"Haruki, Haruki! I found some mail in the mail box!"
Hori skipped with a cheerful voice.
"Wow, really? Wait did you just say Haruki?! Without honorifics?!"
He staggered back, this was a new revelation!
"I mean, we're both friends now... so there isn't need in adding 'san'
Hori blushed playing with her fingers.
"Kyaahhh! This is so embarrassing!!"
Haruki squealed holding Hori's hands, he'd never had an actual friend before.
Hori was also embarrassed, but she still spoke without honorifics, the bond the 2 shared was now enough to confidently call each other bff's.
The time was 6 in the morning, they had both developed a habit of waking up early due to Hori's training.
Haruki wondered what Hori was waiting for, she should open the mail already.
Hori did so and read out loud.
"From SHO, to Inori Hori,
all participants of the SABBATH EXAMS are to head to the main branch, located in Tokyo for the preliminary rounds. Time - 12:00 PM"
Hori turned confused, wasn't today the Sabbath Exams already? What did they mean preliminary rounds?
Haruki bonked her head for asking a silly question.
It's as the letter said, the preliminary rounds will be held before the actual Exams commence.
She now understood. This Preliminary Rounds was certainly a way for SHO to fish out the strongest from the batch.
Hori then asked why Haruki didn't receive a mail.
"Oh, look. I got an e-mail."
He said showing Hori his phone.
Hori was still impressed by technology.
They decided to shower, the preliminary rounds started at 12:00 PM sharp. The time now 6:10, gave them exactly 5 hours 50 minutes to commute to Tokyo from Fukui.
-----------
Hori slowly washed her body when she noticed her hand.
"Haruki, Haruki!"
She ran from the bathroom tying a towel.
Haruki still startled by the way she now addressed him.
"look!
Hori said as she flexed her muscles, she had become quite fit, from her training and wanted to show it off.
Haruki was impressed, he couldn't remember the last time he saw a muscular girl.
Hori massaged her hand in astonishment.
This was proof of her hard work till today.
She was proud of the results.
Haruki simply smiled at her. He was a little worried she might've been nervous about today but Hori clearly looked fine, her usual enthusiastic self was as loud as ever.
Hori went back to continue bathing.
-------------
The time was now 7 in the morning, Haruki, dressed in an orange shirt with blue jeans, he stood with some luggage in his left hand and his smart phone in his right.
Hori wore a western jacket, black tights and the cap Haruki had given her, they had already left the house and were at Tengokyu's store .
"Mr Tengokyu! I'm going to miss you!!"
Hori yelled hugging the old man.
She released him as he spoke calmly to her.
"Hori, make sure you pass the exams, show em what you got!"
He smiled.
"I will!!"
Hori said with an even bigger smile, and bent down her head in gratitude.
They waved the old man good bye, and he returned the gesture.
'Hahhhh... such good kids, except from the boy.'
He closed his eyes and said a quick prayer.
'Please, watch over them, you can ignore the boy tho, but please keep Hori safe'
Tengokyu went to open the shop after praying for Hori's safe return.
And so their journey to Tokyo begins.
--------
The train platform buzzed with life as the Shinkansen hissed to a stop at Fukui Station.
Its iconic sleek silver body gleamed beneath the morning sun.
People moved with mechanical motion, brushing past each other like currents in a river.
There was no time to waste when boarding a train.
Amid the army of moving people, two figures— a tall, composed teen with sharp eyes with tattered blood colored, long hair, and a much shorter girl, slightly tanned with short spiky blue hair.
Hori, bouncing lightly like she was about to explode, she spoke with awe.
"Is it going to fly?!" she asked, tugging at Haruki as she stared at the Shinkansen's streamlined nose.
Haruki chuckled and said it was a train, not a jet.
Narrator - As one would expect, Hori had never been on a train.
Hori greeted Narrator, she hadn't heard her in a while.
---------
They boarded, settling into a window seat. As the train surged forward with a gentle whoosh, Hori jerked a little, squeaked from shock.
"Oh wow—this is so smooth, it's just like a car, Haruki!" She said, clutching her seat.
"Don't, worry. You'll get used to it." Haruki said, observing Hori with her first experiences was quite entertaining.
