In the midst of it all, it's darkness, silence, and this strange warmth enveloping me. But I'm all puzzled – what went down and why's everything feeling so numb? You know that sensation of being deep underwater? The kind that pushes down on you, making you feel almost crushed? Strangely, that's missing even though I've been underwater for what seems like hours. It's eerie, gives me the shivers.

When's my wake-up call? When's it gonna hit me? Starting to wonder if I've taken up residence in this space where nothing else exists.

Then, out of the blue, that warmth cranks up a notch and there's this touch on my body. A voice pipes up – someone I don't recognize. "He's still out, not in a coma, just wiped out. No need to freak out too much." Pretty soothing words, from an unfamiliar mouth.

"Oh, got it. So, he could just wake up anytime?"

"Yep, definitely a possibility. But like I said, calm down a bit."

"Hmm... fine."

Who are these people? I might have an inkling about the second voice, but it's slipping past me. Safe to crack open my eyes, maybe?

Trying out the eye-opening thing, I don't spot anyone. Room's small and cozy, got a few bits of furniture making themselves at home. Sunlight's streaming in through a couple of windows.

I hoist myself up and surprise, surprise – my legs aren't jelly, despite the marathon sleep. Weird, right?

Outside, there's a bunch of people in the zone – some game with a ball going on, others just shooting the breeze. Guess this is the Stronghold school they talked about?

"I can see you're back on your feet."

Those were the first words that hit my ears. I hadn't even realized he was approaching – his footsteps were like whispers. Who was it? Keep it cool, act natural!

"Talking isn't really your thing, is it?"

"Oh no, I was just taken aback by your appearance."

"Taken aback, huh? Haha, what's the story there?"

"Your presence crept up on me, couldn't even hear your footsteps. So yeah, I was surprised."

"I see… you're quite the enigma. Most people would be totally thrown."

He's got a point. When dealing with tougher opponents, you've got to keep your wits about you. Lies can spell trouble, and the truth can be a lifeline in this brutal reality.

"Staying true to yourself is essential, don't you think? Or am I off, Mr....?"

"Just call me Arest. I'm one of the teachers here, and I've got the job of looking after you. Anything you're curious about, go ahead and ask. You missed out on some important stuff while you were out of action."

"How long was I out?" I asked, hoping it wasn't too long.

"Roughly a week, give or take."

Well, that's not too bad. Hopefully, I haven't missed out on any major training or anything.

"What happened in the training area? I remember getting jumped by some unknown group..."

"That's classified, still being looked into. Can't tell you more than what you saw."

Right... he's a teacher, probably working for the higher-ups. But what the heck actually went down?

"And what's the plan for me?"

He stood there, wavy brown hair, glasses perched, poker-faced, impossible to read.

"Well, you're gonna be part of my team. We're down a member, so now it's your time. I'll show you the way. Just be yourself and keep your cool. But watch out, there's someone who won't exactly roll out the welcome mat for you."

Someone specific, huh? What's that even supposed to mean?

"Got it, though your last statement's leaving me scratching my head."

As we ambled along the winding path, I couldn't help but catch the curious stares of numerous students. Some of them were engaged in spirited duels, testing their mettle right in the open.

The school itself was a sprawling behemoth, a prime spot for all sorts of training and activities. It was pretty evident that those already occupying the courts had achieved various levels of expertise.

So, I guess that means I'll have to up my game.

"Here we are. No need to feel nervous."

"Why should I be nervous? If anyone's going to be, it should be them."

"Just don't get overwhelmed, okay newbie?"

"Newbie? What's that supposed to mean, anyway?"

The sound of the door squeaked, gradually swinging open wider.

"What do you mean we're getting a new addition? The three of us are doing perfectly fine, right? Adding a fourth person would just throw us off."

"Chill out, Chitanda. It's probably not as bad as you're making it out to be."

"Oh, and how would you two know that? Are you psychic or something?"

"Well, let's just wait and see..."

What a strange situation that was. I found myself facing an interesting girl, with a braid in her long black hair and attention-grabbing red eyes. She rocked a red and white kimono – white on top, red at the bottom – and her sword matched her outfit. Not super tall, not short either, but definitely shorter than me. And she had a pretty well-proportioned figure, I must admit.

