spend time with you."

Jin's eyes narrowed. "Feeling's mutual, Atkinson. Let's just get this over with."

The two of them left the room, their luxurious surroundings doing little to alleviate the tension between them. As they made their way to the exam hall, Jin couldn't help but wonder how Atkinson had done on the test. Had he managed to surpass Jin's score? The thought sent a surge of competitiveness through Jin's veins, and he quickened his pace, eager to find out.

Jin and Atkinson rejoined the other candidates in the same room where they had taken the test. The atmosphere was tense, with everyone chatting nervously as they waited for the announcement of the results.

Tessa, the noble, stood confidently, her shoulders back and a hint of a smile on her face. Ravi, paced back and forth, his eyes fixed on the floor.

Lara and Maya, the two girls, sat together, whispering to each other and occasionally glancing up at the clock. Atkinson leaned against the wall, his eyes fixed on Jin, who stood a short distance away, his arms crossed.

Kaelin Vex, the Frostbite, walked into the room, a stern expression on his face.

He spoke, talking the stage, "Candidates, the hour has arrived to proclaim the outcomes of the test. As you all are well aware, but sadly and shamefully, only 10 of you shall prevail and advance to the next quest of the Hunter's Exam. Furthermore, one must obtain beyond 69 points to triumph.."

Kaelin paused, surveying the room before continuing. "Let's get started, shall we? In no particular order, the 10 candidates who passed are... Tessa, with a score of 90 points. Ravi, with a score of 71 points. Lara, with a score of 87 points. Maya, with a score of 75 points. Jin, with a score of 98 points. Atkinson, with a score of 95 points."

Kaelin's eyes scanned the room, his gaze lingering on Jin and Atkinson before moving on. "Congratulations to those who have prevailed! You all shall venture forth to the next trial, where in mightier test await. And to those who did not succeed... may fortune be upon you in the next exam."

The room erupted into a mixture of cheers, applause, and disappointed murmurs. Jin grinned, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment. Atkinson, on the other hand, looked relieved, but also slightly confused.

"(95? What did I get wrong?)" Atkinson inquired in his head, pushing off from the wall. "Looks like we're stuck with each other for a little while longer, Jin."

Jin raised an eyebrow. "Oh, joy. Looks like we're stuck with each other for a little while longer, Atkinson."

Atkinson walked pass him with saying anything, lost on his own thoughts.

"Hmm, jerk," said Jin.

To Be Continued...

Next Chapter: Hunter Exam (4).