Hori pressed her face against the glass, seeing them swiftly pass the coastal rivers present in Fukui.
She was finally leaving where she had woken up in.
-------------
Tokyo Station – Chiyoda Ward
By the time they arrived at Tokyo Station, it was late morning, 11:30.
The sea of people was overwhelming, a living tide of suits, bags, phones, and new faces.
The air smelled of polished marble, train oil, and expensive cologne. Announcements rolled over the PA system in Japanese then English.
Haruki immediately held Hori's hand, making sure they won't get separated, she surprisingly wasn't flustered, Hori knew more than anyone that she would disappear in a minute in this crowd.
"I really would have loved to tell Mrs Tkane good bye. But she's a pregnant woman, she must be busy."
Hori told Haruki who was too busy maneuvering past people.
Now on to SHO - Tokyo main branch.
This was the pride of Japan.
Not only as a tourist attraction, but the largest construct in the entire nation.
They exited Tokyo station and Haruki boarded a taxi.
He told them their destination and got in.
The old taxi driver said with excitement.
"You kids are heading for the Sabbath Exams eh? I wish you luck!"
He cheered on and increased his speed.
20 more minutes till the Exams started, the 2 were quite late despite waking up so early.
-------------
Finally, they arrived.
Japan main branch S.H.O - Shibuya, Tokyo
A beautiful structure. Its completely round walls stood as a symbol of fear to Sins and Sinners everywhere.
Its height, a staggering 265 meters (827 feet) departed skies above.
Width, a measured 10,000 acres wide structure, an estate at this point, surrounded by parked cars and vehicles all around.
SHO had branches in different cities. However, the Sabbath Exams was the most important event of all time, aspiring Priests would need to commute to the main branch in Shibuya, Tokyo.
Hori and Haruki's mouths were left open. They obviously haven't been here before but Haruki had sometimes seen it online or from a distance.
Hori on the other hand thought to herself.
'Was this even still a building? How long did this take to construct? How much money was spent?!'
This was the reason it was such a tourist attraction.
SHO Tokyo branch was a sight to behold.
"That's a lot of people!"
Hori yelled as she finally dropped her head from staring at the enormous construct.
Most participants exited cars, with a special aura radiating from them. They had all trained vigorously, prepared for the Exams.
Haruki turned and noticed some participants even camped outdoors. People who lived in far prefectures like Osaka needed to sleep the night close by.
Haruki checked his watch and screamed! They were late!.
He grabbed Hori's hand and they rushed to join the myriad of people walking towards the building.
Narrator chimed in as they walked.
Narrator - Unlike most important buildings in Japan, SHO main branch was located in a densely populated district, Shibuya. The Sabbath Exams is considered one of the biggest events in SHO history. Different people from different parts of Japan have come to try their best in becoming a Priest!
Hori greeted the informative voice with a smile.
"Woah, look! It's a foreigner!"
Haruki said pointing at a classy girl dressed in a big black shirt and white jeans, she had long oily black hair and wore bold Mexican earrings.
"She must be a Mexican!"
Haruki said while pointing like a child.
"Haruki, stop pointing!"
Hori brought his hand down.
Haruki was surprised, he thought Hori would be more excited seeing a foreigner. She explained that due to her father's position as a high ranking Priest, she had traveled and seen multiple races, but had never been to any branch of SHO.
Haruki looked at his phone and smirked. Just in time.
12:00 PM
Immediately as the time reached, everyone, except from Hori and Haruki suddenly covered their ears, Hori looked confused but felt something was going to happen.
A giant gong sounded from within the HQ, nearly deafening incoming participants.
Hori immediately covered her ears, she had heard something like this every year when living with her father in the Kantei.
Narrator - The iconic golden gong. Struck to announce to announce to all of Japan, the Sabbath Exams were beginning.
After ringing exactly 3 times, a suited man spoke boldly with a microphone on a podium.
"Addressing you today shall be none other than Bishop number 6, Sir Allen Scott!"
He introduced, commanding an opera of applause and cheers from the crowd.
A familiar man stepped forward and climbed on the podium.
Hori suddenly jumped with excitement.
