Brida Aiolfi

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^{Arriving at the Grand Hotel Mohad, Avent City | Alone}

Brida alighted the steps down from the private plane she’d flown from from the Erkens Federation to Avent City, a pensive and rather unsettled frown on her face. As one who prided herself on doing her research thoroughly and maintaining a low profile, she felt like she’d been somehow outsmarted in the game this time around.

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The plane ride was a ridiculous joke — in more ways than one. Although Brida’s life hadn’t been on the line since she took over the wheel, it nearly had. She’d been stuck with an incompetent pilot and was pushed into doing the job she’d paid someone else to do. In face, she had been completely ready to throttle her inexperienced, lightning-phobic good-for-nothing excuse of a captain the moment she touched the ground when the storm blinked out of existence and the real joke was revealed.

Her “Captain” was, in fact, an employee of the Hunter Association and the designated proctor of Brida’s pre-exam. “Samantha Whiting,” or, rather, Rory Margaretson, was a sixty-something-year-old retired hunter who was able to “conjure illusions,” and had decided to test Brida by magicking up a thunderstorm and feigning uselessness to see what her passenger would do. Her illusions lacked tangibility and sound, which explained why Brida heard neither thunderclap nor raindrop during her plane ride. The real captain had been hiding in the bathroom in the cockpit, waiting in case Rory ran into some trouble basic pilot skills couldn’t solve — which wasn’t likely, considering that it’d been the perfect day for flying: sunny skies, without a single cloud in sight.

“Sure I expected my examinee to get angry and perhaps come to the cockpit to either encourage me to face my fears or give me a proper lecture, but take over the steering wheel and fly themselves out of danger?” the red-haired woman asked, laughing heartily as she shed her disguise and bared her wrinkles. “Brida Aiolfi, you almost gave me a heart attack, and that would not have been good. Even the real captain was impressed with how calm you were able to be!”

Brida had taken all of the new information in silently, mind blank. What was she to feel — relief? Gratitude? Outrage? Her captain — despite all her background checks, her planning, and her procedures that were meant to keep her safe — had turned out to be a long-time employee of the Hunter Association masquerading as a woman who didn’t even exist. This glaring fact had somehow managed to escape Brida, and that meant that she only had herself to blame for being hoodwinked into the elaborate joke of a plane ride that the older lady spent the rest of the flight laughing over as Brida flew on, silent. Earlier, she’d thanked the heavens that she’d been taught how to fly planes in case of emergencies; now, she was too busy feeling like a fool to care.

“Take it — you earned it,” Rory said, handing Brida a glossy white card emblazoned with two X’s and a red diamond where they intersected — the Hunter Association’s symbol. “That, my dear, is a VIP access card. I only get one, and you only get one, but I know this is the right decision,” Rory said, a broad grin on her face. “Brida Aiolfi, you’ll go far in this exam. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if you pass it,” the lady said, guffawing. “Just drop the robot act, and you’ll do fine.”

Slapping Brida’s suitcase into her arms, Rory smacked the girl’s back and said her goodbyes, laughing as she reentered the plane and drove it off the runway and into the skies. Brida gazed at the disappearing speck blankly, acceptance finally settling in.

“Miss Aiolfi?” a voice asked. Looking over, Brida took in a young man dressed in a crisp black-and-white suit, a pin of the Hunter Association logo on his breast. “Your pre-exam proctor informed us of your results. I’m here to escort you to the exam site. This way, please.”

Brida sized the man up tiredly. If hunters could conjure up faces and storms, what was the point of asking for verification? What did she hope to see that could shake her doubt at this point?

“Lead the way,” she said, sighing. She’d had a long flight, and all she wanted was a place to set her luggage down and relax.

---

Theodore Levant

Theodore now stood outside the Grand Hotel Mohad in Avent. He had just been dropped off nearby by the navigator that had taken him the whole way here. His navigator was a curious one; his father had claimed to have arranged for one for them personally, but considering what had transpired on the way here, Theodore was not certain that Amaury had fully realised the true nature of his choice.

It had all started in one of Avingnon's great harbors. Amaury claimed he had spared no expense, and that they were to travel to the exams in luxury befitting the sons of the Levant family, having arranged a lavish yet speedy cruise liner to carry them. Of course, he mostly meant Jules and Mathis, and Theodore just happened to be there. He knew all too well the expectation was for his elder brothers to make their smash hit debut and for him to be forgotten. Theodore had other plans, and he was convinced that Jules and Mathis' ineptitude would be proven in due time. Theodore's suspicions were first raised when they actually met their navigator for the first time; a man named Guillaume. Right of the bat, the man was rude and crass, and he definitely rubbed Mathis the wrong way. Theodore was sure that their father didn't hire this man directly, or else he would have hired someone to kiss Mathis' ass the entire journey, as he was the eldest of the eldest, and Amaury's pride and joy. He immediately wondered if he wasn't some kind of plant.

Their initial journey was uneventful. Most of it was spent listening to Mathis proudly boast of his intentions to take the hunting world by storm, and Jules nodding and confirming his every word. He could already tell the brother's were only impressing themselves, as Guillaume didn't even pretend to take them seriously. Some time into their journey, they just so happened to have a chance encounter with a young woman who bumped into Theodore, falling and hurting her leg in the process. Jules and Mathis, ever eager to prove their "honour", raced to her aid, lambasting Theodore for his folly and inaction. Theodore resolved not to do a thing for this woman; she soon revealed she too was travelling to the exams, and asked ever so sweetly for the brothers to take care of her on the way. While his brothers were easily suckered in, Theodore was resolute in the belief this was all too convenient.

