Three days later the day of the test finally came.

Commander Apex and Kael Hound stepped into the portal that took them inside the training Crypt and they found themselves on a floating platform with the sea beneath them.

"When last did I come here? But I can immediately tell this is far different from the Arc that I know." Commander Apex, with his red hair and beard, said he breathed in the scent of the sea. "And just when do I last see the same?"

Kael, who had never seen the inside of the Arc, nodded and got his first look at it; from what he observed immediately, it seemed there was not much difference from the outside world. Except everywhere he looked on the sea was dotted with portals. "This is more than I imagined, Commander."

The Commander nodded as if it was what he expected; he hadn’t stepped into the Arc after the modification either, but to imagine that all those portals were a crypt! Apex began to understand how the Crypt Master got his confidence.

And it wasn’t lost on the Commander that right here in the Crypt Master’s domain, he might kill them without trying. The only thing standing between them is that the Crypt Master still serves the interests of the Legion.

"Of course it is! I made this proposal during the war but was turned down every time. I assure them I can create powerful Awakeners if given a little time." Today, the Crypt Master has chosen the form of a grown man with white hair and golden eyes.

Commander Apex twitched. The reason they turned the Arc down on training their troops is because of what might happen after; the Crypt Master was sure to try and influence them. Besides, "Well, we can’t afford to send our troops to do your training then because of the high rate of mortality you mentioned. We couldn’t afford to lose any troops back then."

Because not only were they fighting the monsters but they were also trying to cement their clan and its power.

The Crypt Master laughed. "That’s true but I only said that because it guaranteed you’ll send weak candidates. Not like these strong children! Come on, let’s go."

Kael expected the platform to float down, but instead, Crypt Master waived his hand, and a blue glow enveloped them, and they found themselves in another place. Kael thought, ’Did he teleport us just like that? He is indeed powerful in his Arc.’

The new place was the ship, and they were facing the four Yama project candidates. Kael immediately saw the changes in the kids he had been training before, his eyes widening behind his mask. They have grown this much? It’s been what, eight months!

Commander Apex also saw it but none of it showed on his face.

"Commander Apex, Captain Kael." They bowed.

It was then that it happened: Apex and Azaroth’s eyes met and clashed. Commander Apex almost flinched, but he held himself back, and none of it changed his flat expression. ’What is that? Did that boy just now release a bloodlust so strong I almost flinch?’

He looked at him again, the boy with white hair and red eyes. "You are Azaroth, right? I think I remember you, picked from one of my raids." He was trying to get a reaction.

But Azaroth looked at him blankly. He couldn’t believe he didn’t hold himself back then, and his bloodlust leaked through. He almost shook his head. "I can’t remember, Commander."

Of course, he can! Azaroth remembers how it was the Commander himself who led the force that burned his father’s outpost and slaughtered everyone. Azaroth didn’t care about everyone, but how dare they touch his mother!

His anger, which had laid like sleeping ice, began to shimmer, and he took a deep breath to calm himself. Getting angry here will solve nothing but only get him killed.

The Commander is far out of reach right now, so out of reach.

"Hummmm." The Commander said. "Very well then, let’s see what you can show me."

Captain Kael spread his cloak and dipped his hand into his pocket. He brought his hand out, and it came with something. A small wooden stand with a round blue crystal at the top, he injected his essence, and it glowed.

Azaroth was wondering what it was for when a voice came out of it. "Are you there, Apex?" A mechanical voice said.

Azaroth showed shock on the inside; what? Someone is calling the Commander so casually by his name? But that wasn’t the only shock because the Commander and Captain Kael went down on their knees.

"I am, my Lord."

Azaroth and the others also went to their knees even though they didn’t know who it was. Even the Crypt Master. Can it be the Leader? He doubts it, but then who is strong enough to make a Commander’s knee?

"Ah, yes I can see now. Stand up all of you."

They did as the mechanical voice commanded.

"So these are the children. I see. Indeed, I can already see why you think they are worth the resources, but I must see for myself and be sure."

Azaroth finally confirmed his guess, so this is their sponsor but who exactly? A General?

The Crypt Master laughed. "Worry not, my Lord! If they are not worth it then I won’t have agreed to train them myself."

"Ah, you are the spirit of the Arc. It’s been a while, you look different. Like always....you can proceed."

Crypt Master bowed, and he then turned to them. "You’ll be taking a test today to see how far you have gotten in this current rank. It will be an individual test, and it’s simple – single-handedly clear out a crypt!"

Even Azaroth couldn’t keep his surprise from his face. Single-handedly clear a crypt! That’s a very dangerous test and very hard to do! But his excitement stirred anyway. ’How fast can I clear it?’ He thought darkly.