Fantasy Realm [One Piece] [Harry Potter] [Naruto] - [Progression] [LitRPG]

Chapter 101: Examinees x Examiners - Checking out the Competition

Alex notices a crowd forming inside a large, semi-open tent. Peering inside, he sees that several areas are set up for competitive games where candidates can challenge each other head-to-head.

"Tonpa, you liar! You cheated! You said we'd work together, but you teamed up with someone else! I lost everything because of you!" an angry candidate yells, struggling against a few attendants assigned to keep the peace.

"LET ME GO! HE CHEATED! YOU NEED TO GO AFTER HIM, NOT ME!" the candidate shouts, his voice desperate.

One of the attendants, clearly annoyed, replies, "Examinee No. 69, Tonpa, has broken no rules. I don't care what 'arrangements' you had with him in private. GUARDS—escort this man out. He's lost his last silver coin and is officially disqualified!"

"Good riddance!" Tonpa sneers with a grin, clearly enjoying the outcome. "Why are people such sore losers?"

Same old Tonpa... no surprises here. Boring, Alex thinks, dismissing the minor drama Tonpa's caused. Not interested in low-stakes antics, he leaves the tent and heads back to the carnival.

With so few examinees finished with the main task, most of the rides are empty. Alex takes full advantage, riding several attractions on his own, relishing the freedom while everyone else is still struggling to earn golden coins. The rollercoaster, in particular, thrills him. As it climbs, he gets a breathtaking view of the bright carnival lights illuminating the cavernous, dark underground bunker. This is insane. I'll never forget this view, he thinks, genuinely appreciating the moment. I'm actually starting to enjoy this world.

As he steps off the ride, he notices Shalnark waving at him. Guess I'm caught in the spider's web... again, Alex thinks with a hint of resignation. I'd better make myself look like a vegetable, not a tasty fly.

"Having fun, Alex? That rollercoaster looked like a blast," Shalnark says with a friendly smile.

"Yeah, I'd recommend it. This is a sight you probably won't see again in your life. It's surreal," Alex replies, attempting to keep things casual with his new "friend." "How's the exam going, Shalnark?"

"Call me Shal," Shalnark replies with an easy smile. "And yeah, the exam's going well. I'm done with the first task. Looks like you finished too, right? Let's relax a bit."

"Sure, Shal... sounds good." Alex agrees, nodding. "I'm still keeping an eye on a few other examinees, though. This exam's bound to get tougher."

"You're wrong," Shalnark says calmly. "Stay relaxed. You don't need to watch out for anyone. Besides me, only two others here truly matter. The rest? Just baby cubs still sleeping, not worth mentioning. And you... well, you're still half asleep yourself, but at least you've got one eye slightly open." Shalnark gives him a friendly smile.

"I see... I think I know who you mean—the small, weird-looking woman and that creepy one with the wild black hair, right? I can sense they're special, but they don't make me feel the same kind of threat I sense from you. They don't feel like fighters, do they?"

"I'd agree about the small one," Shalnark nods. "As for the creepy one, she's not entirely combat-focused either, but I'd avoid her if I were you. She likely has an ability that's dangerous in its own way. But if you steer clear of her, you can just focus on the tasks and passing the exam." Shalnark suddenly grins, tossing an arm around Alex and steering him toward the carnival. "Enough serious talk. Let's go grab some food!"

Over the next few hours, Alex and Shalnark roam the carnival, sampling nearly every snack and dish available. For a while, Alex almost forgets who he's with. I guess this is his usual character, Alex muses, watching Shalnark laugh easily. His darkness is buried deep beneath that charm. Without that incident all those years ago, maybe the entire troupe would have been different.