Naturally, after a period of travel in which Mathis fawned all over this pretty young thing, they stayed a fateful night in a hotel in a city on the path to Avent. When they awoke, they found that the woman had stolen their money and weapons. Jules and Mathis raced out in pursuit, and were tipped off by Guillaume, who had just so happened to see the woman leave, as to the building she appeared to be hiding within. The two of them barged in, only to find themselves confronted by multiple thugs. Here is where they may have proved their martial prowess, had they not been relieved of their weapons just earlier. They may have been in for a rough time, had Theodore not had the perspicacity to clamber in through the window and get the drop on the mob before them. He managed to knock one out before the others noticed he was there. From there, he fought the only way he knew how, and used the room to his advantage. He used one's momentum to send them crashing into a metal locker when they attempted to charge at him. He led another over to a stack of wooden boxes that he kicked over at just the right time to have them collapse atop them. He even made use of Jules and Mathis to block a few punches sent his way, something they naturally didn't appreciate. Eventually, he had either knocked out or exhausted those before him, without having taken a hit himself. Jules and Mathis ended up with a bloody nose and a black eye respectively, which Theodore considered a double victory.

After all the fuss, Guillaume took this moment to reveal his hand in it all. He explained he was affiliated with the Hunter's Association; not just as any old navigator, but one employed to weed out foppish morons that were foisted on them from Avingnon, of which they got a few. The woman was obviously something he used to take advantage of the naivety of many of the applicants he had to deal with. The thugs too were his men, though he made it clear they were just supposed to give people a light roughing up to scare them away. He was impressed by how Theodore had never been taken in by anything on their journey, not even blundering into his little trap at the end. It was for this reason he chose to hand Guillaume his VIP card, to be used to gain access to the real site of the exams. To Theodore's great amusement, Mathis attempted to use this moment to pretend they had been playing along with Theodore's great strategy to foil Guillaume's trickery. Guillaume flatly told the brother's they had no future as hunters, and left with Theodore, with Mathis shouting and screaming that he would regret his transgressions against the Levant family all the while.

With all that behind him, Theodore steeled himself for whatever was about to come next. He had passed the preliminary test, and he had shaken off his obnoxious brothers; now all that was left to do was get through the real exam and join this elite group. Then, and only then, could he rest easy knowing he was set on the path he had deemed right for himself, one where he would be free to go where he wanted, and free to be as far from the idiocy of his home life as he needed. All he had to do was go to the 101st floor of this hotel and wait.

Sayuri sighs as watches the blur of the city pass from the back of her navigator's, who's name was Haruna Maeda, motorcycle. Due to the speeds they were traveling she was forced to hold onto her waist tightly in order not to be thrown off. She'd much rather be sitting up but she wanted to be there asap and this was how to do it. Due to their proximity Haruna was able to feel the sigh and perked up slightly, "What's up with you? You passed the test with flying colors you should be glad not giving displeased sighs. Or am I going too fast for you?" she was yelling over the wind in their ears.

Sayuri shook her head in response knowing she would be able feel the reaction, "Nope the speed is fine. As for the test... There wasn't anything wrong with it. It was really good actually. Most people would have had problems. I'm just annoyed cause I was hoping for a challenge with the Hunter Exam and the first test played exactly into my strengths. I'm sure the actual exam will be much harder but still I'm annoyed. Just me being picky is all."

"Dang you have some strong luck if that played to your strengths. Catching my sister is no small feat you know. Especially when your in our home," she slows down as they reach a grand looking building, "Whelp where's your destination the Grand Hotel Mohad. I'm gonna be honest... I've never liked the place much. This whole part of town really. The people here just put me off. And here we are your final stop on the Haruna Line," with that last like they pull up by the front entrance and park the bike. Sayuri hops off gracefully pulling off the helmet and quickly running a hand through her ponytail straightening it. Turning she hands the helmet Haruna with a quick thanks and turns back to walk in but Haruna puts a hand on her shoulder stopping her, "Hold up a sec Sayuri... I got something for ya..."

"If it's your number sorry but I'm not interested in a girlfriend at the moment. Not that you aren't pretty but no current interest," Turning back she watches as Haruna puts the helmet she was using in the bikes storage and pulls out a card before handing it to her without even getting off her bike. Sayuri takes it and looks it over, "What's this some kinda hotel card?"

"It's a VIP pass. Each Navigator was given one to give to someone they thought was special. I'm gonna give it to you cause I don't think anyone else is gonna do better than you if anyone else shows up at all. It'll give you access to the floor you want. Just make sure you pass. If you don't at least make sure you survive so you can visit us again. My sister likes you so... ya... Good like with the exam," with that she revs the bike back up and pulls out.

Sayuri waves before turning back on her heel and walking into the building ignoring the guards. She makes her way to the main reception desk pointed ignoring the interior design with utter disgust at the vain show of wealth the entire place was, 'Just like home sweet home this place has impeccable taste in architecture. Bleh I wanna kill every last one of them,' when she makes it close to the reception she hears someone cry out "One Million?" Looking she sees a blonde woman, no man, at the counter. Walking up she smirks, “What's the matter blueblood? Shouldn't one million be a chump change to you?” she holds the card up to the receptionist ready to snatch it away from someone grabbing at it, “What do I do with this by the way?”

On that note, another harsh pat was made. Túlio was even pushed forward a bit as a result. Looking back over shoulder, to the geezer, Túlio finds nobody. Quickly and mysteriously as the man appeared, he vanished. Yet would far from be forgotten. Checking his pocket and finding the VIP card. Proceeding into the building, Túlio snaps back into focus on the task at hand.

The man stood almost directly within the path of the hotel entrance. Interior of the building was impressive, to some peoples taste that is. Túlio examined not the decor, but the individuals filling the room. Several of the massive Ink-jugs clinked together as movements continued to the receptionist counter. Not entirely far from Basil & Sayuri, Túlio spots the VIP card in hand. Túlio's voice was harsh and dry due to three factors. Lack of water over recent hours, lack of speaking in general, and his horrific habbit of smoking.

