After 15 minutes of browsing through the Hunter Forum, Alex decided to close the app and shift his attention to the other candidates who were present.
However, he noticed that only two candidates remained—likely candidate numbers 5 and 4.
Turning his gaze toward the room, Alex observed a person exiting with frustration evident in their loud voice. They were berating a lady dressed in Hunter Association attire, presumably a worker.
"The machine should be faulty; I'm sure I'm an awakener. You should check again!" the person shouted toward the lady, his voice filled with frustration and annoyance.
The lady, maintaining her composure, responded calmly, "Sir, we have checked twice, and there is no reading from the mana meter. You should leave now; there are other candidates waiting."
It appeared that the person had encountered an issue with the mana meter, which was used to determine an individual's mana capacity and affinity, a crucial factor in the second test.
'But in hell, that's what happens,' Alex thought to himself, reflecting on the encounter. Such incidents and individuals could be found everywhere, no matter where you went.
"I will file a complaint against you! Do you know how hard I've worked for today? You should test me again; I'm certain I have sufficient mana!" the frustrated candidate exclaimed, his determination to prove his worth evident despite the initial setback.
It was clear that the candidate strongly believed in his abilities and was unwilling to accept the outcome of the test as final.
"Sir, I understand your frustration, but there is nothing more we can do. The mana meter is functioning correctly, and we have conducted the test twice. I'm afraid you should leave now," the lady stated firmly, maintaining her professional demeanor despite the candidate's persistence.
The candidate appeared agitated, his face red with frustration as he struggled to accept the outcome.
He glared at the lady and began to speak in a raised voice, "You... You have no idea what I'm capable of! I will..."
However, before he could finish his sentence or make any further threats, one of the guards who had been monitoring the situation stepped forward, his presence commanding attention.
He spoke in a stern tone, "That's enough, sir. We've given you a fair chance, and the decision stands. It's time to leave and accept the results."
Reluctantly, the candidate realized that his protests were in vain. With a final disgruntled look at the lady and a shake of his head, he turned and left the area, his anger simmering as he departed.
The lady and the guards remained vigilant, ensuring that the situation did not escalate any further.
After the dramatic confrontation with the frustrated candidate, a sense of tension lingered in the air.
Alex observed the remaining candidates, all of whom seemed to be holding their composure as they awaited their turn for the second test.
The guards stationed outside the room continued to monitor the situation, ensuring that everyone followed the rules and regulations of the Hunter Association.
It was evident that they took their roles seriously, and any disruptions or attempts to tamper with the tests were met with swift and decisive action.
Finally, after 10 minutes, it was Alex's turn. One of the guards, recognizing him from earlier, approached him and said, "Candidate number 6, it's your turn. Please follow me into the testing room."
With a nod, Alex followed the guard into the room designated for the second test. He couldn't help but feel a mix of anticipation and curiosity as he stepped into the room.
Even though he already had a strong idea of what his test results would be, there was still a sense of something new and intriguing about the experience.
As they entered the room, he was greeted by a spacious and well-lit environment. In the center of the room stood a peculiar-looking device.
The device appeared to be a large, circular platform with intricate markings and symbols etched onto its surface. It emitted a faint, otherworldly glow that added an aura of mystique to the room.
A Hunter Association staff member, wearing the organization's uniform, stepped forward to explain the test to Alex. "Welcome to the second test, candidate Alex. In this test, we will be measuring your mana capacity and affinity. Please step onto the platform."
As Alex stepped onto the platform, he couldn't help but notice that the room contained more than just the peculiar testing device.
His gaze swept over the room, and he observed several other staff members present, each focused on his every move.
The intensity of their scrutiny suggested that some of them might indeed be high-ranking hunters, experienced individuals who had achieved significant feats in their hunting careers.
Alex's pulse quickened with the realization that he was under the watchful eyes of these seasoned hunters, individuals who had likely faced numerous challenges and triumphed in countless battles against the supernatural forces that lurked in dungeons.
The staff member continued, "Once you are on the platform, the device will initiate the test. It will measure your mana capacity and evaluate your elemental affinity. Please remain calm and still throughout the process."
As Alex stood on the platform, he felt a tingling sensation coursing through his body. It was as though his very essence was being examined. He closed his eyes briefly, focusing on his inner energy, allowing it to flow freely.
Moments later, the testing device's glow intensified, casting a vibrant hue in the room, and a series of symbols and data appeared on a nearby monitor.
The staff member carefully checked the results and then nodded in approval, acknowledging Alex's success in meeting the acceptable range for mana capacity.
"Your mana capacity falls within the acceptable range. Well done," the staff member stated with a degree of professional courtesy.
However, there was a distinct undertone of assessment in their words, as they continued, "But you do not exhibit any elemental affinity."
Alex maintained his composure, acknowledging the expected outcome with a nod. He had anticipated this result, knowing that elemental affinity was a rare and sought-after trait among hunters.
The screen in front of him displayed a prominent 'F,' marking his deficiency in this crucial aspect of a hunter's potential.
The 'F' on the screen served as a stark reminder of the challenges he had faced in his previous attempts and the areas in which he needed to improve.
Yet, it did not deter him. Instead, it fueled his determination to overcome his limitations and succeed in the third and final test, where his physical prowess would be tested.
Alex felt a sense of relief. Passing this test meant he could move on to the third and final assessment. However, he knew that the real challenge lay ahead in proving his physical capabilities as a hunter.
With the second test completed, Alex left the room and joined the other candidates who had also finished. They waited for further instructions on the next steps of the evaluation process, knowing that the journey to becoming a formidable hunter was far from over.