"Does man truly understand the concept of justice, or is it merely an idea he shapes according to his own wounds?"
In the middle of a long road whose end couldn't be seen due to the countless people walking along it, and under the scorching sun, Hydra, a seventeen-year-old boy, was trying to pass through them as if fighting a war of a different kind.
Suddenly, he began to see light piercing through the bodies of the people, only to realize he had reached the end. His first words came out
Hydra: What a heavy crowd... I hope I won't be late for the appointment.
In a public square filled with all kinds of people, where dust swirls from the footsteps of passersby and the noise is so loud your voice can barely be heard, a stunningly beautiful woman—almost unnaturally so—appears on a massive screen at the center of the square. She was presenting a news broadcast, as usual. No one would normally pay her any attention, but this time was different.
Hidden between the lines of her words were events that would unveil a mystery no one expected.
Anchorwoman:
We are living in troubled and unsettling times, as the world has witnessed in recent days an unprecedented event that raised many questions: the disappearance of 'Kid', the leader of the Grand Hill organization, under mysterious circumstances, with no trace or message explaining the reasons or details behind his disappearance.
This sudden development poses a threat to global stability, especially in light of its coincidence with another suspicious event—the complete destruction of the village of 'Nimora'—a case that has brought back memories of 'Symphon Village', which remains an unsolved mystery to this day.
Some believe there is a hidden connection between the two incidents, prompting the authorities to take strict measures, including increasing the difficulty of examinations and tightening the success criteria.
In that ever-noisy square, those words were delivered, bringing about a sudden silence—one of the eerie kind. Seconds passed, then more followed, before the noise gradually began to return. But this time, it was different...
A noise born from countless questions, questions coming from every direction:
Where? Why? Who?
Person 1:
What a terrifying matter! No one could've ever expected this to happen.
Person 2:
Definitely... After the disappearance of the Grand Hill leader, Commander Kid, and the destruction of Nimora Village, the situation has become unstable. The impact wasn't limited to his organization alone—it extended to affect the stability of the other three organizations as well.
Person 1:
Do you think Commander Kid... was killed?
Person 2 (in astonishment):
Are you kidding?! He's one of the four strongest fighters in the world!
Still, his disappearance remains a puzzling mystery that raises many questions.
Person 1:
"Puzzling"?!
Person 2:
Of course! His position remains vacant even now. The question on everyone's mind is: Will a new leader be appointed? Or will the seat remain empty? And if someone does succeed him, will it be one of his deputies, or is there another plan that has yet to be revealed?
Person 1:
Indeed... But I heard that "Shifo," the supreme commander of the G4 organization, has temporarily taken responsibility for the second organization until a decision is made regarding Kid.
Person 2:
Shifo? Ah... Hearing that brings some reassurance. But there's something that might shatter that feeling.
Person 1:
What is it?
Person 2:
Hibara.
Person 1 (in confusion):
What about him?
Person 2:
Hibara announced in an important statement that he will tighten entry and exit procedures for his organization, along with other measures...
But what's truly suspicious is his strange announcement that he will be absent from his position for a week, leaving all responsibilities to his deputy!
That last line... it raises doubts about a man who has never been touched...
In front of towering walls that gave off an impression of strength—more like a weapon for offense than merely a line of defense—Hydra stood before what he had been striving to reach.
He walked slowly toward the gate and noticed a queue—not too long, not too short. He felt a hint of nervousness, but he was certain he was on time, not late.
He took his place in line, and after only a few minutes, he reached the gate. There, he stood in awe at the magnificent engravings adorning it. His eyes sparkled with deep contemplation—until a sudden voice pierced his ears.
Gate Guard:
Next... Takahashi Hydra!
Hydra stepped forward toward the guard, holding in his right hand a license card the size of a playing card. The guard extended his hand, asking for the license, and Hydra complied, handing it over.
The guard examined it for a few moments, verifying the information, then nodded, granting him permission to pass.
The gate swung wide open, and as it did, Hydra's vision began to clear...
Two massive stone buildings in Victorian style stood before him, one set slightly ahead of the other. In front of them stretched a wide courtyard, at the center of which stood a fountain crowned with a stone statue of four individuals.
In that vast courtyard, he saw many people of all kinds—one was flirting with a girl, another was cleaning his gear, and a third appeared visibly anxious...
But amidst it all, Hydra noticed that some of those present weren't joking around at all.
He continued walking, taking in the details of the courtyard—until suddenly, he heard a low sound gradually rising.
He paused for a moment, then turned to see...
Hydra:
Yuji?!
Yuji:
Hydra! How are you?