"I too must learn where to go next for the exam."

Prior discussions with an old friend enables Túlio of knowledge the pass given by the old man, to be the VIP pass needed to proceed with the hunters exam. Túlio's attention didn't rest on the employees of the building. More so on the two people speaking to the receptionist. Obvious to Túlio, Sayuri was going to participate in the exams. Not exactly sure about Basil, due to no VIP card being present. Yet assumes both individuals are very likely future compition. Thus several mental notes are made as he awaits his answers.

Rain

"Water."
Spoke Rain in a low and contained voice to the female waiter who aimed to serve him. She stood near him as he sat leaning back facing toward the stage. His eyes avoided meeting hers. A line made his lips and with it his facial expression exuded a look of apathy. His eyes were surrounded by dark coloration that gave his cold eye lids the look of a man with little sleep but within his eyes was a sharpness that defied the likely apparant ailment. He was leaned back but active. His eyes not darting but hardly stopping to blink as he looked to be observing the stage and nothing else. However his eyes did come down to meet the numbers and appearances of the other hunter entrants. The waiter next to him expressed her desire to serve him a good meal. He declined but gave her a word to return later and said "Maybe I'll get hungry after looking at something more ripe to eat." He spoke with a surprising eloquence despite the vulgarity of his language. His eyes looking to meet her unexpectedly and winking as he leaned on his fist. The waitress could only blush in reply as she nodded and walked away. Rain sighed with a disappointed suck of his teeth. "That butt is a little too flat.." His eyes returned to the stage and observed silently the atmosphere and those around him. Using little beyond a glance here and there to give away his curiosity. The more interesting people he saw the more he found his excitement rising. The pre-exam was a addictive taste to what was soon to come. As the waiter returned with a tall glass of iced water with a lime on the edge Rain began to remember the moments leading up to here.

It was a job for some mafia boss. He was a stickler for getting the right guy's for a job who had no ties to legal industries. Rain was perfect. He was called in for his knowledge on chemistry and most importantly his narcotic knowledge. It was a rare plant brought in from a far away land. They wouldn't exactly say where it was from just that it had very rare seeds and he was to use those seeds to perfect a drug for them. To make things even more strange they only had enough to make two pills. While not introduced to the plant directly Rain was able to reflect upon the multicolored hue the seeds gave off when but by sunlight. Otherwise they appeared as normal seeds the size of sunflowers and dark brown to black in color. Rain used this opportune moment to request a specific kind of payment and that payment was to find him a navigator. As most navigators were honest people it was difficult to tell if he would ever come across one given his lifestyle. So it was specifically stated for him to find a navigator under any means and to find the location of the exams if possible. "You ask for a lot KID but if you deliver I'LL deliver." The boss told him assuredly and proved himself with the display of his wealth. However Rain was only interested in his end of the bargain being met, knowing that the hunter association was a formidable group to try and manipulate. So Rain went to work and concocted two pills of the drug for the Mafia boss and completed his end.

Things get interesting once you make promises. Rain found himself looking down the barrel of a few guns and didn't seem to flinch much. He simply raised his hands in the air. "Sorry KID but finding a navigator for your little dream ain't worth it. Might as well clean up loose ends." It was at this moment Rain simply began to smile. He looked to the ground and then held his mouth with his hands. Apologizing before facing the boss. "YOU'RE the loose end here." When he was done the boss was lit up with gunfire from his subordinates who stood by his side. Riddled he fell to the ground in a bloody heap and could only watch from the pooling crimson floor as his very son stepped from the other room onto the floor. His son was young but around Rain's age. He had a suite on and gloves as he stepped before his father's dying body. "You always try to destroy your greatest assets. This is where things change my dear papa. Join mama in heaven and be free of this world. Your ancient ways can no longer stay in effect. I will soar us beyond what you've ever seen." He held his father's bloodied corpse as rears streamed down his face.

Rain was soon compensated with what he looked for. A navigator connected to the Mafia one way or another was told of Rain's intrigue and resourcefulness. Able to make out what would happen and used the bosses own son against him. How Rain managed to gain favor with the Boss's son was a mystery. But it was clear Rain used his connections and his time well enough to keep him afloat in the most dangerous of organized operations. Being dropped off by a limousine was not his style but it worked all the same. The land he saw coming here was familiar with how impoverished the people here were in the slum areas he rode past. He had a black bandana over his nose and mouth and tinted goggles to protect his sensitive eyes to not only the sand but the sunlight as well. He met the front desk woman and laughed a bit at the million dollar price tag. However he was given a VIP card by the navigator. A mafia esque character with sunglasses and a top hat. He had a trimmed beard and stache but did not reveal any special details about what made him an appropriate navigator. Rain did not ask though. He simply used the elevator to find his way around and indulge in what he could find. He was feeling nervous and this made him excited. A smile emerging on his lips as he sat at the table. The waitress placing the glass of water on the table caused him to hide his smile which was emerging ever greater in width on his face. His black bandana covering his nose and mouth.

Theodore Levant

Having been guided to the 101st floor by one of the receptionists in the lobby, Theodore was quite fine to surrender his belongings to the guards that searched him at the entrance. Truth be told, the only thing he kept on him that was truly a weapon was a knife, and that was more of a tool than anything. He usually fought using the environment around him, so being bereft of his knife was not the worst thing in the world. Of course, he wasn't planning on starting a fight here, unless it happened that the final exam was an all out brawl among those that had arrived. He imagined it was unlikely that the organisation that seemed so steeped in subtle trickery would set up a final test that was so purposelessly blunt. In fact, he wasn't entirely sure if it wouldn't turn out they were all already on trial and that they would all fail for not having seen the expertly hidden traps around the place. He had yet to even gain an inkling as to what was going on yet though, so he would refrain from acting on wild conspiracy theories.

