Koru's pupils turned into minuscule balls as if he was looking into the world through a pinhole, he hadn't been a stranger to the strange or a guest to death but the limiting of his choices like he was thrown into a lion's den was familiar as a friend and he hated it like an enemy.

The dozens of teenagers around Koru seemed to be slightly distraught as if they were scared to have fear. In a strange paradox, koru couldn't fully understand as he found no need to. As it was the least of his concerns.

The man soon bellowed from his overly large mouth "If you fall behind, you will be left in the beyond alone, a faith I wouldn't suggest!" after those words he ran at a speed that left Koru stunned it was a sprint that no one would expect from a man of his stature soon all the teens around the room followed there steps echoing at an eternal pace.

Koru legs carried him automatically without question or choice. His mind was drawn to thoughts spent on similar runs, each one nothing more than something he was forced to do. But Koru swiftly shook off the recollections, as if shaking off water from his coat, determined to stay present in the moment.

Their feet struck the floor with a steady rhythm as they moved through the tunnel. Koru couldn't help but feel a sense of unease as he observed the other runners, none of them showing any signs of fatigue despite the grueling pace they had maintained for the last 15 minutes.

The kids around him moved almost uncanny effectively their arms moving up and legs moving down never missing a beat on the song that was their steps he squinted the sweat from his brow dripping in the dark iris, the smell of sweat was weirdly distant but Koru breathed in and the slight smell of cinnamon and fruit was suddenly pungent.

The glance to the left showed where the scent came from, a boy whose face was stoic as if frozen in time. The uniform he wore had a vibrant tacky fabric, and soon, koru gaze broke like glass as a bright light was upon his body.

Koru suddenly stood frozen in place, awestruck by the landscape before him. The flowing water, like liquid silver, whispered its secrets as it cascaded through the air, creating a melody of serenity. The earthy scent of pinewood and citrus filled the air teasing his. Sky-borne islands, floating in defiance of gravity resembled delicate ships sailing through the heavens, and the forest of vines, swaying in harmonious unison.

A sense of wonder washed over him as his mouth hung open in a state of awe. The beauty that surrounded him was so overwhelming that everything else seemed to fade away. His mind briefly captivated by the splendor, he whispered aloud, "Beautiful."

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However, before he could fully immerse himself in the scenery, a sudden nudge jolted him out of his reverie. Panicked, he realized he was now lagging behind the group. With a burst of energy, he began running again, desperately trying to catch up.

It had only been 45 minutes since the race commenced, but the fatigue was already setting in as if it were an eternity. Every labored breath felt like fire searing deep within his chest, and his body had become a heavy burden as if it were filled with lead. Yet, the other runners continued with seemingly inexhaustible stamina, their feet relentlessly pounding on the lush, verdant grass that carpeted the ground. Kuro couldn't help but wonder: How were they still able to run?

The man in the front finally stopped as Kuro felt he might collapse. The man pointed his finger to a mountaintop. "The next part of the test will commence there." he looked at the crowd of kids with a strange expression. "May death and life be in your favor." The man perched a small smile on his face.

Kuro watched in astonishment as the stocky man before him convulsed and twisted, his body morphing like a rag caught in a hurricane. Then, with a swift and fluid motion, he turned into water, splashing to the ground with a loud slap and seeping into the soil.

Kuro couldn't help but feel frustrated. Disbelief was an understatement. This moment solidified pure insanity, "Why does this stuff always happen to me?" he muttered through clenched teeth. "It's like the universe gets its kicks from watching me struggle." He scowled, his mind drifting to thoughts of a simpler life, like being a chef or a carpenter eating stew with his sister, "maybe I can even get a girlfriend or something."

"Never mind," he said suddenly, "Forget the girlfriend stuff; with my luck, she'd secretly be a demon!" Koru finally stopped swimming in self-pity and looked at the others around him two people seemed to already be arguing,

The kid with the blue type uniform squared his shoulders, his long and strong build casting an intimidating shadow over the girl. He sneered at her, his voice dripping with condescension. "Tch, typical of a sheltered princess. Do you think you can lead us when you've never even set foot in the beyond? How naive."

The princess's voice was soft and delicate, like a melody, and she spoke up in response. "Oh, really, Ignis? Don't you think you're being a bit arrogant? My family are natural-born leaders, unlike your house."

She took a step forward, fixing him with a defiant glare. "And I don't appreciate the way you're talking to me. Just because my father is elegant and doesn't slaughter all enemies like cattle, doesn't mean we're weak."

Ignis rolled his eyes, clearly not convinced by her argument. "Spoken like a true princess," he scoffed. "Always hiding behind her family's reputation and using pretty words to get what she wants."

The princess's expression hardened, her eyes dagger into ignis "You think you know everything about me, but you don't." she retorted.

Ignis snorted, his tone laced with mockery. "Oh? Let's see who they wish to lead them." ignis turns to the crowd. "So, do you wish to go to the forgotten princess or me, the third prodigy of the generation." he sneered with a laugh.

Koru watched the heated exchange between Ignis and the princess, feeling like he was stuck between two worlds he didn't particularly like. Ignis's arrogance and aggressive demeanor reminded him of a previous leader he had encountered, one who ruled with an iron fist and violence.

On the other hand, the princess exuded a sense of naivety and innocence that made him doubt her leadership abilities. If she had truly never ventured to the beyond, then she might possess limited knowledge that went beyond his own experience.

Despite the fact that the other participants seemed heavily in favor of Ignis, with most of them joining his side, Koru couldn't help but feel uneasy. He also noticed a few outliers who broke away and went their way, perhaps sensing the same uncertainty in Ignis's and the girl's leadership as he did.

Whatever decision he made, it had to be the right one, for he knew ignorant people had no room for mistakes.