Survival test (2)

Jade studied her for a moment. "You're one of the candidates, right? From earlier?"

A small nod.

Jade exhaled. "I'm Jade."

"…Ari."

The introduction was brief, but that was all they needed. They weren't here to make friends—only to survive.

"Let's move," Jade said, leading the way.

They navigated the Terran

The dense foliage made it hard to see far ahead, but Jade used the position of the sun to estimate their direction. From what she could tell, they needed to head east. The test designers wouldn't make it easy, which meant obstacles—both natural and man-made—would be in their way.

Ari, despite her quiet nature, proved observant. She pointed out barely visible footprints in the dirt, snapped branches, and other signs that others had passed through.

As they moved, a sound caught their attention. Footsteps. Heavy ones.

Jade tensed, ready for a fight, but then she spotted him.

The towering figure of the buff guy from earlier, moving through the trees with purpose. He noticed them just as quickly, his sharp eyes scanning them before giving a single nod.

Jade tilted her head. "Going solo?"

He shrugged.

"We should team up," she said simply. "Better survival odds."

For a moment, he didn't respond. Then, with a small grunt of acknowledgment, he fell in step beside them.

Their group of three moved steadily, but the test wasn't going to let them through so easily.

At one point, they reached a wide, fast-moving river. The only bridge had collapsed, leaving them with limited options. Searching for another route would waste time, and swimming was too risky.

Jade scanned the area before pointing at the scattered rocks in the water. "We jump across."

Gage went first, testing the stability of each rock before moving on. Ari followed with careful, precise movements, her smaller frame making it easier. Jade went last, her balance perfect as she landed safely on the other side.

Later, rustling in the bushes signaled another problem. A group of three candidates emerged, eyes locked onto them with calculating intent. They were looking for easy prey.

Before Jade could react, Gage stepped forward, his stance relaxed but radiating strength.

The three candidates hesitated.

Then, they backed off.

Jade smirked. Smart choice.

No one know how long it has been as they navigated through the terrain, hunger and exhaustion pressing down on them. But they didn't stop.

Then they take a break in the trees.

After their break the continued

Soon they reached

A clearing stretched before them, where eight others had already gathered. Some were injured, some composed, all of them watching as Jade, Ari, and Gage stepped forward.

They had made it.