07:00
Light slipped into the room without permission—a cold white thread that cut through a neglected curtain and settled on the boy's face. It wasn't a warm light. It was the kind that wakes the nerves before the body.
Son Ryuji stirred in his bed and exhaled in frustration, as if morning itself was a heavy burden.
"Ugh…"
He opened his eyes slowly. Half of them were still drowning in drowsiness, the other half filled with a familiar weariness. He stared at the open window, at the light invading the room without mercy, then muttered in a low voice laced with irritation:
"That man… why didn't he close the window?"
He moved his body sluggishly, as if every muscle was protesting against waking up.
The smell of the room didn't help—a mix of stale air and the lingering trace of a night left untidied. He wrinkled his nose in disgust.
"Disgusting…"
Finally, he sat up, resting his elbows on his knees, and ran his hand through his disheveled black hair.
Son Ryuji. Sixteen years old. Taller than he should be, thin as if he was never made for comfort. His eyes were cold, reflecting not his age but something older… heavier.
For ten years now, morning had never been just morning.
On a certain day, he lost his mother. She was killed, and that was that. No long tears, no stories told. Just an emptiness that had left its mark in his eyes.
He was the son of Moris Ryuji.
A name enough to make many fall silent.
Leader of the "Mika" Squad, S-Rank, from the African organization Marina—the one that gives criminals no second chance.
He finally rose, heading toward the bathroom, as if showering was a desperate attempt to wash away the feeling that had been stuck in his chest for years.
He returned, drying his hair quickly, when his gaze fell on the clock.
He froze for a second… then his eyes suddenly widened.
"Whaaat…?!"
He rushed toward the door, searching frantically.
"Thursday… Thursday! The exam starts today!"
He yanked the closet open, grabbing the first pair of pants his hand landed on.
"I'm late… I'm late!"
He paused for a moment, frowning in sudden anger.
"That man… he didn't wake me up."
He stepped out of the room with hurried steps, then shouted:
"Father! Father, wake up!"
From inside the adjacent room, a hoarse voice came, heavy as if dragged from the depths of sleep:
"What do you want…?"
"Did you forget? Today's the start of the exam!"
A short silence… then:
"What time is it?"
"Seven-fifteen."
Just one moment—enough for the tone to shift completely:
"What?! We're late!"
The sound of violent movement came, as if a massive body had risen in one go.
"Hurry! Get yourself ready!"
Moris Ryuji…
If you saw him from afar, you'd think he was an old man worn down by the years. White hair, harsh features, wrinkles that told stories never spoken.
But getting closer revealed the truth:
A solid body, muscles that had not weakened, and a presence that imposed itself without a single word.
His market value exceeded 300 million dollars.
One of the highest-valued members of the S-Rank squads—not just for his strength, but for what he represented.
Inside the house, he was just a father rushing to get ready…
And outside, he was something else entirely.
Footsteps echoed through the narrow hallway—Ryuji's frantic pace and the heavy movement of his father.
The whole house seemed to have suddenly woken to an unusual chaos.
Ryuji pulled his shirt on quickly, the buttons not quite aligned, but he didn't care.
He stood in front of the mirror for just one second…
He looked at his reflection, at those cold eyes, then turned his gaze away as if he didn't want to stare any longer.
"Damn…" he muttered, running his hand through his hair in a futile attempt to straighten it.
Behind him, Moris emerged, putting his shirt on hurriedly, sleeves not fully raised, but his presence remained as heavy, pressing—as if the air itself made way for him.
"How many times have I told you… prepare your things the night before?"
Ryuji didn't turn to him.
"And how many times have I told you… wake me up?"
A brief silence.
A familiar tension passed between them… uncomfortable, but not new.
Moris exhaled slowly, then said in a slightly lighter tone:
"I was awake… but I thought you had woken up before me."
Ryuji smiled with a hint of sarcasm, without turning around:
"Of course."
He grabbed his bag from the floor, opened it quickly, scanning its contents with a quick eye—water, stimulants, something missing… but he couldn't pinpoint what.
He closed it with a sharp motion, as if deciding it didn't matter now.
In the kitchen, the table was empty except for the remains of a cold cup of coffee.
