Hostile Zone

Bzt—!

"Case Kellys of the Cross District. Passed the 10th task. Thirty Points has been rewarded."

Once Case's accomplishment was heard throughout the whole dome, he dropped down on the ground, bringing the carriage beside him.

"Ugh, I'm so tired."

He was exhausted physically because the terrain he had to cross from one to ten was becoming more considerable than each previous task.

Even if he had already exercised during the past months, Case had to walk thousands of steps in a single day without delay.

Having a feat of passing the first ten trials was already an achievement on its own that no one could contest now.

Well, if it weren't for the distance, Case is confident he can achieve much more than this.

'Man, I guess this is it for today.'

Just as he decided to take a breather, AI brought out an announcement.

"The first day of the camp has ended. All Earthling Campers must follow the path towards the camp residence. For those people undergoing their task, rest assured that your progress point has already been saved from the database."

"Oh really?"

After a moment of contemplation, Case stood to his feet and began following the route the AI showed through the flickering holographic display."

"Uhm, AI. If it's not bad to ask questions, what are these 'points' rewarded to me each time I pass the test?"

Case already knew the significance of those points, but he wanted to make it appear as though the AI had just told it to him rather than knowing it all this time.

AI responded. "These points are not just points that determined your ranks in the camp. Rather, they can be used to convert something from the list of things in the Point Shop."

"I see. Thank you." Case nodded. 'Hehe, let's see if I can use these points to find something useful.'

Case acted doubtful as he scratched his head before questioning. "Point Shop?"

Soon, a list of things appeared on his front, feeling expectant, but he was rather left disappointed.

'All scraps…'

Almost all the items are either used for utility or defense.

Worse of all, it almost looks like the lists of items could only be used as a defense mechanism of a planet, not something a person who had undergone the camp can find useful.

'Tsk, those shitty bastards. No wonder the First Exploration went to shit! They are all thinking about themselves!'

Disappointment coursed through Case's eyes at the High Table's decision to use the Point shop as a way to strengthen themselves, masking it to use for the greater good of Earth.

It probably was even allowed by Captain Auralex himself, since they would not lose too much by giving such rewards, since they probably have an infinite amount of supply of them at the capital.

'Sly Auralex. You never changed…'

As his thoughts wandered around, Case finally saw the residence where the representatives would be staying.

It was a huge building, dozens of story high enough for people to settle temporarily. It seems everything has been taken into account, each facilities have its own uses which are displayed for everyone to see.

'Hahaha…'

Case was in disbelief.

'A state-of-the-art huge dome, countless trials with high tech equipment, and the fortified buildings meant only for this temporary use in the camp… Earth's now is in huge debt to the Antavon Kingdom.'

Case realized that Earth had become part of Antavon's grasp, meant only for their use. Something that can be discarded anytime.

If the First Exploration was a success, this could mean that Earth will be thankful to the Antavon Kingdom.

But if it is a failure, Earth will be in more danger since it would be considered a military base that could be used to fend off Strangers and other foreign enemies.

The latter already happened in his past; he can't allow it to happen again.

'Although it pains me that I have to appease the Antavon Kingdom, this is the only way to avoid becoming a Hostile Zone.'

Hostile Zones the labeled between Safe Zones and Dead Zones.

These are the zones that could be a result of a battlefield, desolation of an unknown calamity, or something unprecedented that can't be explained, which became deserted by living beings.

No one would dare to become a Hostile Zone since it can potentially turn into a Dead Zone.

'Okay, calm down…'

Case took a breather to calm his mind, knowing it wasn't the right time to take action. It is still a long way to go.

But just as he was about to relieve his mood, a few people approached and surrounded him.

It pissed Case in an instant.

"Case—"

"Shut the fuck up. I'm actually pissed right now, so don't dampen my mood any longer." Case gazed at the person who was about to speak. "We can give it a go if you want. I won't mind, but prepare to lose a limb or two."

The man didn't seem afraid of the threat or pissed about it.

He calmly looked at Case before introducing himself. "I don't intend to fight. I'm sorry if that's how it appears to you. My name is Vincent Poll. We have the same sponsor, Mr. Thomas. We just wanted to talk."

It sounds unbelievable that a man who's older is being respectful towards Case, a younger individual.

But everyone must've realized that whether you're old or not, skills are the ones that determine ranks inside the camp.

And at this moment, it was undeniably Case.

"Well, what do you want to talk about, Vincent Poll?"

Case spoke in sarcasm and mockery, which slightly annoyed Vincent.

But Vincent must remain understanding.

Thomas, their sponsor, also warned him that Case is an exceptional individual and must not be underestimated.

At first, it was hard to believe it, but being the only individual to pass not only the first test, where everyone is still struggling, up to the tenth test is a great feat.

"We would like to take advice on how to pass the trials that you have already passed through, sir. If it's possible, make it clear where we can understand it. Starting from the first trial."

Case was silent for a moment before tilting his head to the side with a dangerous stare.

It looked like he had snapped.

"Are you telling me that none of you have managed to pass through the first test?! What the hell have you been doing all day then!"