Jin Matsui and Angelo Vom Bruch were not just powerful; they were legends in their own right, each mastering an entirely different field with unmatched proficiency. Their fame had spread far and wide, even overshadowing the illustrious Satow twins in certain circles. Jin’s mastery of Bladecraft and Infusion made him a specialist in the art of combat, turning every confrontation into a deadly dance where his precision and power were unmatched. Angelo, on the other hand, was a virtuoso of Electrocraft, his ability to control and manipulate electricity giving him a near-unlimited arsenal of techniques, each more devastating than the last. Their reputations as prodigies in their respective domains were well-earned, and their names carried weight, feared and respected by all who knew them.
In stark contrast, Toru’s abilities seemed almost insignificant. His C rank in Riflecraft, while competent, paled in comparison to the formidable skills of Jin and Angelo. This proficiency allowed him to craft and use a variety of above-average firearms, relying on schemas to produce weapons that were effective, but not extraordinary. His Cognition proficiency, Foresight, granted him enhanced perception, allowing him to anticipate movements and detect subtle changes in his environment. While useful, these abilities did not elevate him to the level of a prodigy; instead, they marked him as someone who was capable, but not exceptional.
As Toru contemplated his position, a voice over the loudspeaker announced the next phase of the test:
"Departing for Daggerwell Gate in 5 minutes. Please standby."
The announcement jolted Toru out of his thoughts. “That was fast,” he muttered to himself. Daggerwell was no ordinary town; it was a coastal settlement constructed specifically for peacekeepers. It served as a hub for training and testing, with a large portion of the peacekeeper exams taking place within its borders. The town was also a popular location for peacekeepers who preferred desk jobs, given its efficient handling of paperwork and trade, which eventually earned it the moniker “Gate.” The name reflected its dual nature as both a gateway to the sea and a center for commerce and administration.
As the announcement echoed through the hall, participants began to move toward the portals that would transport them to various locations within Daggerwell. The portals were gateways to different parts of the town, each designed to test the participants in unique ways. Toru joined the throng, his mind racing as he prepared himself for what was to come. The tension in the air was palpable, and when the portals finally opened, a loud horn sounded, marking the official start of the test.
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Toru stepped into the portal and felt a sudden shift as he was transported to a new location. When he opened his eyes, he found himself inside what appeared to be an old, stone castle. The walls were thick and cold, the corridors narrow and dimly lit. The air was heavy with the scent of damp stone and musty fabric, and the atmosphere was oppressive. Toru couldn’t help but chuckle nervously, “This is rich! This is really rich!” He was in a confined space, and every instinct told him that he needed to get out, and fast. The narrow halls and tight corners would severely limit his mobility, putting him at a significant disadvantage. If he didn’t find a way out quickly, his already slim chances of success would plummet even further.
As Toru moved through the castle, the sound of gunfire echoed through the stone halls, sharp and piercing. He moved swiftly, avoiding the sources of noise as best he could, knowing that every second counted. Suddenly, a burst of heat washed over him, and he turned just in time to see a massive wall of flame roaring down the corridor. “What the hell?!” he exclaimed, his heart racing. The fire surged forward, consuming everything in its path. Toru’s Foresight kicked in, allowing him to pinpoint the hottest areas and avoid them. With quick reflexes, he darted into an adjacent room, barely escaping the inferno.
The room was small and sparsely furnished, with a single window that provided the only means of escape. Toru rushed to the window, his hands finding the ledge as he hoisted himself up. Outside, the night air was cool and refreshing, a stark contrast to the blazing heat within the castle. Hanging from the window ledge, Toru took a moment to catch his breath, his mind racing as he considered his next move. The situation was dire, but he knew he couldn’t afford to hesitate. If he was going to survive this test, he needed to stay one step ahead of his opponents, using every ounce of his skill and ingenuity to outmaneuver them.
The castle loomed above him, a dark silhouette against the night sky, its walls now glowing with the light of the fire within. Toru took a deep breath, steeling himself for the challenges that lay ahead. The test had only just begun, and already he was being pushed to his limits. But if there was one thing Toru knew, it was that he couldn’t afford to give up. Not now. Not ever.