SICARII

Emma showed Taizen to his dorm. Upon arrival, she helped him unpack his things and then gave him a quick briefing about agent school.

Emma looked Taizen in the eyes as she spoke, her tone serious and her expression grave. "You need to understand that this is not a game," she said, her voice low and firm. "Agent school is not for the faint of heart. It will push you to your limits, physically and mentally. You need to be prepared for that."

Taizen nodded, his own expression serious. He had heard stories about agent school, about the grueling training and the high stakes. But he had never imagined just how intense it would be.

Emma continued. "You will be training with the best of the best, and you need to be able to keep up with them. There's no room for slacking off, no room for mistakes. One misstep could mean the difference between success and failure."

"Listen, only the top students get selected to join this school, and only a select few get to join by recommendation like you did. So you can bet that there will be some students who see you as a threat and try to make things difficult for you," she warned.

Taizen simply grinned. "I'm not afraid of a little competition. In fact, I thrive on it. And if anyone tries to get in my way, I'll just have to show them what I'm made of."

Emma raised an eyebrow, impressed by his confidence. "Well, I like your attitude. Just remember to stay focused and work hard every day. If you do that, you'll be sure to succeed."

Taizen nodded, eager to prove himself to everyone at agent school. He wasn't afraid of the challenge ahead; in fact, he was excited for it. He knew that this was his chance to make a name for himself, and he wasn't going to let anyone stand in his way.

"Your classes start tomorrow," Emma said, her tone becoming more serious. "You'll need to be up early and ready to go. I'll have one of your classmates come and get you in the morning and show you around."

Taizen nodded, his excitement building. He couldn't wait to get started on his journey to becoming an agent. "Sounds good to me," he said.

"Just remember, Taizen," Emma continued, her voice taking on a stern edge. "This isn't going to be a walk in the park. You're going to be pushed to your limits and beyond. But if you can handle it, the rewards will be beyond anything you can imagine."

Taizen nodded again, determined to rise to the challenge. "I'm ready for whatever they throw at me," he said confidently. "Bring it on."

Emma smiled, impressed by his unwavering determination. "I have a feeling you're going to do just fine," she said. "Just remember to keep your head down, work hard, and stay focused. And if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask."

Taizen nodded one last time, his mind already racing with the possibilities that awaited him at agent school. He knew it wouldn't be easy, but he was more than ready for the challenge. This was his chance to prove himself, and he wasn't going to let anyone or anything stand in his way.

The morning had come. Taizen woke up early to get in a quick workout. He changed into the agent student uniform Emma had left for him last night. Just as he finished up, he heard a knock on the door.

As Taizen opened the door, he was greeted by Mionara, who stood there with a serious expression on his face. Taizen couldn't help but notice the coldness in his eyes as he introduced himself.

"Sup, I'm Mionara. I'm here to show you around and take you to class," he said bluntly.

Taizen nodded in response and followed Mionara out of the dorm room. The silence between them was awkward as they walked down the corridor toward the classroom. Taizen tried to start a conversation, but Mionara's cold responses shut down any attempt at small talk.

"You don't talk much, do you?" Taizen finally asked.

Mionara looked at him, his expression unchanged. "I don't see the point in small talk. We're here to train, not make friends."

Taizen raised an eyebrow, slightly taken aback by Mionara's bluntness. He couldn't help but feel a little intimidated by the other boy's icy demeanor.

As they entered the classroom, Taizen was shocked by how big it was. It was a huge lecture hall that was full of over fifty students. Taizen noticed some students staring at him curiously. He could feel their eyes on him, sizing him up. Mionara walked over to his seat without another word, leaving Taizen to navigate the unfamiliar territory alone.

As the door creaked open, all eyes turned to the entrance as a massive figure stepped into the room. Towering over everyone else, the man was easily seven feet tall, with broad shoulders and biceps like tree trunks that strained against the fabric of his shirt. His presence was imposing, and his stern expression only added to the sense of authority that seemed to radiate from him.

As he approached the front of the room, the sound of his heavy footsteps echoed off the walls, commanding the attention of every student in the classroom. The air seemed to vibrate with his power, and even the most confident students felt a twinge of apprehension at his formidable presence.