On the other hand, there was this guy with short blond hair that nearly touched his nose, and his blue eyes were seriously bright. I have to confess, I was a little jealous of his hair.

Then, out of the blue, Arest announced.

„Attention, everyone. Your new mate and friend has arrived. Extend him the courtesy he deserves.“

"Friend? Seriously? How's this dude supposed to be our friend?" Chitanda couldn't help blurting out.

"Well, whether you like it or not, you gotta stick together to stay alive. There's not much choice.“ came the matter-of-fact response.

A frustrated groan echoed in response.

I couldn't wrap my head around the strong opposition to having a fourth member. I started to wonder if I was really that terrible...

"Alright, I'm Najin Kyushu. Glad to be part of the team. Let's hope we can work together."

"Work together? Yeah, right."

"Welcome to the team, Najin. We're happy to have you around," someone else chimed in, finally breaking through the tension.

But something didn't add up – weren't there supposed to be four of us now?

„Hold on a sec, if I'm here, shouldn't there be four of us? I don't see the third person."

"Don't worry about him. He's a lone wolf, prefers to go solo. His name's Nura Kiyotaka, if I remember correctly."

Ah, so we have a wannabe lone ranger, how fitting.

"But let me ask you this – there's some gossip going around about you. Care to spill the beans? Why'd you end up in a coma for a whole week, and you're the only one?"

"Stuff happened, that's all I know. Nobody bothered to fill me in."

"Fair enough."

Gradually, she seemed to calm down a bit. Good to know she's got some sense under all that attitude.

But now what? What's our game plan from here?

"Najin, we're really relying on you for this journey. They've handed us a mission, calling it 'The Path of Revitalization.' Honestly, the name sounds pretty cool, but we're totally in the dark about what it involves. Still, we're hoping that our teamwork will see us through."

"Don't sweat it. We've got each other's backs."

I mean, seriously, 'The Path of Revitalization'—who comes up with these names? It's intriguing, though.

"Alright, let's get this show on the road."

As we'd hashed out, we set off. We got some pointers about where to head, what we might come across. I won't lie, there's a bit of a chill running down my spine just thinking about it.

The landscape we passed through was something else—vast green fields, animals going about their business, mountains on the horizon, and clouds serving as a sort of sunshade.

We journeyed through several villages, all warmly welcoming. The path grew darker, mirroring the shadow looming over our expectations. And then, we stumbled upon this immense forest, dominated by an ancient towering tree at its center. Kind of a dead giveaway that we'd arrived at our destination, I'd say.

And you won't believe it, but that's exactly where we were supposed to be. It's almost eerie, how we reached this point without any major setbacks. It's making me wonder if it's too good to be true, you know?

"Hey, guys, has anyone else got a feeling that things are off?"

"Yeah, I'm with you on that. This can't be as straightforward as it seems," Chitanda voiced our shared concern.

"Hey, check it out, I found the entrance. Quick, over here!"

But it wasn't the welcoming gateway we anticipated; more like the lair of some ominous creature.

"With just torchlight, we're practically blind. Using mana for light is risky business," Kida Sadatake warned, showing his practical side.

The air grew heavier as we pressed on, the atmosphere thickening. And those structures up ahead—are those actually doors?

"Four doors? Seriously, what's their deal?" Chitanda pondered aloud, confirming my inkling that something was definitely awry.

"Hey Kyushu, check out what's written over there."

*At this threshold you linger, hardly daring to take a breath, for the ground trembles with the secrets it carries. The gate opens to the abysses of ignorance, where the shadows are thicker than the darkest night. Enter with the knowledge that the Hall of Oblivion can bring even the strongest to their knees. Here the brave become victims, and thoughts become torments as darkness creeps around the mind. Only those with iron will and steely hearts can meet the challenge that lurks in the mists of this chamber. But be warned: if you enter it, you will never be the same again.*

"What the heck? This... this is crazy! No one would willingly do this, even if they were forced."