It was the man who saved her during the Sin of Arson incident.
"So he's a Bishop!"
Hori said with great respect in her tone. According to Haruki, encountering a Bishop once in a lifetime was considered extraordinary lucky, Hori was honored to be saved by one.
Haruki as well had heard of Sir Scott. But didn't know much about him.
Ahem!
He cleared his throat before speaking into the microphone.
"Thank you all for gathering here today! A total of 756 people have filled the form for this year's Sabbath Exams!"
The crowd applauded, that was a large amount.
Sir Scott adjusted his shades before continuing.
"This was left private news, but to those who pass all trials of the Sabbath Exams.... Will be rewarded 10 million yen each!!"
The crowd went wild!
"Holy shit, ten million yen?!"
One yelled.
"Alright!! I knew there'd be a reward!!"
"Yeah, after all the rumors on how hard the Sabbath Exams were, there's gotta be compensation for all the hardship!!"
Multiple participants shouted.
The Bishops words made sense, considering the high death count from participants, a cash reward should be expected before your monthly salary working as a Priest.
Hori was even more excited, with ten million yen, she would be able to repay some of her debt to Haruki. He really didn't want anything tho.
Sir Scott calmed the large crowd so he could continue addressing them.
"We will now be opening the gates to the Tokyo branch of SHO, where this years Sabbath Exams will be held! Please know, that not everyone has been privileged to step foot here! Good luck out there, I expect big things from all of you!"
"And remember my motto! 100 percent?!"
He yelled to the crowd to which they replied.
"BREAK THAT SHIT!"
The shouted in unison. Sir Scott was skilled in hyping people up. His personal motto encouraged everyone to surpass their limit when they feel they've reached one.
Sir Scott left the podium after multiple applause and cheers. He was very liked by the public, despite being the weakest of the Bishops.
Sir Scott motioned a worker in front who followed a small door to pass through the humongous wall.
From the push of a single button, a giant entrance opened. Welcoming the participants.
"let's do this! Haruki!"
Hori stretched her hand in a fist bump.
"Way ahead of you! Hori!"
He bumped hers with his. They were both ready.
Hori and Haruki walked with confidence amongst the crowd into the building.
------------
As if its unrealistically huge exterior wasn't enough. Inside the building was somehow more impressive.
Causing every single participant to gape in disbelief. "WOOOOOOOOWWWWW!!!!!"
The crowd was more than impressed.
The Tokyo branch of SHO was simply beautiful, fountains were sited pouring down water, besides lavishing structures.
This is where most Priests live and do their business, like their homes and offices.
A small school was also sited far away, "SHO HIGH" sure to be discussed later.
'Wooow! They even have a school?'
Hori asked the trusty Narrator.
Narrator - That school is where young members of SHO attend. There, they learn how to kill Sins and Sinners, alongside normal high school lessons.
Narrator informed Hori as usual.
'The founders of SHO had really thought of everything.'
Hori thought.
Narrator continued.
Narrator - However, 2 years ago. SHO started accepting normal students, those without any interest in Sins and what not.
A male participant, almost wandering too far from the crowd said out loud.
"Wooow, so this is were all our taxes go to."
The crowd laughed as someone pulled him back to the group.
"Please, know that we are not here for site seeing."
A woman in a suit and air pods said then clapped twice.
Ordering a wide structure to open like some advanced machine.
"Please come this way, this is where the preliminary rounds will take place."
She gestured to a wide hall, a simple speck compared to the whole size of the entire structure they were in.
The large crowd walked into the huge gate and entered the hall.
The location they found themselves in was simply a ring, A BIG RING. Divided into 2. Each share equal size. One blue, one red.
Black chairs were also located at the four corners of the ring, about 1,000 chairs in total.
"Wow! Such a big arena!!"
Hori yelled in astonishment looking at the battle field. This must be where the fighting would take place.
The suited woman asked the crowd to go find seats and await further instructions.
Hori tugged at Haruki, so they would both sit together. However...
"Mrs Takane??!?"
Hori held her head upon seeing her.
"Hori?!!"
Mrs Takane also did so, both equally shocked at seeing each other.
"What are you doing here?!"
They both asked in unison.
