Chapter 9 – Hunt or Be Hunted

The morning sunlight penetrated the small window in Cain's room, waking him up from his not-so-restful sleep. Aches still lingered throughout his body, evidence of yesterday's long journey and battle. However, there was no time to complain as the second exam began today.

Cain took a deep breath, sat on the edge of the bed, then felt the flow of Xenova in his body. A little smoother than before, but still not enough to rely on.

A loud knock on the door interrupted his thoughts.

"All participants, please proceed to the main deck immediately! The announcement of the second exam is about to begin!" The committee's voice echoed from outside.

Cain tidied himself up as quickly as possible before leaving the room, walking down the hallway with the other participants. Some faces still looked sleepy, while others were already preparing with full alertness.

As soon as they arrived on the ship's deck, dozens of participants had gathered, some of them whispering, guessing the next challenge. Shion stood alone in the corner, her expression blank, while Lyon, whom he met last night, stood with his arms folded, watching the committee quietly.

In front of them, a white-haired, gray-eyed official dressed in black stepped onto a small podium, carrying a scroll of parchment. He slowly unfurled it before speaking in a loud voice.

"Good morning. For those of you who survived the first trial, congratulations. But you still have a long way to go. The second trial will begin soon. Prepare yourselves well because this time the challenge is not just about survival."

Cain's eyes narrowed, his gut feeling telling him that this trial would be far more difficult than the previous one.

The official standing on the podium let his words hang for a moment, letting the tension envelop the participants before finally continuing,

"This trial will not only test your survival, but also your ability to survive and strategize."

He raised his hand, revealing a small, glowing blue crystal object.

"On the island where the exam will take place, we have hidden a Xenova Crystal like this. Xenova Crystals contain pure energy, if you are smart enough, you will realize that the energy can be sensed. Your task is to collect at least 6 points within three days to pass to the next stage. One crystal is worth two points. That means you need three crystals to qualify for graduation."

Murmurs began to rise among the participants. Some seemed to be deep in thought, while others grinned, realizing that this was not just a test of survival but also a hunt and robbery.

Before anyone could ask a question, the organizer continued,

"You can find the crystals yourself hidden in various locations on the island... or..." He grinned faintly, "snatch them from other participants."

The atmosphere immediately turned tense.

"The main rule of this exam is: do not die. However, combat between participants is allowed. Use your wits, strength, or strategy to survive. If you do not get 6 points by the time the time runs out... you fail."

He glanced up at the sky, estimating the time before looking back at the participants.

"We will arrive at the island in an hour. Use that time to prepare. I hope you survive."

Cain clenched his fists, his mind starting to process the possibilities. This wasn't just a physical test, it was also a psychological game. He had to find a way to survive without losing everything.

The ship slowly docked at a simple wooden pier that jutted out into the white sand. The calm waves lapped gently against the shore, but the atmosphere among the participants was far from calm.

An organizer spoke again over the loudspeaker, his voice firm and clear.

"For the next hour, no fighting between participants is allowed. However, after that time is up, all restrictions will be lifted. Remember, the main rule still applies: you may seize the crystal, no other rules."

Several participants who were already standing at the edge of the ship exchanged glances. Some looked relieved, while others simply smiled faintly, clearly already making plans for later.

Without further ado, they began to descend to the pier, their steps making the sound of wood creaking before they finally hit the sand.

Cain came down alone, unlike some of the participants who immediately formed groups and moved into the island. Some seemed to have planned a strategy, while others simply relied on the strength of the group to survive.

He stood on the edge of the beach, observing the island carefully.

In front of him, a dense forest stretched out, large trees towering high and creating a dark canopy that limited the view inward. In the distance, a large mountain stood majestically in the middle of the island, its peak covered in thin clouds, as if it were the center of everything the wild ecosystem here.

From within the forest, a long howl was heard, followed by a faint growl and the rustling of leaves. This island was not empty. The creatures inhabiting the island had already noticed their arrival.

Then, silence enveloped the place.

It was as if all the creatures that had been making noises suddenly chose to be silent once they realized the presence of a new predator on their land.

Cain took a deep breath.

Cain closed his eyes slowly, ignoring all the disturbances around him. He did not move, letting his body relax and his mind sink into silence.

Soft air blew from the direction of the forest, carrying the scent of wet soil and leaves. He inhaled it deeply, letting the oxygen fill his lungs, absorbing every detail of the scent carried by the wind.

He could feel something not just moving air, but a thin stream of Xenova, flowing between the trees, blending with the world around him. As if becoming part of this ecosystem, Cain began to feel the rhythm of the island.

"Focus on your surroundings," Rin's words rang in his head. "Don't just rely on your eyes. Use your hearing, your smell, your touch, even your taste if necessary. Ordinary humans overlook many things, but you... you're different. You have a sharper instinct. Use it."

