-ABANDONED BUILDING-
-11:30 PM, MARCH 7, 2017-
The room felt smaller now.
Not physically—
But in the way that mattered.
The single screen in front of them glowed faintly.
The man stood still, watching.
Waiting.
"…Only one of you can act."
The words lingered in the air.
Heavy.
Unavoidable.
Rikuu and Ichika stood side by side.
Silent.
Ichika spoke first.
"…What do you think?"
Her voice was calm.
But her eyes searched his.
Rikuu looked at the screen.
Then back at her.
"…We assess risk."
A pause.
"…And choose the one who can handle it best."
Ichika nodded slightly.
"…Agreed."
The man observed them closely.
"…Careful."
A pause.
"Choosing based on logic is predictable."
Rikuu didn't react.
Ichika didn't either.
They both continued analyzing.
Ichika looked at Rikuu.
"…You go."
Rikuu blinked slightly.
"…Why?"
She didn't hesitate.
"…Because you're faster at reacting in situations like this."
A pause.
"…And I trust you."
The words were simple.
But carried weight.
Rikuu studied her expression.
Then looked at the screen again.
"…If I go…"
He paused.
"…You're sure?"
Ichika nodded.
"…Yes."
No hesitation.
No doubt.
Rikuu exhaled slowly.
Then—
"…Alright."
He stepped forward.
The man watched carefully.
"…Interesting."
Rikuu moved toward the designated point.
Focused.
Controlled.
Behind him—
Ichika watched.
Her gaze steady.
Not anxious.
Not afraid.
Trusting.
-UNKNOWN LOCATION (SCREEN FEED)-
-11:37 PM-
The system activated.
The situation unfolded.
Rikuu responded immediately.
Analyzing.
Adapting.
Acting.
-ABANDONED BUILDING-
-11:38 PM-
The man observed quietly.
"…He's efficient."
A pause.
"But…"
He glanced at Ichika.
"…She chose to let him decide."
Ichika stood still.
Watching.
Rikuu completed the task.
The screen stabilized.
A successful outcome.
The system confirmed it.
The man smiled faintly.
"…Good."
A pause.
"But that wasn't just about skill."
He looked between them.
"…That was trust."
Silence.
Rikuu returned to Ichika's side.
"…You did well."
Ichika looked at him.
"…So did you."
A pause.
Then—
A faint moment of understanding passed between them.
The man observed them.
Then spoke.
"…You're progressing."
A pause.
"But we're not finished."
The atmosphere shifted again.
The test—
Was far from over.
