[Inside the Gateway — Two Hours Later]
WHOOSH!!
Hitachi landed with the weightless grace of a shadow on the forest floor. He didn't crouch or check his surroundings with the frantic energy of the other students; he simply stood there, hands deep in his pockets, his gaze heavy with a boredom that bordered on contempt.
"Hmm..."
He sighed, the sound echoing through the unnaturally silent trees, and began to walk.
High above in the canopy, a team of five crouched on a massive, moss-covered branch, watching him.
"Who is this guy?" one recruit whispered, his knuckles white as he gripped his spear.
"He looks like one of the five who were picked for solo teams," his teammate answered, peering down at Hitachi's retreating back.
"Should we take him down?" Another asked, his hand hovering over the hilt of his sword. "He's alone. That's a lot of points walking right there."
"No..."
