Shina and Shinro were desperately trying to convince the other Grim hunters that Crinix and Takahishi were with them. But the Grim hunters were unforgiving, their swords still raised and ready to strike.
"What is with this act, guys? Cut it off!" Shinro exclaimed, his rage boiling over.
But the Grim hunters were unmoved. One of them stepped forward, his voice cold and detached. "Shina and Shinro, you have both violated the rules by bringing outsiders inside HQ. You know the consequences."
The other Grim hunters closed in, surrounding Shina and Shinro. Shinro's temper flared, and he drew his sword, ready to fight. "I've had enough of this act! Let us pass, or else there's going to be blood everywhere!"
The Grim hunters charged, their swords flashing in the sunlight. But just as the battle was about to erupt, everything suddenly stopped. The birds in the sky froze in mid-air, the wind died down, and the Grim hunters' swords hung suspended, mere inches from Shinro's face.
It was as if time itself had stopped.
And then, in the midst of this eerie silence, a figure appeared. An old man with a wrinkled face, wearing a dark blue robe, emerged from the shadows. His brown eyes twinkled with a deep wisdom, and his long grey beard seemed to shimmer in the sunlight.
The old man's presence was imposing, his aura commanding attention. Shinro's eyes widened in fear as he knelt down, his sword slipping from his grasp.
"Gr... Grand Reaper, forgive me," Shinro stammered, his face pressed to the ground.
Shina followed suit, kneeling beside her brother. Takahishi and Crinix exchanged a bewildered glance, unsure of what was happening.
"Who the heck is this old man?" Takahishi whispered, his eyes fixed on the Grand Reaper. "Why did everyone stop moving?"
Shinro's voice was barely audible, his face still pressed to the ground. "Fools, kneel down. That's the Grand Reaper."
Takahishi's eyes flashed with defiance. "What? Grand Reaper? Who the heck is this old man? I don't bow to anyone."
Crinix, sensing trouble, smiled nervously and knelt down beside Shinro and Shina. Takahishi, however, remained standing, his eyes locked on the Grand Reaper.
The Grand Reaper's gaze turned to Takahishi, his eyes glinting with a hint of amusement. And then, in a voice that sent shivers down everyone's spine, he spoke.
"Shina, Shinro, you have both violated the rules. You brought humans to HQ. Therefore, your punishment is death. Same goes for these two humans you brought."
The words hung in the air, casting a pall of fear over the group. Takahishi's eyes went wide, his face pale. "That's insane! I escaped death many times today. There's no way I'm going to die here. And you, old man, screw you.. .."
But before Takahishi could finish his sentence, the Grand Reaper raised his hand, pointing a bony finger at the young boy. Takahishi's words froze on his lips, his eyes fixed on the Grand Reaper in horror.
Beside the Grand Reaper stood another figure, a man with a deathly pale complexion and a weird, unsettling smile. His eyes were hidden behind a curtain of black hair, and he wore a long, dark blue robe that seemed to blend with the shadows.
The man's voice was soft and melodious, a gentle contrast to the Grand Reaper's ominous tone. "Grand Reaper, that's too harsh. They're just kids."
The Grand Reaper's face creased into a warm smile, his eyes twinkling with amusement. " Gorgon, Don't interrupt" he spoke focusing his attention on Shina and Shinro "Now, let's continue. Your execution will be tomorrow."
Shina sprang to her feet, her eyes blazing with determination. "Grand Reaper, pardon me, but these aren't normal humans. They have the sight, just like us. And this one," she said, pointing to Crinix, "took down a Soul Eater with his bare hands."
The Grand Reaper's gaze turned to Crinix, his eyes narrowing in interest. The air was thick with tension as the group waited for his response.
The Grand Reaper's gaze lingered on Crinix, his eyes narrowing in surprise. "Boy, rise," he commanded, his voice low and gravelly.
Crinix slowly got to his feet, his eyes fixed on the Grand Reaper. He could feel the weight of the old man's gaze, like a physical force pressing down on him.
"What's your name, boy?" the Grand Reaper asked, his voice a little softer now.
Crinix swallowed hard, trying to find his voice. "C...Crinix, sir. My name is Crinix," he stammered, his fear evident in his trembling voice.
The Grand Reaper chuckled, a low, rumbling sound. "Hmpf, that's a unique name," he said, his eyes glinting with amusement.
Crinix felt a surge of relief at the Grand Reaper's words. Maybe, just maybe, he wasn't going to execute them after all.
The Grand Reaper's expression turned serious, his eyes boring into Crinix's soul. "I'm going to spare you all," he said, his voice dripping with authority, "if the boy and his friend participate in the Hunter Survival Test and become Grim Hunters."
Crinix's eyes widened in shock. What did the Grand Reaper mean? What was the Hunter Survival Test?
