In this world, only the strong survive.
The weak… they fall.
I used to be one of them.
Fear, limitation, helplessness—they bound me, held me prisoner.
But today, a new trial lies ahead.
I know that if I want to survive, I must grow stronger.
I must push beyond my limits.
The silence of the room shattered.
Thak thak… thak thak…
Footsteps echoed.
General Maksim's eyes burned with authority. Daniel's gaze brimmed with suspicion.
Jackson's presence wasn't just strength—it carried pressure, a weight you could feel.
Grace, Nora, Kaito—they were all ready.
I gripped my black sword tightly, holding my breath.
Grace whispered, "Ryan…"
All eyes turned to me.
In this moment, I was alone, and yet, everyone was testing me.
---
Maksim spoke slowly, deliberately.
"You must master your powers. Only then can you function as a true team."
The air grew heavier, dense with tension.
Maksim began introducing the Hunters.
Jackson—team leader, former professional boxer. His fists were legendary; once, he crushed a massive python without effort.
Jack—a wrestler. Strength alone is terrifying, but his technique makes him deadly.
Grace—martial arts expert. Her strikes with a sword are almost invisible, instantaneous.
Nora—unmatched in swordsmanship. Every swing of her blade spells death.
Ivan—can control any living creature. Fierce tiger, wild bird, all bend to his will.
Irina—poisoned daggers, silent movements. One strike, and the damage is lethal.
Kaito—Japanese samurai. Moves like a shadow, fast and precise.
Ayaka—ninja. Swift, clever, disappearing and reappearing without warning.
Ji Hwan—whose hands can channel deadly firearms at terrifying speed.
Kai—commander of electric weapons, lightning crackling across his guns.
Ryan—myself. Martial arts master. My strikes with the sword can kill in an instant.
---
Maksim's gaze was sharp, calculating.
"The Special Forces include five experts—a scientist, two doctors, and two rocket specialists. They are our shield and technology. Combined with the Hunters, they make this mission possible."
---
Every step in the room reverberated—thak thak… thak thak…
Daniel stood silently, eyes narrowed.
He could sense it… something unusual about me, a hidden power lurking beneath.
I moved forward, step by step. Thak… thak…
My heartbeat raced. Breath trembled. Yet, my mind was calm.
One thought—surpass my limits.
---
At the foot of the mountain, we stood.
The cavern ahead was dark, mysterious.
Wind whispered—shhiss… shhiss…
Every breath carried warning.
One by one, they leapt toward the cavern.
White parachutes unfolded like wings, glinting in the sunlight.
---
I was the last. Alone.
The President's gaze held both gravity and faint reassurance.
"If you take part, your family will be safe in Russia."
I asked, voice cold, cautious, "Can I really trust you?"
"Absolutely," he replied, short but heavy with certainty.
---
Parachute slung over my shoulder, I stepped to the edge.
Wind tousled my hair. Sunlight glanced off my sword.
Thump!
I leapt—plunging into the yawning darkness of the cavern.
Wind roared around me.
Shadows and flickering lights danced along jagged walls.
The cavern felt alive, as if waiting… for me.
---
Each step inside sent tremors through the ground—thud thud…
Reflected lights flickered.
Shadows shifted.
Where would the next attack come from? Impossible to tell.
I could feel my power stirring, my limits being tested.
I am Ryan.
I know I am strong.
I push myself beyond every limit.
I will survive.
I will traverse the darkness.
Every step, every breath, every heartbeat strengthens me.
This cavern is my trial.
And I am ready.