As he took in his surroundings, Theodore noted they were in a rather extravagant restaurant setting. It actually reminded Theodore of home, which was probably why it irked him to be here. Places of extravagant wealth and swotty tastes were often havens for the same brand of fools he had suffered for a life long in Avingnon. He could only hope that the people here really did earn their place by virtue of their skills rather than paying their way to victory. In any case, he took a seat at one of the tables with a clear view of the stage. He wasn't sure what was in store for them, but he didn't want to sit back and relax here. In fact, he really didn't want to go speaking to random strangers here, though not out of shyness or anti-socialism; he was simply experiencing terrifying flashbacks to the gaudy parties of his youth. The last thing he wanted was to drink wine and make small talk, since it felt like half his life was being forced to do so.

Sayuri looks at the man with an eyebrow raised. He was clearly more knowledgeable then the average blueblood as his reaction told her he actually knew what she was. After a second he obviously notices that she's on guard and apologizes. She shrugs, “Don't worry about it. You know what I am so that earns you a few points in my book. Besides I'm not on guard cause of you,” as she passes Basil to follow after the guard she hears that he'd wanted to go to the 101st floor. Considering the kind of hotel this was the top floor was probably a restaurant or something similar requiring reservations it would be odd for someone not taking the exam to not know it was reserved. Also this hotel specifically she remembers another hotel had a better view when she was here last. Pausing she slips her pass into his pocket, “Wish there was a way I could help you up there but nope I just got the invite,” she says the next part under her breath so only he could hear it, “I want this back when you get up there whether you use it to get up there or not.”

She continues on walking quickly and hopping into the elevator the guard opened for her and the guy with the giant pain brush. She observes the man out of the corner of her eye taking in the details of her potential future opponent. She would need to be wary of the brush but more importantly she would need to keep an eye on the jars. No telling what or how dangerous whatever is in there is. When she reached the top a pair of guards came and did a body search. She handed over her swords and phone easily though not without a direct threat to the guard holding them she would hunt him down if anything happened to them. She had a badge labeled 194 attached to the back of her dress before she was lead into a large four layered restaurant. She whistled impressed by the quality of the place and she wasn't easily impressed considering she'd worked for a noble, “Nice. The Hunters Association really goes all out on this don't they... Well might as well take advantage of it and get a drink while I wait. Wonder if they're free.”

As she makes a beeline for the bar she notices a tall woman talking to a bartender. She didn't even need to look at her back to tell she was the examiner. The presence she gave off was completely different from all the other people in the room. She'd met a couple Hunters before and they'd had a similar presence though not one quite so intense. Sitting relatively close to the pair she looks up and examines the wall. A smile twitches at her lips when she sees one of her personal favorite drinks up there. She signals the bartender and points to a bottle labeled Dragon's Bite, “I'll take a glass of Dragon's Bite on the rocks please,” once she has her drink she turns in the stool to look at the rest of the people gauging the level of competition. There were several people she could pick out right away who would be fierce competition. She could also pick out a few who were never going to make it far without a lot of luck. She was excited, 'Heh, looks like I'm going to get my challenge here after all. The question is should I try to knock out some competition first... she looks at the examiner out of the corner of her eye for a couple seconds before looking back to the elevators waiting to see when Basil makes it up, “Hmm... I wonder how many'll make it to the next round...”

---

Words fail to describe the feeling of vulnerability, or nakedness, experienced upon his ink-brush staff being taken. Faint negotiation and Túlio was permitted to keep his several jars of ink. Several other items were confiscated as well. Finally done with the search and seizure of weapons, Túlio begins his careless saunter through within the 101st floor. Unfocused, or foolish, onlookers saw a lazy yet solemn fellow. Anyone given enough effort could possibly sense the presence deep within Túlio. An aura similar to a wild animal or savage beast awaiting their moment to pounce. Túlio's expression or gaze was subtle and fierce while slowly and carefully inspecting the competition surrounding himself. Now standing at the bar, he studied the 'menu' and contemplating on if indulging during the exam was a smart idea.

"Aqua will serve best, considering the trials ahead."

Either unaware or not desiring to give attention, Túlio payed zero notice of the several men gawking and swapping comments about the jars dangling from Túlio. Deciding to get some water, no sips are taken after it's given. Túlio merely continuing his observance of his current setting. Focusing more on the decor and restaurant itself now, only occasionally taking his time to study other contestants. Heck, the guy even took a moment to look at the #195 badge which was now placed on the sash, or better words massive scarf/cloth, upon his hip. Also spotting the woman who arrived at the 101st floor as he did, #194, not far from his current location. However the man did not interact anyone thus far.

Brida Aiolfi

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^{Inside the Grand Hotel Mohad, Avent City | 3:27 PM}

“Your luggage, Madam?” a porter asked, hurrying over as Brida exited the car. Hesitating briefly — Brida made a point to not trust anyone, least of all strangers who looked well put-together — Brida nodded, passing over the handle to her suitcase. The porter quickly thanked Brida and disappeared into a side door, not even giving the girl a chance to ask when she’d get her luggage back.

Not that there’s much of value in there, but I’d prefer to have a clean change of clothes at the ready, Brida thought, frowning and turning back to the guide she’d met in the airport. The suited man had led her to a comfy limousine, which had brought her to the exam site — the Grand Hotel Mohad.

“Right this way, Miss Aiolfi,” the guide said, holding the door open for the purple-haired girl as she entered the large, glass double-doors of the Grand Motel Mohad. Inside, ornate architectural designs were expertly balanced with modern curves and edges, creating an intricately and tightly woven modern take on traditional designs of what Brida assumed were the Burial Sands.

