Free Web NovelChapter 293: Southern Continent [2]
What the old man said to Lucas lingered as he walked to where the examination was. Everywhere Lucas looked, things were organized. It was as if the form of government they had was fitted to their mindsets. People also followed the 11 Elders’ orders, in which no atrocities were visible.
Despite that, Lucas still considered the old man’s words. It was something that he couldn’t forget as words from elderly people were sometimes real because of the length of their life. Furthermore, Lucas didn’t know anything useful about the Southern Continent, which was the reason why, until now, he considered the old man’s word.
However, it wasn’t something he should do. He was not here for life, but for something else. He was to contact the 11 Elders so that he could form an alliance with them and also believe in him as the owner of the Southern Continent.
Lucas arrived at the coliseum and also the training stadium of the capital. This was the venue of the examination in which there were almost a thousand and more applicants present. Lucas simply passed each of them and looked at every corner. Moreover, he watched how the staff members worked.
’They are sharp. The applicants were also organized as if they had been used to this.’
A few moments later, the examination started. An announcer stood on the stage, and below the stage was a wooden wall that was painted with the target symbol. A distance away from this were archers.
Lucas’s eyes squinted. ’What is the theme of the examination? They seemed to be tense about it.’
"Ehem... I congratulate you for having the courage to be here. Being one of the hundred members of the expedition of the 11 Elders will be such an honor for everyone. However, those 100 would not be selected based solely on their power and cultivation base. Talent and skills are needed here, and also their psychological state."
"Now, to start with the first trial, here are the archers of the Giant Tower. A person named will stand by that wall and will serve as the target. The archers, on the other hand, will shoot an arrow at the wood with the person at the center. You could be hit or not, but the main purpose of this is for you to be courageous enough to stand in a place where danger is obvious. Now, if you are scared of getting hurt, you can back out."
As soon as the announcer finished his words, everyone started to mumble. They were surprised by the theme of the first trial, as it was clearly dangerous. Not only could they be injured, but they could also die if, unfortunately, they got hit on the head. A simple mistake could take their lives.
’The archers may be ordered to intentionally hit the applicants. Even though it was obvious that this trial would just test each applicant’s mental state, they could still be dangerous since they showed stoic expressions earlier. They were not afraid if they hit someone that could result in any grave condition.’
Lucas squinted his eyes more and looked above. There were people, and they seemed to be the overseers of the examination. Although they didn’t introduce themselves, Lucas knew that they had some important role on the continent. Their cultivation bases were eye-catching as they were almost at the peak of the Master Spirit Realm. They also seemed to be young, which could make it more surprising.
Lucas ignored them and returned to the wooden platform where the applicant was supposed to stand. The first applicant was called, and then, just with the first shot, he was almost hit in the shoulders. He was obviously nervous, and not the only one, as the audience was also feeling the same.
Every missed shot brought them relief, but on the fourth and final shot, the arrow struck the man’s legs, causing a loud and disturbing cry. Due to it, the medic was immediately called to assist him.
’This will start the chaos in the applicant’s mind. For sure, there would be people here who had not experienced any pain that could make their life flash before their eyes in a second. Those people would surely back out, afraid of death and the pain.’
Just as Lucas expected, those who were afraid started to leave the coliseum. With their lips numb and their legs quivering, they turned their backs to the hectic amount of money the 11 Elders promised to those who became part of the 100 recruits.
He sighed, then continued to watch the trial.
Meanwhile, as the examination continued after the small ruckus of some applicants backing out, a young man was looking from above with a mysterious smile. He had been observing the examinations, and he just couldn’t help but be disappointed in some of them. But, despite that, he seemed to be enjoying watching how their faces became after an arrow was released.
As the young man who had short hair reaching his shoulders, tied and also shining black, and had a wise face that seemed to be a scholar, continued to watch, a fragment of his memory flashed back to him. It was before the examination, and also the preparation he made for this examination. frёeωebɳovel.com
He was named Perpas Shin, an Order Leader under the first elder. He was also the assigned person to hold the pick of members of the expedition team. And as the preparation returned to his head, he couldn’t help but hold his serious expression.
A day before the examination, Perpas was standing inside a room with three people lining up. They had average garments and had no notable facial features. He looked at them one by one, then he decided to speak.
"Tomorrow, you will stand with the applicants. The three of you will be shot, but don’t be worried, there will be medics by the corners and sides so that you will be assisted. And, you will be paid generously. You won’t receive less since you are the main character for tomorrow’s examination."
Then, a servant of Perpas gave each of them pouches with money inside. And as they peeked at it, their eyes widened in surprise.
’10 Jin Gold Coins...!’
At the present moment, Perpas continued to watch. However, as another applicant was called by the name Lucas, his eyes instinctively stared at where he walked. His interest wasn’t piqued because of his name; rather, it was because of his aura. The aura he was emanating was soothing and also a head-turner. He had this grace and also a divine face.
"Handsome..."
Perpas shook his head immediately. He just dozed off, and upon realizing it, he was disappointed in himself.
"Who is that person? How could he have such a charismatic appearance? I am curious who he is..." Perpas mumbled.
On the other hand, Lucas just smirked as he noticed how the person above was caught by his appearance. Lucas did nothing to his face; rather, he let his charismatic aura spread when he was called. He walked confidently to the platform, then stood without being daunted by the arrows flying at him.
At the third arrow, the archers stopped, and a person approached them and whispered something. Lucas enhanced his hearing and eavesdropped on their conversation.
"Lord Perpas wants you to hit him in the shoulder and also in the thighs. Don’t worry about him losing control of his joints. He is something different."
The archer then nodded and returned to his business with Lucas. Lucas just smirked.
’So he is called Perpas. Who is he? Is he a member of the 11 Elders? But his cultivation base is not special; he is just in the Master Spirit Realm. If he is in the General Spirit Realm, he could be part of the 11 Elders. I don’t know. I am just speculating now. But, I am curious about who he is. He could be a help for me to talk with the 11 Elders. Since now that he showed interest in me, I will return the favor.’
The archers stretched and then shot the arrow. As planned, Lucas was hit in the shoulders. However, he simply ignored the throbbing pain. Even though it was something painful, he was able to endure it as if it was just something bothersome to his senses.
The archer bit his lower lip, then went to target Lucas’s thighs, continuing to show his courageous expression. He had these serious eyes that made the archer disturbed. But, he didn’t fail to hit Lucas’ thighs.
His first trial ended, and the medic started to run in his direction. Lucas just nonchalantly walked without worrying about the arrows stuck in his body parts. He surprised everyone.
"Hmm...? He is good... He knows that he must endure this to pass. But, this is not the only thing that I am willing to do to destroy that static expression on your face. It is quite irritating. This examination is not a joke. But, if you show the qualities that we are searching for, I will welcome you." Perpas mumbled as the examination continued after Lucas.
