It took only a short time before Erik's turn to take the test arrived. His footsteps echoed off the corridor's bare metal walls, adding rhythm to his anticipation.
The odor of lubricant and the faint electric hum emanating from the walls hinted at the high level of technology housed within the structure.
His heart skipped a beat as he approached the massive steel-grated door. The Arena stretched before him through the ancient-styled steel grate, starkly contrasting the sterile metallic corridor he had just passed. It was like peering into another world.
The Arena was a microcosm of rural life, with a collection of two- and three-story buildings built in an antique style, roofs topped with quaint tiles, and walls painted in faded pastel colors. It was as if a piece of a rural town had been transplanted into this futuristic arena. The level of detail and realism took Erik aback.
Robotic figures moved through the streets, their humanoid forms dressed casually. Within the surreal environment, it created an eerily regular sight. They walked, talked, and did their daily activities as if they were real people.
The high-tech illusion of this rustic town piqued Erik's interest. He knew the actor he was supposed to save was somewhere in this make-believe world.
The task's complexity enthralled him; it was a game of wit, strategy, and skill. The corners of his mouth twitched with a smile. This was going to be a fascinating test.
The grating sound of the metallic door opening distracted Erik from his thoughts. A gust of artificial wind whooshed in as it slowly rose, carrying the strange scent of this phony rural setting.
He braced himself, drawing a deep breath as he crossed the threshold and entered the Arena. The door slammed shut behind him, sealing off the outside world.
All that remained was the task at hand. Erik began his quest amidst the simulated rustling of leaves and the hum of the robotic populace, his gaze fixed and his resolve stronger than ever.
Erik's movements were broadcast live to thousands of eager spectators as he cautiously navigated the Arena. An announcer began his introduction in a separate broadcast booth, his voice booming through countless speakers.
"Ladies and gentlemen, get ready for a show!" he exclaimed, his excitement palpable. "Introducing Erik Kay, the prodigious talent who has stormed the Guild with his exceptional performance, achieving maximum points in all tests to get to the Pupil rank!"
Erik appeared on the screen after the announcement, his face hidden by a mask and a hood. As the spectators registered the concealment, an almost tangible wave of disappointment reverberated through the viewing platforms. Dissatisfied murmurs filled the air.
"Why is he wearing a mask?" exclaimed one viewer, their frustration palpable.
"We've been waiting to see Erik Kay, but all we get is a masked man," another grumbled.
Despite their initial disappointment, their attention was drawn to the screens, their curiosity piqued, and they were eager to see what the elusive Erik Kay had in store for them.
***
<System, hack the robots, and find the hostage's location,> Erik ordered.
[UNDERSTOOD. COMMENCING PROCEDURE. HACKING INTO THE ROBOTS' SERVER. SEARCHING FOR THE LOCATION. LOCATION FOUND. INJECTION STARTED.]
Erik had a clear idea of where he needed to go by the end of the process. It was a big building on the other side of the arena, guarded by a swarm of 'incognito' robots outside and many others inside. However, more than simply knowing where he needed to go was required.
Unfortunately, with every one of his movements being recorded, he needed a way to explain how he knew where the hostage was being held.
<I should probably find one of the examiners. The humans inside the arena will know where I should go.>
That was correct—an examinee needed prior knowledge to know what and where to look. In the real world, he would at least know what he was looking for: a gang, a criminal organization, a club, or a hotel. But there was no such thing in this case, so the Guild placed humans among the robots to give them clues for their search.
Examiners for the Novil to Pupil exam were typically at the Seeker rank within the mercenary guild, which meant they were also around the o (omicron) rank on the Idor scale. In contrast, Novices and Pupils began at the π rank. That was done to ensure that beating the human 'actors' was challenging but possible.
Erik marveled at the fabricated cityscape's complexity as he moved through it.
The design of the artificial city reflected the architectural grandeur and cultural depth of a bygone era. The urban fabric comprised majestic towers, dome-shaped structures, and maze-like pathways. The designs were beautiful, with the vibrant hues of the skyscrapers glistening in the artificial daylight, presenting an image of a city crafted from a riot of colors.
Every detail, from the shape of the buildings to their placement, resembled cities from olden tales—cities rich in history and steeped in tradition. The cityscape's complexity and beauty provided a vibrant backdrop for Erik's quest, transporting him to a different era, if only briefly.
The narrow, winding streets branched out, revealing bustling markets and hidden courtyards populated by traditional-dressed robots. The mock marketplace was filled with stalls selling various colorful goods, from spices and textiles to intricately crafted fake jewelry. Still, it was all part of the show.
The exteriors of buildings were adorned with intricate mosaics depicting heroes and legends. Weathered stone structures exuded authenticity; if one didn't know better, one could almost smell the history of the aged stones. Palm trees swayed gently in the artificial wind, adding a touch of natural beauty to the city's artificial marvels.
Erik couldn't believe he was in an arena instead of a historical city frozen in time as he navigated the alleys and main streets. The creators had gone to great lengths to capture the essence of the ancient world, blending it seamlessly with the test's objectives, and for a brief moment, he was nothing more than a time traveler looking for answers within the city's secrets.
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