The Web of Shadows
The days after the maze test brought a new rhythm to the Academy. Sora observed that each exercise was growing increasingly psychological, testing not just his intellect but his ability to navigate the murky web of alliances, rivalries, and secrets that the Academy seemed designed to foster. He knew it was only a matter of time before the Academy would test them in a way that wasn't merely academic.
True to his suspicions, rumors of an upcoming "Shadows Test" spread through the Academy like wildfire. The whispers painted it as the most feared challenge, designed to pit students against one another and expose their darkest instincts. Most students speculated that it would be a solo test, where they'd each face their worst fears alone. But Sora suspected it was much more than that.
On the morning of the test, Instructor Kuroda gathered the students in the main hall, her expression as impassive as always. Beside her was an older man with a hawk-like gaze and a scar across his cheek — clearly someone with authority.
"Students," Kuroda announced, her voice carrying an unusual tension, "you will now face the Shadows Test. This is a test of loyalty, trust, and betrayal. It is designed to strip away your defenses and expose the truth of who you are. Failure is… not an option."
Sora noticed the apprehensive glances exchanged among his classmates. They all wore varying expressions of dread and anticipation, though few masked it as well as he did.
Kuroda gestured to the man beside her. "This is Director Masato. He oversees this phase of training."
Masato stepped forward, his voice as sharp as his gaze. "For this test, Few selected student will be given a dossier containing secrets about your peers but it also has false information to misguide you. Your task is to use this information to form alliances — as you see fit. You have one day. At the end of this period, only those who secure alliances will proceed. Those who fail will be penalized severely."
The air in the room grew colder, as if a chilling breeze had swept through. Sora felt a flicker of excitement amidst the tension. This wasn't just a test of intellect; it was a game of strategy and manipulation, a challenge that seemed tailor-made for him.
As he received his dossier, he noticed the names listed in it were students he'd already been keeping an eye on. Not he has to do is use his brain and sort out information provided to him that would most likely be true. Based on their personality he has a rough idea what information he can trust. There was Hiroshi, a quiet but intelligent student known for his resourcefulness; Ayame, who was fiercely competitive and often underestimated; and, surprisingly, Hana.
A smirk crossed his face as he considered the information in his hands. The Academy wasn't merely testing them; it was pushing them to reveal their true colors. This was a game of shadows, of secrets and betrayals.
---
**Part II: The Game Begins**
Sora spent the next few hours studying his dossier and carefully planning his moves. His first target was Hiroshi. He knew Hiroshi was cautious, preferring to observe from the sidelines rather than take bold action. Sora decided to exploit this.
He found Hiroshi in the library, as expected, pouring over some files. Sora approached him casually, his expression neutral.
"Hiroshi," he greeted with a nod.
Hiroshi looked up, his gaze wary. "Sora. What do you want?"
Sora gave a faint smile. "I thought we might discuss… an arrangement."
Hiroshi frowned, clearly suspicious, but didn't dismiss the idea outright. "An arrangement?"
"Yes," Sora replied smoothly. "I have information that could benefit both of us — as long as we cooperate."
Hiroshi studied him for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Fine. I'll listen."
Sora leaned in, his tone low. "I know that you are cheating on your girlfriend"
Hiroshi's eyes widened slightly, and Sora knew he'd struck a nerve. "How did you…?"
"That doesn't matter," Sora interrupted. "What matters is that I can keep it a secret — if you agree to help me."
After a tense silence, Hiroshi nodded, clearly reluctant but resigned. Sora had him in the palm of his hand.
---
Next, he moved on to Ayame. Unlike Hiroshi, she was more of a wild card, driven by her ambition and willing to take risks to get ahead. Sora found her practicing in the training room, her movements sharp and controlled.
"Ayame," he called out, watching as she turned, her expression wary but intrigued.
"Sora," she said, a hint of a smirk on her lips. "Come to make an alliance?"
"Perhaps," he replied, his tone ambiguous. "I have information that could help you eliminate some of your competition."
She raised an eyebrow, clearly interested. "I'm listening."
"Let's just say," Sora continued, "that I know certain things about certain people. Things that would give you the upper hand if you used them wisely."
Ayame's smirk grew. "And what do you want in return?"
Sora's expression was cold, calculating. "Simple. I need someone who isn't afraid to get her hands dirty. Think of it as… insurance."
After a moment's thought, Ayame nodded. She seemed to relish the idea of a temporary alliance, especially if it meant she'd gain an advantage over her rivals.
With two alliances secured, Sora turned his attention to the final person on his list: Hana.
---
**Part III: A Clash of Minds**
Finding Hana wasn't difficult; she was in the courtyard, her gaze focused on the Academy's looming towers as if lost in thought. As Sora approached, she turned to him, her expression unreadable.
"I figured you'd come," she said, her tone cool.
Sora stopped a few paces away, studying her. "Then you know why I'm here."
"Let me guess," she replied, crossing her arms. "You want to form an alliance."
Sora smirked. "Smart as always. But you're not exactly in a position to refuse."
She raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And why is that?"
"Because," he said, his voice dropping to a whisper, "I know about your family's… predicament."
For the first time, Hana's cool demeanor faltered, and Sora saw a flash of something raw in her eyes — anger, perhaps, or fear. He knew he'd hit a nerve, but he also knew that this was the only way to secure her cooperation.
"Are you threatening me?" she asked, her voice steady but laced with an edge.
"Not at all," Sora replied smoothly. "I'm offering you a way out. Help me in this test, and I'll ensure that certain… information remains private."
Hana regarded him in silence for a long moment, her gaze hardening. Finally, she nodded. "Fine. But don't think I'll forget this."
Sora smiled, a cold satisfaction settling over him. "I wouldn't expect you to."
---
**Part IV: The Final Move**
As the day drew to a close, Sora knew he'd secured enough leverage to pass the test. The alliances he'd formed were fragile, based on manipulation and secrets, but they would serve his purpose for now. In the Academy's world of shadows, trust was a luxury he couldn't afford.
When the students reconvened, Director Masato and Instructor Kuroda stood before them, their gazes appraising.
"Congratulations to those of you who succeeded in securing alliances," Masato announced. "You have demonstrated resourcefulness and cunning. Those who failed… will face the consequences."
Sora glanced around, noting the tension in the faces of his classmates. He knew some of them would be penalized, but that was just another lesson the Academy wanted them to learn: survival came at a price.
As the students were dismissed, Hana caught up with him, her expression as unreadable as ever.
"Sora," she said, her voice low, "don't think I'll forget what you did today."
Sora smirked, his eyes cold. "I wouldn't expect anything less. But remember, Hana… in this game, it's either play or be played."
She didn't respond, but the look in her eyes told him that their rivalry was far from over.
And as Sora walked away, he knew that the Shadows Test was just the beginning. In the Academy's twisted world, he was prepared to use any tool, any strategy, to stay on top — even if it meant turning his allies into enemies and his enemies into allies.
Because in this game, there was only one rule: trust no one.