The Hunter's Hunt

After the experimental test, Ryan's mental strength had already reached its limit. He felt utterly exhausted and slowly leaned back against the rock wall deep within the cave, allowing his body a brief rest.

As time passed, Ryan's consciousness gradually blurred, and his eyelids grew heavier and heavier. Before he knew it, his breathing had become steady and deep, and he had fallen completely into a deep sleep.

When he opened his eyes again, sunlight from the cave entrance shot straight inside like a dazzling arrow, spilling across the ground in brilliant patches of light. The intense brightness made Ryan uncomfortable. He narrowed his eyes slightly and raised a hand to block some of the sunlight before slowly adjusting to the bright surroundings.

Ryan raised his head and glanced at the timetable hanging on the cave wall. Its hands clearly pointed to a little past nine the following morning. He could not help frowning, silently berating himself. "Last night... I was far too reckless."

Originally, he had planned to complete another Ren-Ken cycle that night. After all, this was the wilderness, where danger lurked everywhere. He could not afford the slightest lapse in vigilance. He had only intended to rest briefly while remaining alert to any movement outside the cave. However, because he had focused too intensely, the drain on his mind had been far worse than he expected, and he had ended up passing out completely.

Fortunately, the cave was well concealed and had not been discovered by any passing examinees. There had also been no wild beasts nearby, or the consequences might have been unthinkable. Ryan let out a breath of relief, though the thought of his carelessness still left him shaken.

Ryan slowly rose from the ground, his body somewhat Ko after remaining motionless for so