Chapter 46 - The Hunt (3)
Releasing the prowlers also served another purpose. Since it was a test of survival, the first idea that would enter anyone's mind would be to hide. This would allow them to stay safe and pass the exam without fighting or anything that would harm their chances of passing the exam.
The other Examinees might not have been that skilled to locate and hunt down all these examinees who were interested in playing hide and seek. The prowlers, on the other hand, were creatures who had evolved to hunt others.
After being properly trained, they were able to hunt down those whose armours were still active. You see, the chest plate which was provided to the examinees was designed to leak a special scent recognisable only to the prowlers.
Thus as long as the chest plate was active, this scent would keep leaking out of that and hence help the prowlers to locate the examinees without an issue. As a result, those who thought they were safe by hiding in bushes or trees or even abandoned structures scattered around various zones, were no longer safe.
"This batch of examinees..." The director shook her head in disappointment, "Why are these idiots so weak!? Pathetic!"
The director, much like the professors was not in a good mood. Although hunting down Prowlers was completely optional, she had thought the rewards for doing so would attract at least some of them to try and fight the night creatures. But all of them were busy running away from them as if they could outrun Prowlers with their miserable levels!
In her eyes, it wasn't that the prowlers were stronger than the examinees. But simply that the examinees were a bunch of weaklings. Especially the examinees of zone 5. Most of them started to run as soon as they saw or got a whiff of the prowler's revolting scent. Even though the prowlers they were using were the weakest of the weakest night creatures.
As the exam proceeded, the professors along with the Director were losing hope for those in Zone 5... however, before they completely gave up on the zone, an automatic announcement was made.
"12 Grade-F Prowlers have been eliminated! Additional points will be rewarded to Anna Swan."
"Show me the footage of what happened!" Director's eyes that were about to lose the excitement she had earlier, were once again shining brighter than the artificial sun.
As the Crowcams scanned the area they saw a girl standing in the middle of a burned down forest clearing. The field below her feet had been charred beyond recognition and so had the corpses of prowlers scattered around her.
As the cameras got a closer view of her, the director along with most of the professors immediately recognised her. Well, not her but her lineage.
Standing at 5'7", this brunette girl had a pious feeling in her flaming crimson eyes as if she had a desire hidden deep within them. Her shoulder-length hair was tied in a high ponytail. As for her physique... it was clear she rock the heart of more than just the boys around her.
There was a small tattoo on her angular face, right below her chin which was more like a family insignia than a random mark. Apart from that, there wasn't much difference between her and the others. That is if one were to count her flaming fists out of consideration for her being unique.
"The Swans... always having a blast." The director let out a crooked smile, "Things just got a bit more interesting. On another thought, Professor Meena, are you alright?"
"There is no need to worry, Madam Director." Meena said in her usual emotionless voice, "Those prowlers were only Grade-F. It wouldn't matter to me in the slightest if they are killed."
"That's good to hear because I don't think the others are going to stop now either."
The Director's words confused the professors. They knew that Swans had strong control over their magic and thus it was no surprise when Anna killed a dozen of them in one go. But they were not expecting others to achieve such a feat.
There might be some strong examinees in Zone 5. But all of them doubted there would be someone else who would be able to take down a dozen or so prowlers by themselves. However, their doubts were shattered a moment later when yet another announcement was made...
"14 Grade-F Prowlers have been eliminated! Additional points will be rewarded to Ashton Bismark."
"Looks like our sleeping underdog is back in the game."
The Director got so excited that she started rubbing her hands together like a gambling addict who was on a roll. Thanks to the two of them, the other examinees realised that it wasn't impossible for them to defeat the prowlers and they finally went on offence rather than running away from danger.
***
"My name is Ashton Fenrir, not fcking Bismark!" Ashton cursed under his breath as he withdrew his blood-drenched whip. However, as he did that another notification popped up in front of him.
__
You have received 60% Exp by killing a <Lvl 8> Prowler.
Current Werewolf Level: 10
You have levelled up! Exp limit has been reset. All wounds have been healed.
Current Werewolf skill points: 10
Current Exp: 0%
__
However, that wasn't all. The mistress had already informed Ashton about how the Blessings worked. Once a being hit level 10 on the evolution tree. They were given a choice. A choice that would inevitably shape the future of that individual and right now, Ashton had to make one such choice.
__
Please choose one of the following [Skill Page] as a reward for reaching level 10. Remember, the choice you make is irreversible and choosing a certain path will unlock the skill tree for that path which can be expanded by using Skill points. Each skill can evolve into unique abilities and attributes hence make your choice carefully.
• [Crimson Claws]: When using werewolf claws, deals 1.2x more damage to enemies already injured by the user.
• [Accelerated Healing]: Boosts up your healing. Can be used to heal minor injuries on will.
• [Wolf's Mark]: This skill allows the user to 'mark' someone. The marked target cannot hide from the user when within a kilometre's radius. Up to 5 creatures can be marked using this skill. Deals additional damage to the marked enemies while also boosting damage and agility by 10% when around a marked creature.
__
"This is.... awesome!"