The biting chill of January seeped through every crack and crevice of the academy, wrapping the grounds in a blanket of frost.

It had been another grueling month since Christmas, and true to Sasaki's warning, the training had intensified beyond anything we'd previously experienced.

The physical drills were harder, the mental challenges more complex, and the instructors less forgiving.

Over the past weeks, we’d also been introduced to a new layer of training: light weapons handling and tactical gear.

What began as basic exercises with rubber pistols had quickly escalated to live drills, teaching us to load, aim, and fire with precision, even in high-pressure situations.

For an Ex-NEET who was used to shooting only in videogames, it was definitely a glow up.

We were fitted with tactical vests, learning how to move, crouch, and roll while maintaining readiness.

The gear was heavy at first, constricting, but we adapted, learning to rely on its protection and utility in simulated combat.

Today, however, there was a palpable tension in the air—a sense that something significant was about to happen.

Whispers had been circulating among the recruits since dawn, rumors of special guests arriving, but no one knew for sure what to expect.

As I tightened the laces on my boots, Ishikawa burst into my dorm room, his face flushed with excitement.

In my room there was also Matsuoka that was helping me to understand something about the diiferent types of bullets and the right ones to choose on each weapon.

"Keisuke! Matsuoka! You won't believe who's here!"

He exclaimed, barely able to contain himself.

Matsuoka looked up from his book, raising an eyebrow.

"Unless it's the end of training, I don't care."

I smirked, shaking my head.

"Let me guess—Officer Katayama finally smiled?"

"Better"

Ishikawa declared, leaning in conspiratorially.

"Sasaki Taichi is here. And he's not alone."

My heart skipped a beat at the mention of Sasaki.

"Sasaki-san is here? Why?"

Ishikawa grinned.

"He's brought a team of senior detectives with him. Word is, they're here to run a special training exercise."

Matsuoka put down his book, his interest piqued.

"Senior detectives? Who else is with him?"

"Two men I didn't recognize"

Ishikawa replied, his eyes gleaming.

"But one of them looks like he could bench-press a car. And there's a woman—tall, white hair, absolutely stunning. I've never seen anyone like her."

"A woman with white hair?"

I repeated, curiosity getting the better of me.

"Yeah, and she looks like she means business"

Ishikawa confirmed.

"Everyone's talking about it. They're gathering us in the main hall in ten minutes."

I exchanged a glance with Matsuoka.

"Well, looks like we're about to find out what's going on."

The main hall buzzed with the murmurs of assembled recruits.

The usual strict order was replaced by a restless energy, everyone craning their necks to catch a glimpse of the visitors.

At the front of the hall stood Officer Katayama, his stern expression unchanged, but even he seemed more formal than usual.

Beside him stood Sasaki, dressed impeccably in a crisp white coat that contrasted sharply with his dark trousers and polished shoes.

His presence commanded respect, his sharp eyes scanning the room with a quiet intensity.

Flanking him were the other three detectives.

The first was a tall, broad-shouldered man with a shaved head and a scar running across his left cheek—a testament to a life spent on the front lines.

The second man was leaner, with glasses perched on his nose and an analytical gaze that seemed to dissect everything he looked at.

And then there was the woman.

She stood out not just because of her height—easily as tall as Sasaki—but because of her striking appearance.

Her long, white hair cascaded over her shoulders, contrasting with the sleek black suit she wore. Her features were sharp yet elegant, her eyes a piercing shade of blue that seemed to hold a world of secrets.

"Wow"

Ishikawa whispered beside me.

"She's even more impressive up close."

"Settle down"

Matsuoka muttered, though I could tell he was just as intrigued.

Officer Katayama stepped forward, raising a hand to quiet the room.

"Recruits, today we have esteemed guests joining us. The only four Senior Detectives are here to oversee a special training exercise."

Sasaki nodded, taking a step forward.

"Good morning"

Stolen story; please report.

He began, his voice carrying effortlessly across the hall.

"As Officer Katayama mentioned, my colleagues and I are here to present you with a challenge—a simulation designed to test your skills in a real-world scenario."

He gestured to the detectives beside him.

"Allow me to introduce Detective Kurogane Hiroshi"

He said, indicating the muscular man.