Moris walked past it, paused for a moment, then picked up the cup and looked at it as if he remembered something… or forgot it.
He set it aside without comment.
"Are you going to eat?" he said without looking.
"No time."
"You'll regret it."
"Not today."
Ryuji opened the door hastily, but before stepping out, he suddenly stopped.
His hand remained on the handle, his body still, as if a thought had pulled him from within.
"Father… come on."
He didn't finish immediately.
His voice was slightly different this time—less sharp.
Moris didn't answer right away, but he raised his gaze toward him.
"This exam…"
He hesitated for a moment, then continued:
"Are you truly ready?"
A faint smile appeared on Moris's face, but it wasn't reassuring.
"Well… nothing is. Let's go."
Ryuji fell silent.
He had expected this answer… yet, it didn't please him.
He turned the handle slowly this time and opened the door.
The morning air entered with a coolness lighter than before, but it wasn't comfortable.
"Don't be any later," Moris said.
"I'm already late."
Ryuji finally stepped out, his steps quick but not entirely steady, as if something was chasing him… or waiting for him.
The door closed behind him, and Moris remained standing inside for a few seconds.
He looked toward the door in silence, then muttered to himself in a voice barely audible:
"…May God protect you from everything, my son."
Then he moved slowly, as if this day, despite its chaotic start, carried something far heavier than it seemed.
Then they both got into the car.
At the First Hour of the Day
The massive iron gates of Marina's headquarters swung open, announcing the start of an event that occurred only once every two years.
Not a conference. Not a celebration.
A gateway between life and death.
Lethal exams…
Exams that recognized neither age nor mercy.
Thousands of children and young people, from the age of ten to twenty, arrived from different continents, each carrying only one dream:
To survive.
Each exam was designed to break the body before the mind.
And every failure meant a silent end, erased without a name.
And those who succeeded…
Were not rewarded. Instead, they were imprisoned within an even harsher world:
The world of Marina's squads—the most powerful criminal purification organization on Earth.
07:00 AM
The city of Tunis did not wake up… it exploded with movement.
The streets were packed like never before. People's voices mixed with the sound of helicopters flying low overhead, and black armored cars sped through the crowds.
Cameras were on every corner.
Global channels broadcasted live.
Social media flooded with images:
Tense faces. Tears of parents. Youths staring at the gate as if it were the mouth of a monster.
Guards stood with expressionless faces, modern weapons, earpieces in their ears. Every step calculated.
Nothing was left to chance.
This was a global operation—in every sense of the word.
The Grand Hall
The vast hall resembled a courtroom before a collective execution.
Its high ceiling swallowed sounds, and the metallic walls reflected whispers of fear and anticipation.
Hundreds… no, thousands of examinees flooded inside. Children and youths, pale faces, tense eyes, trembling hands despite attempts to hide it.
Here, there were no many winners.
Here, only survivors.
In one corner of the hall, a special side door opened. Moris entered, and beside him walked Son.
A woman wearing the uniform of the supervisors approached them. Her features were calm, and her voice was warm—unusual for a place like this.
Shaima.
Shaima (with a faint smile):
"Welcome, Mr. Moris. How are you today? I see you're smiling… that's rare."
Moris (laughing lightly, but his eyes were watching the boy):
"How could I not smile? This is my son's first exam—my hero… Son."
Shaima turned her gaze toward the boy, studying him for a moment longer than usual.
Shaima:
"So… this is Son."
Moris turned to his son, placing his hand on his shoulder.
Moris (in a paternal tone):
"Speak, Son. Why are you so shy?"
Son slowly raised his head.
He looked at Shaima directly—without hesitation… and without any warmth.
Son (with chilling coldness):
"Hello."
Shaima's smile faded slightly—not in fear, but in surprise.
Moris (trying to lighten the mood):
"He's always like this… quiet."
Shaima (in a low voice, as if speaking to herself):
"Quiet isn't always weakness… I see strength in his eyes. Unusual determination."
Then she smiled.
"He will succeed in the exam, just like his strong father."
Moris (laughing humbly):
"Haha… don't embarrass me, Shaima."
Son took a step forward.
Son:
"I'm going."
