Many were in internal shambles when listening to the fates of those who fled.
A fate 10 times worse than this...
They didn't know what those unfortunate souls would be facing, but they knew that just thinking of it made the gas build-up within them threaten to let loose.
Suddenly, many thanked their lucky stars they didn't escape or succeed in trying anything funny during their little bus ride.
Who knew they would be watched so intensely by their own government?
The Man's voice woke them from their stupor.
[Now, now, keep your weeping for later.]
The man wiggled a finger in his ear, as if annoyed.
[Hey now, If you look at it, it's your doing that landed You here.]
[Of course...Some of you had excellent grades; scoring full marks in most of your papers.]
The Man paused, his Nightmarish-grin growing wider, crafting terror from the pure imagination of many.
[Indeed, some of you excelled. However... After observation and deliberation, how can we give up such treasures?]
Levon nodded, knowing for certain that the elegant boy with the book couldn't have failed any courses to have him end up here.
[Now then,] The Man continued. [With all questions out of the way, why don't we get to the good part?]
[For the next few days, you will take your Entrance Examinations.]
[Many of you might think it's too soon. But I assure you that it's for the best.]
Leaning forward with elbows on a table and hands together, the man's expression grew ruthless.
[I have just one piece of advice for you.]
[During Examinations, Treat Everything You See To Be Real.]
The Man was about to turn off communications, but paused again.
[Whoops, silly me. I have another piece of advice for you, perhaps the most important one of all—-Once the Examinations commence, it's best you all Try not to DIE.]
The Man clasped his hands in a jovial mood.
[Have a good night's rest because tomorrow, you Start.]
Who am I? What am I? Where am I?
The transmission ended like a burst bubble, plunging the hall into nightmarish silence.
All everyone could hear were the annoying sounds of that Fucking Clock.
Many never knew they were so prone to sweating.
Countless beads of salty water washed underneath their armpits and thighs in just a few breaths.
It's either their hearing has gone worse, or they heard an underlying threat of death in the Man's message.
"Well this is just Peachy!"
Many couldn't take it anymore.
"Just what exactly did their government sign them up for? This ain't no military operation! That, I can swear on."
"Bloody Bastards! Did they think this was funny? This is blatant kidnapping!"
"Exactly! Our given human rights have been stripped off so cleanly that we even report the matter to the police if they wanted to."
"I'm so pissed... So Pissed I can fucking rip a cow's heart out right now."
Many bragged on what they were capable of when angered, allowing their fury to consume them.
But while a majority bragged and wallowed in self-pity, a few others began preparing for tomorrow.
They were all going to take the entrance examination, so shouldn't it be better to have all the beauty rest they can before the day it all begins.
Even if you're not sleepy, try calming your bloody mind to THINK.
'There are no windows...Still, the fact that he told us to rest up and prepare for tomorrow, insinuates the prospect of Nightfall.'
Levon made several conclusions from the conversation.
'For now, we don't know if any meals will be granted tonight or tomorrow.'
Energy conservation was essential.
Levon's attention was drawn to the chubby guy beside him, who was staring at him with wide eyes.
Levon was taken aback.
What a fellow. Can't you hide your interest a little?
"Hey, was that loud? Sorry about that." The round but fit fellow slapped his belly with an embarrassed expression.
Levon's eyes flickered.
'I failed to count and notice him earlier, at the beginning. Has my sense of intuition diminished?'
This was a lesson to Levon.
If one didn't look at him carefully, they would think he was an everyday person with nothing special about him.
Levon had noted all people he considered strong, from the moment he woke.
He never counted this guy as one of them. But when the Man spoke words to THEM, this chubby fellow's reaction and the dangerous look in his eyes, was one Levon could not mistake.
The guy's chubby belly sang high notes, and Levon could visibly see waves ripple on his clothes.
How hungry are you for your buddy to react so strongly?
Taking out a crunchy bar from his pocket, the chubby guy bit into its enticing exterior like a man starving for months.
"Hey buddy, you aren't like the others—I can tell. Well, the name's Shugo... Shugo Slyvantil."
"Levon," Levon introduced.
Shugo might have only said a few words, but that was more than enough for Levon to pull information from.
'His clothes, although without any designer brand names, are no doubt elite.'
'The marking behind his ear—is that a family marking?'
'Again, that family name... Slyvantil...'
Could it be that he was a member of the Slyvantil family, a wealthy Family that owns one of the largest shopping malls in the city?
Don't they also own 127 other malls around the country and abroad too?
The clothes Shugo wore were extremely pricey. His shoe alone was the salary of some for 3 years put together.
'I guess he must be from there.'
That family had so much generational wealth that it would allow Shugo and his descendants to never have to work a day in their lives.
'It seems not everything about the recruitment process is as straightforward as the man from earlier said.' Levon thought with interest.
But Shugo beside him, also smiled with a strange light.
"Buddy, you figure it out, Didn't you."
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