The Final Hour

The Final Hour

As the last hour began, tension in the air thickened. Everyone knew this was the moment that would determine their survival. For those who had secured a marked tree, it was time to defend. For those who hadn't, it was time to kill and take one by force.

Ryan gripped his weapon tightly, his nerves on edge as he scanned his surroundings. To gain a better vantage point, he climbed his tree, surveying the battlefield from above.

Across the forest, the sounds of combat echoed. Some students opted for long-range tactics, hurling stones in hopes of landing a fatal blow before their opponents could react. Others used distractions—feints, noises, and sudden movements—to lure their targets into traps. The more direct ones engaged in brutal one-on-one battles. Each student fought using whatever skills they had learned.

---

Ashton and Cam had finally chosen their target after careful observation. They surveyed the area, ensuring there were no hidden traps. Then, they devised their plan: Ashton would engage the opponent in a frontal battle while Cam would sneak behind and strike with a well-aimed stone.

Since Ashton wasn't as skilled at throwing, he was assigned the direct confrontation.

The moment came. Ashton stepped into the opponent's line of sight, sword drawn. The other student tensed immediately, recognizing the danger. He cursed his bad luck—being chosen as a target in this deadly game was the worst possible fate.

Slowly, Ashton advanced, keeping the opponent's full attention on himself. Meanwhile, Cam silently positioned himself a few trees behind, waiting for the right moment.

As Cam signaled that he was ready, Ashton feigned a charge. The opponent braced himself, prepared to meet the attack head-on. Just as they were about to clash, the opponent heard the faint rustling of leaves behind him. Instinctively, he tried to glance to the side, but Ashton's sword swung at that exact moment, forcing him to focus forward.

Before he could counter, a sharp pain exploded in his back. Cam's stone had struck with precision, sending shockwaves of pain through his body. His grip on his weapon faltered, and in that instant, Ashton slashed across his chest, delivering a deep, fatal wound.

The opponent staggered, gasping for breath. Blood seeped through his fingers as he clutched his wound. But instead of collapsing, he gritted his teeth and lifted his head. His eyes burned with defiance.

Cam and Ashton watched as he bent down, retrieving his fallen sword. Using it for support, he pushed himself up, despite his injuries.

"Should I be honored?" he rasped, smirking through the pain. "Two losers teaming up just to take me down?"

Cam raised an eyebrow. He had expected the opponent to panic, to beg for mercy. But instead, he was composed.

Unbeknownst to them, the opponent had already accepted his fate. He knew he had no chance of survival against two opponents in his condition. But he was unwilling to die without taking at least one of them with him.

Cam scoffed. "Say whatever you want, but you're still going to die by our hands."

The opponent chuckled darkly. "Probably. But tell me—who gets the tree?"

Cam narrowed his eyes. "Don't try your petty mind games on us. We already settled that before making our move, idiot."

With that, he signaled Ashton to finish him off.

Ashton nodded, stepping forward and swinging his sword in a final strike.

But the opponent took a step forward at the last second, catching the blade in his bleeding hands. The steel cut into his flesh, but he held firm, refusing to let go.

Ashton's eyes widened in shock. Before he could react, a dagger plunged into his stomach. The opponent used the last of his strength to drive it deep.

A twisted smile formed on his lips as he collapsed to the ground, his strength finally giving out.

Ashton staggered backward, clutching his wound. He barely had time to think before he instinctively raised his sword, turning his gaze toward Cam.

Cam, however, merely smirked. "Relax. We're a team. Let me check your wound."

But Ashton wasn't fooled. He knew exactly what Cam was thinking.

A wounded ally was a liability. Cam would rather kill him now than risk fighting another healthy opponent later. It was the safer option. The smarter choice.

Before Cam could make his move, Ashton made his.

He charged, swinging his sword with all the strength he had left.

A few moments later, silence fell over the forest.

Cam stood there, blood dripping from his shoulder. Ashton lay on the ground, his throat slashed open.

Cam spat on the body. "Before studying my enemy, I prefer to study my friends."

He adjusted his grip on his sword and walked toward the nearest marked tree, now his to claim.

---

As the battles across the forest reached their conclusion, Ryan remained in his tree, on constant alert. His heart pounded as he listened to the sounds of distant fights, waiting for any sign of approaching danger.

Then, suddenly, a deep, resonant din echoed through the forest.

The signal.

The exam had officially ended.

But no one relaxed just yet.

According to the rules, the test wasn't over until the instructors confirmed each student's standing position near a marked tree. Until then, any final betrayals or last-minute kills were still fair game.

Ryan and the others waited anxiously. Soon, ten instructors entered the forest, spreading out systematically. They already knew the locations of the marked trees. Their job now was to confirm which students were still standing and take them to the clearing.

Ryan held his breath as an instructor approached.

For the first time in his life, he was relieved to see one.

The instructor took a glance at him, nodded, and marked him as passed.

Ryan followed the instructor as they gathered the other surviving students. One by one, they exite

d the forest.

The exam was over. But their future fate is uncertain.

For those who had made it out alive, this was just the beginning.