Haruki commented, pointing at the woman. "Wait your that pregnant lady! What you doing at SHO?!"
He walked closer.
They both asked her to explain herself, was she also taking part in the Sabbath Exams? This was far too dangerous given her condition.
Mrs Takane sighed, there was no way out of this and she didn't want to lie to Hori.
She peeked at her young friend, Hori had a worried expression on her face.
Mrs Takane gave in and finally spoke.
"I'm in debt...."
She bent her head in shame.
"You're owing money?"
Hori asked again to confirm.
"Not me exactly, my husband. He had a debt of.... 9 million yen."
Mrs Takane faced her left.
Now it was up to the poor woman to pay since her husband was dead.
Mrs Takane continued with slight enthusiasm.
"I was right on joining the Sabbath Exams, if I pass all the trials and get 10 million yen. I'll be able to pay back the loan and still have a million yen for my baby."
It all made sense, most participants were infact here for an expected reward, despite it not being publicly declared.
Hori was still against Mrs Takane participating, but with sudden confidence, the woman said.
"Don't worry, I'm using the 'Bribery System' for the dangerous parts!"
Mrs Takane patted Hori's head. But... what was a "Bribery system" Hori and Haruki's faces both asked as they were confused.
"You guys.... didn't read info on the site did you...?"
The woman sighed as they stared, not knowing they were meant to check a site.
"Participants are allowed to transfer 100,000 yen for bypassing their desired trial."
Mrs Akane revealed new information to them.
They were both surprised.
A suited man with shaved head walked towards the 3 and spoke as if tuning in to their conversation.
"As informed on the website, please do not participate in this round if you have transferred the sum of 100,000 yen to SHO! Step into this corner and display the receipt for the "Bribery System"
The man gestured to his front where a small stand was placed.
Sir Scott entered the large hall and stood on another podium. Making his already huge physique even more noticeable, he didn't need a microphone this time as they were inside.
"Okay, a total of 556 people used the Bribery System, for the preliminary rounds. meaning...200 participants will be fighting on this ring Today."
He announced and awaited the participants to comply.
"Well, I'll see you later then, Hori."
Mrs Takane waved and went to the section to show her receipt for payment.
Hori prayed Mrs A
Takane would be alright but Haruki assured her, if she used this Bribery System, she wouldn't need to fight.
The 500 participants had now showed their receipts for Bribery. Meaning SHO just generated ¥50,000,000 in an instant.
Sir Scott continued.
"The remaining participants who did not use the Bribery System, step this way."
Sir Scott gestured to a wide space close to the large ring.
"I guess that's where we're going Haruki."
They both got off their seats after resting their legs and walked there.
They saw some interesting looking fellows, surprisingly, their age mates.
They saw that Mexican girl again, now on her phone speaking Spanish, perhaps to a relative informing they were about to begin.
Besides Hori was a black American boy, about the same age as Haruki, he had messy brown hair that covered his eyes, and a T-shirt with a black and white divide. Their eyes met. Hori blinked, his hair was quite full so it left her stunned.
The boy simply bowed, immitating Japanese culture. Hori bowed back as well.
Another interesting fellow, this time spotted by Haruki, was a boy about Hori's age with blonde hair, he had multiple scars on each hand, and the most noticable, being a mark resembling a vein on his right cheek.
Despite wearing casual wear which contrasted boldly with such a rough figure. He didn't look friendly in the slightest, almost annoyed the exams were taking so long to start.
A whisper said close to Haruki, the woman as well staring at the blonde boy spoke mockingly.
"I heard that's Sir Adams brother."
She was speaking to Haruki who honestly didn't care so he simply ignored her.
Narrator - If you remember, Sir Eric Adams was the foreigner who saved Hori from her first encounter with a Sinner. Was this ruffian really his brother?
Sir Scott, along sides two Hataki came with boxes in each hand, they were both gold in color.
"Thank you for waiting, your opponents will be chosen by lottery-
"OMG it's Sir Scott!"
A woman squealed, unknowingly interrupting him, who could blame her? She was standing in front of an actual Bishop. The black sach around his muscular bicep with a bold white writing "B" stood for "Bishop" this sash was worn by all who had such position.
