Simulation Forest – Day One
A thin mist lingered between the towering trees as the academy bell rang at six in the morning. The students of Class 1-A had gathered at the outer gate of Aezrith Academy, clad in special training uniforms and carrying magical equipment.
Before them stood a massive stone gate glowing with ancient runes. Beyond it lay the trial arena: the Survival Simulation Forest.
Instructor Elroin stood in front, wearing a rune-engraved battle robe that emitted a constant magical pressure.
> "This trial will last for a full three days," he began. "Each team will be randomly placed in different zones of the forest. Your objectives: survive, protect your teammates, and activate at least two out of five Mana Pillars hidden throughout the forest."
> "Defeating monsters will earn you points. Every two hours, the team ranking will update on the crystal display on your wristbands."
> "If you manage to eliminate another team, you'll claim all their points. And... some simulated creatures are extremely dangerous. Don't act recklessly."
A nervous girl raised her hand.
> "What if someone... dies or gets seriously injured in there?"
Elroin sighed lightly.
> "You'll only feel realistic pain. But every wound, every burn or cut—will feel exactly like it would in the real world."
Tension spread like wildfire among the students.
Team Lancer – Measuring the Battlefield
Taylor turned to Lancer, patting the hilt of his weapon.
> "So, we get points for eliminating teams? Sounds easy."
Lancer replied without looking at him.
> "Weak teams won't have many points. If we use that tactic, we must target the strong ones… like Leon's team or—"
> "Kael," Yuki interrupted.
Lancer paused for a moment and nodded slightly.
> "He'll be the key... if we can defeat them."
Lints added:
> "Kael might be our toughest opponent—especially with Irelith and Rose on his side."
Taylor shrugged.
> "Why worry? We've got Lancer."
> "Don't underestimate them," Lints warned. "It's not a one-man show."
[T+2 Hours] – RANKING PANEL
📊 TEAM RANKINGS:
1. Kael's Team – 140 pts
2. Leon's Team – 130 pts
3. Lancer's Team – 110 pts
4. Team Fara – 85 pts
5. Team Ren – 75 pts
🧟 MONSTER POINTS:
Shadow Wolf – 50 pts
Flame Bee – 20 pts
Mana Rat – 10 pts
🔷 Activated Mana Pillars: 0/5
Team Kael – Starting Point: Southwestern Forest
Mist blanketed the forest as Kael, Irelith, Leinhardt, Rose, and Perona entered through the dimensional barrier. Behind them, the gate vanished.
> "We're starting at coordinate Z-3," Rose said, pulling up a holographic map.
> "Nearest pillar is three kilometers east. Let's move."
Kael led the group, a soft blue flame glowing in his palm.
> "Combat formation. Irelith on the right. Rose and Perona in the center. Leinhardt, rear guard."
> "This forest gives me the creeps," Leinhardt muttered, though he remained alert.
First Encounter – Shadow Wolves Attack
A low growl echoed through the woods.
> "On guard!" Kael shouted.
Two Shadow Wolves leapt from the underbrush—large, muscular, with glowing red eyes and razor fangs.
⚔️ Combat Highlights:
Irelith launched a spinning fireblast.
Rose summoned roots from the ground to restrain the beasts.
Leinhardt struck with a flash of lightning.
Perona shielded the group with a mana dome.
Kael leapt in, forming a Bluefire Sword, and cleaved one wolf in a single strike.
> "Simulated or not... they're no joke," Kael muttered.
📥 +100 pts (2 Shadow Wolves defeated)
[T+4 Hours] – RANKING PANEL
📊 TEAM RANKINGS:
1. Kael's Team – 240 pts
2. Leon's Team – 190 pts
3. Lancer's Team – 170 pts
Team Lancer – The Silent Watchers
Elsewhere in the forest, Lancer and his teammates moved with precision.
🧟 Monsters Defeated:
3 Mana Rats – 30 pts
2 Flame Bees – 40 pts
1 Shadow Wolf – 50 pts 📥 +120 pts total
Lancer remained silent but deadly. His strikes were clean, cold, and flawless. Yuki observed quietly.
> "He's not just strong... he never hesitates."
Nightfall – Campfire & Strategy
Kael's team set up camp near a quiet stream. Glowing tents and gentle magic light lit their base.
> "We activate the pillar tomorrow at dawn," Irelith said, sipping tea.
> "I'll take the first watch with Leinhardt," Kael added.
Rose glanced at the woods.
> "If Lancer's team is nearby, a clash is inevitable."
Kael gazed into the flames.
> "Then let it come. I'm ready."
Mana Pillars Mechanics
🔷 Each activated pillar grants +200 pts 🔢 Total Pillars: 5 | Activated: 0
📣 [DING!]
Day One Complete – 2 Days Remaining
Will Kael's team hold their lead? Will Lancer finally make his move?
📖 Continue to Chapter 17 – When monsters are not the only predators... and the true survival begins.