With a deep voice that rumbled like thunder, the giant of a man announced himself as the new teacher, and the room fell silent. He greeted the students with a firm nod, and his piercing gaze swept across the room, taking in each and every face before him.

"You are all here to learn," he said in a voice that brooked no argument. "And I am here to teach you." His words were simple, but they carried the weight of a promise, a promise that he would guide them through the challenges ahead and help them reach their full potential.

The students could sense the passion and dedication that burned within the teacher, and they knew that they were in good hands. With his towering frame and commanding presence, he was more than just a teacher; he was a mentor, a guide, and a force to be reckoned with.

And so, the students settled into their seats, eager to begin their journey of learning with this extraordinary man at the helm.

"Today we are going to be learning about Inner."

The teacher's deep voice reverberated through the dimly lit classroom, sending shivers down the spines of the students. The air was thick with an ominous aura, as if the very walls themselves were afraid to bear witness to the lesson that was about to unfold.

"Inner," the teacher began, his piercing gaze locking onto each student in turn. "The most crucial weapon in any Hitman's arsenal. Without it, you are nothing but a mere mortal, weak and vulnerable in the face of danger."

The room fell into an eerie silence as the teacher continued, his voice low and menacing. "In the world of assassination, there is no room for weakness or hesitation. Every target is a potential threat, every mission a potential deathtrap. But with Inner, you can overcome even the most deadly of situations, emerging victorious where others would falter and fall."

The students could feel the weight of the teacher's words pressing down on them like a heavy burden. It was clear that this was no ordinary class, no ordinary teacher. This was a lesson in survival, in the dark arts of the Hitman, and the stakes were nothing short of life and death.

"Take this part seriously," the teacher warned, his voice laced with a hint of menace. "For those who fail to cultivate their Inner will find themselves at the mercy of their enemies, left to wither and die in the shadows of the world they dared to enter."

"Who can tell me what Inner is?"

A student stood up ever so confidently and said, "Inner is an ability that lets you draw power from the Gods."

The teacher nodded approvingly at the student's answer, a small glint of admiration in his eyes. "Yes, you are correct. Inner is the ability to draw upon the powers of the Gods, to tap into a force that lies deep within us all."

The room fell into a hush as the teacher continued, his voice now filled with a reverence that seemed almost holy. "This power is not something that can be learned or taught. It is something that must be earned, through years of training, discipline, and sacrifice."

The students leaned forward in their seats, eager to learn more about this mysterious force that could grant them such power. The teacher paused for a moment, as if gathering his thoughts, before continuing.

"The Gods are the source of all power in this world, and those who seek to harness their strength must first earn their favor. They must prove themselves worthy by undertaking great feats of skill, cunning, and bravery."

He fixed his gaze on the student who had answered his question, his eyes now glittering with an intensity that seemed almost otherworldly. "But beware," he warned. "For those who seek to wield this power without the proper respect and humility will find themselves cast out, abandoned to the merciless whims of fate."

The students listened in rapt attention, their imaginations running wild with the possibilities that this power could bring. For in the world of the Hitman, where danger lurked around every corner and death was always a heartbeat away, the power of the Gods could mean the difference between life and death.

The teacher's piercing gaze scanned the classroom, as if daring anyone to meet his eye. "Has anyone here tapped into the power of Inner?" he asked, his voice echoing off the walls like a clap of thunder.

Several students tentatively raised their hands, their eyes flickering nervously towards the teacher. As Taizen entered the training arena, the atmosphere buzzed with energy. The room was vast, filled with the sounds of shuffling feet, grunts, and the occasional clash of training weapons. A raised platform sat at the center, surrounded by mats where students were already sparring, showcasing their skills and testing their Inner abilities.

Taizen felt a thrill of anticipation. This was it—the moment he would finally get to prove himself. He scanned the area, noticing the varied fighting styles and strategies on display. Some students were focused and methodical, while others were wild and unpredictable, relying heavily on their raw energy. It was clear that each person had their own unique approach to combat, a reflection of their personality and their mastery of Inner.

Mionara, who had been quiet since their introduction, stepped up beside Taizen, eyeing the sparring matches with a critical gaze. "Watch and learn," he said, his tone devoid of emotion. "You need to understand your opponents if you want to stand a chance."

