Koma Inu's S-Class Trials: Part II — Vosca City Tribulations

The Koma Inu S-Rank Trials still raged on, as a few participants remained. The entire point of these trials is to see who amongst the myriad members of the guild have the right to ascend to S-Class, standing near the pinnacle of hierarchy; it was something everyone looked forward to, but only a few can rightfully obtain.

It was tough and arduous, typical of an examination to test one's skills and measuring the capacity to handle bigger responsibilities. In the first trial, there were many obstacles that the selected few had to overcome. Qilins, sentient plantlife, potent spores, and many others of a similar nature. Not to mention trying to work as a team with people you may be unfamiliar with, which is rather important for most situations down the road; a single mistake can cost everyone dearly, thus concepts like "teamwork" and "ingenuity" were key to overcoming the first trial.

There were some participants who were rather reckless or were deemed to be weak, thus ousted from the team when the group finally obtained a scroll. It was a harsh, yet rational decision that had to be made in that single moment, as such mistakes and weaknesses won;t be tolerated on real missions. Lives are put on the line and the mission must be upheld at all costs; anything less would be adverse and can possibly cost the entire group dearly. To those that were ousted, it was a good experience for them — helping them see what they need to improve on. For those that passed, it was an opportunity to further polish their recognized skills and reach closer to the goal of S-Class.

The first trial tested one's strength and capabilities working on a team; the next trial.... will follow suit. It's unknown what this second phase brings, but all that can be told is that it's going to be more difficult than the last, considering where it was located.

''Let the horrors and pain.... continue.''

Sanguine Demonic Child
It was mere hours after Helena completed the first trial with her previous teammates. She remembers the details of such events all too well; for a woman who was naturally composed at all intervals, even this had gotten to her to such an extent. Apparently, she was deep in thought, believing that her inadequate actions led to one of her teammates being ousted, thus crushing his chances at becoming S-Class.

Even though her other teammate had passed, he was a bit.... downtrodden, considering that he was nearly useless, only aiding when it truly mattered. Such expressions were deeply carved into the young maiden's heart, which caused her to renew her vows at becoming stronger. She decided to complete this examination and obtain the rank at all costs, as to not let their efforts go to waste.

Though her mind was deep in contemplation, her body was still active; she was in the location of the second trial, a largely abandoned city near the savage forest she exited not too long ago. It was a city known for its maze-like complex and large structures, easily confusing all its trespassers should they don't have the proper guidance. Alongside her was her new partner, Sagewing — a mage much older and more experienced than Helena.

Interestingly enough, he wasn't human; more of a bird-like creature, if anything. Apparently, Helena decided it was high-time to work with someone else, believing that she didn't deserve to work with Adam, nearly causing him to be ousted from the competition. Apparently, the judges intended on the previous groups to work with others — seeing it as a good experience. It would be boring otherwise; it's unknown why Helena chose him, but according to her honed instincts, he had the skills needed to compliment her own — something that will be key in this examination.

For some time, they were walking around — trying to find their way; they wanted to complete this trial as quickly as possible, given that they had limited time to do so and the obstacles they would face may be time-consuming. Though she was deep in thought, she snapped out of it after sensing an incredulous power nearby. She turned to her partner to check up on his status. "Mr. Sagewing, how is everything with you? We've been in this maze for God knows how long, and I'm not making any headway here — probably because I was contemplating on my failures from the previous trial. But just a moment ago, I sensed a dangerous presence nearby. I think we should be careful on how we tread from here on; this might get ugly quick."