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Standing tall on the mountain, breathing in the fresh air of the morning, the team leader spoke into his wireless earpiece: "Master, we've reached the students' location, provided by Spy Alpha 7pr's intel."
The Master's voice crackled through the earpiece, calm and collected. "Affirmative. Capture the students alive, using the data provided. Eliminate their Homeroom teachers, but spare the other students' lives." He paused, his tone turning introspective. "I want to instill a fear that will awaken them to the harsh realities of the world. A fear that will make them realize, 'The world is not a playground, but a battlefield, and only the strongest will survive.'"
As the Master spoke, the team leader swiped through the students' photos and data on his device, his eyes scanning their faces and profiles with a calculating gaze. He nodded to himself, his mind processing the mission details. He then nodded to his team, and they began to move out, ready to execute their mission.
___________
Ryo moved to the nearby river, drawn by the soothing sound of flowing water in the forest. They were supposed to run a mile and return to their destination, but he knew he could cover the distance in minutes thanks to his speed. However, leaving his partner Olivia behind was against the rules. Reaching the river's edge, he saw the water was clean enough to drink. He squatted down, cupping his hands to take a sip.
As he touched the warm water, it suddenly turned red, shocking Ryo. He stood up quickly, staring at his now-bloody hands. "Is that blood?" he wondered aloud, his mind racing.
On the other side of the river, a brown grizzly bear appeared, deep scars marring its body. "Who could have done that?" Ryo thought. "None of my mates would fight back against a bear. Or maybe someone stupid enough would." Ivan's face flashed in his memory.
Ryo cleaned his hands with a tissue, removing the blood. He decided to head back and wait for Olivia. As he turned, he heard a whisper from behind, "Where are you going?"
Turning back to the river, Ryo saw a dark figure. The person's body was entirely black, with the faint outline of a black hoodie. To Ryo's surprise, the figure had no shadow. The figure's presence was unsettling, its form barely distinguishable from the surrounding darkness.
None of my mates use shadow powers, and Mr. Lyrius said there was no one else in the forest. Our location was confidential, a secret. So where does he really come from, he thought. The figure kept staring at him. Well, if it meant any harm, it would have attacked me anyway, but it keeps staring at me.
As Ryo turned to leave the river, he heard the figure whisper, "Ryo Nakamura, running from fear?"
Ryo clenched his fists and turned back. "Who are you?" he demanded. The shadow remained silent, still staring. "What the hell? Talk! Are you scared? I heard you talking when I was leaving. It seems I'm the one you fear."
The shadow continued its silent gaze.
"Tch, waste of my time. It's like I'm an idiot talking to a dummy," Ryo muttered. To his surprise, the shadow darted into the forest, dodging every tree with incredible speed. Ryo's jaw dropped. He's very fast and skilled. Should I follow him or go back? Ryo asked himself. No, if I run away, it will make me the coward.
Ryo stretched his body, feeling a thrill of excitement. He dashed through the forest, crossing the river with ease and dodging trees at high speed. He ran a few kilometers until he reached a plain area, a grassy circle within the forest. He slowed down, his fists clenched.
"I thought you wouldn't come, thinking you were scared," a voice taunted. Ryo scanned the area but couldn't see anyone. He cleared his throat.
"Fear is not a weakness, but a reminder of the stakes. Only those who embrace their fears can truly understand the value of courage."
The shadow emerged from the forest, now clearly visible. "I really like that," the shadow replied.
"Who are you and what do you want?" Ryo asked, his voice steady.
"I am Shadow Demon, and we are here for you and your friends," the shadow said.
Ryo assumed a defensive stance. "What do you want from us? Tell me!" he shouted, anger rising.
The shadow moved closer and stopped, scratching its head. "Well, we want to use you children for the new era, the new force of the world. A wonderful revolution to bring true peace. Welcome to the Sinners Liberty Army."
"What? Sinners? Do you think I will be a sinner?" Ryo burst into laughter. "I despise you people. You are the true destruction of humanity. I would rather die than fight for evil," Ryo's voice raised in defiance.
"I wasn't asking for your opinion. I never ask politely, but by force," the shadow whispered, an evil smile spreading.
"No problem," Ryo said, shifting into a fighting stance. "I knew this would happen."
The shadow lunged, his eyes fixed on Ryo. "[Shadow Weaponization]," he intoned, forming an axe from his darkness. The shadow moved slowly, but Ryo dodged the attack.
If I hadn't dodged, he would have killed me. Why does he want to kill me if he needs me? This man is a psycho.
"Wow, you are faster than I expected," the shadow said, smiling. "It's been a long time since I danced, so my senses have become dull. I want to awaken them again." The axe disappeared, replaced by two daggers in his hands. "Come on, let's have some fun," he said, his smile widening as he dashed towards Ryo.
Ryo ran at full speed, using his instincts to dodge the daggers thrown at him. They landed on the ground and pierced trees. What should I do? I need to think. Should I lead him to Mr. Lyrius? No, that would be cowardly.
"I'm the class rep, and I can't be weak," he muttered. "If I send him to Mr. Lyrius, he might kill him. He said, 'We want to use you children for the new era.' He must not be alone. I have to fight him."
Ryo changed direction, heading towards the lake. His super speed created a vortex of air around him, allowing him to run on water without sinking. He stood on the lake, ready.
The shadow walked on the water surprising Ryo. "Very funny. You think you'll have the upper hand fighting me on the lake?" he said, smiling evilly. Do you want to know a secret.
Ryo raised an eyebrow. "What is it?" he
asked.
"I'm contracted with an S-rank speed
demon; the shadow replied.