Kuro's heart pounded in his chest as the metallic voice reverberated through the room, heralding the imminent Beyonder Test. The rules were laid out plainly, leaving no room for ambiguity.
"Fail, and face demise," Kuro whispered to himself, the words sending a shiver down his spine. He scanned the room, observing the other participants, some seemingly composed, while others appeared apprehensive.
Regardless of the nonchalant demeanor of the others, Kuro couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. He didn't comprehend the nature of the test, but the certainty of his mortality weighed heavily on him.
As his memories slowly resurfaced, a sense of calm washed over Kuro. "I hope Akio isn't here," he murmured, casting a glance around the room in search of his sister.
The room was engulfed in a tense silence, every individual awaiting the proclamation of the next rule.
The prevailing tension was palpable as the participants anxiously anticipated the next directive. Kuro's thoughts swirled with disquiet and urgency, his mind racing for any possible clue about the impending trial.
The mechanical voice echoed once more, piercing the silence.
"The next rule," the monotonous tone pronounced, "Each participant may select one grade beyonder weapon. This will be your means to survive the Beyonder Test."
The room erupted into a flurry of murmurs and whispers. Some participants exhibited excitement as they debated which weapon to choose, while others wore expressions of nervousness as they assessed their chances of survival.
Kuro felt the gravity of the decision weighing upon him. Unfamiliar with beyond weapons, his mind cleared as he became calmer, realizing the significance of his weapon choice for survival.
"A grade 0..." a participant exclaimed, with a gaze darting around the room. "A grade 0 weapon in the beyond — are we being thrown into a slaughter?"
Another voice chimed in, "It's better than entering empty-handed."
Kuro silently nodded in agreement. Possessing a weapon, no matter its grade would undeniably provide an advantage.
The room resonated with a unanimous agreement as the participants deliberated amongst themselves, contemplating their options.
"But which weapon should we pick?"
"Should we opt for something powerful or subtle?"
"What if we end up with something useless?"
"What if everyone gets the best weapons first?"
The subdued murmurs evolved into fervent debates as each participant voiced their opinions. Chaos seemed imminent until the mechanical voice interjected once more.
"Silence!" it commanded, with an authoritative and stern tone.
Instantly, the room fell silent, every individual fixating their attention back on the resounding voice.
"There is one more rule," the voice resonated throughout the room, exuding a solemn tone.
Kuro felt a lump form in his throat. The next rule held significant implications.
The room remained eerily quiet as the voice proceeded.
"The Beyonder Test will be evaluated based on a point system," the announcement declared. "Each participant starts with zero points."
The participants exchanged glances, eagerly anticipating how points could be earned.
"You can accrue points in two ways," the monotone voice elucidated.
"Firstly, by exterminating spirits; secondly, by fulfilling various missions orchestrated by the clan heads."
Confusion and anticipation filled the room. What sort of missions would these be?
"Secondly," the voice abruptly shifted in tone, "you can also earn points by eliminating other participants."
The room fell silent, absorbing the revelation of how points were obtained.
"Exterminating spirits will grant varying points based on the spirit," the voice echoed.
"Completing the missions will yield 25 points, and... eliminating other participants will grant you all of their points."
The participants exchanged apprehensive glances as they internalized the information. It dawned upon them that the clan heads were truly pitting them against each other until the end.
The room once again lapsed into silence, as the robotic voice continued.
"Fifty points are needed to qualify," it declared, its tone unyielding.
Gasps and murmurs filled the room. Fifty points! It seemed like a daunting figure.
The participants regarded each other, cognizant of the gravity of the task at hand. Kuro's apprehension deepened, enveloping him in a sense of dread.
A hush descended once more, and the voice resumed speaking.
"Finally," it intoned, "the test will persist for 6 months in the beyond."
Kuro felt a chill run down his spine, his thoughts racing with the implications. What about his sister? She couldn't survive without him for 6 months! He needed to qualify as fast as possible.
The robotic voice then uttered its final decree.
"Exit the room one by one, may fate be in your favor, whether it be life or death."
And with that, the voice ceased, leaving the room in stunned silence. The participants exchanged incredulous looks, as the gravity of their situation dawned upon them.
Before anyone could react, a tall brunette, radiating confidence, stepped forward.
His clothing screamed wealth and authority. Fine, silken material for his shirt, trousers of the finest cut, and a cloak made of expensive fabric draped over his shoulder with casual elegance. Gold and silver adorned his fingers and wrists, further highlighting his high status.
The second, a petite yet striking young woman, left the room next. Her delicate features and sharp gaze gave her an air of confidence.
Though her clothing was simpler than the brunette's, it was still clearly made from expensive materials, a soft, silk dress in a color that brought the blue out in her eyes.
A third participant, a kid who seemed younger than Kuro with a stocky build, left behind the woman. His face was set in a stern expression, and his clothing, while not as grand as the brunet's, was still of high quality and marked him as someone of importance.
Another participant left next - a wiry young man with sharp features and a smirk that seemed permanently etched onto his face. His clothing was more pragmatic, a rough leather jacket and trousers, but the quality of the materials and the way they fit him made it clear that he had money to spare. He swaggered out of the room like he owned the place.
As the participants slowly began to trickle out, Kuro felt his heart thudding in his ears. He was one of the last few left in the room. He took a deep breath to steady himself before finally stepping forward.
His thoughts were tangled, a mess of fear, determination, and confusion. His mind flicked to his sister, back in the world, alone and unprotected. He pushed the thoughts back, his focus had to be survival.
Finally, he found himself in front of the display of weapons. He looked at them, each one potentially the difference between life and death.
The array of weapons on display was like a museum of death. Kuro's gaze flicked over each one as his thoughts raced.
A silver dagger, its blade gleamed under the artificial light.
A gleaming long sword, etched with intricate designs.
A set of twin pistols, their dark metal bodies sleek and deadly.
An ornate scythe, its blade sharp and glinting.
A heavy axe, its edge honed to a keen sharpness.
The twin pistols drew Kuro's attention immediately. They were small and lightweight, yet filled with a deadliness that was impossible to ignore. He reached out and felt their smooth metal surface, running his fingers over the designs etched into them.
His mind worked quickly, the decision made before he was even consciously aware of it. He took a deep breath and took the pistols. The weight in his hands felt comfortable as if they were made for him.
Kuro took a deep breath as he held the pistols tightly. The weight in his hands felt reassuring, a lifeline in this world of uncertainty. He looked around the empty room one last time, the silence deafening.