Everything changed in that instant.
Damien never revealed himself. The people who came to apply for the army didn't even see a glimpse of his face.
The second he decided that he wanted to start the test, he did, thrusting them into the unknown without any time to prepare.
The entire world changed around them.
'W-what happened?'
A boy stood with legs shaking in the middle of the same field he was in moments prior, however, it was not the same at all.
The sea of people around him, suffocating him and terrifying him, was completely gone. He was left alone in the field, as if everything he knew was an illusion.
'T-that…w-what am I supposed to do?'
His name was Hershel. He didn't have a last name. His parents were commoners from an ancient line, from a time when they weren't allowed such privileges.
They were proud of their identity as farmers. They provided crops that allowed people to live, but they did not feel the need to be validated by the opinions of others.
Therefore, even when they were allowed to have surnames for themselves, they chose to deny that right.
They were a strong people despite being without status or wealth.
However, Hershel was their dark horse.
He was weak, pale as paper, and just as cowardly. He couldn't work the fields, nor could he take part in managerial duties or housework.
He was utterly useless in all aspects.
The family was close-knit. They did not abandon him due to his negative traits. Rather, they tried to help him look for other avenues to succeed in.
Sometimes, people born with his physique could thrive in the arts, while some others would find themselves specializing in niche and unique trades.
Unfortunately, Hershel wasn't one of them.
He was talentless in every aspect.
So he had no choice but to rot at home.
He saw the recruitment notice during another day of doing nothing in particular. He knew he didn't really have a chance, but he had nothing better to do.
And the opportunity to see the people who were born with all the talent he lacked wasn't something he wanted to miss.
Such a rapid change terrified him, but he gritted his teeth and kept himself standing with the strength of his negligible willpower.
As he glanced around to try and understand anything, a blue holographic screen appeared in front of him.
[Welcome!]
The first message was simple. When the screen registered that he'd seen it, the message changed.
[This recruitment test will be broken into three segments that can be taken in any order. You will have 10 minutes to rest between segments. If at any time you wish to quit, shout, "I surrender!" and you will be transported to a safe location.]
[Our Void Palace is looking for elites. Keep in mind that these tests will not be easy, nor will they be safe. You will have to risk your sanity, perhaps even your life, if you wish to pass. Quitting is not a shameful thing, but you will not be given a second chance once you do so.]
[In the next 5 minutes, please pick which section you wish to begin with. If a choice is not made in that time, one will be made for you.]
One after another, the messages appeared. Not just in front of Hershel, but in front of every participant in the test.
There was no doubt several hundred, thousands, or perhaps even millions had quit by now, but those who decided to continue after hearing the ominous warnings of the holographic screen found themselves faced with a choice.
[Mind]
[Body]
[Soul]
Three sections that would have three different tears.
Hershel looked between them, biting his lip.
'I…'
He didn't know what to pick.
He didn't think he'd be given a question like this, nor did he think the test would take place in this kind of format.
But isolation wasn't always a bad thing.
To Hershel, it was a relief, because he didn't have to embarrass himself in front of the world.
He was so scared he was about to collapse. The warnings only made his fear worse.
There was a chance he could die?
Like hell he wanted to risk his life!
He could hardly hold a shovel properly, let alone a sword. What was he ever thinking about coming for an army recruitment test?!
'But…'
His mind wandered to dreams of glory, of worth.
He'd never been able to do anything. He'd always been trash that burdened the people around him. They might not have shown it, but he was painfully aware of his position.
He didn't want to disappoint them. He didn't have a choice until now, because no matter what he tried, he always failed.
But, he always tried regardless.
No matter how many times he failed, he wanted to keep trying until he found something he could do.
'Maybe I'll fail, but…!'
…he didn't want to fail without at least trying.
He closed his eyes shut tight, gritted his teeth, and forced his finger to move forward and choose one of the three options.
It was a random choice, but it was the choice he made.
[Soul]
The option glowed bright green and the scenery changed.
The first test had begun.
***
'Everyone's gone.'
Dominic glanced around with wary eyes. The scenery looked the exact same as it did before, but it was different at the same time.
It was hard to ignore the obvious. He'd been transported into a different space. After seeing billions of people disappear, nobody would miss that fact.
But they probably wouldn't realize what it took to pull off something like this.
'Is this First Brother's power?'
He couldn't be sure of it, but he knew exactly who was recruiting right now.
'The 12 Swords are extremely skilled in spatial manipulation, but this is more than just creating multiple billions of subspaces. This is like…'
Dominic's expression hardened.
'...reality itself has been altered.'
That was why it felt so natural despite obviously being an illusion.
"Hmm…'
Dominic took his attention off the environment and finally looked at the screen hovering before him.
[Welcome! This space has been created specifically to test you, Dominic Void. Did you think you could hide from me with a shoddy disguise like that? Anyway, have some fun with the tests everyone else is taking for a bit, and I'll be with you shortly. If you aren't confident, then leave now, because if you can't live up to my expectations…it'll really fucking hurt. Welp, that's all I wanted to say, so hand tight. Adios!]
"..."
"For some reason, this feels targeted."
He soon saw the options others got, the same ones Hershel was viewing at the same time, but he couldn't get his mind off that first provocation.
"He didn't just know we were here, he happily accepted our presence for this exact purpose."
Dominic wasn't one to fall for such cheap provocation, and neither was Hestia, but…
'...I can't say the same for the rest.'
Dominic thought over it for a moment, making full use of the five minutes he was given.
"He must be testing the younger generation."
If they were going to represent Void Palace, they needed to do it properly. Judging by their First Brother's personality that had been exhibited over the past week or so, he wasn't someone who could be taken lightly.
So the main test really was just an appetizer.
Whatever the personalized test that came after was…
'...I really can't tell whether or not I should look forward to it.'
