If you were to walk into a large institution,
you would expect it to be bustling with activity and filled with the vibrant energy of students. Yet, as Kaen stepped into this place, he was met with an almost eerie silence. The sprawling campus was nearly deserted, with only a handful of people scattered throughout, their presence hardly enough to break the stillness.
"So, this is what you wanted to show me?" Kaen remarked, turning to Darius, who stood beside him. He couldn't suppress the disappointment that washed over him as he surveyed the empty halls of the institution.
"Ahem, well, it seems we're still in the midst of summer vacation," Darius offered, his tone light as he attempted to brush off the situation. Internally, he chuckled awkwardly, knowing the truth that lay behind the institution's desolate atmosphere.
The reality was far grimmer: the institution had suffered a significant drop in enrollment due to the high mortality rate associated with hunting shadow beasts. Many students simply lacked the potential to wield Manu, the very power required to confront these terrifying creatures.
"Come on, the entrance exam is held in that large building over there," Darius said, gesturing toward a massive structure that loomed in the distance.
With a mix of anticipation and trepidation, Kaen followed Darius across the campus until they reached the imposing edifice.
"Is this an arena?" Kaen asked, taking in the impressive architecture that suggested a space meant for competition.
"Yes, indeed. This is the testing grounds where your abilities will be evaluated to determine if you can join the institution," Darius explained, his voice filled with a sense of pride.
At Darius's words, a wave of anxiety surged through Kaen. He had come here with hopes of proving himself, yet the thought of failure made his stomach churn.
"Don't embarrass me, kid! I'll be rooting for you," Darius said playfully, giving Kaen a supportive shove toward the entrance of the grand building.
"Hey, don't push—" Kaen started to protest, but Darius had already vanished, leaving him standing alone at the threshold.
"That guy!," Kaen muttered under his breath, feeling a mix of irritation and apprehension. He looked around the interior of the arena, quickly noticing that he wasn't alone. Three other candidates awaited the exam: two girls and one boy, all of whom seemed just as tense as he felt.
Suddenly, a voice crackled over a speaker, cutting through the silence.
[Is this thing on? Ah, kids, the exam is about to start, so prepare yourselves. Good luck out there!~]
Kaen recognized that unmistakable tone. It was unmistakably Darius, his mentor, and benefactor. A mix of annoyance and determination settled within him. Despite the stakes, he wanted to perform well, not only for himself but also to ensure he wouldn't let down the one who was his benefactor would he