“Before we start the first stage of the exam, let me introduce myself. My name is Polo, and I'm a vice general secretary of the Hunter’s Guild. I will be the first examiner.”

The crowd began chatting with those around them, and the chatter turned into a cacophony that played on Polo’s nerves. Polo interrupted them with a polite cough. When the silence returned, he continued.

“Now, let me explain what you need to do to pass this stage.

“Look around. As you can see, there are many empty corridors. This place is a maze, so no matter which way you choose, you will get lost. It is a network of tunnels filled with many different traps and challenges. Don’t worry. They won’t be lethal; they are just designed to make you fail the test. If you can get out of them, you are free to continue. We'll be constantly watching, so if you get lost or stuck in the maze, after the time is up, our staff will rescue you.

“Speaking of time, you will have twenty-four hours to find your way out of the labyrinth. On the other side, there will be the next stage of the exam and a new examiner. If you don’t escape the maze before time runs out, you will be automatically considered failed the exam.

“You can approach the exam any way you want: you can join the groups or go solo, use your powers or make up a strategy, rely on your experience or intuition. Do as you see fit. There is no right or wrong way to do it. The only rule is not to attack each other; it’s pointless because there is no limit on how many participants can pass the exam. If you want to fight, there will be plenty of that later. 

“The badge will notify you each hour, so you should know when the exam is over. Also, you shouldn’t lose your badge at any cost. You will need it until the end of the whole exam. So, be especially careful.

“Well, I guess I’ve been talking for too long. It’s time to start the first round. Good luck!”

Polo smiled for a moment, then stepped down from the stage, disappearing into the crowd, as if he had never even been here. 

They will be watching us, huh.

The badge began to vibrate, then it said: “Twenty-four hours remain.” The chatter grew among the people, and they spread across, each choosing their first gate. Some formed groups, and some walked by themselves.

At that moment, Liz remembered why she hated Polo so much.

Despite everything being lit by countless torches, it was hard to make out someone’s face without looking closely. Liz was about to start panicking when she saw a familiar silhouette. TT was slowly walking towards one of the corridor entrances, trying not to draw attention, but he failed.

It just hit her. 

He’s been doing this forty times already, so he should know this place inside out.

She decided to follow him. He could guarantee her a pass for the first stage, and if he didn't agree to help her, what could he do? TT won’t attack. Polo let everyone know they shouldn’t, and he might even disqualify them for that. So she could just follow him anyway.

As they approached the first corridor and it became less crowded, TT realized he had been followed. He looked back at the girl behind him. TT immediately recognized Liz, but he was confused about what the girl he briefly met a couple of moments ago might have wanted from him.

Before he could speak, Liz decided to confront him, not giving him the chance to find a way out of this.

“Hi, I know we just met, but the moment I saw you, I thought, such an amazing and experienced person should know this place better than anyone. So, I’ve decided to trust my fate in your hands. Such an amazing person won’t let a little girl go there all by herself, right?”

Liz lowered her head and watched through her eyelashes, appearing shy and charming. She slightly tilted her head, then delicately twirled her hair before she tucked it behind her ear.

TT’s eyebrows rose so high that the rows of wrinkles on his forehead doubled. The immense boldness of her, the ability to put her interests above all, and she did not even try to hide her intentions, struck him as pure evil. Who on earth taught her how to talk like that?

“Oh, I’m sorry, but I’m not looking for a partner. I’m sure someone more reliable will gladly help you.”

TT was about to start working again when Liz pretended to cry. She wasn’t a good actress, and he could clearly see through her poor performance.

“So, that’s how veteran demon hunters treat their juniors?” Liz said, falling on her knees.

“I’m not a demon hunter,” said TT flatly.

He didn’t look back and stepped straight into the corridor, hoping to disappear quickly enough so she couldn’t catch him.

Well, looks like it’s not gonna work, time for a second option. 

Liz got up from her knees and brushed her trousers. The dust, probably centuries old, filled the air. She ran after him before she could lose TT's side in the endless maze.

As Liz stepped into the corridor, she saw TT making right at the first corner of the soon-to-be-explored network of tunnels. She ran after him, quickly catching up.

“Stop following me. I said I prefer to stay alone!”

“See, that’s what you prefer. It doesn’t mean you have to be alone.”

“Okay, Miss Smarty Pants, I have to be alone.”

“Well, that’s where you are wrong. Nobody has to be alone. We all need company.” 

Liz thought: This is easy, I can do it all day! 

Reminiscing on the old times at Frey when she could annoy anyone as long as she wanted. Meanwhile, Liz's brilliant idea worked like a charm.

At this point, TT realized she wouldn’t leave him alone, so he had to come up with a plan to shake her off. He began walking faster, cutting sharp turns, but nothing had worked; she didn’t fall behind. It seemed to make her more excited, as if it were some sort of game TT didn’t know the rules of.