"Denzel! You numbskull! You almost gave me a heart attack!" Olivia ran over and punched him squarely in the gut.
"Ouch! That hurt," Denzel feigned, doubling over for dramatic effect.
"What is this lovers' reunion I see?" a familiar voice chimed in from behind them.
"Emma, stop that," Olivia said, her cheeks flushing with annoyance at the constant taunts.
"You did a great job today," Ryan interjected, a huge victory smile plastered on his face. "He got what he totally deserved. That will teach him not to mess with us."
They all became indulged in their celebratory chat, but were stopped abruptly by a new arrival. "Hello, distinguished guests," said Gurritéz, the President of the Alphas, as he placed a firm hand on Denzel's shoulder. "I'd like to borrow your friend here for a bit, if you don't mind."
They all simply nodded in silent agreement.
Denzel and Gurritéz moved a fair distance away from the group before beginning their conversation. "Denzel De Rünter," Gurritéz began, his tone businesslike. "I'm not good with sympathy, but I'd like to extend my condolences for the sudden disappearance of your brother. It was truly a heavy blow for us all."
Denzel wasn't buying any of it. He knew this man all too well from his past life. He was a man who only cared about strength.
"I don't love to beat around the bush, so I'll go straight to my proposition," Gurritéz continued, his gaze intense. "From what I witnessed in the battle earlier, I can tell you've got a lot of potential. So, how about joining the Alphas?"
Denzel looked as if he were deep in thought, but in actuality, he was just bullshitting. He finally cut the act and gave his answer. "Sir, I'd love to join," Denzel said, a sharp grin spreading across his face.
"I like your style, kid."
And just like that, the Alphas had introduced their newest member.
"Looks like I'll be joining the Alphas," Denzel announced to his friends, acting as though he slightly regretted the decision.
"Figured. That Gurritéz is one heck of an enthusiast," Emma said with a resigned sigh.
"So, when will we be heading back home?" Milo asked.
Denzel, Ryan, and Emma gave him a series of blank stares before all bursting into laughter. "We're gonna be here for a long time, Milo," Ryan managed to say amidst his laughter.
Milo could only sigh in response.
---
[Setting: Paris Grâce Clinic]
On a hospital bed lay the still-unconscious Macmiller. Seated in the corner of the room was Treby, so deep in thought he seemed carved from stone. He was plotting something.
Something sinister.
Denzel De Rünter. An F-rank player? I'm going to find out what you're really hiding and make you regret crossing us—A sinister grin crept onto Treby's face.
Soon after, the unconscious Macmiller began to stir. "Mmmhhh.... Treby, is that you?" he mumbled, scanning the room in a daze. "What happened?" Macmiller asked, rubbing the back of his head.
"Tch! What do you think happened, idiot?" Treby grimaced, using his foot to kick the katana leaning against his leg neatly up into his hand.
The memories came rushing back, and a furious glow ignited in Macmiller's eyes. "That little devil...!" he snarled, smashing the gadgets beside his hospital bed in a blind rage, destroying them completely.
"Pipe down, muscle brain. You're going to pay for any damages you make," Treby glared, tapping the sheath of his katana against the hospital floor in a slow, rhythmic threat. "You've got a lot of explaining to do when we get back." Treby's own eyes began to glow with a deep, cold blue light. "As for that escort... I'll deal with him." He said it in a deceptively calm tone, and grinned.
The next morning...
"I hope you're all set for the trial," Gurritéz's voice boomed across the assembly hall. "Let me go through the particulars again. Firstly, the trial will take place on a remote location we specially prepared for you. The island has five sections. You'll be dropped at random locations, so be prepared for any situation."
He gestured to the form-fitting outfits they all wore. "Also, these suits are specially designed to track your movements and performances. The remaining details, I'm sure you can figure out on your own. Best of luck to you all," he concluded, a big, menacing smile on his face as he stood proudly in front of the assembled players. "And try not to die."
"So we're going to wear this suffocating outfit the whole trip?" Victor, Europe's Rank 3, complained, pulling at the neck of his suit. The suits were highly sophisticated, grey and black with numerous paddings and vials running across them, but were surprisingly weightless despite their complex appearance.
"Of course!" Gurritéz grinned and turned away. As he did, two men dressed head-to-toe in black walked in.
"The teleportation will begin shortly," they said in perfect, chilling unison as they raised their left arms. "Good luck," they muttered.
A wave of energy filled the room. In the next instant, the players were gone, teleported away, leaving the large, plain room utterly empty.
THE TRIAL BEGINS