A look of astonishment mixed with joy spread across Hydra's face.
Hydra:
I'm fine, but... why? I mean, how did you get here?
Yuji:
Ah, it's a long story—I'll tell you later. But tell me, why were you late? I thought you'd be the first to arrive.
Hydra:
Well... that's because I oversle—
They were interrupted by loudspeakers, calling on everyone to proceed to the main hall within five minutes. As the announcement ended, its echo gradually fading, Hydra looked at Yuji.
Hydra:
Alright, let's postpone this conversation for later... We should go before we're late.
The two headed toward the gathering point. As they walked, they suddenly felt a massive aura radiating from the right.
They turned in surprise—and saw a man sitting under a canopy, his face covered with a damp white cloth.
At that moment, both of them realized the identity of the man sitting there.
Hydra:
Isn't that Commander Haro?
Yuji:
I think so... He looks like the security officer here. Since I arrived, I've noticed many surveillance points similar to the ones he's sitting at. I believe they're spread out to secure the area.
As Yuji delved into his analysis, he noticed Hydra staring at him with a look he knew all too well... A look that said: "Not now, Yuji."
Yuji smiled.
Yuji:
Alright, I know you hate this... Let's continue.
The two entered the hall, weaving through the seated crowd until they found their names written on two reserved chairs. They sat down, and as the sounds filled the hall, echoing and intertwining, a figure stepped onto the right side of the stage with steady steps, his right foot leading the left. The moment the eyes of the attendees caught sight of his feet, a silence enveloped the room... A tense stillness, awaiting what he would say and what he would bring with him.
The man finally appeared, and everyone immediately recognized him... He was one of the leaders. It was Kiro Kurosaki.
The expressions of the attendees began to form. Most seemed puzzled, as if they had been expecting someone else to appear for this occasion.
Kiro Kurosaki:
The recent events have been dire, and of course, they have affected global stability, not just the Grand Hill organization. Therefore... this year's tests will be different.
He paused for a moment, then added in a cold voice.
Kiro:
We are not like those lazy fools... Therefore, it is expected that the newcomers will participate in missions early on. So, don't underestimate this. Because if you do... you will die.
His words were relatively normal until the last line. At that point, a sense of questioning and tension filled the hall. For some of the attendees, this was just an initiation test for joining the organization, not a test for survival.
Some thought his words were an exaggeration... while others didn't care, as they were expecting the worst.
Kiro broke the charged atmosphere with a sharp statement.
Kiro Kurosaki:
Now... prepare yourselves. Because in just a few minutes, the first test will be announced.
Kiro exited the hall, leaving behind a growing buzz of chatter, whispers, debates, and endless questions. Soon enough, some began mocking, reacting defensively to the way the commander had announced the test, sensing an indirect threat in the tone of his voice.
Random person (mocking):
Why all the drama? Isn't this just a test? Not everyone is like you... pampered by their mothers!
The hall erupted in laughter, as if the pressure had broken all at once. But among the seated, there were some who stared at the speaker in shock, bewildered by their audacity—or perhaps their foolishness.
Amidst the chaos, there were others who didn't join in the mockery... They were lost in deep concentration, their eyes not laughing, but searching for a thread that would guide them to what awaited them.
In a corner of the hall, away from the laughter and comments, stood a person with sharp features, watching in silence. He muttered to himself.
Kazuo (quietly):
What fools they are...
Outside, Kiro walked down a long corridor, his steps steady, neither hurried nor slow, until he reached a metal door with a small sign above it that read: "Surveillance Room."
He knocked once... then opened the door and entered.
Inside, two people were waiting for him.
Kiro:
Hana, Misterss... How long have you been here?
Hana:
Since you told them they'd die. Isn't that an exaggeration?
Kiro:
Exaggeration? Certainly not. It's just a reminder... and in the end, that's the truth. Isn't that right, Misterss?
Kiro turned his gaze toward the mysterious masked figure, Misterss, directing his question directly at him. But Misterss did not answer... He remained silent.
Kiro:
Does this silence mean you agree with me? ... Anyway, it doesn't change the truth of what I said.
Kiro's gaze intensified as he looked at Misterss, as if there was something deeper between them than just a simple disagreement. But Misterss completely ignored those intense looks. He wasn't interested in a debate that wouldn't change anything, at least not in his eyes.
However, in Kiro's eyes... there was a different story. It was as if the one standing before him wasn't a colleague... but an old rival.
Hana intervened, sighing as she watched the tension rise in vain.
Hana:
Kiro... can you focus on the tests now? Let's set this discussion aside, at least for today.
