Fear.

Room C was draped in black. Every wall was painted the same dead shade, and chairs were lined in rigid, designated rows.

Nadia stepped forward.

"You've passed the written exam. Congratulations," she said flatly. "The physical portion will reduce your number from seventy-four... to four."

Despite having heard this already, a few participants couldn't suppress a shiver.

"Behind me," she continued, gesturing, "are also participants."

Twelve figures stepped forward, five men and seven women.

"They're not as powerful as I am," she said with a wry smile, "but they're more than enough to kill any of you."

Samuel's eyes narrowed as he scanned each one. Why are they here? I thought the second portion was a deathmatch... between us.

"The reason they are here is simple," Nadia said, as if she read his mind. "To kill you. Over the course of the next three months, I'll release them one by one. If you see one, kill them, or be killed."

Shock contorted the faces of nearly everyone present.

Nadia chuckled softly. "This is the first time external participants have been introduced, but I have a feeling they'll become a staple in the Protector's Exam."

No one dared object. No one dared speak. Everyone understood, she was far too manic to argue with.

"The exam will take place in Desby Forest. You'll be transported shortly. Gather your belongings."

She paused, flashing a wicked grin.

"The hunt is about to begin."

. . . 

Elsewhere, in the southern territories of Theales

General Alanus Abiah stood at the shoreline, polishing his obsidian claymore. He wore his signature white suit and golden-yellow cape. Despite the heavy bags under his eyes, his gaze held an eerie, commanding beauty.

Beside him stood General Lluvia Verres, the famed gem of Theales. Her long brown hair was tied back into a tight military bun, and her deep eyes sparkled under the midday sun. Her own white suit and orange cape balanced mobility with grace.

"It's almost time," she said softly. "How long's it been since we last deployed outside Theales?"

Alanus looked down, lips curling faintly. "Too long. Let's hope we find something on this island."

Only four generals had been assigned to the mission, two from the land military, two from the naval. Alanus and Lluvia waited patiently for their counterparts to arrive.

At 4:00 p.m., the ship finally pulled in. Massive and dark blue, it bore the imperial flag, an imposing portrait of Emperor Magnus Van Selwyn IV.

Two figures stood at the bow. One vanished in an instant. The other launched into the sky, landing beside the two generals with a thunderous crack. The very sand beneath them trembled.

"Pellio. Philto," Alanus greeted.

The infamous Pansa twins. Legends in the Naval Military. Their presence alone stirred the air.

"Abiah. Verres," they replied in unison. Their voices were cool, composed. They both had strong builds, curly hair, and twin double axes strapped to their backs.

Philto broke the short silence. "We need to speak with your commander regarding the mission formalities. We won't be long."

Alanus gestured toward the camp. "By all means."

When they returned, everything was set.

As the four generals boarded the towering vessel, Alanus offered his hand to Lluvia to help her ascend. She accepted with a light laugh.

The journey to Preole Grye would take about six hours, 170 kilometers from the southeastern coast of Theales.

In the lounge, Alanus leaned back, Lluvia sitting across from him. They were both in their late twenties, yet already among the highest-ranking military personnel in the empire.

"I'm nervous," she admitted, rubbing her arms.

Alanus offered a small smile. "Don't be. I'm here to protect you."

She scoffed. "Knowing you, I'll be the one protecting you. Don't go running off alone again like you always do. Stay close to me."

"We'll see," he replied with a teasing grin.

Their moment was promptly interrupted.

"Sorry to ruin the canoodling," Pellio said as he entered, tossing a dossier onto the table.

Alanus bristled. "We're not canoodling'!"

Lluvia giggled, covering her mouth with her hand.

Pellio ignored them both. "We all know what Preole Grye holds. The only man to ever conquer the world left his treasures there. However, no one seems remembers 'His' name."

Historians had spent generations trying to uncover the mystery of the nameless conqueror, each time it came to no avail.

"The reason we've never found them," Pellio continued, "is because the island is swarming with monsters. The Emperor's order is simple; kill them all."

Alanus nodded. It was a straightforward task, eradicate every living threat. The treasure, if found, would just be a bonus.

Philto entered moments later. "Five and a half hours to arrival."

The rest of the journey was spent finalizing their approach and splitting up roles.

…

Finally, the island came into view.

"Preole Grye…" Alanus murmured as he stepped off the deck.

"This is my second time here."

"It looks beautiful from afar," Lluvia said, marveling at the pristine coastline.

She wasn't wrong. From the outside, the island was breathtakingly gorgeous. If only nothing had infiltrated it. 

Pellio and Philto joined them. The latter spoke in a monotone voice.

"Let the battle begin."

The four generals disembarked slightly differently. The moment their boots touched the shore, they were greeted by thirty monsters, hulking blue-and-red beasts with three eyes and four arms. Foam poured from their mouths, clumping when it hit the sand.

These… these are the ones that nearly killed Kaila.

Alanus stepped forward, drawing his claymore. As soon as the blade was exposed to the wind. it glowed bright. His yellow cape fluttered behind him. 

The other generals gave him space but still drew their weapons.

Alanus raised the broadsword horizontally. One step forward cratered the ground beneath him. The monsters cowered in fear by his immense presence. 

Then he swung, an immense slash of pressure ripped through the battlefield, cleaving every monster in half.

But Alanus didn't stop. His legs tensed again, his calf muscles clenching, then he launched toward the forest ahead. The aftermath causing a stir of sand behind him. 

A larger, red-skinned monster was spotted, eight arms, six glowing eyes.

Alanus met it midair. One horizontal slash gashed its side, making it howl in agony.

Then, twisting midair, he brought the blade down in a vertical slash, slicing it clean in half. 

The impact left a scar across the earth so massive their ship could've sunk inside it.

Alanus landed hard.

Lluvia appeared beside him in a flash, clapping her hands. "Wow. I knew you were strong, but didn't realize to what extent..."

Alanus didn't reply. His hands tightened around his weapon.

"This is only the beginning," he muttered. Then his voice dipped lower.

"Besides… someone powerful just arrived."

And for the first time in a long while, 

Lluvia saw genuine fear in her partners eyes.