The boat that came to get them was pretty big—more than enough to carry a portion of the people who had passed the first part of the exam.
This wouldn't be the only trip. Another boat would come the following day, and those who failed to make it in time would be disqualified.
Only someone with something truly urgent would risk arriving late to Pine Lake. And even then, most would rather ignore it and keep going. No one wanted to throw away their chance at passing the exam and earning a hunter ID. A hunter ID was life-changing. For some, it meant money and stability, enough to change their family's lives.
Damian spotted Mathias—the young man he had met earlier. They didn't talk much, just a quick hello, but they stayed close on the boat. Damian figured it was better to be near someone familiar than surrounded by strangers.