"What on earth is this?"

"Najin, chill out. We'll get through this. This is what we were created for."

"Are you seriously telling me, Kida? Created for what, suicide? Are you out of your mind?"

"Kyushu, we don't have a choice. We have to go through this, maybe it's like a test to push us beyond our limits."

"What do you mean? You can't be serious."

Just as I was arguing in my head, I heard a creak as the door opened.

*krrreeeaaakkkk*

The first doors swung open, and the characters disappeared.

Oh no...

Now I've got to make my way through that mess!

As I opened my door, all I could see was darkness, and something heavy seemed to pull me in.

"Where am I?" I pondered aloud, my voice echoing in the unfamiliar surroundings.

"Ah, you've awakened," a voice responded, tinged with curiosity and authority. "And who might you be?"

Amidst the confusion, I strained to identify the speaker. A presence lingered in the air, leaving me to wonder who could it possibly be.

"Reveal yourself! Show me who's talking," I demanded, my words dripping with urgency.

"Quite the audacious mortal, aren't you?" The voice chuckled. "It's intriguing how you issue commands, despite your mortality."

"Regardless of my mortal status, can you please explain the situation?"

"Ah, mortals, forever eager to inquire without revealing themselves to the environment," the voice remarked with a tinge of irritation.

"But you, I'm curious about you. Who are you?"

The intensity of his irritation was palpable, making me question whether I had committed some transgression. His words pressed upon me like an initial weight.

"It appears you've passed the initial test," he noted with a mix of exasperation and intrigue.

"How? Who are you?"

"What test? Your manner is quite aggressive," I remarked, seeking clarification.

"A test of self-awareness, embodied in the Mirror of Self. A challenge to confront your inner secrets and fears," he elucidated, his words like riddles from fantastical realm.

"Mirror of Self? A vessel for self-confrontation?" I mused, recognizing the concept.

"Ah, so you claim to understand. Prove it. How did you succeed in the test?"

His tone ebbed away, the pressure on me gradually releasing, and the relief allowed me to breathe more freely.

"I experienced through a dream, an experience that is the extent of my knowledge.

"A dream, you say," he scoffed, his anger simmering.

"Your attempt at deception is amusing, mortal. Honesty would serve you better, lest you face dire consequences."

His anger was overwhelming, his demeanor explosive. I gathered that truth was my only refuge.

"That's the only truth I possess, as strange as it may sound.”

"Assuming I grant you that much, brace yourself for Phase 2," he declared with a dark chuckle.

I couldn't help but find his demeanor exasperating, even as my intrigue deepened. My curiosity got the better of me as I inquired about the upcoming phase.

"Phase 2? Tell me, what does it entail?".

"The Test of the Mind. You won't face it alone, of course, and I shall grace the occasion with my presence," 

The prospect of his presence was both intimidating and oddly appealing, an emotion that was swiftly disrupted as I suddenly found myself transported to a new location, just as I was about to pose another question.

Inside the vast expanse of the cave, an abundance of light poured in through enormous, vibrant plants of various colors, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that inspired a heartfelt exclamation of awe.

"Wow, this is absolutely beautiful!"

Every corner of this sprawling cavern resembled a world plucked from dreams, an extraordinary tableau of beauty and marvel that exceeded all imagination.

Nestled squarely at the center of this colossal chamber stood an immense tree, its sprawling branches seeming to embrace the entire space with a verdant canopy.

"This marks the second and ultimate phase of our journey. It doesn't quite qualify as a test, but rather a revealing of your innermost desires. Listen closely, as each question you're posed will carry its own set of outcomes."

Outcomes, you say? So, the more pointed the question, the graver the potential consequences? The two companions flanking me wore expressions even more somber than my own after my reflection episode. Poor souls, indeed.

"Are you both still up for this?"

"Absolutely, we're committed to seeing this through. No need to worry about us," Chitanda affirmed.

Her demeanor had undergone a complete transformation—gone was the mockery and elation, replaced by a solemn gravity. Clearly, this experience had taken a profound toll on her.

"Now, young man, what question do you bring to this pivotal moment?"

