This translation was done without the help of a professional, so forgive me if anything is off – Rednek
Melina walked out of the Uncommons hunting field, sweaty, her breathing calm, but her body marked by effort. Her eyes found the holographic panel once more. She stretched her arm and tapped the next option.
— Well... let's see. Inferior Monsters.
The selection was confirmed. The door behind her closed with a metallic hiss. Right beside it, another one opened, revealing a new environment — a damp cave, with fake moss on the walls, artificial stalagmites, and a light mist in the air. The lighting was dim, simulating a natural, oppressive atmosphere.
High up in the watchtower, the two observers were still watching.
— Look at that — commented the older one, eyes wide — she entered the Inferiors room, even after spending hours fighting the Uncommons.
The lancer scoffed, crossing his arms. — You're getting too excited. She's just doing the basics of any hunter. She's not special just because she's an Evaluator.
The older man turned slowly, his gaze serious. — You only say that because you're a warrior. A lancer. I'm an Evaluator too... and I was personally chosen by the president to monitor promising new hunters.
[Evaluator's thoughts]
He doesn't get it... We Evaluators don't fight. We're support, tactical backup. But this girl... she fights.
And there was that thing I saw just now.
The memories resurfaced:
An Evaluator entering the Uncommons chamber alone. Curiosity pushed him to use his ability.
Evaluation: Unable to evaluate.
Level mismatch.
Level gap too high.
Even as an advanced Evaluator, ranked third in the world, the reading was denied.
That had never happened before. Even though she was only an intermediate... she's above me. Way above.
Inside the new chamber, Melina was already facing her first enemy: a White Bone Tiger — larger, faster, and fiercer than any Uncommon she had faced before. The battle was intense. Unlike the previous ones, the tiger managed to land a hit — a deep scratch on her left arm.
But Melina brought it down. Kill. Consume.
System: +40 combat points acquired.
Skill acquired – "Spinal Rupture."
Description: a precise strike capable of breaking vertebrae when force is applied in the right direction.
She also faced:
A Flaming Scorpion (which managed to sting her leg before being smashed against a rock);
A Black Leather Buffalo, whose strength required serious effort to subdue;
And a Poisonous Owl, diving fast and wounding Melina's face before being torn apart midair with an upward kick.
Sweat dripped. Blood stained her clothes and skin. She felt truly tired, for the first time in a long while. But she didn't stop.
In the end, the system counter showed:
11 Inferior monsters eliminated.
All creatures in the hunting zone neutralized.
Up in the tower, the lancer fell to his knees, mouth agape.
— What...? She killed eleven Inferior monsters... alone?
The Evaluator said nothing. He just looked at the screen with reverence.
Melina exited the room dragging her feet. She was sweaty, exhausted, but a slight smile touched her lips.
[Thought]
I really am strong. Before Ares, I would've died fighting a single Inferior monster here in Apex.
If I were alone, I'd be done for.
It was actually easy... but I'm way too tired. An Inferior is completely different from an Uncommon.
I killed 58 Uncommons and 11 Inferiors...
And got much more tired with these last ones.
She took a deep breath and stretched her arms.
— Tomorrow... I'll be back. And I'll train against the Superiors.