It was now 2:00 p.m., and the contestants and the audience were still waiting for whatever the elders were discussing.
The place had become noisy as people debated on what was going to be the elders' decision.
"I'm sure he would be given special treatment. He deserves it!" A contestant who had failed the first test said, his eyes glinting with admiration. His black hair was covered slightly with a headband, giving him a cool look, or so he thought.
"The sect wouldn't admit a barbarian, right? That guy is clearly barbaric, and he's also blind. What possibly could a blind person do?" A girl with severe makeup and brown hair spoke with mirth.
"Are you blind or stupid or both? That guy would kill you with a sneeze! And you talk of barbarism. You even failed the first test, while he passed on to the fifth stage of the second test. Has jealousy and stupidity affected your eyes too?" A short guy with a bald head, dressed like an ancient Egyptian citizen, rebuked the girl with a cold gaze.
"You!"
"Tsk! A bunch of noisy brats... why are we still sitting here? Is that guy truly worth it?" The storm-eyed boy, whose name was Aerith, spoke in a harsh tone.
"Patience, friend. He truly deserves it. He earned it after all," the silver-haired elf guy said with a calm gaze. His name was Sel.
"Would he accept me as his wife?" the russet-furred beastkin girl said with a stormy gaze. Her name was Lily.
"I just wanna fight him!" Yoka, one of the wolfkin twins, said. His hair was shorter as compared to his brother's.
"Mm!" Yuka nodded vigorously, his hair falling over his face in the process.
"I'm hungry!" an elf girl with long blonde hair exclaimed, as she slumped lazily in her seat. She was by name, Aria.
"You people are noisy..." the broad-shouldered human guy, Rex, said with a bored gaze, his muscles flexing on their own as he spoke.
"Maybe I should forfeit..." a lizard beastkin boy with a slightly bleeding shoulder spoke meekly. He was Gabi. He had barely survived the combat test. He feared what was to come next, but anytime he recalled Bahamut's battle, he got a certain motivation and determination to continue.
'If a blind guy has achieved it, I can achieve it too!'
If only...
As they bantered and debated, the examiner walked onto the stage and cleared his throat.
"The next test would commence in three minutes. All participants, prepare. It is a survival test, which would last days, even months, in the test area. The time there is different from there. A day there could be a few minutes here, or a month here. It is random, so prepare well.
Bahamut has been exempted from taking this test and any other test until further notice.
Your trial is to survive the environment you are transported to for at least three days. There would be beasts of Tier 1 Circle of Body to Circle of Mind, a few Circle of Initiation, and if you are unfortunate, you could encounter a Tier 2 beast. There are also hidden orbs around that could give you access to things that could help you survive, so be vigilant.
The test commences now! All participants, move to the center."
The examiner spoke lengthily. The description of the test caused some of the participants to frown a bit, but they still got up.
After they all stood at the center, the examiner talked to them one last time.
"Any questions?"
"Uh... Sir?" Gabi raised his hand.
"Yes?"
"Is there a possibility of death?"
"Hmm... why don't you try and find out?"
"O-Okay!"
"Then off you go! Good luck!"
With that, a huge, dark gold teleportation portal appeared beneath them and swallowed them up, teleporting them to the test grounds.
The third test, Trial of Survival, had officially began, and Bahamut... was sleeping.