Moris (slightly taken aback):
"Alright, Son… go."
Then, in a softer, more sincere voice:
"May God protect you from all harm, from all evil, my son. Whatever the outcome… I am behind you."
But Son did not stop.
He did not turn around.
As if he hadn't heard the prayer at all.
Shaima (watching him go):
"It seems he didn't hear a single word."
Moris sighed deeply, as if the air had become heavier in his chest.
Moris (in a slightly broken voice):
"I'm afraid for him, Shaima… more than I show."
He paused for a moment, then continued:
"I never wanted this path for him. I wanted him to live a quiet life… far from blood."
His voice dropped further.
"But since the day his mother died… he closed himself off. Stopped studying. Doesn't talk to anyone. He sits on his bed for hours… staring into nothing."
He lifted his eyes, and in them was a heavy pain:
"He wants revenge."
Shaima (with compassionate calm):
"If that's truly what he wants, don't stop him. Stay by his side… Sometimes, sharing the pain is lighter than bearing it alone."
Moris hesitated, then spoke with the honesty of an expert who knew the true weight of these exams:
Moris:
"The problem is, Son… hasn't developed his ability yet. He's still at the very beginning of learning to control it. And that could be fatal in the exam."
Shaima smiled with confidence, as if she had been waiting for this.
Shaima:
"Don't worry. We've reviewed the files of examinees who are still in the process of discovering their abilities. That's why… this exam will be different."
She looked directly at Moris.
"And we supervisors will be there."
At that moment, a voice echoed through the hall—the announcement of the beginning was approaching.
Son had already disappeared into the crowds…
But a strange feeling crept into Moris's chest.
A feeling that this boy…
Would not leave the exam the same way he entered.
While Moris was still watching the direction where Son had vanished into the crowd,
A familiar voice cut through the noise like an arrow:
"Heyyyyy, Morissss!"
Moris turned immediately, a genuine smile forming on his face—rare in a place like this.
Moris:
"Good morning, Master Tae. How are you today? I haven't seen you in a while… thought you'd finally retired."
Tae approached with wide strides. His body was less massive than Moris's but taut, athletic. He was twenty-seven, in his prime. His smile was sarcastic, and his eyes carried that spark that only faded in those who had given up.
Tae (laughing):
"You giant fool, I missed hearing your voice… and your stupid jokes."
Moris (laughing out loud):
"You're still as rude as ever, Tae."
The two came together and clasped hands firmly—a handshake between warriors who knew each other's weight.
Moris:
"By the way, tell me… who's leading this year's exams? I haven't heard anything yet."
At that moment, a faint smile appeared on Shaima's face.
A smile that carried not reassurance… but deliberate concealment.
Moris noticed it immediately.
Tae (in a deliberate tone, enjoying himself):
"I won't hide it from you, Moris."
He paused for a moment, then said:
"This year's exam leader… is Lady Black Dawn."
Moris's smile froze slightly.
Tae (continuing):
"Leader of the Mana Squad, S-Rank. And with her, her assistant… Raguna. One of the most dangerous members of her squad."
Shaima breathed slowly, then spoke in a serious voice:
Shaima:
"She's truly a dangerous woman. Tough… knows no mercy."
She looked directly at Moris:
"The organization's director personally nominated her as the leader and chief supervisor."
Moris lowered his head slightly, as if summoning old memories.
Moris (in a low voice):
"So… it's her."
He raised his gaze:
"The Queen of Shadows. The woman who uses an umbrella as a weapon."
He paused, then spoke with clear seriousness:
"I've heard of her ferocity."
Tae burst out laughing.
Tae:
"Hahaha! I heard her market value is now fifty million dollars higher than yours."
He tapped Moris's chest:
"You're getting old, my friend… time spares no one."
A confident smile appeared on Moris's face—the kind of smile only those who knew their true place could wear.
Moris:
"I don't care about age… or market value."
His voice grew deeper:
"I still impose myself on the battlefield."
Then, with a note of clear pride:
"And I still lead the strongest S-Rank squad."
A brief silence followed.
Tae looked at him with pure respect, no jokes this time.
Elsewhere in the hall, the lights began to dim gradually.
