Second scenario

Kato stepped forward, commanding the attention of the entire dining hall. His presence was powerful as he began addressing the gathered students, ensuring their safety while he commanded the sanctum. He spoke with authority about the importance of unity and vigilance in these uncertain times, reminding everyone they were stronger.

As he delved into various topics—preparations for potential threats, the importance of discipline, and the need for cooperation—Kato's tone shifted when he addressed the current situation: a fellow student attempting to harm another. His gaze locked onto Nabi, who knelt trembling on the floor, sweat glistening on his forehead.

"This behaviour is unacceptable," Kato stated, his voice steady yet filled with gravity. He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in before continuing. "While we cannot kill him for his actions, what he did was unforgivable. I, at this moment, sentence him to exile outside the sanctum."

The words hung in the air, and a hush fell over the room. Nabi's eyes widened in terror, and panic washed over him. He felt utterly powerless, unable to plead for help as he glanced around at the other students. Their expressions ranged from irritation to disdain, and the whispers that swirled around him felt like daggers.

The looks they gave him were cold and unforgiving, each one hitting him like a rock against his body. Nabi's heart sank further as he realized that he was utterly alone in this moment. His thoughts darkened, drowning in despair as he contemplated the harshness of his punishment and the isolation that awaited him.

No one questioned Kato's decision; the students silently agreed, palpable support hanging in the air. "Now, enough of that," Kato said, his tone shifting as he focused on Kenji. "Let's address Kenji's matter." 

He turned his gaze toward Kenji, his expression a mixture of respect and authority.

 "I commend Kenji for protecting Mari when she needed it most. He may have been an unfortunate witness to the chaos, but he stood as a blade of justice, preventing Nabi's reckless decisions." Kato paused, lowering his head slightly in apology to Mari, a gesture that resonated deeply with the students. 

The atmosphere shifted as Kato's words washed over them, drawing them into his narrative. His respectful tone and genuine acknowledgement of his faults made him appear even more admirable in their eyes. It was clear to everyone that no one else could fill that role; Kato had an innate ability to connect with them. They felt an emotional bond, a loyalty that made them willing to follow him anywhere—even if he suggested they jump from a three-story building.

Yet Kenji remained untouched by this display.

 "You're drifting into something," he thought, scrutinizing Kato's every word and gesture with a critical eye.

After a few more carefully chosen words, Kato made a declaration that rippled through the crowd. "Though Kenji defended Mari, he is not part of the special task force I appointed to guide you all. Given the unforeseen incidents due to your decision-making and inability to hold back, I suggest you drop all your equipment and hand it over to those more capable."

His eyes swept across the room before landing back on Kenji, the weight of his words sinking in. The students exchanged glances, some whispering among themselves, while Kenji felt the implications of Kato's statement press against him like a heavyweight. Kato's authority was undeniable, but Kenji sensed an underlying agenda that troubled him. As the murmurs intensified, he braced for what lay ahead, knowing this was only the beginning of a complicated game.

"So this is what you were getting at," Kenji thought, locking eyes with Kato as the tension in the room thickened. The atmosphere crackled with unspoken words, and Nabi was a picture of despair amidst the chaos.

Nabi was kneeling on the cold floor; his body trembled as panic surged. His eyes were bloodshot, turning an unsettling shade of red, with veins visible beneath the surface, as if his anguish was physically manifesting. Sweat trickled down his forehead, mingling with the salt of his tears. 

"I could have been successful," he muttered, the words barely escaping his lips. The desperation in his voice was palpable, a raw edge that betrayed his fragile state of mind. He clutched at his bandaged hands, knuckles whitening with the strain.

"It was a great plan!" he shouted, his voice rising with each syllable, fueled by stress that transformed into an uncontrollable rage. 

"It's your fault! It's your fault! It's your fault! It's your fault! It's your fault! It's your fault! It's your fault! It's your fault! It's your fault! It's your fault! It's your fault! It's your fault! It's your fault!" The repetition of the phrase became a mantra, a desperate attempt to deflect his failure onto Kenji. 

