Ren (blunt):
— I don't plan on losing easily… so sit down and watch properly.
A heavy silence falls over the area.
Cold stares.
Disdain.
Judgment.
Everyone looks at Ren as if he's already defeated.
Tadashi lets out an awkward laugh, trying to ease the tension.
Hayato simply turns his back, walking away calmly. A faint smile appears on his face.
Hayato:
— Then… show me what you're capable of.
— This should be interesting.
Kentarou steps forward, authority in his presence.
Kentarou:
— Very well. You've heard the Director.
— Now I will explain the test.
Everyone falls silent.
Kentarou:
— This will be a combat test.
— Each of you has a badge.
— The objective is simple: take the badges from other participants to earn points.
— Whoever has the most badges… and still keeps their own until the end… wins.
A student raises her hand.
Student:
— Mr. Kentarou… are techniques allowed?
Kentarou:
— Yes.
— The use of techniques is permitted.
— However… anyone who causes serious injury… or death… will be penalized.
His gaze hardens.
— So be cautious.
— Now… let the test begin.
A burst of intense light explodes across the field.
A spiritual diagram forms beneath everyone's feet.
Everything disappears.
Ren:
— Tadashi… what's happening?!
Tadashi (smiling):
— Stay calm.
— The test has already begun.
— And… good luck.
Ren:
— What— Mr. Tadashi—?!
Silence.
Ren opens his eyes.
A park.
A gentle wind… but something is wrong.
Ren:
— Where am I…?
— Mr. Tadashi?!
No response.
He starts walking, calling out, until—
Three presences appear around him.
Surrounded.
Participant 2:
— So it's you… the idiot who dared to disrespect Mr. Hayato.
Participant 1:
— You'll pay for your insolence.
Participant 3:
— Country vermin should know their place.
Ren frowns.
Ren:
— Weren't we supposed to fight each other?
— And… what do you mean by "country"?
Participant 2:
— What? You don't even know?
Participant 3:
— Just hand over your badge…
— And go back to planting rice.
Silence.
Ren sighs.
Ren:
— Sorry… I can't go home without keeping my promise.
— And… planting rice sucks. I'd rather eat it than grow it.
A heavy… dangerous silence.
Participant 2:
— This guy's not right in the head…
— Since you won't surrender…
He smiles.
— We'll show you the difference between us… noble hunters… and you.
They charge together.
But Ren doesn't step back.
He moves forward.
Fast.
A direct punch.
CRACK.
Participant 2 collapses unconscious.
Silence.
Ren picks up his badge.
Ren:
— I already told you…
— I'm not going down easily.
He lifts his gaze, a near-feral smile forming.
— Come at me… noble hunters.
The other two prepare.
Energy builds.
Techniques activate.
An explosion consumes the area.
Smoke.
Silence.
Footsteps…
…steps…
…steps…
A figure emerges.
Dragging the two unconscious participants.
Participant ???:
— Well… what a surprise.
— More meat for me to burn.
Ren frowns, irritated.
Ren:
— Hey… you piece of crap.
— Didn't anyone ever tell you playing with fire is dangerous?
He tilts his head.
— Someone might get hurt.
Participant ???:
— What the hell are you talking about…?
— You'll be the first.
Flames begin to rise around him.
Participant 3:
— Who do you think you are?!
Another explosion.
The ground trembles.
Smoke rises.
And then…
He's still standing.
Smiling.
A twisted… unsettling smile.
Participant ???:
— Is this your level?
— All that aura… and in the end… you're just fuel.
Ren's eyes widen.
Ren:
— Hey… are you okay?
— Your hair… it's on fire!
The man's expression darkens.
Participant ???:
— You miserable insect…
— You're next.
The flames condense.
A massive blast of fire erupts.
Another impact.
Silence.
Two bodies on the ground.
Unconscious.
He begins walking… toward Ren.
Slowly.
Participant ???:
— Now… it's your turn.
🌑 Elsewhere…
— He's there…
— What's happening…?
Screams echo.
— He… he's a monster!
A distorted voice cuts through the air:
— Run… you weaklings…
— No one will escape my domain.