A mechanical voice prepared to announce.
And the name Black Dawn—who had not yet appeared—
Had already planted fear in many hearts.
Shaima (in a low, firm voice):
"Quiet… It's Mr. Akai."
In an instant, as if someone had sucked the air out of the hall—
The noise, the whispers, even the breaths of the examinees…
All of it vanished.
The main door opened slowly, and the man whose name was only spoken alongside authority entered.
The head of the African organization, Marina.
Akai.
His steps were steady, measured, without hurry—as if time itself made way for him.
Thousands of eyes locked onto him. Pure awe. Not just admiration… but fear and respect simultaneously.
He ascended the platform with absolute calm.
Cameras swarmed him from every angle. Lights reflected off his cold features.
Akai (in a clear, emotionless voice):
"Welcome to Marina."
He paused for a moment, letting his words settle.
"It is our honor to receive you today. And we thank you for your courage in participating in these exams."
He looked at the crowds before him.
"I know these exams are lethal. And I know many of you did not come by choice."
His voice dropped slightly:
"Life left you no other path."
A heavy silence fell.
"Here, every effort has its price. Your strength… will become money. It will be invested."
Some faces paled even more.
"I personally do not know the nature of the exams to be held this year."
A cold smile:
"But what I do know is this: whoever hesitates will die."
He raised his hand slightly.
"There is a committee watching you. And upon victory, we will determine your rank… and your market value."
His tone shifted, more formal.
"In our organization, we rank hunters from D-Rank… to X-Rank."
He paused:
"This classification alone can lift you from poverty… to the top of the world."
Then he said with cutting coldness:
"I will explain the details later… to the survivors only."
A faint murmur spread.
"And now… I present to you the chief overseer of these exams."
He turned toward the back door:
"Lady Black Dawn… and her assistant, Raguna."
The door opened.
And Black Dawn entered.
In that same moment…
The hall grew heavy.
It was no ordinary aura. It was a pure intent to kill—unhidden, unapologetic.
Many felt a sting in their chests.
Others felt their throats dry up.
A woman dressed entirely in black.
Dark hair, sharp features, and on her back…
A closed umbrella, resembling a sword waiting for permission to slaughter.
She ascended the platform with calm steps.
She did not look at the crowds for long.
Black Dawn:
"Hello."
And it was as if everyone exhaled at once.
Then, without any preamble:
Black Dawn:
"Four thousand examinees registered for this year's exams."
She raised her head slightly.
"A large number."
Then, with absolute coldness:
"I will reduce them to just ten."
The silence turned to shock.
Faces froze.
Eyes widened.
This was no exam…
This was an announced massacre.
Akai (attempting to soften, with a forced smile):
"Lady Black Dawn is joking, of course."
He looked at the audience:
"Perhaps she means fifty… or sixty."
But Black Dawn didn't even glance at him.
Black Dawn (firmly):
"I did not joke."
The hall trembled.
"Three exams only."
"The first is titled: Survival."
She paused.
"I will not announce any further details in public."
"You will know the rules… and the location… upon arrival."
A massive man stepped forward.
His eyes were harsh, his voice rough.
Raguna:
"We refuse the accompaniment of any guardian or external person."
"It will be us, the technical staff, and you alone."
"Examinees must carry their own weapons and belongings."
"Food and drink are prohibited."
"We will provide everything."
Black Dawn spoke again:
Black Dawn:
"There are hundreds of planes outside."
She looked at the crowds with coldness:
"Prepare yourselves."
Then, for the first time, she shouted:
"Move!"
No one moved.
Everyone was still caught in her eyes.
Raguna (in a booming voice):
"Didn't you hear?"
"Whoever hesitates… stay behind."
"Whoever knows they will die or surrender… leave."
Then he shouted with all his might:
"As for the rest… you have ten minutes!"
"Now—
MOVE!"
Chaos
Everyone surged forward.
Screaming.
Pushing.
Feet colliding. Tears. Panic.
Everyone was running…
Except one.
Son.
He walked calmly.
His steps were steady.
His face was devoid of any expression.
As if the weight of life itself rested on his shoulders…
Yet still, he did not run.
End of Chapter One