As he cried out, the room fell silent, all eyes drawn to him. The intensity of his emotions reverberated through the hall, and Kenji felt pity and frustration. Nabi's spiralling despair contrasted sharply with the calm determination of the others, amplifying the moment's weight. Kenji couldn't shake the feeling that Nabi's downfall was more than his own doing; it reflected the pressures they all faced in this new world.

At that moment, a memory flickered to life in Kenji's mind—his grandfather's voice echoing through the years. 

"A man who cannot be manipulated by lust can never be defeated." 

The words carried a weight that resonated deeply within him, a reminder of the strength that comes from self-control and clarity of purpose. Kenji realized the truth in those words as he watched Nabi unravel before him. In a world fraught with temptation and chaos, it was vital to remain steadfast, to avoid the traps that ensnared the weak.

While Nabi succumbed to despair, driven by his fears and anger, Kenji felt a surge of resolve. He would not allow himself to be swayed by the turmoil around him. He knew that to rise above the challenges ahead, he had to remain focused and accurate to himself, no matter how intense the pressure became.

They all looked at Nabi with a mix of disgust and pity, and the more they stared, the more his anger intensified. Despite having his hands tied behind his back, he found the strength to stand, a wild determination in his eyes. Clenching an arrow embedded with a green substance between his teeth, he charged straight at Kenji, shocking everyone in the room.

"What the hell?" someone gasped

 While another whispered, "Is he out of his mind?"

A member of the task force, responding to Kato's command, rushed to intercept Nabi. But with surprising agility, Nabi dodged and scraped the arrow across the task force member's arm. The injury wasn't serious, but it sent a ripple of alarm through the crowd.

Suddenly, the system's voice rang out:

["You have been poison."] The revelation hit like a thunderclap, and the task force members collapsed, the effects of the poison spreading quickly.

 Undeterred by the chaos around him, Nabi continued to rush toward Kenji, his focus sharp and unwavering. All that mattered to him now was revenge. Kenji stood resolute in his path, aware of the storm within Nabi. As the tension escalated, it became clear that this confrontation was not just about anger—it was a desperate plea for understanding in a world that felt increasingly hostile.

Kenji stood right before Nabi, who felt that revenge was finally within his grasp. Even as thoughts of his impending fate loomed—possibly at the hands of the goblins above—Nabi was determined to take Kenji down first. With adrenaline coursing through him, he took a step forward, his heart pounding.

But as he moved, a shocking realization struck him: he could see Kenji more clearly now. The blade in Kenji's hand glistened ominously, coated in fresh blood as if he had just been in a fierce battle. Nabi's heart raced, confusion washing over him as he registered the cold glance Kenji shot his way.

"What…?" Nabi stammered, his mind struggling to comprehend the situation.

 "Why is my head so high above…?" 

As the world around him began to blur, he felt a chilling sense of disorientation.

 "Why is my body headless…?" 

Those were the last thoughts that crossed his mind as darkness enveloped him, leaving behind the stark reality of his actions and their consequences.

"Oh my God," the students whispered, unable to believe their eyes. They all stepped back, their hearts racing as they stared at the lifeless body on the floor. Fresh blood poured out, and the smell of blood quickly spread around the dining hall; they were reminded that the world they once knew had changed forever. Eyes darted toward Kenji, each gaze filled with disbelief, fear, and uncertainty. Yet Kenji stood tall, an unsettling calmness surrounding him as if the weight of his actions didn't affect him at all. The tension in the room grew thicker, starkly contrasting the chaos around them.

["Congratulations, you have passed the first challenge"] The system alert pops up at every face congratulating them on their achievement. 

["mission."]

One # Survive

the main scenario: survive for five days.

Difficulty level: F

reward: 100 mana stone

upon failing death.

Progress: completed.

["initiating scenario"]

[new mission]

two # take a life

Main scenario: take the life of any creature.

difficulty level: F

reward: 150 mana stone

upon failing: death

time: 3days