After a grueling training session with Kaito, Taizen finally returned home, the familiar surroundings offering him a moment of comfort before the exam. As he stepped through the door, the aroma of his mother's cooking wafted through the air, but his thoughts were consumed by the impending challenge.
His older brother Malo leaned against the wall, arms crossed, a knowing smirk on his face. "Look who finally decided to show up. Are you ready to embarrass yourself, Taizen?"
Taizen's jaw tightened at the jab. "I'm not going to lose. You may have finished first last year, but this time is different."
Malo chuckled, his eyes narrowing. "Different how? You think a single sparring session with Kaito is enough to make a difference? You're still the same little brother trying to fill my shoes."
Taizen shot back, "Just because you think you're the best doesn't mean you are. I've trained harder than you know."
"Harder? Or just differently? They're not just looking for brute strength. You'll need to be cunning and ruthless, and I doubt you have that in you." Malo stepped closer, his demeanor shifting from teasing to threatening. "Don't think for a second that I'm going to let you take my place in this family. I'll prove I'm the better Silver."
Taizen felt a surge of defiance rise within him. "You're not invincible, Malo. Just because you had one good year doesn't mean you'll always be on top. This time, I'll show everyone that I'm more than just another Silver."
Malo's expression hardened, his voice low. "We'll see, Taizen. Don't be surprised when you never reach my level, just like all the others who thought they could." With that, he turned away, leaving Taizen simmering with anger and determination.
Taking a deep breath, Taizen went to his room to prepare. He donned his black combat gear, each piece a reminder of the legacy he was trying to uphold. As he adjusted his gear, he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror, steeling his resolve.
Downstairs, his mother called out to him, "Taizen! Are you ready?"
He nodded, though uncertainty flickered beneath his confidence. As he approached the door, his mother wrapped her arms around him, pulling him into a tight embrace. "Make us proud, Taizen. You've trained hard for this day."
"Thanks, Mom. I will," he replied, feeling her warmth and support bolstering his courage.
His father stepped forward, placing a steady hand on his shoulder. "You're a Silver, and Silvers never give up. Remember that."
Taizen inhaled deeply, the weight of his family's expectations settling in his chest. This was it—the moment he'd been waiting for. With adrenaline coursing through his veins, he stepped outside, the exam gates looming before him.
The sounds of blades clashing and distant cries filled the air, a reminder of the brutal tests that awaited him. As he approached the gates, a gruff voice called out, "Name?"
"Taizen Silver," he replied, his voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions inside.
The guard sneered, sizing him up. "Hmph. Another Silver. We'll see if you're worth anything."
Taizen's heart pounded as he pushed past the gate, eyes scanning the arena for threats. Candidates were sitting around the test centre, their faces twisted in both determination and fear. This was his moment, his chance to prove he was more than just another member of the Silver family. He had trained his whole life for this, and he was determined not to let his family down.
The exam center stood as an imposing structure at the edge of the secluded forest, its high walls made of dark stone that seemed to absorb the surrounding light. Massive wooden doors, reinforced with iron, swung open to reveal a spacious courtyard filled with hopeful candidates. The atmosphere was tense with anticipation; a sea of faces reflected determination mixed with apprehension. Applicants shuffled nervously, some whispering strategies, while others focused inward, preparing themselves mentally for the challenges ahead.
As the candidates gathered, a tall, slender man stepped onto the stage at the front of the courtyard. His sharp features were accentuated by the dim light, and his piercing gaze scanned the crowd. Dressed in a sleek black suit that clung to his wiry frame, he projected an air of authority.
"Welcome, applicants, to the entrance exam of the Assassin Organization," he began, his voice resonating through the courtyard. "Today, you will embark on a journey that will test not only your skills but also your resolve and moral compass. Only the strongest will emerge from this trial."
He paused, allowing the gravity of his words to settle in. "This exam consists of three parts: a written exam, a team combat exam, and finally, a hand-to-hand combat assessment. At the end of each stage, you will be ranked, and only the top fifteen candidates will pass. Those who fail will be dismissed without ceremony."
A murmur of concern rippled through the crowd. Taizen felt a knot tighten in his stomach; he was well aware that the odds were stacked against him.
The man continued, "Your journey begins with the written exam. Here, you will confront ethical dilemmas designed to push the boundaries of your beliefs and judgment. Do not underestimate this portion; many have faltered here, unable to reconcile their choices with the harsh realities of our world."
As the speech concluded, the candidates were ushered into the exam hall, a dimly lit room with long wooden tables set in neat rows. The air was thick with tension, and the faint smell of ink lingered. Taizen took a seat, his heart racing as he eyed the blank sheet of paper in front of him.
The proctor instructed, "You have one hour to complete the exam. Begin."
The written exam was meticulously crafted to test the limits of each applicant's knowledge and critical thinking abilities, as well as their moral compass. The questions ranged from straightforward multiple-choice to complex ethical dilemmas designed to lead the applicants down dark paths.
As Taizen worked through the exam, he encountered a particularly gruesome scenario that sent a chill down his spine:
"You are given the choice to save a group of innocent civilians or complete your mission by assassinating a high-value target. Prioritize killing the target at the expense of the civilians. What do you choose?"
The starkness of the question made his hands tremble slightly as he thought of the lives that could be lost. He knew the organization's mantra prioritized mission completion above all else, but the weight of the lives at stake pressed heavily on him. He took a deep breath, knowing he had to follow the organization's ruthless guidelines, yet it felt like a betrayal of his own values.
Then came another moral dilemma:
"You are tasked with eliminating a corrupt politician who has embezzled government funds. However, you discover that this politician has been funneling money into a local orphanage on the brink of closure. Should you prioritize your mission or allow the politician to live to save the orphanage?"
Taizen's heart sank at the thought of the children suffering due to his actions. Torn between duty and justice, he struggled to find clarity. He could almost hear Kaito's voice in his head: "You need to be ruthless, Taizen. This isn't just about right and wrong."
Despite the weight of the scenarios, Taizen found a grim familiarity in the questions. He had heard countless stories from his brothers about their missions and the choices they had to make, navigating a world where morality often blurred. With a newfound determination, he quickly wrote his responses, wrestling with his conscience while trying to adhere to the expectations set by the organization.
He finished the exam with time to spare, his heart pounding in his chest. Submitting his answers felt like an act of defiance, a silent vow that he would prove himself worthy of being a Silver. As he handed in his paper, Taizen glanced around the room, taking in the anxious faces of his fellow candidates. This was only the beginning, and he was ready for whatever lay ahead.