At the same time, as the tension escalated in the surveillance room, a calm but meaningful conversation unfolded between Yuji and Hydra inside the hall.
Hydra:
Since there's not much time left... tell me, why are you here? And does your grandfather know about this?
Yuji:
As for the first question... I'm here because I want to be.
And for the second... yes, my grandfather knows.
His response seemed straightforward, but the way he spoke, and the slight pause between his sentences, concealed something. Though it was obvious, Hydra's nature didn't help him notice the evasion, or perhaps he simply chose to ignore it.
Hydra (calmly):
Well... that's somewhat comforting. Having people around you that you can trust is a good thing.
A faint smile appears on Yuji's face, mixed with a touch of irony.
Yuji:
And who told you that I'd trust you?
Both burst into laughter, a short laugh... but it was just a veneer. The laughter quickly fades, and silence takes over once again. Yuji gazes ahead before asking a question that will completely shift the tone of the conversation.
Yuji:
Don't you think our luck is a bit bad?
Hydra (surprised):
Why do you say that?
Yuji:
The recent incidents... of course.
Hydra falls silent for a moment, then responds with a calm tone, but one filled with determination.
Hydra (with a quiet intensity):
I know it was tragic, but... if we surrender to fear, we won't be able to move forward or face what's coming.
Besides, what happened... is the main reason I'm here.
I don't want the tragedy of the village to repeat.
His words were filled with courage and hope, but his eyes betrayed what he hadn't said. His expression began to harden, his features tightening, as if a suppressed anger was rising within him. When he mentioned "the village," it was as though something inside him had broken.
Yuji noticed the change in his demeanor and quickly tried to ease the tension.
Yuji:
I completely understand what you're saying, Hydra. And some of what you say might be true...
But the world we live in... doesn't always agree with you.
Hydra (with a firm resolve):
Maybe...
But this world won't change on its own.
I can't stand by and watch families torn apart just because some people have power and authority.
I won't accept a life wrapped in a false peace, one that crumbles at any moment... just because we pretended it was real.
And that's why... I'll do everything I can to change all of that.
His words were grand, heroic, full of hope.
But in the midst of it all... something was missing.
Something Hydra hadn't realized yet...
But he would, eventually, discover it on his journey ahead.
At that moment, the bells of the hall rang again, their deep sound reverberating off the walls with a mighty, echoing clang.
A silence fell, but it was not a silence of relief.
It was a silence thick with tension... and anxiety.
This time, it wasn't a surprise.
Everyone knew who would step up next, and everyone was on edge, wondering: what would the test be like?
Questions floated in the air, and whispers dissolved with the sound of Kiro's footsteps as he ascended the platform once more, his usual calm demeanor and unreadable gaze firmly in place.
Kiro:
"Ahem... Ahem... I will now announce the first test."
He paused for a moment. Eyes followed him in anticipation.
Kiro:
"Each of you will receive a small Eibo creature. After that, you will be placed inside the Shadow Forest... a forest specially prepared for this purpose."
Whispers began to sneak through the crowd again, but Kiro didn't give them a chance to get unsettled.
Kiro:
"The forest will be filled with Guro monsters. I don't know if you're familiar with them, but the Eibo creature you'll receive...
is extremely weak. It doesn't fight, doesn't flee, and sometimes, it doesn't even move."
Kiro smirked slightly before continuing:
"However, it has high nutritional value...
which makes it the favorite meal for the Guro monsters."
The whispers in the hall grew louder—some of the participants were starting to grasp the nature of the task.
Kiro:
"Add to that an important piece of information: Eibo monsters are extremely rare. Losing one doesn't just mean failing the test...
It might cost you dearly if you think about participating again."
The expressions of many participants shifted. They now realized... they wouldn't be fighting for themselves, but for something far weaker than them.
Kiro:
"Your task is simple...
Protect the Eibo creature until the end of the allotted time:
Three full days.
It starts today, at precisely 5:30 PM."
He paused for a moment, then finished in a serious tone:
"The only rule in this test... is that there are no rules."
Kiro:
"You'll be given the Eibo creatures and transported to the forest thirty minutes before the test begins."
He took a step back, raised his hand, and concluded:
"With that... the announcement is over."
Kiro left the room, leaving behind a growing buzz of whispers and excited discussions about the upcoming test.
Amid this noise, Kazuo sat in the corner of the room, leaning back, as lost in thought as usual.
He murmured softly to himself
Kazuo (whispering):
"Permanent disqualification? A high price for re-participation?... Is it really that dangerous?"
