The next day, Michael entered one of the largest and most prestigious stadiums known to them, feeling a mix of happiness, disbelief, and hope for his future. He saw masses of students in their different school uniforms from their respective schools and others in normal clothing.
"What else did you expect, Michael?"
Michael grinned nervously, yet there was a hint of thrill in his expression.
Just then, an announcement began, and the crowd stopped entering the open-air stadium.
"Alright, welcome, dear students. I'm happy to see that you all accepted the invitation," said Takihi, a grin spreading across his face.
"Takihi Yugi, huh?!" Michael thought, staring at the man on the projector screen, with blue pupils and clear glasses.
Takihi was a well-known figure throughout the academic systemic world, especially within its prestigious private sector of the government noble University.
"Anyway, that's aside. I'm Takihi Yugi! Nice to meet you all," Takihi continued. "Though, I'm sure you all know who I am," he chuckled.
Michael watched him closely, having never met him in person before.
"I'm sure you all have a general idea of what this project is about from your letter of invitation. We're only looking for OGs—Outside Graduates. Survivors, unique individuals, adapters to any situation, and last but not least, real monsters who can survive in the outside world!" Takihi said, his voice filled with enthusiasm.
The students around Michael began to murmur, exchanging different expressions and tones.
"Survive in the outside world?!" Michael thought, feeling confused.
"Anyway, the rules are clear. Your rank is determined by your performance in each trial, and your rank determines your money value—your MV."
"After all, you're all here to prove yourselves as OGs, and this project is specifically designed for that!"
"So, good luck, future OGs. Let's see how many of you can make it through without being dropped out!" Takihi concluded.
"I'm certainly not going to be dropped out until I see the outside world!" Michael thought, filled with determination and deep curiosity about what lay beyond the world he knows.
"If you're all ready, then proceed through those doors if you want to become the next James Tyrone or one of the big five OGs," Takihi said, his faint smile sending an unsettling chill down Michael's spine as the doors slid open.
Meanwhile, Michael's eyes widened when he heard the name of James Tyrone, the most famous and well-known of the big five OGs. A role model, a star who had left for the outside world along with the other OGs.
"Oh boy! This is going to be a ride!" he thought, watching as people rushed toward the doors in a mass of excitement.
"And I'm not going to fall behind!" Michael exclaimed, shoving his way through the crowd.
"Because I'm going to escape this hell while simultaneously earning bank to prepare for the outside world!" he grinned with excitement.
"My curiosity just intensified!" he thought, his smile burning with a desire to know what lay beyond this world.
Michael entered the dark place, feeling shocked and scared.
"What's going on?" he thought. Just then, he felt the floor beneath him move, like an elevator descending.
Before he could react or scream, the floor suddenly stopped, and the door opened. He found himself in a room full of about eight people, all standing and staring at him.
Confused and slightly nervous, his gaze met Jake's, who stood there grinning.
"The damn clown actually made it," Jake said, his smug expression laced with mockery.
"What in the world?!" Michael thought, shocked as a sense of fear began to creep into his mind.
"That's right. Better forfeit if you know what's best for you!" Jake added.
Just then, a voice interrupted from a massive screen as Takihi began to address the group.
"Hey there! It's me again," Takihi said cheerfully, waving his hand in a playful gesture.
"Everyone in this room, take a good look at one another, because from now on, you're all a team," Takihi continued, his tone turning serious.
Michael glanced at Jake, who was glaring coldly at him.
"Didn't know he was also curious about the outside world," Michael thought, still feeling the lingering fear.
His gaze shifted to the other members, and he noticed a golden-haired boy around his age, wearing a white sleeping mask and sitting in a chair, fast asleep.
"Is he seriously sleeping?!" Michael wondered, as the other members also looked at the boy in confusion or mix of emotions.
"I suggest you worry about yourself, because, as you already know, you're destined to lose the moment you saw me here," Jake hissed into Michael's ear.
"Though he might be right," Michael thought, aware that he was no match for Jake, the best player at their school.
"I'm certainly going to give it my all in surviving and making it out."
Just then, Takihi's voice cut through the tension.
"Now that you've all acquainted yourselves with one another, here comes the first trial of this project," Takihi grinned, adjusting his glasses.
The room fell silent as the tension from his words sank in. Michael saw Jake grin, his lips moving as he whispered something under his breath.
Michael frowned, understanding what Jake meant by that. Takihi continued, reading the members's expressions and clearly enjoying their discomfort.
"Anyways, enough with that, Takihi." Takihi said playfully, "Why don't you let them begin?"
The tension in the room seemed to rise even further.
"Let's get started, shall we?" Takihi added.
"After all, to be a survivor, you all have to be selfish and devour your opponent mercilessly, without a hint of remorse."
"After all, this rule applies in any game, or trial right?" Takihi's voice dropped, becoming menacing.
"Besides, the higher you rank, the more money you're worth. After all, who doesn't like money?!"
"And I think you'll need it down the line!"
"The hell?!" Michael thought, confused yet sensing something was very off about Takihi.
"Now, let the real game begin!" Takihi declared.