The Chosen Heroes

Chapter 6: Power Balance

About few hours forward, the MC started to explain the point for the second stage. In contrast with the first one, this time, the point was a little bit harder and almost confusing. Since it was conducted for acknowledging the power and skills owned by the candidates, it did not sound like a challenge or games. It was more like simulation virtually.

"All right, for the second stage you all need to work in teams solidly. Again, I remind you, your individual scores were based on the set criteria," stated the MC.

Silas who listened well to the MC whispered to Ryk, "Okay, I think this stage is the serious part. Please lower your optimist level."

"Am I wrong to be optimistic? It is better to be, Silas, rather than I make all of us worried." Ryker protested.

Without their realization, the MC cleared his throat, stared at them, and said, "You guys can have the discussion later. Let's listen until you are clear enough about the stage's purpose."

Then, Ryker and Silas were silent. They obeyed what the MC said as they threw a glance for each other.

"For the opponents of the stage is the giant monsters. Well, I cannot describe specifically since it will make you not able to think strategically by yourself." The MC continued with serious gazed which meant that he really wanted the candidates to think smartly.

About few minutes forward, the second stage began. The virtual reality of a city on earth did not change. However, the meteor rain disappeared and was replaced by a circular portal which was like a black hole. Then, through the hole, there was a medium size monster that looked like a grasshopper but the wings were like bees'.

"Oh crap. The monster is pretty large. I doubt if we can destroy it," said Storm with the surprising glance.

"GROOOAAARR!!" The monster screamed loudly. It looked disgusting and terrible. It took a big step and wanted to step on the candidates in turns.

"Time to escape!" Silas screamed and activated the invisible shield for The Brave Team.

The similar way was also taken by the captain of Bright Team, Drake. He used his power for exploding himself in order to take his members, including Storm. "BLAAARRR.." The red light appeared as Drake exploded and the members of Bright Team were vacuumed.

At the same situation, the monster observing the scene was madder. It then crushed out some skycrapers. The terrifying scene scared the audiences, but not some of them were quite entertained.

"It looks real athough this is only virtual reality," stated Destry as a supporter of Bright Team.

Then, his friend responded, "If it was real, all of us would die in miserable condition."

The conversation was heard by a senior nemozen who sat next to Destry. The senior said, "Gladfully, this competition can introduce us about war, protection, and danger. We must be thankful to the royals."

"That is definitely true. I truly learn from the first challenge although it is not as difficult as the recent one." Destry nodded, agree with the senior's statement.

After they finished talking, they put their eyes on the coordination scene done by the two teams. The coordination done by each team was about the combining power among them. It was also observed by the judges for understanding the balance of each power owned by the candidates.

"This shield will not last for long time. Plese be quicker in setting the strategy!" Silas used his power to form temporary shield which was not as strong as the invisible one for urgent situation.

Then, the other members of Brave Team started to gather their powers into a big black and purple ball. Through the ball, it was seen that the powers combined came from the darkness factor mostly.

"UGGHH!" Silas could not hold the shield and started to fight against the monster. He hit the monster with his punch until the ugly creature fell down to the ground. Again, there were several buildings damaged afterwards.

Consequently, the monster was walking towards Silas running to avoid it. "Hurry up, Silas! It almost reaches you!" Ryker shouted.

Silas who was still running sped up his pace. However, the monster remained to walk in the bigger step for reaching its prey. The situation made one member of Bright Team seeked the monster's attention.

"We are here, dude!!" Storm shouted as he shot the silver arrow from the palm of his hand.

"GRAAAAHH!!" The monster got wilder while it screamed. It then chased Storm who intended to seek for its attention. He was asked by his team members so that Bright Team can earn bigger score if the monster could be defeated.

On the other angle, Drake coordinated with the rest members of Bright Team. He let them to release the small amount of power to combine in a glass bowl. Aryan with freezing power; Zaiden with rubber power; Drake with self detonation. Once the combining power was starting to explode, the monster was near them since Storm entered the circle.

"KRRRIIIKK.." The monster was freezed in a few second. Then, it exploded into jelly-like stones. At the same time, the bell from the judges was ringing, the sign that the second stages was finished.

-**-

"For the second stage of the challenge, the winner was Bright Team. Please give them applause!" The MC announced proudly.

"Right! I know we can make it!" Zaiden said with joy in his smile. His confidence started to rise up.

Storm responded, "I think it is a coincidence. You know the neighbor team were trying to make their power balance, furthermore our strategy is pretty similar to theirs."

"Whatever the reason is still we are the winner." Aryan refused to agree with Storm's opinion.

After the winner had been announced, the MC along with the judges discussed for a while, and they made the candidates wait in the arena. For a few minutes forward, the MC said, "Right, before we start the next stage, all of the candidates can have some break."

Feeling happy and relieved, some of the candidates released the light breath. Finally, they could energize themselves with energy booster and food provided by the royals.

TO BE CONTINUED..