Kurogane gave a curt nod, his expression unreadable.

"Detective Sato Kenji"

Sasaki continued, pointing to the man with glasses, who adjusted them slightly in acknowledgment.

"And Detective Shirayuki Rei"

He finished, turning to the woman, who offered a slight, enigmatic smile.

"Shirayuki Rei..."

Ishikawa echoed under his breath.

"I've heard that name before."

"Shh"

I whispered.

"Listen."

Sasaki continued.

"Each of these detectives brings a wealth of experience in various fields—tactical operations, forensic analysis, and undercover work. Over the next few days, they will be evaluating you in a series of exercises that will push you beyond your current limits."

A ripple of apprehension moved through the room. I could feel my pulse quicken.

This was it—the next level Sasaki had warned me about.

Officer Katayama resumed his place at the front.

"You will be divided into teams and assigned specific roles within the simulation. Details will be provided shortly. For now, return to your quarters and prepare. Dismissed."

As the crowd began to disperse, Ishikawa turned to me, his eyes wide.

"Can you believe this? We're going to be trained by the top of the detectives in the force!"

Matsuoka nodded thoughtfully.

"It's a rare opportunity. We should make the most of it."

I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and anxiety.

Sasaki was here, and while I was glad to see him, I knew this wasn't a social visit.

This was a test—a chance to prove ourselves, but also a chance to fail spectacularly.

"Hey, Keisuke"

Ishikawa nudged me.

"Since you know Sasaki, think you can put in a good word for us?"

I laughed, shaking my head.

"I don't think it works that way, Ishii. Besides, he probably expects more from me now."

"Great"

Ishikawa groaned.

"No pressure then."

Later that afternoon, we assembled at the edge of the academy grounds, where a section had been cordoned off for the exercise.

It was an area we'd never been allowed to enter before—a cluster of buildings that looked like they hadn't been touched in years.

The facades were weathered, windows boarded up or shattered, and graffiti adorned the walls. It looked like an abandoned urban neighborhood, eerily quiet and foreboding.

"This place gives me the creeps"

Ishikawa muttered as we approached.

"That's the point"

Matsuoka replied.

"They want it to feel real."

We gathered in front of the main entrance, where Sasaki and his team awaited us.

Detective Kurogane stepped forward this time, his voice deep and commanding.

"Listen up"

He barked.

"This simulation is designed to replicate a hostage situation in an urban environment. Your objective is to infiltrate the building, assess the situation, and safely extract the hostages while neutralizing any threats."

Detective Sato adjusted his glasses, adding:

"You'll need to utilize everything you've learned so far—tactics, communication, quick thinking. Mistakes could cost lives."

Detective Shirayuki stepped forward, her gaze sweeping over us.

"We'll be observing and evaluating your performance. Remember, this is as close to the real thing as it gets. Treat it accordingly."

Sasaki met my eyes briefly before addressing the group.

"You'll be split into squads, each assigned different entry points and objectives within the building. Work together, stay focused, and trust your training."

As they began dividing us into teams, I found myself grouped with Ishikawa, Matsuoka, and a few other recruits I was less familiar with—Takeda included.

Our squad leader was a recruit named Nakamoto, a no-nonsense type who'd proven himself competent during previous exercises.

"Alright, team"

Nakamoto said, gathering us around a makeshift table with a blueprint of the building.

"Our entry point is here"

He pointed to a side entrance.

"Our primary objective is to secure the second floor and locate any hostages."

I studied the blueprint, noting the narrow corridors and multiple rooms.

"Are we expecting any resistance?"

I asked.

"Unlikely"

Nakamoto replied.

"But we have to be prepared for anything."

"Great"

Ishikawa sighed.

"I love surprises."

Matsuoka shot him a look.

"Focus, Ishii."

As we finalized our plan, I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched.

I glanced up to see Detective Shirayuki observing us from a distance, her expression inscrutable.

There was something about her that commanded attention—not just her striking appearance, but the aura of competence and confidence she exuded.

"She's intimidating"

Ishikawa whispered, following my gaze.

"She's supposed to be"

I replied.

"Come on, let's get ready."

We approached the side entrance, weapons drawn—simulated firearms, of course, but they felt heavy in our hands nonetheless.