Kida was the first to come forward with his question.

He took a deep breath and his gaze was of an intensity that matched his serious tone.

"I long for meaning amidst the prevailing emptiness in the world. How can I find meaning in this great emptiness?"

Wait a minute, that's an incredibly specific question. Perhaps he has guessed that the nature of the question itself cannot be dismissed so easily.

"The query you raise reverberates like a resonant echo deep within your very core. The emptiness you perceive resembles a sky without stars. Yet, within that obscurity, myriad truths lay concealed. Remember, the response isn't the sole essence; the journey you undertake bears its own significance. Recognize that you are an integral part of the universe, experiencing itself. Every instant, every encounter, every experience carries within it a glimmer of meaning. Delight in the modest, uncover the enchantment within the mundane, and place your trust in the path you tread, for it shall imbue the void with vibrant hues of existence."

The concept he addresses is intriguing - it's about attributing a deeper meaning to what you own that others may lack. It's about realizing that even seemingly insignificant things can contain hidden insights that often go unnoticed.

Kida's attitude visibly changed, from one of uncertainty to one of obvious relief. His reaction indicated that he took the answer positively.

"Next one."

That girl…is the next one.

"What sacrifices must we make to learn the truth about ourselves and our deepest fears?"

This question struck an unusual chord, as it departed from her customary manner, conveying a concern for the well-being of others.

"The notion of sacrifices in this context," he elaborated, "revolves around shedding the cloaks of comfort and self-deception. The elusive truth frequently lurks behind veils of discomfort and insecurity. It's the very fears that act as impediments and the emotional barriers we've constructed around ourselves. To truly perceive the radiance within, one must confront the darkness residing inside. These sacrifices manifest as abandoned aspirations and the despondency that can hold us captive. Embedded within each sacrifice lies a trove of insights waiting to be unearthed, accessible only through one's determined volition. By discarding antiquated mindsets, you're essentially clearing a path towards embracing your genuine self—a self characterized by both its strengths and vulnerabilities."

Her countenance betrayed a hint of uncertainty, seemingly concerned that the answer might only exacerbate her worries.

"Chitanda, have faith in his answer. He is a haven of wisdom," Kida interjected, trying to reassure him.

"It‘s fine, that was to be expected."

Inhaling deeply, I surveyed my surroundings before refocusing my attention. With a sigh, I admitted, "To be honest, I'm drawing a blank when it comes to questions." Their puzzled expressions mirrored my own internal confusion as the presence of the ancient tree enveloped us.

"CAN'T YOU POSSIBLY HAVE NO QUESTIONS?" the tree's voice reverberated.

"I genuinely can't seem to think of anything to ask right now. It's like one of those moments, you know?" I tried to explain.

"STOP JOKING AROUND, YOU LITTLE ONE."

Alright, maybe 'little one' is apt, considering the tree's immense stature within this cavern.

"This supposed 'little one' isn't burdened with any pressing questions for the all-knowing tree," I retorted, pushing back.

"KID, YOU BETTER WATCH YOUR WORDS!"

"Your attempts at intimidation won't work on me. You might as well leave me be."

Within the cave, an unexpected serenity prevailed. The way the light filtered in was almost magical, offering a rare glimpse into my world. The more queries you have, the more tangled things seem to get. For me, it's about tackling things on my terms; that's the only approach that seems to yield results.

"Perhaps it's time we move on; clearly, the tree doesn't appreciate my presence here."

"Um, alright," Chitanda consented, her unease palpable.

We exited the cavern and found solace in a neighboring village.

According to the tree, the next stage wasn't your typical test. It revolved more around discerning your true desires. Well, the thing is, I don't particularly yearn for anything, nor is there anything I'd decline.

"Najin, why didn't you want to ask something?" Kida inquired, concern etched across his face.

"It just didn't seem necessary; no real motivation," I explained.

"Come on, quit playing around! You can be as immature as a child sometimes."

"Chitanda, why bother getting tangled in whether I wanted to ask or not? Everyone grapples with their own problems; it's often best to let them be," I responded, my tone straightforward.

"Alright, fine... you stubborn person."