As he stepped into the white light, the world spun around him in a dizzying vortex. The next thing he knew, Kuro was standing in the middle of a dense forest, the air heavy with the scent of pine.
A familiar voice echoed through the air, the same mechanical voice as before.
"You may ask one question" it said.
Kuro looked around, disorientated. The forest was thick and dark, the trees tall and imposing. There was no sign of any of the other participants. He was alone.
The voice interrupted his thoughts, the robotic tone making the situation all the more surreal.
"Ask your question" it repeated, an almost impatient tone to it.
Kuro took a moment to collect himself, his mind racing. The questions burned on his tongue, but one rose above the others, fueled by the confusion and solitude.
He looked around once more, almost expecting someone to jump out from the shadows, but the forest remained still, silent and waiting.
Finally, he took a steadying breath and asked his question, the words ringing out in the stillness.
"Where is my sister?"
There was a moment of silence, just the soft whispering of the trees as they swayed in the breeze. Then, the mechanical voice spoke again, its tone as emotionless as ever.
"Your sister is safe in the mortal realm" it replied, without any indication of sentiment or sympathy.
Kuro's heart sank. Safe was good, but knowing was torture. He needed more, needed reassurance that she was truly all right. he needed to return as soon as possible
He was about to ask another question, to demand more information, when the voice continued once more.
"One question only" it said, the robotic tone final and almost chiding.
Kuro bit back the protests on his tongue, his mind still filled with questions, still filled with worry. But he knew it was useless. The voice would answer no more.
He stood there for a moment, the silence of the forest wrapping around him like a heavy cloak. The weight of his situation settled around him, the reality that he was alone in this unknown world and that his sister was back home with no one to protect her.
Kuro took a deep breath, trying to push the worries about his sister aside for the moment. He needed to focus, to survey his surroundings and get his bearings.
The forest was dense, the trees towering in all directions. The air was cool and damp, filled with the scent of wood and earth. There was no sign of any other life, no birds or animals in sight. Only the soft whisper of the leaves could be heard.
He turned around slowly, making a full circle. The forest looked the same in every direction.
The lack of any recognizable landmarks was unnerving. Kuro had no idea where he was or where he was going. The silence felt oppressive, the feeling of being completely alone in an unknown place adding to his discomfort.
He looked up, trying to spot the sky through the thick canopy of leaves above, but all he could see were shadows. It was like he was trapped in a green-tinged twilight.
He pulled out one of the pistols that he got from the room, the cool metal offering a small sense of security. He checked the magazine quickly, the rhythmic click of the bullets providing a temporary distraction from the feeling of isolation.
Kuro examined the magazine of the pistol he was holding, spinning it in his hands. There was something different about it, though he couldn't quite place it at first.
As he continued inspecting the magazine, he suddenly realized what it was. The magazine felt heavier than usual, and the bullets inside didn't shift when he tilted the magazine.
Then, as if to confirm his suspicion, he pressed the release catch, and the magazine popped open, revealing an impossible sight.
The magazine was full. Again.
He stared at the full magazine, confusion and disbelief washing over him. It seemed impossible. The magazine should have been empty by now, but it was full again, the bullets glinting in the dim light of the forest.
Kuro checked the other magazine just to be sure. To his surprise, it was full too. It was as if the magazines were perpetually refilling.
well it was good for kuro.
The implications of this discovery began to sink in. An endless supply of ammunition... What did that mean? Were the powers that be watching him, making sure he had what he needed? Or was it something else entirely?
He pushed the thoughts aside for now, tucking the weapons back into his belt. He needed to stay focused on his surroundings.
He took a few steps forward, his boots making soft thuds against the forest floor. The forest remained eerily silent, only the occasional rustle of leaves breaking the stillness.
Kuro strained his ears, trying to hear any signs of life or movement. There was nothing. The only sound was his own breathing, harsh and loud in the quiet.
He continued walking, the pistol in his hand feeling awkward and unused. He didn't want to have to use it, but he knew in his heart that it was inevitable.
He tried to keep track of his steps, tried to keep going in straight line. It was almost futile. The trees looked all the same, the forest seemed endless and unyielding.
Kuro walked for what felt like hours, the trees slowly blurring into a monotonous procession. The forest seemed never-ending, the silence weighing on him like a physical force.
He was just beginning to despair when he heard it – the sound of rushing water. The trickling of a stream.
He stopped dead in his tracks, listening intently. Yes, that was definitely water. He made his way towards the sound, his heart beating faster.
The stream appeared ahead of him, the river narrow but deep. The water burbled and frothed as it passed, the fresh scent of water mixing with the earthy smell of the forest.
Kuro kneeled down by the river, cupping the cool water in his hands. He drank deeply, the water refreshing after hours of walking.
He looked around, scanning the river bank. There was nothing special about the place, just the stream and the dense forest on either side.
He considered his options. Water meant life, animals came here to drink. Maybe he could find food or even other participants.
Kuro walked along the river's edge, his eyes scanning the area for a suitable location. The sun was setting, the light fading fast, and he knew it wouldn't be long before it was dark.
Suddenly, he spotted a large boulder half-hidden by weeds and bushes. It was perfect - sheltered, flat, and easy to defend. This would be his home.
He hurried over to the boulder, shoving aside the greenery to make space. He climbed up the rock, settling into a comfortable position.
Just as he was about to relax, he heard a high-pitched bark behind him.
Kuro spun around, a gasp leaving his lips. Standing behind him was a creature like nothing he'd ever seen before.
The beast stood on four legs, its body a grotesque fusion of canine and feline features. It had the muscular haunches of a lion, the sharp claws of a panther, and the elongated snout of a wolf.
Its eyes glowed an unnatural green in the fading light, fixed upon Kuro with a predatory glare.
"shit"
Kuro fumbled for his weapons, his heart pounding in his chest as he looked at the creature. It was large, probably twice the size of a dog, and its teeth gleamed in the fading light, looking sharp and deadly.
The creature took a step forward, its haunches bunching. It let out a low growl, the sound sending chills up Kuro's spine.