BIOLOGICAL SUPERCOMPUTER SYSTEM

Erik knew something like that was bound to happen. The reason was simple, Erik was the lowest ranked of the 32 people present at that moment. However, he wasn't shy to reply.

"First of all, the idea of hunting in a bigger group was mine. Secondly, I'm the most knowledgeable guy out there regarding thaids. Besides, it's not like any of you stepped up to take the role. Since things are like this, just shut up and listen to what I have to say."

The girl didn't reply but kept staring angrily into his eyes as if challenging him. He decided it would be best to ignore her for the time being. Luckily, she wasn't a member of his team, so the hot potato didn't end with him in the end.

"Now, if there are no other interruptions, here are some things you must keep in mind: the most common beast around here is the Lomalin; they are bug-like thaids, not particularly powerful, but that usually travel in numbers. If you are lucky, you can meet groups of 4-5 individuals. However, the most common thing for them is to roam in groups of a hundred. Suppose you are unlucky enough to stumble onto such numerous groups. In that case, I suggest you fall back and not play the hero, at least before you understand how to hunt them; once you do, it is not that hard. Aside from that, you should also start hunting this kind of beast since they are pretty weak."

The others nodded, wondering how Erik was so knowledgeable about thaids.

"Also, keep in mind that, around Lomalins, you could happen to find Crombos. These are bipedal thaids with long tails they use to stand. However, the most dangerous thing about them is their claws; they can rip you apart with a single swing, so stay away from them. They are reptilian monsters, so you should recognize them immediately, and you can't miss them since they are massive. In that case, the only thing you can do is either run away or hide," the young man said.

"How do you know all that?" a guy asked. Erik thought about what to say for a bit before answering. In the end, he came up with a lie that they clearly couldn't verify.

"I've been researching thaids in my free time; I find them fascinating. This was also in preparation for the military school since they will teach us what species there are and how to fight them. I simply decided to get early knowledge. I know most of the species inhabiting the region, so if you find yourself in front of monsters you don't know you can fight, ask me," the young man replied.

"Ok..."

Erik spent the rest of the time explaining, what to do, and what to avoid. To be honest, he wasn't that expert, but having fought many thaids, he had a general knowledge of what to do. Of course, he couldn't say this, but it was clear that Erik knew he could manage his own against these monsters.

As soon as the briefing ended, everyone split off into teams and looked for prey. This small competition's goal was to hunt as many thaids as possible, so it was clear they had to start searching for them.

Currently, Erik is in a team with Anderson and three other people. Since they were outside, Anderson could use his power and also said he was willing to do so. Erik was eager to see how strong it was, like the other three members who had heard about the young man from the people attending the entry test.

Before reaching the east entrance, Erik made all the people explain what power they did have. Judith Wang had a brain crystal power that allowed her to summon two mana hounds; she could make them larger, stronger, and faster by supplying them with more mana. Her power was good for scouting ahead and was a fine addition to the team's fighting prowess.

Besides, the young woman knew how to fight with daggers, so she wasn't dead weight. Elena Francis was another team member, she had a sword-conjuring power, so her position was pretty standard. Robyn Farley was the last team member; he had the power to elongate his arms, making it so that he could also attack from a distance. He was also a spear user and a very gifted one, according to his master.

"All right, me, Anderson, and Elena will stay on the frontline and fight the bulk of the enemies. Judith will have to send her two mana hounds to search for thaids. This will be the most efficient way to kill as many of them as possible. Aside from that, I think her role should be to stay free and deal critically hits to thaids we are having trouble dealing with. Robyn will have to fight from a distance." He then turned to look at the two people in question.

"However, you and Judith will have to focus on the enemies we are not fighting with. Kill the ones who are trying to creep on our backs or the ones that are going to attack us with us unable to defend," he said.

"Remember, despite our being the toughest role, yours will be the most important one since you will have to ensure our safety. Don't stray from the plan, and everything will be ok. Ah, and... Judith, whenever you find a thaid, call back your hounds; we don't want you to waste all your mana," the young man concluded.

"Lastly, I know I shouldn't say such a thing since I've never done it in my entire life," Erik said, "However, this will be the first time we will claim some lives. Despite being thaids' ones, the fact that we will kill will remain. Do you think you can handle this?"

The others hesitatingly looked at each other. However, there was little they could do. If they didn't try, they would lose the competition. Since they would be forced to kill thaids in the future, especially when they entered the militaries, gaining the courage to do so now wasn't a bad idea. Anderson was the first one to speak.

"I'm not sure I will be able to do so, but killing thaids can't be that bad, right? I mean, they eat humans, and fewer thaids there are and the better it is..."

"Yeah... he is right," Elena said. "I will try to stay calm."

"Ok," Erik replied.

After that, Judith summoned her hounds, which immediately started searching for nearby creatures. Of course, it didn't take much time before she could do so. One of the hounds went to the left, while the other went to the right. Both of them found creatures; two Lomalins groups. One was at least 47 strong, while the others had at most fifteen members. Once the girl saw the creatures, she conveyed her search results.

Erik knew that the most appropriate thing to do would be to hunt the smaller group of thaids and allow his team members to get accustomed to fighting and killing. However, Erik still asked his team members what they wanted to do.

"We should hunt the smaller group," Judith said, and the others promptly agreed. In the end, the team decided to hunt them.

As they walked, Erik told the others to go into fighting positions, and so they did. Robyn stayed behind Judith between him and the front liners. Erik ended on the left, Anderson in the middle, and Elena on the right.

"Ok, guys, remember, they can harden their exterior, so the best thing to do would be to kill them with one move. Be careful of their mandibles; they are very powerful," the young man waited for a little bit.

"On the count of three, we will attack. Remember, we have to each focus on a different thaid."

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