The air was thick with anticipation.

"On my mark"

Nakamoto whispered.

"Three... two... one... go."

We breached the door, moving swiftly and silently down the dimly lit hallway.

The building was a maze of decaying rooms and debris-strewn floors. Every creak and distant sound set my nerves on edge.

We cleared the first room—empty.

The second—also empty.

As we moved deeper into the building, the tension mounted.

"Hold up"

Matsuoka whispered, raising a hand.

"Hear that?"

We paused, straining to listen.

Faint voices echoed from somewhere above us.

"Second floor"

Nakamoto confirmed.

"Let's move."

We ascended the stairs cautiously, each step deliberate.

As we reached the landing, a sudden shout rang out.

"Get down!"

A flashbang detonated nearby, the blinding light and deafening noise disorienting us.

I stumbled, my vision swimming.

"Ambush!"

Ishikawa yelled, diving for cover.

We scrambled to regain our footing as simulated gunfire erupted around us.

The exercise had taken a sharp turn.

"Regroup!"

Nakamoto ordered, pulling us behind a wall.

"They've upped the stakes."

"Thanks for the memo"

Ishikawa muttered, clutching his head.

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to focus.

"We need to flank them"

I suggested.

"If we split up, we can catch them off guard."

Nakamoto considered it for a moment before nodding.

"Mori, take Matsuoka and circle around to the left. Ishikawa, you're with me. Takeda, cover us."

We moved quickly, Matsuoka and I slipping down a side corridor.

The sounds of the simulated firefight continued behind us.

"Stay sharp"

Matsuoka whispered.

As we rounded a corner, a figure appeared—a 'hostile' actor in the exercise, raising his weapon.

Without thinking, I reacted, firing my training rounds.

The actor went down, signaling a successful hit.

"Nice shot"

Matsuoka acknowledged.

We continued forward, finally reaching a room where muffled cries could be heard.

The 'hostages'.

"Cover me"

I said, moving to the door.

I was starting to feel like I was in 'Call of Duty'.

It was strange but I liked it so much.

Matsuoka positioned himself to watch the hallway as I breached the room.

Inside, two figures sat bound and blindfolded.

"You're safe now"

I assured them, beginning to untie the restraints.

"Watch out!"

One of them shouted suddenly.

I spun around just in time to see another 'hostile' entering the room.

Before I could react, a shot rang out—but it wasn't aimed at me.

Matsuoka had taken him down from the doorway.

"Close one"

I breathed.

"Too close"

He agreed.

"Let's get them out of here."

We guided the hostages back through the corridors, regrouping with the rest of our team.

Nakamoto and Ishikawa had neutralized the remaining threats on their end.

"Objective complete"

Nakamoto confirmed, a hint of satisfaction in his voice.

"Good work, everyone."

Back outside, we gathered once more before the detectives.

Sasaki stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over us.

"You adapted well to unexpected challenges"

He said, his tone measured.

"However, there were moments where coordination faltered."

Detective Sato nodded.

"Communication is key. In real situations, hesitation can be costly."

Detective Shirayuki's eyes met mine briefly before addressing the group.

"Mori Keisuke"

She called out.

I felt a jolt of surprise.

"Yes, ma'am?"

"Your initiative in proposing the flank maneuver was commendable"

She stated.

"But remember to always ensure the safety of your team when making such decisions."

"Understood"

I replied, nodding respectfully.

She gave a slight smile.

"Overall, a promising performance. I'll keep an eye on you."

As the debriefing continued, I felt a sense of accomplishment tempered by the awareness of how much more there was to learn.

This exercise had been a glimpse into the complexities of real-world scenarios—unpredictable, intense, and demanding.

Later, as we headed back to the dorms, Ishikawa threw an arm around my shoulders.

"Not bad for a day's work, huh?"

"Speak for yourself"

Matsuoka interjected.

"You almost got us all 'killed' back there with that loudmouth of yours."

"Hey, I provided a distraction"

Ishikawa defended.

"That's a valid tactic."

I chuckled, shaking my head.

"At least we know what to work on."

As we walked, I couldn't help but reflect on the day's events.

Shirayuki Rei, uh?

She said she'll keep an eye on me...

When did I become that handsome?