And the exhibits are excavated relics, I’m guessing, Brida thought as the steward lead her through across the main lobby. Their intrinsic value is far below the value set by collectors and enthusiasts. I’d guess any one of these artifacts would sell for a few million at least — assuming that they’re not doubles, of course.

“VIP access card,” the guide said, flashing his badge to the receptionist who’d looked up at the pair’s approach. “Brida Aiolfi.” The receptionist nodded, looking back down. “Through there, Miss,” the guide said, motioning towards a pair of doors beside the main desk. “Just show them your access card.”

“Thank you for your guidance,” Brida told the guard curtly before turning and heading towards the doors.

Behind the doors stood a hallway and an elevator door with a pair of rather muscular men in suits standing guard, which didn’t so much surprise Brida as intrigue her as she walked towards the elevator. The hallway possessed a minimalistic black-and-white design and was devoid of anything but the men and the elevator. The 101st floor is where the Hunter Exam is to take place, so…

“Brida Aiolfi. Here’s my VIP access card,” Brida said, holding the card out to the guards. Neither of them moved, which Brida pause. Just as the girl opened her mouth to repeat the words, a ding sounded, and the elevator doors opened.

“Please enter,” the guard on the left said, and Brida complied.

The elevator ride was a quiet affair, and Brida was greeted on the 101st floor by an identical pair of guards who informed her that she was to turn over all items that might be used as weapons. Off came the dagger, knife, and small pistol she carried — Brida figured that there was no reason to test disqualification for a mere weapon — and, after a proper pat down, a black-and-white dressed man approached.

A butler? Brida thought, scanning over the man’s outfit. He motioned for her to turn around, pinning a badge onto her back when she did so.

“Number ninety-seven,” he said loudly, and the doors behind him opened into an extravagant room with a stage upon which dancers twirled and pranced. Brida stepped into the hall, taking in the cloth-covered tables around which chairs were placed in sets of five. Some of the seats were already occupied — 96 examinees already arrived, then — and waiters hovered around the seated individuals, taking orders and bringing forth silver platters of delicately arranged food.

It’s all free of charge, Brida realized, taking in a rather haphazardly-stacked table where a man appeared to be taking full advantage of the amenities. I suppose that’s only to be expected.

Heading up the stairs, Brida took a seat at an empty table on the second story, figuring that the first floor was too conspicuous, whereas the third and fourth were too far from the stage. A waiter immediately hurried to her side, inquiring about an order.

“A dry gin martini would be lovely,” Brida said, offering the waiter a smile. “Shaken with an olive.”

“Right away, Miss,” the waiter said, nodding and heading away. After the waiter was out of sight, Brida frowned, picking up her salad fork and examining it in the dim lighting — authentic silver.

Classy place, Brida thought, sighing as she set the utensil back in its place. Sadly, I lost my appetite on the flight. I’m sure the food here is excellent as well.

Glancing around, the girl saw that, while many tables seated singles, a few also seated doubles or triples — alliances and bonds already made, or in the making. Figuring that she’d do well to do the same, Brida scanned the restaurant floor for wanders — nothing of interest, really — before fixing her eyes on the dancers onstage.

There are three elevators, evenly spaced on each side of the room with the stage on the fourth, the girl thought, watching the doors out of the corner of her eye. She sat above the eastern elevator, obscuring it from her sight, but she had a good view of the southern and western ones. The waiter delivered her martini — earning the man another thanks — and Brida settled in, sipping the barely opaque glass with a hint of satisfaction. A martini was an excellent perk-up drink, especially for the niceties to come.

---

^{The 101st floor of the Grand Hotel Mohad, Avent City | 4:57 PM}

A little over an hour later — guesswork on Brida’s part, having handed over her watch that doubled as a small knife — Brida spotted an interesting figure that piqued her interest. It was a tall, pale woman around six foot or so dressed in a dark, gothic-style outfit, but what drew Brida’s attention was not the woman’s skin or clothes but rather her features. Scarlet scales crept around the woman’s shoulder blades, disappearing down her top and reemerging at her arms. Her hands, rather than gloved, were coated by the same red scales that flowed into a pair of fingerless black gloves that tipped with sharp claws. A pair of thin swords — katanas — were strapped onto her back, reaffirming Brida’s suspicions with their dragon scale hilts.

A Draconian? Brida thought, watching with fascination. Her brother had once sought a Draconian blade, which had left Brida with amused disbelief until he’d actually found one, bought from a nameless peddler that was said to have scoured the world for treasures to sell. The sword had come at an exorbitant price — the peddler would take no less than seven zeroes — but the steel-rending blade was worth it, cutting through concrete pillars with ease. The sword, according to her brother, was a masterpiece from one of the most notable Draconian swordsmiths, thus justifying the price. The sight of the ornate dragon scale hilt had sent Brida scouring for answers, but she’d found few other than that the Draconians were a peaceful, isolated race, and that they themselves grew scales like dragons of myths, sometimes even possessing wings.

The Hunter Exam does attract all sorts of folk, Brida thought, turning back to the stage. She was long through her martini, but she didn’t quite feel the need to chase after allies yet. From watching the scene, it seemed like most applicants were either experienced examinees who already knew who to sit with or completely new like Brida herself, which meant that grouping together didn’t quite add up to a passing contestant and was therefore unnecessary.

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Guiles Marmor

Guiles staggered into the lobby of the Grand Hotel Mohad. He looked like a homeless person that had just finished a Hell in a Cell match. What appeared to be splintered bits of wood were stuck in his hair, and his outfit was a mess. His plaid jacket was torn in several places, but he seemed dazed more than injured. A couple of bruises and small cuts, but nothing too bad, all in all he was lucky to get to the hotel without serious injuries, considering how his experience on the bullet train went, and then what went down immediately after that. Guiles lumbered over to one of the plush chairs they had off to the side, and plopped down in one. He tried to collect his thoughts, they were all a mess right now. His father had told him that the exam was brutal, but he hadn't expected them to narrow down the selection in such a brutal fashion. No matter what he did, his thoughts kept drifting back to what happened.

