Location: Underground Facility F-13 – Two days after the announcement
The air was stifling—thick with the scent of iron, sweat, and fear. The students were transported in windowless buses, surrounded by armored vehicles. They weren't allowed to speak, and the government hadn't disclosed the exact location of the facility.
When the bus door creaked open, they found themselves standing before a massive metal gate, bearing the emblem of the High Defense Authority. Beyond it stretched a long tunnel lit dimly, its walls made of polished steel.
Kaido walked silently among the dozens of students. But when he glanced behind him, he froze.
A familiar face.
"Tsuki?!" he whispered in disbelief. "What are you doing here?"
She gave a nervous smile and replied lightly, "I... volunteered. I couldn't let you enter this hell alone."
He couldn't find the words to respond—only a silent, grateful look.
Moments later, inside a vast hall, the students stood in neat rows.
Suddenly, a side door opened. Five men and women entered, clad in black tactical vests and steel helmets that revealed only their stern faces.
One stepped forward—a tall man with bulging muscles and a scar running across his forehead. The moment Kaido saw him, his eyes widened in shock.
It was his father. Renji Takeo.
The man spoke in a sharp, commanding tone as he scanned the fearful faces.
"I am Commander Takeo. You will stay here for 14 days. Those who survive... will be accepted."
Then, for a brief second, he looked straight at Kaido—before turning away as if he didn't know him.
A student whispered, "I heard that man crushed a giant insect beast with his bare hands…"
Another added, "He's a living legend in the special forces."
But all Kaido felt was a silent ache in his chest.
Day One of the Trials.
Endurance Test: Continuous running inside a shrinking tunnel.
Rapid Thinking Test: A series of puzzles that required instant decisions—wrong answers triggered electric shocks.
Combat Test: Locked in a room with a simulated insect creature that moved unpredictably.
Despite his smaller build, Kaido passed each challenge with a calm mind and unmatched observation skills. Tsuki, too, surprised everyone with her agility and reflexes.
That night, the two sat together in a corner, catching their breath.
"I think I'm going to die here…" Tsuki said, wiping sweat from her brow.
Kaido looked upward. "But we weren't born to run. I want to know… why I have no shadow… and why everyone looks at me like I'm a threat."
Before she could respond, a deep voice echoed behind them.
"Questions are for after you succeed, Kaido."
He turned around to see his father standing there—his expression still cold, but his eyes… they said something else.
End of Chapter 6