In the second competition, it involved not only survival in the hunting grounds foreseen by Prodia but also treasure hunting. An official discussed the precautions: “Attacks between participants are absolutely not allowed. Violating this will result in immediate disqualification. All your actions will be reported through hidden magical devices scattered throughout the hunting grounds.”

It seemed they implemented some minimal safety measures. However, the most crucial explanation was missing – what treasure they were supposed to find. “We cannot reveal information about the treasure in advance, but you will be able to recognize it as soon as you discover it.” Frustratingly, they didn’t teach them that, leaving the participants perplexed.

Later, the official explained the geography of the hunting grounds, information already known to Prodia, allowing the four men to engage in a secret conversation.

Luca asked Ed, “What kind of treasure are we supposed to find?”

“It’s a treasure that you can recognize just by looking at it, so the problem is there are too many possibilities.”

Then, Sharack pounded his chest. “I will share any treasure I find equally with all of you. Then we can all advance to the next round together, right?” Everyone looked at Sharack with surprise.

This guy is truly a generous giver… At that moment, Irtis, who had been silent until now, spoke quietly.
“Never leave my side, no matter what happens. If you encounter a monster, always run towards me. Got it?”

“…!”

It was a surprising event. Despite being calm every day, Irtis unexpectedly declared that he would protect them first. He seemed quite concerned about this competition.

Nevertheless, everyone’s hearts were reassured by this unexpected statement.

“Yeah, we have the Grand Sorcerer of Matap; what is there to worry about? Even if monsters come in droves, we won’t be afraid!”

But the excitement was short-lived. Following the official’s words, everyone fell into chaos.

“There’s something to be careful about. The use of magic or transformation into one’s true form within the hunting grounds is prohibited. Please use only the provided items.”

“…!”

The confident expressions of the three men from a moment ago quickly darkened.

Especially the resistance from the non-human races was strong. The prohibition against transforming into one’s true form clearly targeted them. Just by looking at this, one could discern the intentions of the royal family. They had no intention of allowing non-humans to occupy prominent positions.

However, due to this, even the inexperienced Irtis suffered. The loss of their most trusted force caused an instant shadow to fall over everyone’s faces.

But Irtis himself seemed calm.

“It would have been better if I could use magic, but it’s okay even if I can’t.”

“Irtis, are you saying you can fight barehanded?”

“If you’re curious, let’s stick together after the match, Sharack.”

With these words, Irtis appeared truly confident.

Concerns about not being able to use magic seemed to be nowhere to be found.

Only Sharack, who was directly involved, finally relaxed and laughed heartily.

“Hahaha! After this match, we can have an enjoyable sparring session for the first time in a while.”

Thanks to him, the gloomy atmosphere instantly brightened again.

While the four men were laughing and chatting, someone quietly observed them from a distance.

It was Leke.

He looked at the four men with a chilly expression but soon turned his head.

Among them, only Luca noticed.

‘He’s the Northern Grand Duke?’

He was a man Prodia had tried to recruit directly.

But why was he staring at our group?

Luca looked at him suspiciously.

However, at that moment, a cart full of backpacks arrived in front of them.

Because of that, Luca quickly lost interest in him.

The explanation from the official continued.

“From now on, we will provide each of you with a survival backpack. Inside the backpack, you will find food, water, a sleeping bag, a map, and emergency medical supplies.”

But that wasn’t the end.

“In addition, each bag contains a different item. Please make good use of that item to survive in this competition.”

The participants became noisy.

Wasn’t the same item given to everyone?

If not, what was inside might not be a weapon.
Everyone tried to open their backpacks, but they were immediately stopped by the official.

“Please check the contents of the backpack after arriving at the hunting grounds.”

Participants only now began to realize that they might actually die in this competition.

However, soon all participants were given a silver bracelet with a red bead embedded in it.

“In case of an emergency during the competition, shout ‘Return’ while holding down the red bead on the bracelet. You will immediately teleport back to this place.”

Fortunately, it seemed that the royal family did not want casualties during the competition.

“However, participants who return cannot go back to the hunting grounds. They will be judged based on the number of treasures they brought with them during the return.”