As he pondered, a girl with short black hair passed by him, her gaze worried, her steps hesitant, as if lost in a sea of voices.
Suddenly, Kazuo turned toward her, having spotted features he recognized.
Kazuo:
"Oh, it's you!"
The girl froze in shock, as if the words had come out of nowhere.
Kazuo (with sarcastic calmness):
"Aren't you the girl... trying to support your family? Your name was... Yuki, right?"
Yuki (with a trembling voice):
"Y... yes."
Kazuo stared at her for a few seconds without saying anything.
Then, without any further ado, he looked away and turned his back to continue walking, mumbling as though the encounter meant nothing to him:
Kazuo:
"Anyway... seems like there are some interesting people here."
He left her standing there, watching his retreating figure.
It was natural for her to feel angry at his condescending attitude or to feel insulted.
But she didn't.
Instead, for a reason she couldn't fully understand... she felt a sense of relief at his departure.
After fifteen minutes of break time, the participants were asked to head to the back of the second building, specifically to the equipment distribution point.
Everyone moved quickly, filled with curiosity and tension, until they reached a wide window with a large sign hanging above it that read in bold letters:
"Eibo Monsters Distribution."
One by one, they began receiving their creatures.
The surprise was evident on everyone's faces:
The Eibo Monsters weren't actual monsters, but rather small mythical creatures, no larger than a small cat in its prime age. They had four wings on each side — two delicate, transparent wings resembling those of a butterfly, and the other two more dense, resembling the wings of a small bat.
But what was even more astonishing was that these creatures weren't restrained. No cages. No collars. No chains.
This sparked a wave of questions.
Random person (excitedly):
"What the hell is this?! Isn't this thing going to escape?!"
Before the tension could rise further, a young man wearing white glasses and with short black hair stepped forward. His name was Ino.
Ino (with confidence):
"Don't worry. One of the Eibo's characteristics is that they have absolute loyalty to their owner.
When given a task, they carry it out without hesitation, which is why they were used in the past for delivering messages over long distances."
He paused for a moment, then continued with a more serious tone:
"But... maybe this is why you could lose your life."
His words passed over most of the crowd like an odd piece of information, or an exaggerated comment from someone obsessed with knowledge.
But for Yuji...
Ino's words were like a slap.
He stared at his small creature in his hands, his expression suddenly turning grim.
There was something in Ino's tone... something subtle, perhaps a veiled warning or a message that carried more than just "information."
While some felt slightly reassured by Ino's explanation, the unease still lingered.
A winged creature, unrestrained, in a life-or-death test?
There was something unsettling... something still hidden behind those wings.
Minutes later, a new call echoed, asking everyone to head to the outer courtyard.
The participants made their way there, gathering in front of the stone fountain, which made a faint sound of water amidst the silence, growing heavier as time passed.
Suddenly, a soldier in a formal uniform appeared, carrying a large metal container in his hands, walking towards everyone.
Soldier from Kiro's unit (in a firm tone):
"Line up in front of me. When it's your turn, draw a paper from this container.
Once everyone has drawn, you will return the papers to me."
No one knew what awaited them, but everyone complied with the orders.
The participants gathered in a straight line, beneath the rays of the sun which were beginning to dip towards the horizon, slipping behind the towering buildings and casting long shadows on their tense faces.
One by one, each of them reached into the container and drew a folded paper.
Some held it as if it were a hidden secret, while others hesitated to open it.
A few decided to peek inside.
A completely white page... with a single number in delicate black ink at its center.
Just a number. No name. No symbol. No instructions.
Everyone returned their papers to the soldier as they were instructed.
The soldier (in a louder voice):
"Now... line up in a straight line in front of the fountain."
Then, he silently withdrew, leaving the square behind him, as if it had been built to witness something extraordinary.
Yuji (with curiosity):
"What number did you get?"
Hydra (responding with a question):
"Why do you ask?"
Yuji (with a side smile):
"Just curious."
Hydra told him his number, and Yuji turned to the line, starting to compare... observe... calculate silently.
Signs of deduction began to form on his face, but he kept his conclusions to himself.
Everyone stood in their places, as they were instructed.
Time passed slowly, painfully so.
The silence that hung over the square was not comforting, but heavy, dense, almost pulsating.
Their faces said it all:
Tension,
Fear,
Excitement,
And a deadly disregard.
Each one standing before their fate... unknown and mysterious.
And suddenly...
A loud whistle sliced through the stillness!
It was like a slap to the face of silence...
In an instant, their eyes widened.
Amazement.
Panic.
But they weren't given time to process...
In the blink of an eye... they vanished.
Everyone disappeared.