Crinix's brow furrowed as he sat in the classroom, his mind preoccupied with the growing concern for Shinro's whereabouts. Two weeks had passed since Shinro's disappearance, and the silence was deafening. Crinix's eyes drifted towards the window, his gaze lost in thought. Where could Shinro be?

Hiruki's voice broke the silence, drawing Crinix's attention back to the lesson. "You guys only have a few days left till graduation and the Hunter Survival Test, so I'm going to teach you about the Ten Divine Techniques and the formation of the Five-Men Squad Team."

Crinix's eyes followed Hiruki as he moved towards the board, his marker scribbling notes in bold letters. The rest of the class watched intently, their faces a mixture of curiosity and concern.

Hiruki turned to face the class, his eyes scanning the room. "Before we dive into squad formations, let's explore the Ten Divine Techniques. Can anyone tell me what a Divine Technique is?"

The room fell silent, with no one daring to answer. Hiruki's gaze lingered on each student, his expression a mix of surprise and amusement. "So, none of you know what a Divine Technique is? I guess I'll have to explain it to you all."

Crinix's eyes narrowed, his focus solely on Hiruki's words. He couldn't shake off the feeling that something had happened to Shinro.

Hiruki's voice brought Crinix back to the present. "You all remember that I mentioned Grim Hunters use Divine Weapons, which carry godly powers?"

The class nodded in unison, their eyes locked onto Hiruki.

Hiruki chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "I'm glad you all remember. The power of the Divine Weapons can only be released by a Grim Hunter who has formed a bond with their weapon and mastered its control. When that power is released, it becomes known as a Divine Technique."

The room erupted into a flurry of whispers and gasps, with Crinix's worry momentarily forgotten. A Divine Technique? The concept sounded both fascinating and intimidating.

Hiruki's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "Yes, there are Ten Divine Techniques that every Grim Hunter must master. However, not all Grim Hunters can master them. Low-level Grim Hunters can only perform five techniques, while high-level Grim Hunters can perform all ten. And, of course, high-level Grim Hunters usually become Squad Captains."

Crinix's mind wandered back to Shinro, his concern growing with each passing moment. Where was Shinro, and what was he doing? The uncertainty gnawed at Crinix's gut, making it hard for him to focus on the lesson.

Hiruki's voice cut through Crinix's thoughts, his words hanging in the air like a challenge. "To master all Ten Divine Techniques, one must undergo intense training. Are you all up for the challenge?"

Hiruki's voice cut through the air, his words dripping with importance. "Now, we're going to move on to the formation of the five-man squad."

Crinix's eyes locked onto Hiruki, his mind absorbing every word. Hiruki turned, chalk in hand, and began scribbling notes on the board.

"When you all graduate and become Grim Hunters, you'll be assigned to different squads. Here in the Shadow Realm, there are ten squads, Squad One to Ten." Hiruki's chalk scratched against the board, the sound echoing through the room.

Crinix's gaze flicked towards Niski, who was grinning at him. "Hey, Crinix," Niski whispered, his voice barely audible.

Crinix turned, his eyes meeting Niski's. "What?"

Niski's grin widened. "Wouldn't it be great if we both ended up in the same squad?"

Crinix nodded, a smile spreading across his face. "That would be great."

Takahishi's head snapped towards them, his eyes narrowing. "That's not gonna happen, Niski."

Niski's gaze locked onto Takahishi, a challenge flickering in his eyes. "Me and Crinix are gonna end up together in the same squad."

The air seemed to vibrate with tension as Takahishi's face darkened. Niski's laughter cut through the silence, his eyes glinting with amusement.

Takahishi's eyebrows shot up, his jaw dropping open. "Why are you laughing?"

Niski's grin faltered for a moment before he beamed at Takahishi. "I was just thinking, it would be great if we both ended up on the same squad."

Takahishi's face twisted in disgust. "There's no way I'm gonna be on the same squad with you. That won't happen!"

Crinix's voice cut in, his tone calm. "Hey, keep it down, Takahishi."

Niski's smirk grew wider. "Yeah, no need to freak out. I was only suggesting... after all, we are friends, aren't we?"

The tension between Takahishi and Niski was palpable, the air thick with unspoken animosity. Takahishi's gaze locked onto Niski, his eyes flashing with anger. You may have Crinix fooled, but I'm not your friend, he thought to himself.

