How long do you plan to let this continue?" a man asked, voice raw with anxiety. "We're losing everything we've worked for, everything that made us strong. We need to focus—if we keep letting time slip away, our training becomes meaningless. How can someone just disappear under our eyes?"
The group inside the tent fell silent. The sense of shame was suffocating. "We are the most powerful people in the camp, the elite of the second term—how did someone get kidnapped right out of our defenses? It's unthinkable," another whispered, head bowed in defeat.
A heavy cloud hung in the room, making the darkness almost palpable. The hooded figures around the table barely moved as Elder Max tried to gather his thoughts. Three days had passed since the mysterious disappearance. There was no trace, no clue, nothing but regret and fear. It gnawed at the hearts of everyone gathered. How could they possibly justify this to the higher authorities waiting for answers? "What will we tell them—that someone vanished from amongst us?" Max muttered, uncertainty clear in his voice. Eyes glimmered in the gloom, emotions dancing between anger, worry, and despair.
Outside, the tension between Heavenly Clan and Demon Clan remained unresolved. Neither spoke nor dared to mingle. This was the third day since the incident—the third day without progress or meaningful training. Everyone was exhausted, both mentally and physically. Even the beautiful scenery surrounding the camp couldn't excite them now; the thrill had faded away, replaced by dread. The rhythm of disappointment had ground everyone down.
Among the crowd, Meena was in unusually high spirits. The faint hope of possibly returning home glowed in her heart, enough to keep her afloat amid the uncertainty. Yet beneath her smile, she carried the fear that she might never see her real world again. She was a human hiding amongst demons, constantly worried that her secret could be exposed. That hope, though small, was all she had. A few old books might contain the secrets she needed—she clung to that possibility.
Soon, all students assembled at the training grounds. Conversation had died days ago; now everyone was simply silent, lost in their own thoughts. Fatigue etched deep lines on every face, with little hope left for anything new. The nine elders stepped from their tents, their presence both comforting and intimidating. One, a man in dark robes, introduced himself with a commanding tone, "I am Noven, elder of the Demon Clan."
"Good morning, everyone. We are shifting approach. Today, true training begins. In the first phase, you must concentrate on your inner core—build power through meditation and focus. Both clans must work together. The situation is difficult, but our unity is our strength. Respect each other."
The elders prepared for group work. "Stand in straight lines. We will divide you into ten groups. You may choose your allies; do not delegate your duties or disrespect fellow students or elders. Fifty minutes to make your group choices." With this, the elders withdrew.
The students began discussing among themselves, weighing their options for alliances. For Meena, the confusion was overwhelming. She did not know the other students, barely recognized anyone's name or face. Her big brown eyes shimmered with uncertainty and loneliness—a sense of being apart from others, somehow not truly belonging.
Elsewhere, Mammon consulted his brothers about forming a strong team. "We're eight, but need two more. Any suggestions?" he asked. All heads turned to consider the possibilities. A Bleezub separated himself from the group and began wandering through the crowd, searching for someone who might make a perfect fit. He made his way to the edge of the field but, upon seeing something that made him sad, turned away and disappeared into the crowd, too ashamed to approach.
Mammon noticed this. "What happened?" he asked as the Bleezub returned.
"Nothing. I think those two already joined another group," was the quiet reply. Mammon nodded, but the disappointment hung in the air.
Meanwhile, Meena was lost in thought when Necoluse approached. His blue eyes sparkled with warmth. "Hi Meena," he said.
"Sorry, I was just thinking," Meena replied, clearly distracted.
Necoluse smiled gently. "Would you like to join our group?"
Meena's nervousness melted into relief. "Yes, I'd love to." Feeling accepted, she relaxed, able for the first time to genuinely smile.
As final group choices settled, the elders returned. "You have formed your groups. Now, let's begin the test. Do your best."