Chapter 106 Petitions And Protests

The fifth day of the CEHA Entrance Exam had finally arrived. Participants still had the option to safely withdraw and exit the pocket dimension, though many were in desperate physical and mental conditions. Sadly, some had even lost their lives inside without a chance to flee.

Intense battles between the participants were broadcast live, a spectacle rarely witnessed directly by many people. It greatly impacted those who witnessed it, as they finally understand how hard and cruel the world of Hunters truly is. Most people had only thought they were having fun with the power they had.

This CEHA Exam entrance provoked a great deal of criticism and condemnation from the public. Consequently, petitions and protests were launched, and more people became aware of the CEHA and their entrance exam, making it the hottest topic of the past week.

Of all the protests and criticisms, the student council of CEHA was the harshest. Olivia Aveline, the then Student Council President, spoke out against the incident in front of the media, with many second-year CEHA students standing in support behind her.

Olivia, with back-length blonde hair, stepped forward to the press with a mix of gentleness and firmness on her face. She declared that the students of the second year would no longer stand for the entrance exam this year as it had crossed the line. She further stated that they were ready to boycott CEHA activities unless their demands were taken seriously.

"We are serious," she emphasized. "Do not ignore this petition."

***

Max, who had been hosting the live broadcast event for the past few days, responded to the sudden surge of protests.

"What an incredible event! We have seen a range of reactions from the public - some were delighted, thrilled, and felt a sensation like never before, while some others started to collect signatures for a petition. So, how did you respond?" he exclaimed into his microphone, launching the program for that morning.

He then showed some of the previous day's highlights.

The anticipation was high as the participants changed their focus from competing against one another to forming alliances.

Previously, each party had been striving to achieve the top spot and outdo one another. But now, they have come together to work on their next challenges collaboratively.

***

Olivia revealed the concentration of energy detected from within the pocket dimension and presented astonishing data to the public.

"There's a possibility of a high-level Elite Monster appearing in the challenge," she said.

"We've encountered this before," Olivia said firmly, her eyes locked on the group. "A monster at this grade and level is a major disaster. Even a hundred people wouldn't be enough to fight it if their average level is below 70."

She further emphasized, "We must ask the CEHA management to respond to our demand and take action to save as many lives as possible. We cannot take the resources of Hunters lightly, as they are the ones who risk their lives to protect humanity from the monsters that can potentially destroy humanity."

***

Anonymous Snake: "I certainly enjoyed this live broadcast event and I'd love for it to continue into the next stage. However, Olivia does have a valid point. Perhaps there are alternative ways to select the candidates for CEHA?"

Anonymous Lion: "What a wimp! Let the process continue! Don't pay attention to those useless student councils!"

Anonymous Mouse: "This has to stop... They'll keep hurting each other... And if Olivia's right, there will only be more and more victims... Please, sign the petition and help them out."

***

On the fifth day, the remaining twenty teams competed for the top slots on the leaderboard. Another ten teams would be eliminated tonight, and the remaining ten would advance to the following round of the challenge.

Robert, the leader of the Kings party and the highest-ranking on the leaderboard, had successfully invited the majority of the top ten teams to form an alliance. They planned to have an urgent meeting that same night, where they would discuss their strategy and the steps to take for the upcoming challenge.

Robert had performed impressively by forming the alliance successfully. He was even popular enough to rival Nathan, renowned for his competitive spirit and formidable battle skills, or even Gydarra, thought to be the most proficient combatant among all challenge participants.

[Name: Nathan Gardner]

[Race: Half Human]

[Level: Beginner Lv. 59]

[Exp: 1,864/21,908]

Night and Silver continued their hunt following Nathan's orders, yet Nathan only achieved one level-up despite their strenuous efforts. He desperately wished to find an elite monster before the day's end, but, with Geen's assistance, he thoroughly examined the pocket dimension area and still could not locate the creature he was looking for.

"I hope I can take down one more elite monster before tomorrow's battle."

On that day, Nathan spent most of his time in the igloo, only coming out to eat and have brief discussions with his friends. He was pondering the other skills he could create to increase his fighting potential.

Nathan was presented with two potential options. He contemplated the idea of adding a golem with the Monster Soul Stone he had acquired from Ursa Major or creating a skill to optimize his affinity with the Magma element.

"Magma sounds like a great idea," Nathan said to Luna, his gaze distant as he thought through the plan. "If the monsters that come out of this Pocket Dimension inhabit snowy environments, then using my Magma to the fullest of its potential could really take care of them."

Luna floated nearby, watching him and trying to help him break the deadlock.

"If you decide to exhibit the Magma element publicly, Master," Luna said, stressing the danger. "You have to accept the consequences that could come when people become aware of your ability to manage four basic elements, as well as more complex combinations like Lightning, Magma, and Fog."

"Right now, many people still believe that you can only handle basic elements of Fire and Air, and its combination of Lightning." Luna continued.

"Apart from your remarkable talent for managing the Lightning element. Some would likely still consider it reasonable for the finalists in this challenge, particularly since Robert himself has an affinity with the intricate combined element of Water and Air, which is Ice."

"With only three skill slots available, I have to be careful," Nathan said with a chuckle. "If only the two skills I created hadn't been in the same class," he added, exhaling. "Maybe I should wait until I'm done with another route quest."

Nathan slowly nodded, his expression indicating that he was still pondering the situation. "I get it," he said softly. "I'll take some time to think about it before tomorrow."

As night fell, the leaders of the top ten parties were summoned to gather in anticipation of the announcement of the final rankings. This was the first time they had ever come to sit together, and they were all aware of the gravity of the conversation that was to come.

Each of them had been selected for their remarkable talents, and they each had their own ambitions and perspectives. It was evident that it would be no simple task to unite the opinions and concepts of such a variety of individuals.