The shadow’s quick reaction and peculiar question shocked me.

Did he face someone, who reacted the same way as I just did?

Questions flooded my mind, but, right now, I needed to focus on the current problem.

[Ezra]: Who are you?

[James]: I’m your future supervisor if you pass this test.

[Ezra]: Do you know who I am?

Suddenly, a figure appeared behind the suspicious man. He was bigger, and he had a beard and a scar across his face.

[Hawkeye]: Of course, your father was the one who gave me this nice scar.

[Ezra]: LIES!

[Hawkeye]: That is a story for later. Right now, know that I will be the one judging you. The young lad here is injured and can’t do much.

[Ezra]: I will kill all of you. Then, I will toss your heads at your employer. I will not turn a blind eye to this disrespect.

[Hawkeye]: You’re feisty, but you have places to go. How many people are here?

[Ezra]: Is this more impudence?

I laid Alex down against a wall, picked up my battle-ax, and approached the two figures. However, before I could launch my attack, something perturbed my senses. Like a wild animal, I took a few steps back and scanned the surrounding area. I felt the gazes of two people, but they were nowhere to be seen. I looked from the side of the buildings enclosing for both sides but no one was seen. What is going on? Who are these people?

[Ezra]: WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?

[Hawkeye]: Don’t mind them. They are rather shy, but if you attempt to run, they will chase you.

The air became heavy and his eyes narrowed as he stared at me with killing intent. It became apparent that, if I wanted to survive, I will have to play by their rules.

[Ezra]: Speak, old man. What do you want me to do?

[Hawkeye]: It’s very simple: protect Alex for one day. You may choose whatever approach you prefer. Good luck.

[Ezra]: When does this test start?

[Hawkeye]: You have already lost 30 seconds.

Immediately, I threw a smoke bomb in their direction, picked Alex back up, and ran at full speed. Maneuvering around the dark alleys, I reached a busy square. I then did my best to blend in with the crowd, even while carrying Alex. Soon, I entered the sewer system, out of the public eye. Accustomed to the smell, I kept walking until I reached the exit, located on the fringe of the capital. I walked right into the woods and, soon, reached a cottage. Opening the door, I entered the cottage and set the injured Alex down on top of a bed.

What kind of mess did I get myself into? What just happened?

I stared at Alex, wondering why was he still out cold. Inspecting his body, I found a leather pouch inside his jacket pockets. I smelled the weird herbs and tasted a bit of it. Right away, I knew what drug this was. It was a drug used for curing injuries, but the potency was supposed to be so intense, that it can put an adult to sleep for up to two days. Did he ingest this on purpose, or for an elaborate trick? I assembled a makeshift bed near him and laid on top of it. I knew that no one would find us. I knew the woods better than anyone else.

Deep in the night, the owl hooted and insects chirped, but, suddenly, a scream rang out and woke me up. I quickly rushed to the window and peeked out. Torches moved around the dark forest.

How did they already find us?

Moving quickly, I grabbed my crossbow, my sword, and my ax. Then, I snuck outside. As I ran, I rustled the bushes loudly to lure the intruders further into the forest. Like a wild deer, I quickly and nimbly dashed through the thickets and branches. I stopped at a large tree and climbed it as fast as possible. I then sat on top of a thick branch and tied a rope. I checked the clearing around the base of the trunk before unstrapping my bows and setting them up.

Like a hunter, I drew my bow and aimed at the unsuspecting soldiers. My arrow whistled as I released it. Suddenly, one of them fell. Startled, the soldiers drew their swords and looked around, but their efforts were futile. One by one, they fell under my arrows. Soon, thirty intruders were reduced to twenty. By the time I had knocked them down to fifteen, I had run out of arrows.

I strapped my sword to my waist and grabbed my battle-ax. Looking down, I dropped on top of one of the unsuspecting soldiers, crushing him instantly. As I fell, I swung my ax, killing the person next to me. Then, I climbed up the tree again. I climbed much faster, thanks to the rope. Once again, I scanned the area. One figure stood out in the dark. He wore a mask, which resembled an ogre with horns.

[Ezra]: Impossible.

I noticed that the person in question was an assassin, one who was part of a secret group, known as The Shadows. No one knew how many members were in the group, but some stood out from the rest. The one here right now was known as, “The Tracker.” He was known for his skill of tracking down and killing people swiftly. He normally worked alone, so why did he appear with this group of newbies? Well, that didn’t matter. I must take care of him. In a one on one fight, I was still weak. Death would be my only outcome.

I dropped again, killing another unsuspecting soldier. Then, snatched an arrow from a nearby body, and climbed up again. As I readied my bow and aimed at him, I breathed slowly.

If I miss this shot, this will be the end of me.

I released the arrow. The distinct whistling sound soared through the night. To my amazement, he caught the arrow mid-flight, without even facing the arrow. Then, he turned towards me. As I felt his gaze on her body, a shiver snuck in. He then raised his sword, pointing it in my direction, and directed the remaining soldiers at me. I hurriedly climbed down, but the soldiers had already surrounded me on all sides.