chapter 33

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**Chapter 34:

Nathaniel's Point of View**

Minutes after parting from Ataparag, I returned to the applicants' room. We were ushered through a portal, handed cards serving as our numbers, and transported to a vast stadium teeming with thousands of hopefuls. The ancient arena, encircled by spectators above, buzzed with energy. High-ranking Eskapa members watched from elevated seats, scouting for potential warriors.

New soldiers were chosen based on trial grades, though officials could select promising recruits on the spot. Above the arena, a special judges' box housed Vice Commander Aoi among others.

Applicants from diverse regions numbered nearly ten thousand. Victory wasn't required—displaying ability sufficed. Recalling my story, Xxv should've failed without Commander Yuki's vote, heightening my nerves as I scanned the crowd. Failure meant no home to return to, steeling my resolve.

We were called and lined up. Massive magical screens revealed the arena's events. Preparations began, with a reminder to enhance our bodies with energy for protection. Yet, I lacked that skill, unsure if I could even try without prior study.

Moments later, a woman with blue-green hair and glasses rose from the judges' box. Whispers rippled through the arena, awestruck by her presence.

"Welcome, brave warriors. Let us begin today's trials," she announced.

Clad in a red scarf, she was Rei, Third Weapon of the God and queen of the Irish Kingdom—the first and only human to achieve Columbus rank. "So, she's the strongest in Endoryo," I murmured.

"Amazing—rising from a lowly being to conquer the Crimson Game," others marveled.

The chatter grew, forcing Rei to raise her hand. As it lowered, a crushing gravitational pull swept the arena, dragging applicants to their knees.

"Ahhh! What's happening?!"

"I'm being pulled down!"

Chaos erupted as the force pinned many to the floor, some collapsing under what felt like a hundred kilograms. Few stood—inexplicably, I was among them.

I felt the presence but not the pull, baffled by Rei's Crimson Eye ability sparing me. "What's going on?" I whispered.

"I think the Book of Life protects you. Without protective energy, you'd die from her power," Melon chimed in.

He explained the book shielded me from lethal threats, reminding me not to assume immunity. A weaker pull might still knock me out. "Let's call it luck from your weakness," he teased.

It dawned on me—Koko's promise I wouldn't die until my mission ended relied on this protection. "Wow, I'm like immortal," I grinned.

"Don't celebrate. This draws their attention above," Melon warned.

I puzzled over his caution—showing skill as an applicant seemed fine—but he clarified joining Ataparag's team quietly was better. Eskapa's process allowed high leaders, like the Five Weapons, to test recruits. With Vice Commander Aoi fourth in line, exposure risked complications.

"Anyway, I'd still join Ataparag's team even if I fail," I reasoned.

Revealing my secrets could spiral, as Koko warned. My focus was Suwi—stopping her vengeance. Among rulers, only Sei, free of personal grudge against Soul Eaters, could be trusted with her.

"But how do I get out of this? Whatever," I muttered, feigning a collapse, sprawling on the floor with exaggerated struggle.

"What's he doing?"

"He stood against the gravity pull, then fell?"

"Is that possible? I've never seen a delayed effect."

"But no energy shields him—how could he resist Rei's power?"

Minutes passed as some applicants climbed, earning points. Of the ten thousand, only two thousand succeeded.

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**End of POV**

Above, officials observed. A petite girl with cat ears and pink hair—Eighth Weapon Rui Katsuki, a wild cat from the Great Forest like Nyabu—spoke. "So few passed the first test, though it was easy."

A handsome blue-haired man—Fifth Weapon Kyros, Rei's lover from the Irish Kingdom—replied, "You say that because you endured the pull, but it's tough for regular warriors. Aren't we too strict?"

A dark violet-haired woman with rabbit ears, clutching a doll—Tenth Weapon Pyun, a dark summoner wielding black magic—countered, "If a simple attack paralyzes them, they'd burden us."

Yuki interjected, "Don't judge. Every being has unique abilities and flaws."

As they debated, food arrived. Yuki nodded toward me, still prone. "Like that one."

Rei, noting my lack of energy, summoned a soldier. "Applicant 2506 is human, sixteen, a Crimson Game beginner named Nathaniel Muntingbato," the soldier reported.

"A beginner? You admit ordinary humans with no energy control?" Pyun scoffed.

"We're not that desperate. Where's he from, and who brought him?" she pressed.

Aoi intervened, apologizing for my inclusion, though no rule barred humans. "Records show a red mark—he's already claimed by Commander Sei."

Shock rippled. Sei, known for fairness and shielding humans from conflict, puzzled them with this choice.

Aoi smiled silently, intrigued. "You're fascinating, Nathaniel," she murmured.

"Rei Sei likely knows her plan—let's trust her," Kyros suggested.

Pyun opposed, calling it disrespectful to pre-select a likely failure, given my human limits. "Does she think a regular human can pass our trials?" she challenged.

"Who knows? Rei, also human, became Columbus. We can't judge by appearance," Kyros defended.

Yuki noted Rei's training and inherited Crimson Item eased her path, unlike me. Rei dismissed it, returning to her seat. "Let's focus on finding strong warriors. The appointed day nears—we're running out of time for the coming war," she declared, ordering data collection.