He broke it down into a few core points:
- All participants would be split into groups labeled A to Z. Each group would be transported to a different part of the Dark Forest and scattered randomly across the terrain.
- The main objective was to kill darkness creatures. Defeating other participants was allowed, but optional. Killing a darkness creature would earn points, the amount depending on the vita it released upon death. As for defeating a fellow youth, the winner would claim 40% of the loser's total points, and the loser would be forcibly removed from the forest, permanently losing those points.
- The lifeguards would alert their users when a darkness creature was nearby, but they would only display the creature's grade, nothing more.
- The hunt would last for three hours. Rankings would be based purely on total points accumulated.
- Only the top ten would receive a reward.
'It's simple enough.' The rules weren't overly complex, and Malakai preferred it that way.
He turned to Renlo. "What group are you in?"
Renlo scratched his head with his free hand. "Group F, Ninth Vein. What about you?"
Malakai's gaze shifted to the bold letter Z, along with the figure 500 displayed beneath the rules.
"Ah, shit," Renlo groaned. "I thought we'd be in the same group!"
"It doesn't matter," Malakai said. "Stick to the objectives and focus on racking up as many points as possible. Remember, the captains are watching. If you want a chance to fall under one of them, you need to stand out."
Renlo straightened up and nodded seriously. "Yes, Ninth Vein."
Malakai's words weren't empty. The captains of the Blood Knights were watching. They held the power to choose who would come under them, and not even the veins were exempted from this.
Failing to be selected meant joining the general training with the common recruits, which would severely limit one's growth.
"But I hope we still meet in there, Ninth Vein," Renlo added with a sheepish smile.
Malakai arched a brow. "Why? So we can fight?"
Renlo's eyes nearly bulged from their sockets. 'That's right… he could actually do that.'
Sweat beaded across his brow. Malakai, the fighting maniac, might actually go through with it.
He gulped. "On second thought, that's a bad idea. Not enough targets for two. Don't worry, Ninth Vein. I'll survive alone."
Renlo looked away, and Malakai shook his head, barely holding back a smile.
'You're mean. Look at how you scared the poor boy,' Valentine said with a chuckle.
'I was only pulling his leg,' Malakai replied.
'Wow. Cold blooded Malakai making jokes? Oh, how far we've come,' Valentine teased.
Malakai shook his head. Leave it to Valentine to exaggerate every little thing.
Just as he was about to sink back into thought, the Blood Guardian's voice rang out again.
"That's enough time. We begin now."
The crowd fell silent, all attention shifting to him.
"Look up and locate your respective group markers on the platform. Move over there. You'll be taken to your deployment zones shortly."
The youths began moving.
Malakai glanced up and saw the letter Z at the far edge of the platform. After a quick goodbye to Renlo, he headed there, ignoring the glares from the Eighth and Sixth Veins.
Reaching his group, Malakai did a quick scan.
The Aurelius youth he'd noticed earlier stood amongst the group. Other Sanguine youths were present too, though none of the other veins.
'It doesn't change anything.'
A smaller platform soon hovered toward them, enclosed by a dome of reinforced glass. One of the Blood Guardians Malakai had seen earlier stood atop it.
"You all can start mounting now."
Within seconds, the youths jumped onto the platform and into the dome. Without pause, it launched into the air, speeding toward one edge of the Dark Forest.
"Alright," the instructor began. "Listen closely. Once I call the number beside your group letter, you jump down."
Gasps echoed throughout the dome. Many looked down and instantly paled.
At this altitude, not even their evolved bodies could handle the fall without consequence. A drop like that would break bones, slow movement, maybe even take them out completely.
Before protests could rise, the Blood Guardian added, "Don't give me those looks. If you bunch of pussies can't handle the jump, raise your hand when your number is called, and I'll give you this—"
He raised a large, circular object and recruits immediately relaxed.
It was a portable cushion. All one had to do was slam it into the ground, and a soft surface would burst out to catch you.
Malakai recalled the rules clearly. One of them stated: any outside aid beyond standard weapons would lead to point reduction.
That included cushions. That included explosives.
He glanced around and noted a few others had come to the same conclusion, each one silent.
"Alright!" the Blood Guardian barked. "Let's get this started. Your lifeguard will flash green once it's time to begin the hunt. Move before then, and you'll be immediately disqualified. Now, one!"
A youth stepped forward.
He immediately asked for the cushion. The Guardian's face twisted with disdain, but he handed it over. The youth jumped. The next number was called.
Again and again, the sequence repeated.
Malakai's eyes narrowed as the Aurelius youth calmly stepped forward. He asked for nothing. Just reached the edge, and leapt without hesitation.
The Blood Guardian's eyes flickered with approval. Numbers were called quickly after that. Until…
Malakai stepped forward without pause.
The Blood Guardian recognized him instantly, and went silent.
'Will he ask for the cushion?'
He knew who Malakai was. The Ninth Vein. But unlike the others, Malakai hadn't shown off in public. Everything people knew about him were rumors, whispers. No real proof.
But as the man looked into Malakai's steady, icy gaze, felt the stillness in his steps, he shivered.
Why… why did it feel boy was going to war?
The morning sun gleamed off the blade of Malakai's scythe strapped to his back.
He reached the edge of the platform… and jumped.
The cold wind howled past him, tugging at his hair, his cloak, his thoughts.
His crimson eyes narrowed. Below him, the Dark Forest surged up like a beast waiting to devour him whole.
But Malakai didn't flinch.
He was ready for war.