Part 1: Project Zero
Project Zero is an organization made up of the most envious, jealous, and resentful people in the entire universe. Its aim is simple but brutal: to eradicate heroes from the planet. Killing a hero is the first step to being accepted, but killing a fellow member? That gets you on the blacklist. Too bad I can't tell them what happened.
Each participant in Project Zero is assigned a rank based on the hero they've killed. Every city has a protagonist, each country has its own, and every continent has its central protagonist. But there is only one who represents the entire world—the **Arcane Protagonist**. Low-ranking heroes, the local ones, don't have much influence outside their own territories.
"I wonder who the protagonist of this world is," Kaito thought to himself as he stared out the window. After killing Sato, he had managed to track down the recruitment site for Project Zero. It was in Zelos Stadium, located in Arcania, a city with a fitting name. Zelos was the Greek god of dedication, eager rivalry, envy, and zeal—perfect for what was about to unfold.
A plane was scheduled to pick Kaito up at the airport in just a few hours.
***
"Welcome, welcome! We're happy to see that today's contenders are mostly young," the mediator's voice echoed through the stadium's speakers. "For those coming to register, please sit in the chairs marked with a red cross. Everyone else, enjoy the show!"
A few hours passed, and the crowd grew restless.
"Now that everyone is here, let's begin the registration process. You'll see four lines, each marked with a different emblem—a lotus, a gem, a blue flaming bird, and a black scythe. Pick whichever line calls to you," the mediator announced.
"Oh, and one more thing," the mediator added with a grin. "Your overall number is 468. Each line can only accept 87 contenders. The remaining 120 of you? Well, you'll be executed. Can't have anyone leaking our secrets, after all. So, run if you want to live! But don't pray for survival—your skills are all that will save you."
"1… 2… 3… GO!" the mediator screamed.
Chaos erupted as contenders leaped from their seats, only to find themselves chained to their chairs. Panic spread quickly.
"We can't move!" screamed several contestants.
Then someone shouted, "It's Qi! The secret is Qi!"
More and more people unlocked their chains by channeling their inner Qi, and soon, the lines were filled. Those left behind, still bound to their seats, were dragged to the front and forced to kneel in a straight line.
Part 2: The Execution
A hooded executioner appeared, slowly walking down the line of kneeling contestants.
"Poor souls," he said softly, resting a hand on the first person's shoulder. "May your spirit find peace. What are your last words?"
"Please... spare me," the contestant sobbed.
"I'm sorry," the executioner replied, his voice shaking as a tear slid down his cheek, "but I can't." With one swift motion, the sword fell, and the first head rolled to the ground.
The execution continued until only one contestant remained.
"There's a problem," the executioner said, scanning the line. "I've only killed 119. Where's the last one?"
"THERE!" someone from the audience shouted. "He's still chained to his chair!"
The executioner vanished, reappearing in front of Kaito in a split second. His sharp eyes narrowed. "Who are you, little bird?" he asked.
"Kaito. And who are you?" Kaito responded, unfazed.
"My name is Shi," the executioner said, studying him closely. "Something's off about you, young boy. You watched me kill 119 people, and yet... there's no fear in your eyes. Why aren't you afraid?"
Kaito smirked. "Because I know I'm not dying today."
Shi's interest piqued. "And how's that?"
"I watched you carefully," Kaito said. "That little act where you cried while killing? There was no real emotion behind it. You enjoyed it. Your eyes give it away—you're just like me. You crave entertainment. And I can give you that."
Shi's grin widened. "You're an interesting one, little bird. What's your proposal?"
"I challenge you to a fight," Kaito said. "If I win, you let me live and continue the trials. If I lose, well… you can kill me."
Shi laughed, an eerie sound that echoed through the stadium. "And what's in it for me?"
"An interesting time. Or, you could kill me now, but you won't get the satisfaction of seeing me cower in fear," Kaito said confidently.
"You've got a deal," Shi said, excitement flashing in his eyes. "Let's see if you can live up to your words."
"First, you'll need to let me out of this chair," Kaito added.
With one powerful blow, Shi shattered the chains binding Kaito.
"Hope you know what you're doing," Shi said, drawing his sword. "I'm going to wipe that smile off your face and drown you in fear. My blade's thirsty—let's see if you can quench it."
Part 3: The Duel
"Are you ready?" the mediator's voice boomed. "And now, the match between Master Swordsman Shi and Kaito, the wannabe member of Project Zero! Let's begin!"
Kaito and Shi squared off, both determined to win. Kaito was quick and agile, but Shi was experienced and far stronger.
Shi made the first move, lunging forward with his sword. Kaito dodged and countered with a strike from his dagger, but Shi evaded the attack, barely missing the blade. The two exchanged blow after blow, each searching for an opening.
Kaito's hands started to numb with every impact. The gap in their power was becoming painfully clear. Kaito had spent years mastering martial arts, but Shi was on a different level—he was a monster.
Shi lunged again, his sword aimed at Kaito's chest. Kaito dodged, using Shi's momentum against him. He grabbed Shi's arm and twisted, forcing him to drop his sword. Kaito seized the opportunity, attacking with his dagger, aiming for Shi's arm. Shi dodged, but Kaito was relentless, continuing his assault.
For a moment, Shi was on the defensive, trying to avoid Kaito's quick strikes. Kaito, though smaller and less powerful, was determined to find a weakness.
And then, it happened. Shi left himself open for just a second. Kaito lunged with his dagger, aiming for Shi's chest. The blade connected but only left a scratch. Shi staggered, feeling dizzy, and collapsed to the ground.
Kaito had won.
"No! Impossible! That kid cheated! Master Shi didn't lose!" someone from the audience shouted.
Kaito stood tall and addressed the crowd, his voice unwavering. "In a world full of villains, there's no room for a kind heart."
The stadium erupted in boos and insults.
"You're trash! You're not a real warrior!" the audience screamed.
Kaito smirked. "Call me what you want. This is just the beginning."
He walked away, his grin unshaken as the crowd's rage filled the air.
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