A few weeks passed in an instant.
The day of the second trial arrived in an instant.
The rays of dawn were warm, coupled with the cool breeze that swept past the area. It was great weather in the Tutorial World, which contrasted the carnage that would eventually occur during the second trial.
The newbies, after freshening up and finishing their training, ate breakfast before heading towards the headquarters of the Tower Administration. Once they arrived at its entrance, the newbies were greeted by several Guardians and Caretakers, who led them towards a hall.
The hall was enormous, and spanned over several kilometers. Arthur believed it was due to a spatial spell, considering the exterior seemed much tinier than the interior. It was truly a massive hall.
It was only natural, considering thousands of newbies would attend the second trial. However, only a few would pass.
It mainly depended on one's preparation during training, or preparation prior to entering Heaven's Spire. The second trial was somewhat unorthodox, and borrowed concepts from other worlds.
Moreover, each batch underwent a different trial, making it impossible to predict and prepare for a certain theme. Sometimes, sports were involved. Other times, it was a simple battle royale until a few were left.
"Attention, all newbies," a booming voice resounded across the hall, and the eyes of the newbies turned to face the entity that stood upon the stage. His body was draped in darkness, making it impossible to view his true appearance.
The stage was elevated several meters, causing the newbies to strain their necks in order to get a good view. The future players were quite nervous, but excited simultaneously. Becoming a player was a dream.
But sometimes, nightmares abruptly interrupted pleasant dreams.
Everyone was aware that only a few would become players. Every day, thousands of people became players. However, the number for each batch was astronomically low. There were an immeasurable amount of batches.
As the darkness encompassing the entity faded, a humanoid bull came into view. The gazes of the newbies turned solemn as they stared at the bull's appearance. He was Erk, one of the famous Guardians of the Tower of Administration. His deeds were renowned across the tower.
He and a few others usually dealt with high-ranking clans, which was why many feared him and his wrath. Erk was also known for his short temper, but it was only natural, since he was a humanoid bull.
His coating was brown, with black horns protruding from his forehead. A golden ring hung from his nose. A casual expression was plastered over his face, which those who were familiar with him found unusual. He wore a formal, black suit, just like all other Guardians present in the hall.
"Your training has ended, and as a final test to determine who is worthy of becoming a player in the tower, we shall be conducting the second and final trial," Erk spoke. He didn't even use a microphone, yet his voice rang in the ears of all newbies.
They nodded in response.
"For this batch of newbies, the second trial will be based on two tiers," Erk announced, flicking his wrist. A hologram manifested a few feet away from him, displaying the format of the second trial.
"For the first tier, the newbies will face necromantic beasts."
Suddenly, the hologram shifted, displaying images of necromantic beasts. They were vicious, animal-like beings that preyed on the property of life, converting it into the property of death to feed themselves.
Even being near one caused intense nausea to befall a human.
"For the second tier, you will have to collect a certain amount of material before reaching a certain location. Details for the second tier will be provided to you either through a Guardian or system messages once you pass the first tier."
"Remember, not all of you will pass. If you want to bid your farewells, do it now."
Following his words, Erk bowed before dissolving into air. The hologram remained, displaying images of the necromantic beasts, and providing occasional tips to the newbies about how to progress.
Once the explanation was complete, the newbies were escorted towards a certain door.
Behind the door was a portal that emanated an ominous aura. The Guardians bowed obediently before pushing the door open, allowing the newbies to flood in. They immediately headed towards the portal.
The second trial was presumed to take around a day at least, or a week at most. It was quite a broad time span, as a lot of variables were accounted for.
"Hope you guys make it through," said Harry, entering the portal. His body dissolved into the ominous aura, as if it had swallowed it. Following his departure, the others bid farewell to each other before entering the portal.
Arthur took one last glance at the Guardians before entering the portal.
Once all the newbies had entered, the entire room was silent. The Guardians raised their heads, glancing at Erk.
"Is it fine to allow 'him' and 'her' to enter?" Vector asked, looking towards Erk. His eyes radiated genuine concern towards the newbies, which was quite unusual for a Guardian. They were usually indifferent to such matters.
They only cared for the masses.
"It will only raise the bar to pass," replied Erk, letting out a sigh. He waved his hand, and the portal shrunk before disappearing.
"Are you sure it is biased?" Dracolius spoke up, cracking an evil smile. His eyes were entirely emotionless, but his lips were curved upwards. Erk's head shot towards Dracolius, and the two met eyes.
"Are you doubting me, Dracolius?"
"Indeed, Erk," Dracolius replied, moving forward as if daring Erk to make a move. Erk's face reddened, and his fingers trembled. He desperately suppressed the urge to burst into metaphorical flames.
"You have overstepped your bounds," an unknown voice reverberated across the room, and both Dracolius and Erk clamped their mouths shut.
"I apologize."
"I'm sorry."
Dracolius and Erk immediately apologized to the unknown voice, terrified to resist.
