Takahishi's search finally came to an end as he stood before a door adorned with the numeral "1". Curiosity swirled in his mind like a maelstrom, tantalizing him with possibilities. With a deep breath, he grasped the door knob and turned it, the door creaking open like a whispered secret. As he stepped inside, a sea of unfamiliar faces turned towards him, their gazes like a chilly breeze on a winter's night.

The room was dimly lit, the only sound the soft hum of the fluorescent lights overhead. The air was thick with the scent of polished wood and the faint tang of sweat. Takahishi's heart skipped a beat, but his feet carried him forward, navigating the crowded room with a sense of trepidation.

Just as he began to feel like an outsider, a warm voice cut through the silence, "Over here, Takahishi!" His head swiveled, scanning the room for the source of the friendly call. Then, his eyes landed on a waving hand, and his heart swelled with excitement. Crinix's and Niski's faces, beaming with warmth, came into focus, and Takahishi's lips curled into a smile.

He hastened towards them, his feet moving with renewed purpose, as if drawn by an invisible thread. The unfriendly faces faded into the background, replaced by the comforting presence of his friends. As he approached, the smile on his face grew, reflecting the joy that blossomed in his chest.

In this crowded room, he had found a sense of belonging, a feeling that he was exactly where he was meant to be. "Am glad you made it," Crinix said cheerfully, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "I was almost worried you wouldn't make it."

Takahishi chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Come on, Crinix. You know that small test wasn't going to trouble me at all."

Crinix raised an eyebrow, his grin faltering for a moment. "That's funny, because when I left you, you seemed rather nervous."

Takahishi let out a laugh, his shoulders shaking with mirth. "Nah, Crinix, I didn't. I was just excited, that's all."

Niski cut in, his curiosity piqued. "So, where is your divine weapon?"

"Yeah, where is it?" Crinix echoed, his eyes scanning Takahishi's hands.

Takahishi's grin returned, and he slipped his hand inside his jacket, producing his daggers, still joined by their chain. The metal glinted in the light, and Crinix's eyes widened in appreciation. "Oh, that's nice," Crinix commented, his voice filled with genuine admiration.

Niski's gaze narrowed, his eyes lingering on the daggers. "They look small. I wonder how you're going to use that against a grim."

Takahishi's smile faltered, and he frowned, his eyes flashing with a hint of defensiveness. "These daggers chose me, and I chose them. So, I don't care if they're small. At least I passed the test."

With that, he tucked the daggers back into his jacket, his movements swift and decisive. Niski's words dripped with malice as he whispered, "When I become a Grim Hunter, I'll be able to kill anyone." Takahishi's eyes widened in alarm, his mind racing with the implication.

He took a step back, his eyes darting towards Crinix, hoping his friend would intervene. But Crinix remained silent, his gaze fixed on Niski's sword, now pointed towards the ceiling. Takahishi's thoughts spiralled into chaos. Man, Niski is so creepy!

Crinix, sensing the tension, attempted to steer the conversation towards safer waters. "What are we even waiting for here?"

Takahishi eagerly latched onto the question, his voice laced with desperation. "Yeah, I was just thinking the same!" Niski's grin grew wider, his voice taking on a sinister tone.

"l think I know why. This is just another test."

Takahishi's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. "What another test?!"

Niski's whisper sent shivers down Takahishi's spine. "It's a test where all of us in this room will have to kill each other. And the remaining students who survive will advance to the next level."

Crinix and Takahishi exchanged disbelieving glances. "You mean we'll have to kill each other?" Takahishi squeaked, his voice trembling like a leaf.

Niski's response was laced with sadistic glee. "Yes, it might have to be so. And if that happens, I'll have to kill you guys."

Takahishi's laughter was a mix of hysteria and terror. "Hahaha, you're joking, right, Niski?"

Niski's deadpan expression was the only response Takahishi needed. Fear clawed its way up his spine, his mind screaming, Get out of this room, or you'll die!. The air seemed to thicken, making it hard to breathe.

Just then, Hiruki entered, his expression grave. "Greetings again, everyone. I'm happy to see you've made it this far.” He paused, surveying the room with a stern gaze. “We are going to move on to the next phase, and only a few students will walk out of this room.”

But before Hiruki even finished his sentence, Takahishi's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. Hiruki's ominous words hung in the air like a challenge. "Only a few students will walk out of this room" - the phrase echoed in his mind like a death knell. He felt his entire body turn into a human-shaped ice sculpture, his thoughts screaming, oh no Niski was right, this really is another test.

The room seemed to shrink, the walls closing in on him. Takahishi's heart pounded in his chest, his breath coming in short gasps. But then, Hiruki dropped the bombshell: "You'll be grouped into two-man squads."

Takahishi's relief was palpable. "Huh? Oh, I wasn't expecting that!" He exhaled dramatically, his hand clutching his chest. "I thought I we were gonna kill each other."

Niski's grin returned, and he whispered, "Hey, you didn't take the joke I said seriously, did you?"

Takahishi's confusion was priceless. "What joke? You scared the living daylights out of me with your twisted sense of humor!"

Niski chuckled, "Oh, that was just a rumor I heard. I thought it might happen. You're too foolish to think that was real."

Takahishi threw his hands up in exasperation. "Could you believe this guy, Crinix?"

Crinix wisely kept silent, not wanting to get caught in the crossfire. Takahishi turned back to Niski, his eyes narrowing. "So, were you also joking when you said you'd kill us?"

Niski's response sent shivers down Takahishi's spine. "About that... I was serious."

Takahishi's eyebrows shot up, his eyes wide with terror. "Man, you're freaking weird!" Just then, Hiruki intervened, "Can I have everyone's attention, please?" Takahishi breathed a sigh of relief, grateful to escape Niski's unsettling gaze.

Hiruki's voice cut through the silence, his words sparking a mixture of confusion and curiosity. "As I have said before, you are going to be grouped into a two-man squad." The room fell silent, all eyes fixed on Hiruki as he paused, his gaze sweeping over the class. The air was thick with anticipation, the students exchanging nervous glances.

Hiruki's eyes dropped to the book in his hand, his voice measured. "I know you are all probably wondering how you are going to be grouped." He paused, his chest rising as he exhaled. "Here is how you will be grouped. We are going to group the student that got a perfect score with the student that got an average score."

The room erupted into a flurry of whispers and gasps, the students exchanging worried glances. Takahishi's mind reeled, his thoughts racing with the implications. What does this mean? Who will I be paired with? The uncertainty hung in the air like a challenge, waiting to be met.