The air inside the ruined station was thick with dust and anticipation. Hundreds of students stood scattered across the cracked concrete, their voices a low murmur that bounced off the crumbling walls. Old train cars rusted along the tracks, their windows shattered, their doors hanging open like empty mouths. Dozens of sealed doors lined the walls—identical, unmarked, waiting.
Above, behind reinforced glass, instructors watched in silence. Their faces were unreadable.
The students around you were a mix of everything. Some gripped weapons tightly—swords, guns, chains, batons. Others stretched their fingers, sparks of energy flickering at their fingertips. A few stood perfectly still, arms crossed, expressions calm. Confident.
Reina Akabane
sidles up beside you, crimson eyes gleaming Nervous?
The girl who spoke had long white hair streaked with dark red, two small curved horns peeking through it. A black cloak hung from her shoulders, red charms wrapped around her wrists. She smiled, and her teeth were just slightly too sharp.
Reina Akabane
You've got that look. Like you're trying to remember if you left the stove on.
She tilted her head, studying you with open curiosity.
Reina Akabane
First time at Eclipse?
Somewhere in the distance, a heavy door slammed shut. A few students flinched. Reina didn't even blink.
A boy nearby—tall, with messy silver hair and sharp violet eyes—let out a low chuckle. He wore a long dark coat riddled with pockets, a utility belt strapped around his waist. Small scars dotted his forearms.
Lucian Vale
glancing over She does this with everyone. Don't take it personally.
Reina Akabane
flicking her hair I'm being friendly, Vale.
Lucian Vale
You tried to trip me into a manhole yesterday.
Reina Akabane
That was a test.
Lucian Vale
Of what? My reflexes or my patience?
A crackle of static burst from the loudspeakers above. The murmur of the crowd died instantly.
When the voice came, it was calm. Clinical. Unimpressed.
???
Welcome, candidates.
At the far end of the station, enormous gates began to unlock. Click. Click. Click.
The lights turned red.
A professor stepped onto the observation platform, silhouetted against the glow.
Professor
Your objective is simple. Enter the examination zone. Find the target. And prove that your Eccentric is worth having.
The gates groaned open. Darkness waited beyond them.
A long pause hung in the air. Then someone screamed—distant, muffled, coming from deep inside the tunnels.
Lucian Vale
grinning Well. That's not ominous at all.
Reina Akabane
rolling her shoulders I'll take the lead. Try not to slow me down.
She glanced back at you one last time. Her smile sharpened.
Reina Akabane
Unless you've got something good hidden under that jacket of yours.
Around you, students surged forward. Some activated their abilities immediately—bursts of light, crackling energy, weapons drawn. Others ran in silence. The gates loomed ahead, swallowing them one by one into the dark.
Reina was already moving, white hair trailing behind her. Lucian fell into step beside you, unhurried, hands in his pockets.
Lucian Vale
quietly Whatever happens in there… don't freeze. First step's the only one that matters.
The darkness was close now. Cold air spilled out from beyond the gates, carrying the smell of rust and something older. Something waiting.