Back at the Hunter Association Branch…
Lin Fang and Zhi Yan stepped into the waiting hall.
The space was wide and brightly lit, packed with rows of seats already filled by anxious applicants. The air buzzed with the occasional roar or snarl from the monsters that accompanied, like half of the applicants.
Lin Fang carried Black's crate with care, setting it beside his seat as he looked around. It was hard not to feel out of place; everyone else seemed to have battle-ready beasts, not sleeping cubs.
A few minutes passed. The murmurs in the hall died down as a man strode through the main doors, his presence alone commanding silence.
He was tall and lean, dressed in a sharp black uniform with silver trim. His shoulder-length dark hair was tied loosely behind him, and an eye patch covered his left eye.
His hands were clasped neatly behind his back as he stopped at the center of the platform. He began to speak, "I am Feng Xiu, the chief examiner for this entrance examination. Only registered applicants may proceed into the hall. Observers may remain here or leave as they see fit."
The room stiffened, a few people even shifting nervously.
Zhi Yan gasped. "Feng Xiu?" Her eyes widened, and she turned toward Lin Fang, whispering sharply, "This is bad. Really bad."
Lin Fang raised an eyebrow. "Why? Who is he?"
She leaned closer, voice hushed. "Feng Xiu is infamous for failing most applicants on their first try. He's known for having absurdly strict standards. And even after passing, he might not give one a certificate unless they have really shown their potential during the exam.
Lin Fang blinked before shrugging his shoulders in indifference. "Whatever, I risk of disqualification regardless of who the examiner was, anyway."
Zhi Yan grabbed his sleeve for a second, tightening her grip in worry. "I'm serious. The test won't be as simple as you think. It will be life-threatening. Even if you had last-minute training, there is no way you can survive this. How about giving up? We can apply again in 6 months."
Lin Fang nodded with a forced smile."Thanks. But sometimes, we should bet our lives to achieve something."
He turned and walked toward the examination hall with the others. Behind him, Zhi Yan stared at his back, her fists clenched briefly before she let out a long, helpless sigh. "If Feng Xiu is the examiner, your chances of passing are less than 1%. But since you are no longer a simple plainfolk as you were so far, I hope Grandpa Lin had planted someone to help you, Lin Fang…"
Inside the Examination Hall;
Tens of applicants stood spaced evenly across the polished combat floor; some had contracted monster companions, while some had rental beasts amongst them.
The rental beasts are non-soul-bound monsters, but still could be used by their temporary masters with the use of mind-controlling collars. They carry tremendous risk, though.
One, the monster tamer cannot transfer their damage to the beasts.
Two, the higher their level is, the more difficult they are to control.
Three, they carry a risk of going berserk or attacking their own temporary masters.
Of course, it goes without saying that those who use their contracted monsters will have a disadvantage in scoring, since they are technically taking help. The average deduction is around 20% from their total score. Moreover, the control over the monsters is also considered for further deduction. The score deduction will be even more if the applicant uses a rental beast. Hence, it is a risk to use it, but that didn't stop applicants from renting one, as the majority of them don't need high scores. They only need to pass. Only the minors would benefit from top scores, as they can get recommendations to the prestigious Hunter Academy programs.
Lin Fang is one of those who is also looking forward to just passing and getting the license. Luckily for him, he is a plainfolk and his looks are no use in this place. Hence, he barely got any attention in the bunch. He simply stood in the corner, observing the others.
"Let's see…"
Unfortunately, his inspection skill doesn't work on humans and only on monsters and artifacts. Hence, he could only observe the monsters, see if any monster was stronger than Black. "Hmm… Most of the monsters were between Level 15 and Level 35; they were rare grade, but a couple of them were epic grade.
"Not bad… but Black's still one of the strongest," he thought with cautious pride. A Legendary grade and a Commander Tier. That has to count for something.
But then…
He froze when his eyes flicked left, only to lock on a sleek two-tailed silver wolf standing still as stone. Its fur shimmered faintly like shadowy steel, and its amber eyes radiated intelligence. The status above its head is a bit alarming…
Species: Silver Wolf
Level: 49 (Max: 80)
Grade: Legendary
Element: Fire, Lightning
Status: Soul Bound.
His heart skipped.
'What the hell? A legendary grade Lord-tier monster at this exam? And that too dual element?'
His eyes followed the wolf's leash to its master.
It was a girl, looking early twenties, her silver hair tied in a high ponytail. She has a cold, emotionless face. The girl stood perfectly still with her arms crossed and her eyes closed.
Lin Fang gulped. 'Who… is that girl? And what kind of background does she have to bring something like that to an entrance exam?'
It was then…
Feng Xiu stood tall at the podium, gripping the mic with a gloved hand. His voice rang out in a calm and precise manner, echoing through the large chamber and attracting everyone's attention to him.
"Welcome to this year's Monster Tamer Examination. This time, the written exam has been eliminated. Only the practical trials will be conducted."
A few candidates stirred with surprise, but Feng Xiu continued, unbothered.
"The exam is divided into four levels:
Level One. Team Battle: You will be assigned to a team of three. Together, you must engage hostile monsters for 30 minutes. Cooperation, survival, and combat performance will all be assessed. Worth 200 points.
Level Two. Partner Duel: You and your chosen monster companion will face a monster of your choice. Worth 300 points.
Level Three. Solo Trial: You alone will fight a monster without any help from your tamed monsters. Worth 500 points.
The total is 1000 points. 500 or more is a passing score.
And Level Four will be attended by the applicants who scored 500 or more. The rules will be explained after the first three trials.
That's all you need to know. Now, we begin with Level One. Forming of teams."
At his signal, a row of attendants stepped forward, each carrying a sleek black box. They moved down the rows, allowing the candidates to draw a numbered ball. Lin Fang didn't need to ask what was going on. He took one from the offered box. His eyes narrowed as he read the number embossed on the surface. "9."
He let out a slow breath, tucking it into his palm.
Around him, people were calling out numbers, raising their hands, forming small circles. And Lin Fang stood for a moment, scanning the crowd.
Suddenly, he spotted a Number 9 in the air, carried by a slender arm. As he followed down the arm, his eyes fell to the face. "F**k… Not her…" Lin Fang's face went pale in an instant as he saw the silver-haired girl.