Nathaniel's Point of View**
The trial's second phase unfolded, and at the far arena—reached by soldiers and officials via teleportation magic—screens buzzed with the applicants' struggles. Guards watched vigilantly, dispatching aid to the wounded unable to continue. Using magic and potions, they healed injuries, ensuring participants could persevere.
Eskapa officials observed, scouting for potential recruits. "So few can fight the wild rabbits, though they're not that dangerous," Ruri remarked.
"You say that because it's easy for you, but shielding against so many fast beasts is tough," Kyros countered.
Opinions varied as they noted the dwindling number of advancing applicants. Yuki mused, "We don't need many soldiers— just warriors worth a thousand."
She spotted Beta-class participants, including Ezra, a red-hooded elf from the Debu region, famed as the Great Forest's finest. "The Great Forest splits into tribes and nations, yet no warlord unites it," Ruri added.
Their talk shifted to Eskapa's failed alliances with the forest's factions. Many tribes and landowners rejected joining, fearing attacks from rival warlords near their territories. Eskapa's system—placing forces in allied towns—alarmed them, given warlords' swift retaliation to threats.
Eskapa, however, saw this as protection against invasions. Amid their debate, red smoke swirled beside Yuki, revealing Xxv. "Huh? You're back already? Wasn't I tasked to watch that human? Did something happen?" she asked.
"Uh… I followed your orders, but he's outside the arena, heading in, so I came," Xxv explained.
Shock rippled as Pyun ordered the outer screens activated. There I was, strolling toward the arena, munching fruit. "Impossible—how did that human reach it so fast?" someone gasped.
A soldier apologized, admitting they'd ignored me, focused on other battles, deeming a human unworthy of tracking. "Look at him, casually strolling like it's a park—hilarious and intriguing," Kyros laughed.
Unaware of the truth, they marveled at my evasion of the rabbits, still attacking others. "Didn't you plant wild rabbits beyond the river to ambush applicants, Pyun?" Kyros asked.
Xxv interjected, "I saw hundreds there, but they ignored him—even while eating." This deepened their fascination, wondering what I'd done.
Pyun sighed, frustrated. "Those rabbits attack only when sensing stronger energy. His weaker presence spared him," she explained.
"So that's it," they murmured. Yet Yuki frowned—my speed defied a normal human's limits. Xxv noted my Crimson Item, its glowing earring hinting at use.
"A human using a Crimson Item without energy control?" Yuki questioned.
Rei clarified, "Some items don't need energy—just meeting conditions—but they strain the user." She added, "I saw him collapse over ten times, exhausted. His physical limit fuels it."
Rei's jaw dropped, realizing a flaw in their trial allowed even a human to pass so easily. As I walked, I paused, turning back to the woods.
"Where's he going now?" Kyros wondered.
Cameras followed me to a boulder amid rocks, where I sat, leaning back to rest and eat. "Why go there? Doesn't he know he must enter to pass?" Kyros asked.
"I don't care—let him do as he pleases. He's just lucky the rabbits spared him," Pyun dismissed, believing I hadn't truly passed her intent to test combat skills. Still, no rule forbade bypassing beasts, an unforeseen loophole.
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**Nathaniel's POV**
The grueling trial ended, leaving me breathless and drained. I slumped on the grass, leaning against a boulder, my knees trembling from exhaustion. Could I endure more? I hoped this ordeal would soon close.
I hid here briefly, craving rest inside, but hesitated. "Why hide? Why not enter first?" I muttered.
Melon explained, "Many would gawk if a human led this brutal trial. Your pass feels unfair— you just ran and ate, not fought."
"Is it my fault the rabbits ignored me?" I retorted philosophically.
Gazing at the sky, melancholy washed over me. I joined for Suwi, lacking the courage for this. "I don't know what to do—let my sacrifice for her yield something good," I sighed.
Melon exhaled. "You chose to stay under Sei, though you could've fled with me."
"Didn't I consider that? But joining her enemies would worsen my plight—we're both hunted," I said. "This is your master's fault—he wants me to suffer, not thrive in Endoryo."
Minutes later, applicants trickled in, some carried wounded. Of ten thousand, only two thousand passed. The arena gathered the successful as medics aided the injured.
An announcement granted a two-hour break before the third trial. Relief spread; many collapsed, aching. Medical teams arrived with food, and I eagerly joined the line.
"Wait, you're human? How'd you pass?"
"Those fierce rabbits were deadly for someone like you."
"Hold on—no wounds? What did you do?"
Attention turned to me, especially when someone recalled the rabbits ignoring me while I picked fruit. Panicking, I edged away. "Uh, sorry, every warrior has secrets— I'll go ahead," I stammered, grabbing food and retreating to the arena's upper edge.
Reaching it, I collapsed, groaning at the steep climb. "I want to go home and rest—I can't face another trial," I wailed.
Lying there, I didn't notice someone behind me. "You give up so easily," a voice said.
Startled, I sat up, facing Vice Commander Aoi, smiling from a seat. "Oh, it's you, Vice Commander Aoi."
"You've shown promise today, beyond my expectations. Her Majesty didn't misjudge you," she said.
I shook my head. "It was luck, pure chance."
Aoi smiled, seeing through my lie. "You can't fool me—I read your thoughts."
"Tsk, unfair," I muttered, grabbing food to eat.
As I chewed, Aoi mentioned my intent to help the Soul Eater, Zhui. I nodded. "I'm here for her. I must save Suwi, or my efforts are pointless."
Aoi sighed. "It's dangerous—Eskapa knows Her Majesty holds a Soul Eater. They're preparing judgment."
"I know—many, like Pyun, suffered from Soul Eaters, but Suwi can't die. I'll find a way," I insisted.
"If you plan to free her before the trial, you'll face dire consequences—death for both," she warned.
She cautioned against reckless acts against Sei, who, despite kindness, upheld laws. I stayed calm, acknowledging the rules. "I won't cause trouble—I avoid danger," I assured.
Aoi asked my true plan, noting Eskapa's mission to save lives by eliminating Soul Eaters. "No changing their fate here," she added.
"You're wrong—there's a way. I must convince Sei to trust me," I replied.
I explained joining Eskapa to earn Sei's trust, proving Suwi's worth. "You asked my goal? For now, I want a safe haven where Suwi can live peacefully."
Aoi smiled, standing. "Do all you can for your dreams. Proving yourself will make it possible."
"Prove myself to others? Easy to say—how do I do that?" I whispered to the wind.
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