Taizen nodded, focusing on the ongoing matches. His eyes were drawn to a girl with fiery red hair, executing fluid movements with precision. She flowed like water, her strikes landing with grace and power. Taizen realized she was drawing on her Inner effortlessly, her aura shining brightly around her. He made a mental note to seek her out later—her skills could be invaluable.

After a few more minutes of observation, a sharp whistle cut through the noise, and a tall, muscular figure stepped onto the platform. This was Mr. Pioka, the combat instructor, known for his rigorous training methods and no-nonsense attitude. His gaze swept over the assembled students, and silence fell.

"Welcome to combat class," he began, his voice booming. "Here, you will learn to harness your Inner and apply it in combat situations. Today's focus will be on sparring. You will pair up, and I expect to see you push yourselves beyond your limits. This is not just practice; this is your training for survival."

Taizen's heart raced. The moment he had been waiting for had finally arrived.

"Pair up!" Mr. Pioka commanded, and the students quickly dispersed, forming pairs. Taizen glanced around, searching for a suitable partner. He wanted someone challenging, someone who would force him to dig deep.

Before he could decide, a tall, brooding boy with dark hair approached him. "Want to spar?" he asked, his expression unreadable. "I'm Kira."

"Sure," Taizen replied, trying to hide his eagerness. "Let's see what you've got."

They moved to the center of the mat, the atmosphere around them shifting with tension as other students formed a circle around them. Taizen could feel their eyes on him, and it only fueled his determination. He needed to impress not only Kira but everyone watching.

Mr. Pioka clapped his hands to signal the start. "Begin!"

Kira wasted no time, lunging at Taizen with surprising speed. Taizen narrowly dodged the first strike, feeling the rush of air as Kira's fist whipped past him. He countered with a kick aimed at Kira's midsection, but his opponent was quick, sidestepping and retaliating with a sharp jab to Taizen's side.

Pain shot through Taizen's body, but he gritted his teeth and pushed through. He could feel the anger rising within him, a fire igniting as he tapped into his Inner. He focused on his breathing, grounding himself, and summoned the power that Emma had warned him about.

Kira continued to press the attack, but Taizen began to anticipate his moves, feeling the rhythm of the fight. With each hit he absorbed, he channeled that energy into his own strikes, launching a series of rapid punches that caught Kira off guard.

"Nice!" someone from the sidelines called out, and Taizen felt a swell of confidence. But Kira wasn't done yet. With a fierce glare, he unleashed a powerful kick, aiming for Taizen's head.

Taizen ducked just in time, the force of the kick sending a shiver down his spine. He could feel the adrenaline coursing through him, the thrill of the fight awakening his senses. It was exhilarating, and for the first time, he understood what Emma meant by pushing his limits.

He sprang back to his feet, channeling the anger and excitement. This time, he focused on the flow of his Inner, letting it guide his movements. As Kira charged again, Taizen unleashed a flurry of strikes, each one landing with precision, each movement more confident than the last.

With one final push, Taizen feigned a jab and then swept Kira's legs out from under him. Kira hit the mat hard, and the crowd erupted in cheers and applause. Taizen stood over him, panting, feeling a mix of exhilaration and relief.

"Good match," Kira said, pushing himself up. There was a newfound respect in his eyes. "You've got some skills."

"Thanks," Taizen replied, trying to catch his breath. "You were tough to handle."

The two exchanged nods, a silent understanding forming between them. Taizen felt a sense of camaraderie beginning to blossom despite Mionara's earlier warning about competition.

As the sparring session continued, Taizen realized that he was finally starting to find his place within the school. Each match taught him something new about his abilities and how to harness his Inner. He watched his classmates fight, learning from their strengths and weaknesses, soaking in the knowledge like a sponge.

By the end of the day, Taizen was exhausted but elated. He had faced challenges and learned to trust in his abilities. He felt a sense of belonging he hadn't anticipated, the feeling that he was part of something greater, a community of aspiring Hitmen.

As he made his way back to the dorm, he reflected on the day's events. He knew the road ahead would be fraught with challenges, both from his classmates and the training. But he was determined to rise to the occasion.

He was ready to push his limits, to embrace the hardships of agent school, and to prove that he could become one of the best. The power of Inner was within his grasp, and he would not stop until he had mastered it.

The journey had only just begun, and Taizen was prepared to face whatever came his way.