End of an Era (Project Chrysalis Book 2), John Gold [ebook reader online txt] 📗

you upset? We just found out what the opponent’s actual strength is, we tested a new weapon, and it’s been just a week since the invasion began.”

“But no more than one percent of our military wing can take on the undead as equals! And without good commanders, even they’re taken out like a bunch of green kids,” Merlen flared up. Two had died in Rachel’s group.

“Don’t worry. All this means is that we’re at the beginning of a long road. For now, we need to change our income model and the way we level up our forces. Keep going, my friend! There’s lots of work to do.”

Everything the undead did felt like a challenge to Leon. The cities were all under siege, though no efforts were made to capture them. It was like the undead were there to see what he could do. When it came to managing the small groups, it felt the same; his opponents easily stripped his defenses and blocked his attacks.

Leon could have won, but he didn’t have troops capable of taking on the undead. He needed time to develop the clan’s warriors, not to mention constant diversionary strikes to keep his opponents off balance with hits to the rear. He also wanted to understand their tactics. For that, the best option was the world’s greatest mercenaries and stealth masters: the Hunters.

But Leon really had no idea how strong the enemy was.

***

The portal takes me to a large area that looks more like an amphitheater, with a wide variety of fighters sitting on the steps. And I was afraid I’d stick out. Yeah, right. There are werewolves, super-mages, blood knights, paladins, marauders, mages, archers, animal masters, and just about everyone else you could think of. Oh, god, where am I? It’s a freak show. Hey, what’s that? Suddenly, I realize that there are about twenty people sitting there invisible, and another five hundred children. There are a lot more of them than there are adult players.

Taking a free spot in the third row, I ask the person sitting next to me a question that’s been bothering me for a while.

“Hey, who are the Hunters?” I’m tired of feeling like an idiot as everyone looks at me with curiosity or even pity.

“Little girl, why don’t you get out of here?”

At least, they left their camouflage in place.

“Oh, stop. I’ll kill you if you don’t tell me what I want to know.”

“Girls these days are nastier than they used to be.”

“…”

“You’ll hear it all for yourself soon enough. As soon as it’s time, the administrator will come and tell the whole story.”

“How do you know?”

“I went through this a year ago.”

“Oh, so the trial screens people out?”

“Yes, they test your battle skills in a variety of situations.”

“Are the tests hard?”

“Impossible! You’ll definitely fail, I’ll tell you that much. Making enemies just to get information you don’t need is idiotic.”

“And–” I’m not able to finish.

A man in light armor with chainmail peeking out under it appears in the middle of the stage. He has both a sword and a knife in his belt. I guess he’s the administrator, and probably dual style.

“Good afternoon, honored guests. Today is the trial for entrance into the ranks of the Hunters. For the kids who were able to get here, we don’t have a limit on the level you have to be or get your skills to. Still, you can get a class when you turn sixteen. Okay, you can go.”

A roar broke out as children shouted, celebrated, and clamored. I was so stupid to think I’d get a class here. It’s a trial for anyone who wants to get into the adult world earlier, giving them the chance if they can get information about the quest itself and show up at the appointed time and place.

The children are making a racket. I just look down at my hands and think. Strength, I’ll get strength. I’m just a couple of weeks short of my fourteenth birthday, but it’s still a small victory. I feel somebody’s eyes on me and look up to notice the children gradually falling silent. The administrator is looking at me.

“Young lady, it’s time for you to leave.”

“I was invited to the Hunter trial,” I shrug. “I don’t know anything about kids. But what are the Hunters, and what’s the class?”

Practically everyone in the arena breaks out laughing.

“Oh, you don’t even know where you are or why you’re here? Well, let me explain. The League of Hunters is an independent group, the best of the best in this world. The best warriors, killers, mages, artifactors, and strategists become Hunters. It isn’t a class; it’s a group of people with outstanding personal qualities and special skills they use to do the hardest jobs. We’re the ones who do what normal people aren’t strong enough to do.”

“That’s an awfully abstract answer.”

“You’re right, young lady. The Hunters have three skills: manipulation for mages, amplification for warriors and marauders, and accuracy for archers. Wisdom, athleticism, and morale disappear from your attribute panel, while your stamina is temporarily responsible for your strength, mana, and health. Your survivability is for your mana and health restoration.”

“What does that give you?”

“For example, I’m a mage and sword master,” the administrator replies, pulling out his sword and obsidian dagger. I was right about him being dual style. “I became a Hunter when I was just an ordinary mage,” he continues, holding the sword aloft and making it glow as the dagger sends sparks into the air. A small lizard familiar appears on his shoulder. “This weapon was made to order, and I can use it to channel the kind of magic I’m looking for.” He holds the sword out, showing off the change; it turns brighter and brighter. “My manipulation skill enables me to change