The Grand Reaper's eyes seemed to bore into Crinix's very soul. "If you say he took down a Soul Eater, we could use his strength in the Shadow Realm. The realm is always in need of powerful hunters, and if Crinix has the ability to defeat a Soul Eater, then he may just have what it takes to become a true Grim Hunter."
The Grand Reaper's gaze shifted to Shina and Shinro, his eyes glinting with a hint of amusement. "The boy and his friend must participate in the Hunter Survival Test. If they survive and pass, then you will all be spared," he declared, his voice dripping with authority.
Shina's face turned red with rage, her eyes blazing with fury. "Grand Reaper, that's outrageous! These two aren't even trained, and the Hunter Survival Test is next month!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with indignation.
The Grand Reaper chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mirth. "Haha, that's why I'm assigning them to your Unit, Shina. You and Shinro will train them, and they will be the key to your freedom."
Shinro's face turned pale, his eyes wide with concern. "But Grand Reaper, sir, this is a huge risk. What if they fail?"
The Grand Reaper's expression turned stern, his eyes glinting with a hint of warning. "Then you will all suffer the consequences. But I have faith in you, Shina and Shinro. You will train them well, and they will succeed."
The other man beside the Grand Reaper whispered to him, his voice low and respectful. "We should get back to the office, my Lord. I fear we are needed there."
The Grand Reaper nodded, his eyes still fixed on Shina and Shinro. "Now then, Shina and Shinro, I leave the rest to you."
With that, the Grand Reaper vanished, and everything unfroze. The air seemed to shimmer, and the sounds of the environment came flooding back.
Takahishi stumbled backwards, his eyes wide with confusion. "Where the heck is that old man?" he exclaimed, looking around frantically.
The other Grim hunters surrounding them turned and left, leaving only the four of them behind. Takahishi looked at Crinix, Shina, and Shinro, his face still etched with confusion.
"Guys, what happened?" he asked, his voice shaking slightly.
Shinro's face turned serious, his eyes locked on Takahishi and Crinix. " We must get you two ready for the Survival Test," he said, his voice firm.
Takahishi's eyes widened in alarm, his face pale. "What? No way, I'm not doing any test!" he exclaimed, his voice rising in panic.
But Shina's expression was resolute, her eyes fixed on Takahishi and Crinix. "We have no choice, Takahishi. We must train you two, and you must pass the test. Our lives depend on it."
Takahishi's eyes darted wildly, his face a picture of confusion. "Wait, guys, survival test? What the heck is that?" he asked, his voice laced with panic.
Crinix nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I was about to ask the same thing."
Shina and Shinro exchanged a weary glance, their faces etched with concern. They both let out a long sigh, as if preparing themselves for a daunting task.
"The survival test, also known as the Death Exam..." Shinro began, his voice low and serious.
Takahishi's eyes widened in alarm, his face pale. "The DEATH EXAM?!" he exclaimed, his voice rising in terror.
Shinro's expression turned stern, his eyes flashing with annoyance. "Shut up and let me explain," he snapped, his voice firm.
Takahishi's face fell, his eyes downcast. Shinro continued, his voice measured. "The survival test is hosted every year to select new Grim hunters. But there's a reason why it's called the Death Exam. Many people lose their lives in this exam."
Takahishi's eyes went wide, his face ashen. "What...what do you mean that many people lose their lives?!" he stammered, his voice trembling with fear.
Shina's face softened, her eyes filled with compassion. "You guys have to take the exam. We'll all be dead if you don't," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Takahishi's face contorted in horror. "You guys are crazy! There's no way I'm taking this exam!" he exclaimed, his voice rising in panic.
Crinix, however, seemed more intrigued. "What will happen if we survive? Will we be free to leave this place?" he asked, his eyes locked on Shinro.
Shinro nodded. "Yes, you can leave if you want, or you could become Grim hunters."
Takahishi's face turned red with rage. "Hell no! That's a suicidal test!" he exclaimed, his voice echoing through the air.
Shina rushed to Takahishi's side, her eyes shining with desperation. "Please, you guys, you're not only doing this for yourselves. Think about us too," she said, her voice soft and persuasive.
Takahishi's face turned bright red as he blushed, his eyes fixed on Shina's pleading face. Crinix's voice cut through the tension. "This guys saved our lives, so we owe them. Are you in, Takahishi?"
Takahishi's eyes darted wildly, his face twisted in indecision. He looked at Shina, then at Crinix, before letting out a long sigh. "Yes, I'm in. We'll do it. Happy now, guys?" he said, his voice laced with resignation.
The group cheered, their faces etched with relief. Shinro clapped Takahishi on the back. "Alright, now that's settled. Let's get going. There's someone I want you guys to meet."
As they walked, Takahishi's eyes remained fixed on the ground, his face a picture of despair. He had just agreed to participate in a deadly exam, and he had no idea what lay ahead.