Teams gathered across the battlefield.
Ten teams.
Forty participants.
All spread across different starting positions within the designated zone.
But the zone wasn't just desert—it was far more varied. Forests, lakes, and open fields stretched across a five-kilometer radius.
Before the trial began, guards moved through the crowd.
Each participant received a small device.
A black earpiece.
One of the guards spoke loudly:
"Communication devices."
"You will be able to speak with your teammates during the trial."
"Each team has a private channel."
"Use it wisely."
Ash took the earpiece and placed it into his ear.
A faint click followed.
Then—
Dig's voice echoed softly.
Communication link established.
Ash glanced at his team.
Ravok adjusted his shoulders.
Nyro spun the earpiece once before putting it on, grinning slightly.
Korin fumbled nervously before finally placing his in place.
"…H-hello?"
Nyro laughed.
"…Yeah, it works."
A glowing interface suddenly appeared in Ash's vision.
A map.
Large.
Detailed.
Ten marked positions.
Ten teams.
Tickets scattered across the battlefield.
Hidden.
Waiting.
Then—
A deep metallic sound echoed across the zone.
CLANG.
The signal.
The trial had begun.
For half a second—
Nobody moved.
Then—
Chaos.
Some participants launched forward immediately.
Fast runners burst into motion, kicking up clouds of sand behind them.
Others moved cautiously, staying close to cover.
And above—
Wings exploded into motion.
Ash spread his black wings.
BOOM—
He launched into the air.
Sand scattered beneath him.
Other flying participants rose into the sky from different sides.
Different shapes.
Different wings.
Different speeds.
From above—
The battlefield came alive.
Movement everywhere.
Teams spreading.
Paths forming.
Strategies unfolding.
Ash's eyes sharpened.
Scanning.
Analyzing.
Tracking movement patterns.
Through the earpiece—
Ravok's voice sounded calm.
"…I'm counting on you."
Ash didn't hesitate.
"…Leave it to me."
A faint grin formed on his face.
"…I got this."
Ravok and Korin moved slowly across the sand.
Side by side.
Careful.
Watching their surroundings.
Ravok's eyes scanned the terrain ahead.
Then—
He noticed something.
"…Where's your friend?"
Korin blinked nervously.
"…W-What?"
"…Nyro."
Ravok didn't slow down.
"…He was just here."
Korin scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
"…Ah…"
"…He left."
Ravok frowned slightly.
"…Left?"
Korin nodded nervously.
"…Y-Yeah…"
"…He said he wanted to do his own thing."
Before Ravok could respond—
Movement.
Fast.
Sharp.
From behind Korin.
A stinger.
Deadly.
Silent.
WHOOSH—
Ravok moved instantly.
GRAB.
His hand shot out—
Catching the attacker mid-strike.
Stopping the stinger inches from Korin's back.
Korin froze.
Eyes wide.
"…W-What—?!"
Ravok tightened his grip slightly.
His voice calm.
Cold.
"…Attacking from behind?"
A pause.
"…Didn't your mother teach you any manners?"
The attacker smirked faintly.
A Wasp vessel.
Unbothered.
"…Don't know."
A short pause.
"…Don't remember her..."
"But I won't forget you, handsome."
Before either of them could move—
Nyro's voice suddenly echoed through the earpiece.
"…Guys."
His tone had changed.
Serious.
Focused.
"…A team found a ticket."
Ash froze.
"…What?"
Ravok's grip tightened slightly.
"…Already?"
Ash asked.
"Did you find out by watching the map?"
A short pause followed.
Then Nyro answered calmly.
"...No..."
"…My eyes."
"…My first active ability: Hunter's Focus…"
"It lets me zoom my vision up to ten times farther than a normal human."
Ash's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Very useful."
"…Nice work."
"…Where are they?"
Nyro answered immediately.
"…About one hundred meters from your location."
A pause.
Then—
"…a flying type."
Silence fell.
Ash's expression sharpened instantly.
"On it."
Ash stopped mid-air,
His wings shifting slightly behind him.
"…Which direction?"
Nyro answered without hesitation.
"…North-east."
A short pause.
Then—
Ash smirked faintly.
"…Found him."
His wings spread wide.
"…Almost there."
Then Nyro spoke again.
"All good… I've got him…"
"I just need you to pick up the ticket."
Ash frowned slightly.
"…What do you mean?"
Nyro reached behind his back and pulled out his blowgun.
Water started condensing in his mouth.
"…Second and third actives."
**…Water Bullet.**
**…Deadeye Instinct.**
His eyes sharpened instantly.
Still.
Focused.
The world narrowed to a single point.
BOOM—
A compressed water shot tore through the air.
CRACK—
The projectile struck the participant's skull.
His body dropped instantly from the sky.
"…Impressive," said Ash.
Ash landed beside the fallen body.
The glowing ticket rested in his hand.
"…One down."
A faint grin formed.
"…Four to go."
© 2025 Moku. All rights reserved. The Tower of the Animal Kingdom is an original work by Moku. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution is prohibited.