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It started soon after Guiles boarded the train, apparently, the small village near his home was one of the last stops. So there were only a few more stops on that terrifying, fast moving train, before the announcement was made. "Attention all passengers. While you are all bound for the exam, only a select few of you will be able to progress past this train. Until only one person in each train car remains conscious, this train will not stop moving. If you are feeling panicked, there are paper bags beneath your seats. We hope you have a wonderful ride." At first, there was nothing but panicked silence, until everyone heard the doors to other train cars lock. Then, total chaos erupted. Guiles was quickly smashed in the head with a blunt wooden object, that was likely a baseball bat, to the attacker's horror, this did not take Guiles out of commission, it had hurt, a lot, and a hurt Guiles was a pissed Guiles. What could have been hours went by, as Guiles moved on from one fight to the next, swinging punches blindly, connecting with people who's faces all blurred together, while people attacked with their fists, and knives, and if his memory wasn't playing tricks on him, one person even had a flail.

Eventually, Guiles was the last man standing, in his train car at least. He was so pumped up on adrenaline he didn't even notice the gash on his forehead that was currently bleeding. Or any of his other injuries. The doors all unlocked, and the train kept moving. Guiles thought it was the end of it, and took a seat..after shoving a prone body off of it. The people who managed to be the last men standing in the other cars..had different plans. Taking out competition here meant dealing with less when the actual exam started, so they all individually decided to take each other out. The first two people to enter Guiles' train car quickly exchanged glances at each other, and then decided to take out the big brute first. One held a combat knife, the other used a bo-staff. They came at Guiles from either end of the car. The man with the knife swung, and Guiles managed to get out of the way with only his jacket being cut, before the bo-staff struck a nasty blow right on his left shoulder. He spun around, swinging blindly. Luckily, due to how hard it was to fight with a large weapon in a small train car, his fist struck it's mark. And the assailant was sent to the ground. He didn't get back up. Guiles whirled around, and avoided being stabbed right in the back by the other assailant, instead getting a gash across his side. The knife came forward again, this time for his chest. Guiles reeled back, tripped over one of the many other prone people on the ground, and fell into a seat. He rolled off of it, just in time to avoid the knife being thrown right into it. Now without his knife, Guiles made short work of his foe, bull-rushing towards him, and knocking him into the wall of the train. He was out before he hit the ground. Guiles decided to head to the next train car, and came face-to-face with someone who was likely a martial artist, based on their outfit. They ran at Guiles, leaped onto the wall, ran across it, and then kicked off, to send a flying kick. Guiles responded by lobbing some poor sap who had been knocked out cold earlier into the martial artist. Both of them fell to the ground, and before the Martial Artist could get up. Guiles dropped down and hit him with his elbow.

The rest of the fighting was all fuzzy in Guiles' memory. He vaguely remembered headbutting someone as they tried to attack him, but mostly it was a blur of flying fists, and weapons, and a lot of shouting. But he managed to escape without severe injuries, which was incredibly lucky. Then, right after the fighting ended, the train screeched to a halt. The doors to the other cars once again locked, but the door leading out of the train opened. Guiles walked out. Expecting to find his destination, only to be met with a large forest. The door closed behind him, and the train took off. And as if that weren't bad enough, when Guiles began making his way through the forest, using the moss on the trees, and what he could see of the sky to navigate his way to his destination. He nearly stepped right into a bear trap. Then he narrowly avoided a tripwire, and was nearly shot with an arrow. Guiles managed to deduce that either the test was still going on, or someone wanted him dead. Either way, he was being hunted.

After what had to be at least two hours of playing cat and mouse, Guiles managed to lead his hunter into a trap, he made it appear as though he had been cornered, and when he was attacked, he felled a large tree, and as his foe moved to avoid being crushed. Guiles tackled him to the ground. Afterwards, it was revealed that this person was a Navigator, and after laughing at Guiles for about five minutes, for how panicked he looked during the entire ordeal, gave him his VIP Card. He lead him through the forest, into the city, and to the entrance of the hotel, before informing him that the 101st floor was where he needed to go. Then, he left.

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So here he was, he somehow made it past the preliminaries, but the real exam hadn't even begun yet. Guiles was understandably, incredibly nervous. After some internal psyching up, Guiles stood, and observed the others in the lobby. Not too many people of interest, he figured most of them would probably already be at the 101st floor. But someone did catch Guiles' eye. Someone who seemed to radiate class, and beauty. She had to be the one of the prettiest girls Guiles had ever seen. Well, Guiles was pretty sure she was a girl. Guiles hadn't met many people, and was not able to properly discern the figure's gender, so he decided that the stranger was a girl. She appeared to be purchasing a regular room. So Guiles wrote her off as a regular guest, who had no intention of participating in the exam. He quickly turned his gaze to the receptionist, and hoped that he didn't stare long enough to be noticed, or come off as a creep. He was about to go over to the receptionist, before he noticed all of the artifacts up for display. He walked over to observe each artifact, one at a time. They were all beautiful. A jade sculpture of a lion caught Guiles' eye in particular.

