Is this really a Game?!

[ The Heaven's Hooligans have completed the entry-level trials, congratulations. ]

"You know, this is just starting to get weird, what are entry-level trials anyway?" Shadow said as the elven woman from before suddenly appeared near them.

"Entry-level trials are those where you will face different challenges from the arena itself, most will be like the ones you have gone through, fighting against monsters, solving puzzles in the labyrinth …"

"From now on, you will be facing the regular trials, which mostly consist of fighting against strong enemy teams, you will fight all together, sometimes solo, or in smaller groups."

"The entry trials are mostly there to weed out those who do not deserve to fight in the arena, they are placed here as a sort of … test."

"But didn't we already go through one?" Reign asked as the elven woman smiled.

"That was the entrance trial, only by clearing it can one be allowed to even enter the arena, of course, the entrance trial is different depending on how powerful a team is, just like the entry-level trials are different."

"There have been teams who have reached the same rank as you who have failed to clear them in the past, actually, a good portion of the teams who come don't manage to pass the entry-level trials."

"It is surprising how many teams are sent here when they are not worthy enough, so many have it easy back in their home worlds, slowly leveling up by defeating enemies weaker than them, increasing the size of their ego instead of the arsenal of skill and powers they have."

"You, however, have proved to be much more than a regular team, I am quite excited to see what will happen next with you." The elven woman said, showing a glimpse of a smile for the first time.

Reign and his team exchanged glances, absorbing the elven woman's words.

"Regular trials, huh?" Reign said, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Guess we better get ready then."

The elven woman nodded. "Indeed."

"You will have a short period to rest and recover before the first of the regular trials begins, the labyrinth has been deemed as not that difficult for you, and from what I can see, you didn't use that much mana or stamina, so a couple of hours should be more than enough for you to be back in your peak form."

With that, she gestured for them to follow her once more. They exited the central chamber and wound their way through more labyrinthine corridors before arriving at a new section of the arena complex. This area was different—more refined and clearly intended for the elite participants of the trials.

The team entered a spacious chamber similar to their previous accommodations but with more advanced facilities. There were areas for training, recovery pools filled with restorative waters, and even a strategic planning room equipped with holographic displays.

"Wow," Mia said, her eyes widening as she took in the surroundings. "This is impressive."

"It's more than we could have hoped for," Tank added, clearly pleased with the amenities.

The elven woman inclined her head. "You have earned this, now rest and prepare."

"Your first regular trial will commence in a couple of hours, I shall come to pick you up for it."

The team nodded in gratitude, their minds already shifting to the preparation and recovery they needed to undertake. They dispersed throughout the chamber, each member finding their own way to utilize the time and resources available.

Reign took a moment to appreciate their surroundings before heading to the recovery pools. He immersed himself in the restorative waters, feeling the soothing energy seep into his muscles, alleviating the fatigue from the recent trials. As he closed his eyes, he focused on the challenges ahead, mentally preparing himself for the battles that would come.

Nearby, Wolf and Tank engaged in a sparring session, their movements precise and powerful as they honed their skills. Beast, Mia, and Laura discussed strategies, their minds working in unison to formulate plans for various combat scenarios. Shadow was inside one of the recovery pools, sitting near Reign who was there as well.

Jin and Aelrinder joined Reign in the recovery pools, their conversations quiet but filled with determination.

"We've already passed a couple of trials and fought a lot of enemies Reign," Jin said, his voice steady. "These trials will be no different, we just need to trust one another and fight with all we've got."

Aelrinder nodded in agreement, his eyes reflecting the same resolve. "We've come quite far since the first time we met, we weren't even Tier I combatants back then."

Reign chuckled and nodded his head.

"Yeah, I remember."

"Finding your patrol team, meeting the queen, then helping out when your base got attacked, it was quite something."

"Who would have thought that those memories would be funny to us right now, I mean, just imagine, with our current strength, the enemies we have faced in the past that gave us so many issues are merely bugs right now," Shadow said from the side with a smile as Jin glanced at him.

"That is true, and that is something that you need to remember as there are still plenty of enemies who can say the same for the likes of us, that we are merely bugs to them."

"Well, I definitely didn't expect to be lectured right away, but yeah, I know," Shadow said as he nodded toward his father.

After a period of rest and recovery, the team regrouped in the strategic planning room. The holographic displays provided detailed layouts of potential arenas and combat scenarios, allowing them to plan their approaches with precision.

"We need to be adaptable," Reign said, his voice carrying authority and confidence. "We have already been told what the trials will be like next, but we can't be sure when we will be forced to fight alone, when in smaller groups, and when all together."

"That means that sometimes, we won't be able to strategize ahead, but for this battle, we know that we will face a team, which means we can do some planning."

The team spent the next couple of hours meticulously planning and preparing, their minds focused on the trials ahead. They discussed formations, strategies, and contingencies, ensuring that they were ready for whatever the arena would throw at them.

As the time for their first regular trial approached, the elven woman returned to escort them to the arena. "It's time," she said, her voice calm and composed. "Follow me."

Reign and his team followed her through the complex, their steps steady and determined. They entered the arena once more, the atmosphere charged with anticipation. The stands, now filled with a larger audience, buzzed with excitement, their eyes fixed on the central platform where the team would face their next challenge.

Ding!

[ First Regular Trial: Arena Showdown ]

[ Objective: Defeat the opposing team and claim victory. Success condition: The opposing team is defeated. Failure condition: Your team is defeated. ]

Reign and his team stepped onto the central platform, their eyes scanning the arena for their opponents. From the opposite side, another team emerged, their presence radiating confidence and power. They were a formidable-looking group, each member exuding auras of strength and skill.

Reign took a deep breath, his eyes narrowing as he assessed their opponents. "Alright, everyone, this is it."

"Stick to the plan, watch each other's backs, and let's show them what we're made of."

The opposing team, known as the Crimson Blades, took their positions across the arena. Their leader, a tall, imposing figure wielding a massive warhammer, stepped forward with a confident smirk.

"Heaven's Hooligans, I have heard of you, you are the newbie team that managed to pass the trials without failing or repeating a single one, that is quite something newbies."

"You can repeat trials?" Shadow asked while scratching the back of his head.

"Seems so, not that we would ever need to do something like that though." Reign said with a smile as he stared at the leader of the opposing team who smirked at them.

"Let's see if you live up to the hype," he taunted, his voice echoing across the arena.

Reign met his gaze with unwavering resolve. "Oh don't worry, you'll soon find out."

The arena fell into a tense silence, the anticipation hanging thick in the air. The moment the signal was given, both teams launched into action.

Wolf and Tank moved to the frontline, Wolf's greatsword clashing with the Warhammer that the opposing team's leader wielded. The impact sent shockwaves through the arena, but Wolf held his ground, pushing against the enemy leader and smiling at him.

The enemy leader was also smiling, enjoying the fight.

Beast, and Laura stayed back, their ranged attacks precise and relentless. Arrows and spells flew through the air, targeting the members of the Crimson Blades and trying to keep them on the defensive, but two of their mages quickly created barriers while their own long-range combatants returned fire.

Shadow moved with agility and stealth, weaving through the chaos of battle to strike at vulnerable points. His daggers found their marks, disrupting the Crimson Blades' formations and creating openings for his teammates.

Jin and Aelrinder provided crucial support, their coordinated movements ensuring that no part of the line was left exposed. Reign's swords flashed as he engaged with the opposing team's key fighters with Mia.