Cain began to filter out the sounds around him.

The rustle of leaves rustling, the distant sound of twigs snapping, and the footsteps of the participants on the sand. But there were other sounds, the subtle movement of something slinking under the bushes, the heavy breathing of a creature hiding among the trees.

Cain opened his eyes.

The world around him felt clearer. The air blowing, the ground beneath his feet, the faint scent of something rotting and dangerous deep in the forest, all were now part of his senses.

He wasn't just standing on this island.

He was becoming one with it.

This island wasn't just a stretch of land in the middle of a large lake. As Cain stepped deeper into it, he quickly realized that this place was like a living, breathing creature. The fresh, humid air enveloped his body, carrying the scent of wet earth mixed with the fragrance of leaves and wildflowers hidden among the thick bushes.

The trees in this forest were unusual, their trunks towering high with large roots protruding from the ground, creating a natural labyrinth. Some trees had faintly glowing leaves, as if absorbing Xenova energy from the air. The light they emitted created a magical atmosphere, making this forest feel like another world.

The deeper he went, the more complex the ecosystem he encountered. In the high branches, exotic birds hid, watching with sharp eyes. Below, small creatures scurried about, some of them with luminescent skin, perhaps an effect of adapting to the Xenova energy flowing on this island.

The ground beneath his feet felt soft, but there were certain parts that were slippery and dangerous, as if hiding natural traps. Every now and then, Cain would feel a faint vibration from within the earth, as if something was moving beneath the surface.

In the distance, the great mountain that towered in the center of the island seemed to be shrouded in a thin mist. From between the rocks, a waterfall flowed rapidly towards small rivers that branched throughout the forest. The roar of the water combined with the song of nature, creating a beautiful harmony, while reminding that behind this beauty, danger always lurks.

Cain took a deep breath. This island was not just a place of testing, it was a natural battlefield that demanded vigilance, strategy, and a deep understanding of the environment.

He walked slowly, every movement calculated. His mind worked harder than ever, filtering every sound, every movement around him. In this forest, the slightest mistake could mean death. He could not rely on luck, only his instincts and reason were his main weapons.

His breathing felt heavier than usual, not because of physical exhaustion, but because of the increasing mental pressure. Every shadow behind the trees could be a predator. Every swaying branch could indicate the presence of something lurking. These thoughts eroded his trust in his surroundings, making him constantly look back, as if something was following him.

Cain understood one thing: he was not the strongest here. There might be participants who are faster, stronger, more ruthless, and ready to snatch his crystal at any time. Even if he managed to find Xenova's crystal, he still had to defend it.

In the silence of the forest, his mind began to be filled with voices from the past. Rin's words echoed in his mind.

"Don't just look with your eyes, Cain. Use all your senses. Trust your instincts and if you don't want to die, then you have to be smarter than your enemy."

He clenched his fists. He couldn't waver. He couldn't become prey.

But what if he had been prey from the start? What if there was something or someone who had been targeting him since he set foot on this island?

Cain swallowed. Fear was the first enemy. He had to keep moving. If he stopped, it would mean he had lost.

Among the roots of giant trees that protruded from the ground. The sunlight that penetrated the gaps in the leaves created shadow patterns around him, adding to the mysteriousness of this forest. Cain shook off his thoughts and controlled his breathing, trying to feel the flow of Xenova in the air, just as Rin had taught him.

'Xenova's crystal should have traces of energy that I can feel... but where?' he thought to himself.

Cain closed his eyes for a moment, letting his body adapt to his surroundings. Slowly, he felt a faint pulse of vibration flowing through the air. His heart beat faster. That's it! He had found something.

Without hesitation, Cain moved in the direction of the source of the energy. His steps quickened, his body darting through the dense bushes and towering trees. However, when he almost reached his destination, a strange feeling came over him. Something felt wrong.

Cain stopped. He sharpened his hearing and observed his surroundings. The area was too quiet. Even the sounds of birds and insects that had been buzzing around him had now disappeared completely.

"This isn't a crystal."

His survival instincts screamed. Suddenly, the bushes in front of him shook violently, and something shot towards him at incredible speed. Cain jumped back, narrowly avoiding the sharp claws that shot just inches from his face.

The creature emerged from its hiding place, a Verdra Insect, a predator that could imitate Xenova's energy beams to lure prey to it. Its body was large, two meters tall, resembling a praying mantis with green-brown skin that blended with the trees. Its eyes glowed gold, full of hunger.

Cain swallowed. 'I was too careless… I almost became my own prey.'

The creature lowered its body, preparing to pounce again. Cain didn't have time to think long. He immediately took a defensive position, realizing that this was his first test on the island and he had to get through it safely.