The first-year students of the Hunters Academy spent the rest of their day making plans and alliances.

    Naturally, Alex and his friends did the same and even called over Abigail to include her in the planning.

    "I know I can only make it to the second stage of the competition, but that should give me enough points to jump a class. So don''t worry too much about me." Abigail said once the issue was raised.

    It would be a miracle if she survived the first stage of the competition. But she couldn''t ask for more.

    "I see... In any case, once the event begins, make sure to find us. You have my contact information; all you have to do is send me a message and I''ll give you our location.

    "One last thing though, make sure to carry anything you deem necessary to survive. Be it medical supplies, weapons, etc. One can never be too careful." Alex added.

    This time, he was learning from his mistake and had already planned to include anything needed in three stages.

    "Of course. I''ll see you guys tomorrow." Abigail said and left for her dorm.

    "Let''s return as well," Alex suggested, and they departed.

    .....

    The next day

    The thousands of students who would partake in the main event all gathered at their class-allocated combat systems, ready to enter the immersive universe of virtual reality.

    Sometime later, the instructors made their way to the front of the building. Instructor Horvey stepped forward and addressed the students.

    "Good morning everyone. I trust you are prepared for today''s event. Just as explained to you, today marks the start of your competition with the first event being The Convergence Maze."

    "That''s good. We should stick close together. The Convergence Maze is known to be a vicious place of traps and death. But we should be able to clear this rite of passage without much issue."

    To the students gathered here, this was simply a write of passage they must undergo to shed their childhood and step into adulthood. Of course, some people will die, but that has been the way since their empire was born.

    They were a race of warriors and there was no room for weaklings. Ross'' attention was focused on the Convergence Maze, his brows furrowed in concern.

    Once the barrier around it is depowered, they would be all teleported to the lowest floor where they must find their way out while fighting.

    It sounded easy on paper, but previous records show that this Maze had a success rate of 46%. While he was confident in his strength and abilities, anything could happen.

    "You okay buddy?" Alex saw his expression and asked. He could understand the feelings of his long-time friend.

    "Yeah..." Ross replied with a small stiff smile and returned his gaze to the surrounding students. He understood that not many of them were going to make it out alive.

    Sometime later, the trio noticed Abigail approaching them from the distance. "Hey, everyone" She waved at them once she got close to them.

    On her back was her trustee quiver and a bow. She was ready, set and go to go. She noticed that Alex also carried his favourite weapon, the short staff that had the ability to take the form of a long staff of a spear.

    Julia carried a large sword on her waist that gave off a cold feeling as if taken right from the depths of a frozen tundra. ''Wow...''

    Of course, as a member of a rich family, there was nothing she couldn''t get. Ross on the other hand carried no weapons at all. For him, his fists were all the weapons he needed.

    Suddenly, the students observed as the barrier around the Convergence Maze came down, signalling the start of the competition.

    But to them, it was the first step of their rite of passage as some of them won''t be going back home.

    "Alright guys, it''s time to get serious," Alex stated and they all got ready. To stick together and not be separated during teleporting, they were told to make physical contact with those they wished to go with.