After being forced to follow a large man wearing the uniform of an upper-class soldier, I was brought into a room containing around ten to fifteen people. They were all around my age, each trying to manifest their own talents. Some looked strained and pale, struggling to produce anything. Others appeared confident, as if this were nothing more than a routine procedure.
"Sit," said the soldier who had brought me here."You know what I'm about to do, don't you?"
No.I didn't know at all.
"Y-yes… more or less," I replied, forcing myself to sound composed.
"Good," he said flatly."Then let's begin. SHOW ME YOUR TALENT."
CRASH!
I knocked the chair over and jumped backward.
What was that killing intent…?Why would he release something like that for a mere test?
"What's wrong, Rinne Alz?" the soldier barked."Can't do it? Are you backing out now? ANSWER ME, RINNE ALZ!"
"W-why?! Why does it have to be like this?!" I shouted without realizing it."This is just a test, isn't it?!"
There was no answer.
Creak.
The soldier stood up from his seat and began stretching casually.
What was he planning to do?
My legs trembled violently. Sweat formed in my palms. The iron around the room began to vibrate faintly—an instinctive warning screaming that danger was coming.
"If you think this is only a test," he said coldly,"then—"
SWISH!
He vanished.
And reappeared right in front of me.
THUD!
His fist slammed into my stomach.
"UGHH—!"
It felt like my life was being ripped out of me. That silent, sudden blow could have killed me instantly—if not for the iron dust that burst forth and instinctively shielded my vital organs.
"W-WHAT IS THIS?! SOMEBODY—!"
I stopped mid-scream.
There was no one else in the room.
Just him.And me.
"Pointless," he said with a cruel grin."Each student is tested in a separate chamber. No one is coming to save you, Rinne Alz."
Then, his tone shifted—almost polite.
"Khu-khu-khu… forgive my rudeness. I attacked before introducing myself.""My name is Han. Rank Five soldier assigned to this academy. A pleasure to meet you, Rinne Alz."
ZRUT!
He lunged at me again.
This time, I could see him.
CLANG!
His lightning-fast punch collided with the handle of my scythe. The impact was strong enough to make my feet slide backward.
"Oh?" His eyes lit up with excitement."You can shape your talent into a weapon? Impressive control!"
He squinted, clearly amused.
"Where did you learn to do that?"
THUD!
I jumped back to create distance, planted my stance, and lunged forward again.
ZHUS!
I wasn't as fast as him—but this was enough for a counterattack.
"Enough, Rinne Alz," Han said, raising his hand.
"…Huh?"
ZHUSSS—!
I tried to stop my body mid-charge.
THUD!
I fell hard to the floor, unable to keep my balance.
"W-what do you mean…?" I asked, struggling to push myself up.
"Hmm." Han nodded in satisfaction."Your ability to control your talent is excellent. And your situational awareness is worthy of note."
He clapped his hands lightly.
"Congratulations. You've passed this test."
"…What?"
What the hell was this…?
I wanted to stand up.I wanted to punch him.
Move—move!
Something warm trickled down my left cheek.
Red.
My vision blurred.
Blood.
My left eye was bleeding.
I could barely see anything—only red filling my sight.
I had to…treat it…
-----------------------------------
Far away, in a darkened room—
"I heard aptitude tests were conducted today," someone said."Is that true, Headmaster—no, I should say… leader of the Sovereign Five, Magnus Karel?"
"Yes," Magnus replied calmly."This year is filled with children worthy of special attention."
"I agree," another voice responded."And what about that child?"
Magnus smiled faintly.
"Don't worry. Everything is proceeding according to my plan.""It will all begin… when the time comes."
"Khu-khu-khu… I can't wait to see it with my own eyes."