After getting distracted by the rare artifacts, Guiles made his way to the reception desk with a big smile on his face. "Hello! I'd like access to the 101st floor, please! I have my pass right here!" Guiles said cheerfully, while producing his pass from a pocket, and likely far too loudly. He didn't really have an indoor voice. But it wasn't like anyone would take advantage of the fact that he just announced that he had a VIP pass...right? Guiles did not consider the fact that anyone would try and take advantage of him, and instead wondered if he could bring a guest with him using the VIP pass. Surely there was at least one would-be hunter here who didn't have a pass, and Guiles' mother always told him to treat others well if he wanted to be treated well. So he believed that he should help out the would-be hunters. "With the pass, could I bring someone else up with me to the 101st floor?" He asked the receptionist with a big dumb smile still present on his face. He thought only about how he could help others, and not about how if the receptionist responded with a yes, and he went through with bringing someone up with him, he would have even more competition.

Rain

"Graci."
He spoke after the waiter took his order. When the waiter returned to see if he had anything to order he had the bandana on which took her by suprise with a visible jump. He looked at the menu and asked for a banana split because, as he told the waitress, he hasn't had one since he was a child. It also would put his nerves at ease. All of his items were taken away and he was given a number slapped into his hand. 69. All those that were not carefully concealed. His cellphone and pocket knife was taken along with the chain to his wallet. Nothing else was found on him just as he planned. A sneaky smile on his face but hidden away by the bandana he had. He watched the people enter and go about the floors just as uneasy as everyone else. It was the ones who seemed fairly confident who caught his eye. Out of the few the most confident and outstanding one was a young girl dressed in a doll like outfit. Was she a doll? She had inhuman features that seemed beyond just plastic surgery. Her height was something to see also and though he did not fear her he thought it would be best to not approach her. Instead he looked on to the bartender and the woman who sat before him with her slender legs and even tone. A thought began to sprang in his mind from seeing two unique women amongst the hunters. "There might be some real dimes here." His smirk began to rescend as he focused on narrowing in on other people.

A brown coated man came in with little pause. He seemed as if the elegance of the place was his normalcy. Sitting with a clear view of the stage he seemed more of a customer than a exam entrant. The extravagance took Rain by surprise. He was happy to feel this way, meaning to him his life didn't get too good. He was not like them. The higher ups and aristocrats were his polar opposites. Yet his path always crossed with their kind and it usually was due to his skill. He dropped the bandana now, his smile dissipating. He watched as another man approached from the elevator. One who was marked by many days of sunlight and clothed as a tribesmen, beads and all. He was interesting, but not kindred in a way he knew.

Rain let out a silent sigh and took a long sip of his water before placing the half empty cup down. Looking into it's reflection he could see the elevator and who now emerged from it to enter the floor. His eyes lids widens as his pupils grow. Vsions of the past flooded his blurry memories into a trance of music and a night amongst flashing lights and drowning in poison. It was many a night like this he saw the walk. The posture and the sheer confidence of someone who was born high brow. But the colors did not match the top side of the wealthy pool. Colors matched the soul often and her soul seemed a tad near the twilight. He assumed this but was not sure, though his blood felt it was. He had neared many of this type in his dealings with mafia bosses and their kin.

Her hair was purple.. No pink. It was hard to tell. But despite her lack thereof Rain could imagine her strutting with accessories galore just as many of the haughty women of the upper class. He despised the attitude. But over time he grew accustomed to their nature and having been adored by many of their ilk he was and still is showered with their wealth's gifts. Could this woman be another utility to add to his belt? He watched her long legs carry herself up each step. He whistled a bit under his breathe. "My tastes exactly.. thank you hunter exams." He chuckled. His smirk beginning to grow again.

@Dusksong @Jin Of Mana@Mercurial@Demous

Lily Natche

Lily was exhausted. Although she had arrived at the hotel in one piece, she was dripping with sweat and looked as pale as a ghost, despite her bright red face. She had wished that her navigator had not resulted to the archaic method of running to a destination when the weather was as hot as it was. Never the less, she was at her destination, and immediately, several individuals had caught her attention, which was rare for her in most scenarios. The first two individuals that she noticed was a country boy wanting to bring another person along with them to the hunter exam whilst a lady had confronted him on the matter.

Lily was familiar with the fact that she hadn't received a VIP card and due to the circumstances of the situation, she decided that this man was a good deal for her. Getting to the top floor for free whilst meeting a contact that was considered good enough in the eyes of a navigator to receive a VIP card was an extremely lucrative deal as far as Lily was concerned. On top of this, snagging the deal before the other girl would serve her a great deal of good since it'd be putting another competitor out of the competition. Deciding to take the man up on his offer, she decided that she'd approach it as calmly as possible after wiping her face with a towel.

"I'd like to go up to the 101st floor with you, if you'd take me mister." Lily spoke in an extremely soft tone, whilst ignoring the presence of the other figure in hopes that the message of that girl would go unheard, and the man wouldn't change his mind.

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Lilies navigator was an eccentric fellow. And unfortunately for the girl, he had a test in mind that was probably the only thing she wouldn't score high in. The test was that she'd have to run from one end of the city all the way to the hotel without stopping and catch the navigator before the test had ended. Lily had never been a lucky girl, but endurance had never been her strong point, and a run through an entire city without a change of pace was ridiculous for somebody who didn't possess an athletes level of fitness. If Lily lost sight of the navigator, then the test was over. Lily had barely managed to complete this trial, meaning that her navigator did not see her worthy enough to bestow his VIP card to.

"A rare question, but indeed, you may bring one other person," Guiles smiled at the receptionist's answer, which combined with the fact that he looked like a homeless person who just finished a street fight, made him look a little unnerving. "As it so happens, this customer here wanted to go up to the 101st floor. Perhaps—" The receptionist continued, while looking at the pretty girl that Guiles didn't realize he was so close to. To Guiles' surprise, the pretty girl interrupted the receptionist, while pulling out a VIP card. "As it happens, I remembered I picked up a card like that a while back," Guiles was not expecting that. She didn't seem like the type to enter the hunter's exam, and if the other ways of getting a VIP card were as hard as the way Guiles earned his, then she was definitely a lot stronger than she looked. The pretty girl with the card walked over to the elevator, before turning around, and asked Guiles a very strange question, well it was strange to him, at the very least. "I'm curious. The Hunter Exam is a competition. Why are you inclined to help potential competitors?" She asked. Guiles wasn't able to process the question immediately, because he heard someone else speaking to him at around the same time. "I'd like to go up to the 101st floor with you, if you'd take me mister." The stranger said. Despite both of them talking at about the same time, Guiles managed to filter out what they were saying.