"I...it's such an honor sir! You've saved my family before! On the 4th of August this year, I seriously appreciate it sir!"
Another man said bending down.
Sir Scott chuckled at their excitement from seeing his humble self.
"it's a pleasure."
He casually shook the mans hand, almost causing everyone to rush in for their own hand shake.
Sir Scott saw they were wasting time so he clapped loudly with his military gloved hands, setting the tone back to formality.
Now having their undivided attention, he continued explaining the rules.
"You will be given 5 minutes each per match, the goal is simple. Knock your opponent out, or get them to surrender. Killing is prohibited.... for now...."
He said tauntingly as he walked around the crowd.
"To save time, the arena will be divided into 2, so more people can fight each other respectively."
He then glanced at Hori and stared for a bit.
'Isn't she that girl that almost died from Arsons attack? Thank God she survived.'
Sir Scott could still notice Hori's face even though Haruki gave her such a different haircut.... that made her look like a guy.
He removed his eyes from her and yelled.
"Okay! First person! Step forward and put your hand in the box!"
He said facing the two Hataki, his finger pointed?
"It's me!"
Hori jumped in surprise. Slightly nervous as everyone's attention was now on her being the first participant and all.
Haruki wished her good luck.
Hori smiled at Haruki and went forward to put her hand in the box to her right, she drew out a blue button.
"Move to this section."
Sir Scott pointed at the blue field, half the whole ring, to the right.
He ordered the next person he pointed to step forward.
A middle aged man answered, he walked to put his hand in the second box to his left, he also got a blue button, so he went to stand besides Hori.
"Okay next!"
Sir Scott yelled and pointed.
It was a large man with a pot belly. His name was "Kim-joo Mori" a Korean.
He put his hand and picked up a red button. He glanced at Sir Scott awaiting his order.
"Move to this section."
He said pointing at the red field. Facing Hori with 5 meters apart.
"I don't need to explain anything anymore."
He stated as the participants weren't idiots, they got the drift.
You simply randomly pick a button of either color, Blue or Red.
Then you stand in the side of the ring with the same color as the button you picked.
They all selected their buttons and went to their assigned field.
As already described, the entire arena was humongous. It divided into 2. A red field and a blue field.
"Alright! I'm in blue!"
Haruki celebrated as he high fived Hori. Relieved they weren't going to fight each other.
Sir Scott thought critically, relying on memory alone.
'Okay, let me see....the first person to pick blue and the first person to pick red. Then the second person to pick blue and the second person to pick red.'
He randomly moved his fingers as he miraculously recalled each color each of the 200 fighters picked, as well as the order they picked them.
He tilted his black shades and spoke.
"First up, we have Hori Inori versus Kim-joo Mori! Along sides Meadow Fernando versus Kyojiro Myamoto!"
He yelled, positioned in a large room above the ring. Ordering each paird fighters to take either field, this way, they could finish 2 respective matches at once.
"Okay! It's time!"
Hori and her opponent chose the blue field to perform their bout.
"You got this girl!!"
Haruki waved excitedly, wishing Hori best of luck. She made a peace sign and grinned with confidence as she stepped towards the ring.
The large fat man, "Kim-joo Mori" also walked forward, cleaning sweat from his forehead.
Hori and Kim-joo took half of the arena.
Meadow Fernando, the Mexican girl Haruki was pointing at stepped towards the ring, the middle aged man, Kyojiro Myamoto who didn't look the slightest bit strong followed suite, they occupied the other half of the arena, the red field.
Sir Scott motioned to a Hataki at his side. He pressed a button and a large metal wall sprouted out, dividing the Blue field from the red field.
A pair of giant timers also floated down, one for Hori versus Kim-joo and one for Meadow Fernando versus Kyojiro.
This way, participants could enjoy each match separately, without concentrating on the two at once.
"As I mentioned, 5 minutes per round, however, if nobody wins, both contestants will be eliminated!"
Sir Scott reminded, making all current 4 participants to gulp, they would need to be rough to knock out their opponents.
"Without further ado, let the preliminary rounds... BEGIN!"
He motioned his hand permitting the clock to start counting from 5 minutes.