Apocalypse Ender

The morning sun bathed Base City 17 in golden light as Rehan stood outside his home, waiting. A soft breeze carried the scent of freshly baked bread from a nearby stall, blending with the metallic tang of the city's reinforced walls. People bustled about, some heading to work while others trained in the open fields near the warrior alliance.

Just then, a black armored car pulled up beside him, its sleek exterior reflecting the morning glow. The tinted window rolled down, revealing John's familiar face.

"Hop in, kid. It's time," John said, a slight smile on his face.

Rehan took a deep breath before stepping into the car. The doors shut with a soft hiss, and the vehicle hummed as it sped toward the Warrior Alliance.

Inside, John glanced at him. "Nervous?"

Rehan shook his head. "Not really."

John chuckled. "Good. Confidence is important. Just don't get cocky."

They soon arrived at the massive structure of the Warrior Alliance Hall. The towering building loomed over them, its exterior made of reinforced steel and concrete, designed to withstand even the mightiest of attacks. Inside, the waiting area was filled with young warriors, all buzzing with excitement and nervousness.

Rehan spotted nine other participants from Base City 17. Among them was Ray, a young man clad in shining silver armor, his hair perfectly styled, exuding the aura of someone from a wealthy family. He stood at the center of the group, smirking as he boasted.

"You guys have no idea how difficult it was to learn the breathing technique," Ray said, his voice loud enough for everyone to hear. "It took me only ten days to master it. That's way faster than normal! And now, I've already reached Level 1 Warrior with a punching force of 1400 kg."

Gasps echoed around him. Some of the participants who had barely grasped the breathing technique only last night looked envious. Others, who were still struggling, seemed even more nervous.

"1400 kg? That's insane!" one of them murmured.

Rehan listened silently but didn't engage. These guys have no idea what true strength is…

Before the conversation could continue, a strong voice interrupted.

"Attention!"

A tall, broad-shouldered man with sharp eyes and an aura of authority stood in front of them. He wore black combat gear, and a silver insignia on his chest marked him as a Level 5 Warrior.

"I am Alexander, your test invigilator. Listen carefully. For the final stage, you will be sent outside the city into the wilderness. There, you must prove your strength by hunting monsters. You can either kill five Level 1 monsters or a single Level 2 monster to pass. The bodies or body parts will serve as proof."

Murmurs spread through the group. Actual combat?

Alexander continued, "You won't be alone. Participants from Base City 15 and 16 will also be there. That makes a total of 30 warriors. Each of your groups will be accompanied by a Level 5 Warrior for safety. Understood?"

"Yes, sir!" they responded in unison.

Soon, three heavy-armored vehicles arrived, their engines roaring. The candidates boarded, their excitement and anxiety palpable.

Rehan settled into his seat, closing his eyes, mentally preparing himself. Finally, a real battle.

The vehicles rumbled over uneven terrain before stopping at a massive training ground, surrounded by a protective barrier.

The gates opened with a loud clang, revealing a vast stretch of forest and rocky terrain. Growls and screeches echoed in the distance, sending shivers down the spines of the nervous participants.

Alexander stepped forward. "The test begins now. Survive. Hunt. Prove your worth."

With that, the candidates spread out, each searching for their prey.

Rehan grabbed a sword from the Warrior Alliance's provided weapons and made his way into the forest. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and blood. The distant sounds of battle had already begun as participants engaged with monsters.

Fifteen minutes in, Rehan spotted his first target—a Level 2 Earth Boar.

The creature stood tall, its muscular body covered in thick, rock-like hide. Its crimson eyes locked onto Rehan, letting out a guttural roar before charging.

Rehan smirked. "Let's see how tough you really are."

He didn't dodge. Instead, he gripped his sword tightly and swung with a single clean, precise motion.

Schlick!

The boar's head tumbled to the ground, blood splattering across the dirt. Its massive body collapsed with a thud.

The test was already complete for Rehan—he had more than enough proof to pass. But he wasn't done.

I might as well get some more practice.

For the next half-hour, Rehan hunted, slicing through Level 1 monsters like they were nothing. The thrill of battle, the rush of victory—it fueled him.

But then—

A thunderous roar tore through the air.

Everyone froze.

"What… was that?"

Rehan's heart pounded as he turned toward the sound. His instincts screamed danger.

Then, the sky darkened.

A shadow passed overhead, followed by the whoosh of powerful wings.

"A Level 3 beast?!" Alexander's shocked voice rang out. "That's impossible! This area was cleared of higher-level monsters!"

The beast circled above, its sharp talons gleaming in the sunlight. Its red eyes scanned the battlefield before locking onto the participants below.

Rehan narrowed his eyes. An Eagle-type monster…

Then, realization struck him.

This wasn't supposed to be here… Someone planted it.

But before he could think further, the eagle dove toward the ground.

Screams erupted.

The monster struck a group of three participants, its talons piercing through one unfortunate soul before flinging his body aside like a ragdoll. Blood splattered across the dirt.

Panic spread.

"We have to get out of here!"

"Stay together!" Alexander shouted. "We need to take it down before it kills everyone!"

Rehan clenched his fists. This wasn't part of the test anymore—this was survival.

His blood boiled. His instincts sharpened.

This… is my real test.