Hiruki's voice cut through the tension, his words a welcome distraction. "Okay, everyone, I've finished writing the notes. You'll need these one day."

As Hiruki stepped away from the board, the door slammed open, and Shizuki strode into the room. Her eyes, hidden behind her glasses, scanned the room, her presence commanding attention. Hiruki's head swiveled towards the door as Shizuki entered the room. "Good morning, Hiruki," she said, her voice crisp and formal.

Hiruki's eyes widened in surprise as he turned to face her. "Good morning, Shizuki. To what do I owe this visit?"

Shizuki's gaze swept the room before settling on Hiruki. "I've been sent by the Grand Reaper to inform you that tomorrow, the students will take the weapon test."

Hiruki's eyes widened further, his eyebrows shooting up in surprise. "The weapon test is tomorrow?"

Shizuki nodded, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Yes, and I brought this report from the Grand Reaper." She handed Hiruki a rolled paper scroll, which he took with both hands, unrolling it to scan the contents.

As he read, his expression turned grave. He looked up at Shizuki, his eyes narrowing. "This is too soon. This year's Hunter Survival Test is too soon."

Shizuki's smile grew wider, and she giggled. "Well, I don't make the rules, Hiruki. Besides, there's a shortage of Grim Hunters this year, so that must be the reason why the Hunter Survival Test is early this year."

Hiruki's gaze swept the room, his eyes locking onto the students. "I guess I'll have to inform my students." He cleared his throat, his voice booming through the room. "Can I have everyone's attention?"

The room fell silent, with all eyes fixed on Hiruki. Crinix leaned forward, his eyes locked onto Hiruki, anticipation building in his chest.

"I have an announcement to make," Hiruki said, pausing for dramatic effect. "Tomorrow, we will be having our weapon test. You will be given the privilege to choose your Divine weapon."

Excited cries filled the room, with students exchanging thrilled glances. Takahishi pumped his fist in the air, a grin spreading across his face.

Hiruki's expression turned serious, his eyes scanning the room. "Quiet down, everyone. Please contain your excitement. I won't promise you that it will be easy. Only those who are able to choose their Divine weapons will progress to the Hunter Survival Test."

The room fell silent once more, with students exchanging nervous glances. Niski's voice cut through the silence, his tone serious. "It might seem easy, but it's not. Last year, twenty students failed the weapon test."

Takahishi's grin faltered, his eyes widening in surprise. He leaned back in his chair, his face pale. Crinix's eyes locked onto Niski, his expression grave. "Twenty students failed?" he repeated, his voice barely above a whisper.

Niski lowered his head, resting his chin on his hand. "No, I'm not joking. This test isn't easy because it's not about choosing a good weapon, but about being able to bond with your weapon. Failure to bond with your weapon means you won't pass the test."

Takahishi scratched his head, confusion etched on his face. "This is confusing, I don't understand a thing." He looked at Niski, then at Crinix. "What are you saying, Niski?"

Crinix's eyes narrowed, his brow furrowed in concentration. "You guys don't remember Hiruki's lessons, even I wasn't paying attention, but I know enough. Remember the soul test we did the other day? That's what the weapon test is about."

Niski nodded, his eyes lighting up. "The bond between hunter and weapon, that's what this test is all about – forming a bond with your weapon."

Takahishi's expression remained confused, but he nodded, pretending to understand. Hmm, I don't understand any of this, but I'll just pretend like I know, yeah, I'll pretend.

Just then, the siren rang, marking the end of the lesson. Hiruki stood up, a stern expression on his face. "Our lesson is over for today. Prepare for tomorrow, everyone."

The students quickly rushed out of the room, chatting excitedly. Niski rose from his chair, heading for the door. "I guess I'll see you tomorrow, guys."

Crinix called out, "Wait, Niski!" Niski turned, a questioning look on his face. "Did I forget something?"

Crinix shook his head. "No, I was hoping if you could help us prepare for tomorrow."

Niski's expression turned apologetic. "Oh, sorry Crinix, I wish I could, but I won't be around."

Crinix nodded, a hint of disappointment on his face. "That's okay! See you tomorrow, then."

Niski waved his hand in goodbye as he disappeared behind the door.