He decided to respond to the pretty girl first, because his mother always told him it was rude to talk over people, so the stranger could wait a little. He quickly decided on an answer that best described how he felt, no thinking necessary. Which meant it was not a well thought-out sentence. "Well, I know that if I came all this way, and didn't end up gettin' a pass. I'd feel real frustrated, y'know? So I thought why not help someone who's probably feelin' that way out?" His answer was..really simple. And made no sense competitively, the person he brought with him could easily be the person who makes him lose. But he just didn't see it like that.

He quickly turned back around to the stranger, only to see..an incredibly small girl. He didn't feel comfortable taking someone so young into a dangerous exam. But he also didn't want to be rude. But wait, if she wanted to go up to the 101st floor, that meant she knew about the exam, and in order to get here, had to have made it past trials. At least that's how Guiles processed this information. He managed to somehow not realize that she could have just been some random kid who wanted to go up to the VIP floor, and had no idea there was an exam. Guiles shrugged. "I don't see why not." He looked to the receptionist once again. "I guess she's my guest, then." He stated to the receptionist. Clueless to the fact that people might see it as some idiot taking a small child as a guest into the most dangerous exam ever. He walked over to wait by the elevator, next to the pretty girl, expecting the small girl to follow him.

Theodore Levant

Theodore was already seated when the call came for everyone to return to their seats. Unfortunately for some of the others, it seemed their host had a foul temperament, and announced that multiple examinees were disqualified for their tardiness in taking a seat. While it seemed pointlessly petty to Theodore, he did not mind in the end; it meant less competition in the long run, although there was still a great deal of competition left to face down. Amusingly, their vindictive host announced that a free pass would be granted to the first person to bring down an examinee that refused to leave. Theodore would not have had any qualms about taking that offer, but he was in a less than optimal position to take advantage of the situation, and he doubted he would be able to beat the countless others on hand to the punch. He chose to leave 105 to his fate and focus on their ill-tempered host.

Eventually, Aleksandra got down to business and explained what the first portion of the exam would entail. Curiously enough, it seemed his initial estimation was completely off; this organisation was indeed blunt enough to organise what would essentially be an all out brawl between those assembled here, barring the highly unlikely possibility that everyone would choose to join hands and co-operate in order to proceed. It was almost a little disappointing to know there was going to be no real challenge besides being tough or wily enough not to be beaten down by the other competitors. Of course, Theodore could not complain, and he had a feeling that if he did, Aleksandra would be sorely tempted to have him disqualified on the spot. Calmly, Theodore rose from his seat and took a place resting against a wall close to the entrance. The area would almost certainly erupt in chaos soon, and when it did, Theodore planned to be ready to react to any and all assaults upon his person. He was not the type to trust in the goodwill of others to carry him, and so he planned to acquire the necessary badges to advance alone if he had to. Of course, if someone wished to assist him, he would not object, though he intended to watch all comers like a hawk.

A sundae was a delicious treat. A delicacy often enjoyed by children but even the rich enjoy it. For it is not the idea of a sundae but the ingredients that make it all come together that separates a simple child’s sundae from an aristocrat’s. Though they sat in the hunters exam prepared for almost anything, be it dirty or painful, and though it may require one to get dirty many rich blooded people scattered themselves in the crowds. It was this risk that molded naïve rich kids who think the exams will be a breeze into hardened hunters. It was fun to think about as he placed another scoop of banana and ice cream within his jaws. He walked gently as he did this, almost entirely focused on the food he held within his arms and scooped up fragments in chunks from the large glass bowl. He managed to avoid spilling any or getting any on his face even as he rose himself up the staircase.

So, it began. Or so he thought as he sat among the crowd of wannabe hunters. He himself was just another number. With being a newbie to the examiners he felt he could be inconspicuous enough to have his surprises tucked away and even used without notice. Well this was his initial backup plan anyway. His height accompanied by a leaning stance would allow him to slip between the many other hunters as they tried to make grabs for his badge. It was rather easy to as well as his badge merely sat on the back of his jacket. He lifted his blue scarf to cover his face as a devilish smile crept up. His eyes looked up with laser focus at the jackpot hunter examiner. It was his delight it seemed to witness her beauty and be a part of her trial. “Jackpot indeed…” He brought a hand to run through his hair as he exhaled a relieving breathe to ease his rising tension. The situation was meant to be chaotic but his mind didn’t have to be.

The bowl of the sundae met a table as he placed it there with a small sound of it touching down. He sat the bowl down at the table Brida sat on. He did so somewhat abruptly but it was meant to be rather harmless in its effectiveness at startling her. He met eyes with her as soon as he could gain her attention. His eyes not able to hide a slight amusement as they had a hint of a squint. He lifted his right hand and pulled down the scarf with his index finger. The timer began. “Don’t take this to heart but you’re my type.” He said with a lighthearted whimsical tone and a smile to match. “I would hate to see you not make it. No tricks, join up with me. I’ll even get you a free badge.” He lifted a spoon of his sundae as he took a seat in the chair at her table and leaning back as he did so. He placed the spoon in his mouth with a downward stare and closed his eyes as he took in the pleasure of the frosted milk and fresh preserved fruit. The worry of the timer didn’t seem to matter to him.

@Dusksong