The rise of the unorthodox

We trudged through yet another wing of the school. Who knew this much walking would be part of the curriculum? My legs were already sore, and we hadn't even started the real challenge yet.

After what felt like forever, Mr. Sayo finally stopped. We found ourselves in front of a massive door that loomed over us, its surface reinforced with heavy metal plating. It didn't just look strong—it looked like it was meant to keep something in.

What on earth was behind this door?

"Alright, kids," Mr. Sayo began, his deep voice echoing in the corridor, "welcome to one of Base 99's monster containment fields. There are several across the campus, each housing monsters of varying levels. This particular field contains weak monsters—perfect for beginners like you."

He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing. "Your objective is simple: enter the field, kill ten monsters, and return to me. Fail to kill ten monsters, and you fail the test. If you fail the test, you'll be removed from the army program and placed in the general student population."

The air was tense as we processed the weight of his words.

Before anyone could respond, Devin's voice rang out, as loud and obnoxious as ever. "Open the damn door already! Let's kill some monsters!"

This kid was going to get himself killed.

Mr. Sayo cleared his throat, a warning in his tone. "Hold your horses, young man. You only get one shot at this, so think carefully. Remember, no second chances. Now…" He stepped toward the door, pressing his hand against it. A low hum filled the air, and the door creaked open, revealing the field beyond.

"Ready… set… GO!"

We all bolted into the field, adrenaline pumping through our veins. The terrain was rugged, littered with obstacles and debris. Twisted metal, shattered walls, and broken machinery formed a chaotic maze.

Daniel and Delight immediately split off, each heading in different directions. It was clear now: every man for himself.

I sprinted through the field, my eyes darting around for threats. Suddenly, a beast leaped out from the shadows, landing in front of me.

It looked vaguely like a dog, but grotesque. Its emaciated body was covered in patchy fur, its bones protruding from under its skin. Rows of sharp, jagged teeth jutted from its oversized jaws, and its glowing eyes fixated on me.

What the hell? These were low-level monsters?

Panic surged through me, and I turned to run, but the creature was fast—faster than me. I needed to act quickly. Running wouldn't save me.

I spun around, manipulating my hair into sharp tendrils. I aimed for its chest and struck with all my strength.

The monster staggered but didn't fall. Instead, it snarled and lunged at me with renewed aggression.

Crap. That didn't work.

I needed to think. Every monster had a weak spot, but without a team member to help identify it, I was on my own.

The creature charged again, its jaws snapping inches from my face. Desperation kicked in, and an idea struck me.

Restrain and stab.

I manipulated my hair again, wrapping it tightly around the monster's legs. With a powerful yank, I pulled it off its feet, sending it crashing to the ground. It thrashed and howled, its movements jerking painfully against my hair. The strain tugged at my scalp, making my head ache.

Ignoring the pain, I formed sharp tendrils and drove them into the beast repeatedly. It struggled, but after several hits, its body went limp.

One down. Nine to go.

On the other side of the field, Devin was having no trouble at all. Within minutes, he had already killed five monsters, his glowing fists obliterating them with a single punch.

"This is too easy," he laughed to himself, looking completely unbothered. "If anyone fails this, they don't deserve to be here."

Daniel was just as efficient. He perched on a rock in the center of the field, his spiked whip coiling and striking with deadly precision. He barely broke a sweat.

Delight's chimeras handled most of the work for her. While a few of them fell in battle, she always had another to summon from her bag.

Meanwhile, I was struggling. My head throbbed from overusing my ability, and each kill left me more exhausted than the last.

By the twenty-minute mark, two students had already dropped out. Devin, Daniel, and Delight had all finished the challenge and were waiting at the exit. Only three of us were left in the field.

Within minutes, the other two remaining students dropped out, leaving just me.

I had one monster left to kill. My head pounded, and I felt like I might collapse, but I couldn't stop now.

I pushed forward, searching the field for my final target.

A loud roar behind me made me spin around. Another one of those dog-like creatures was charging at me.

I acted quickly, using the same tactic I'd employed before. My hair wrapped around its legs, pulling it to the ground. I approached cautiously, tendrils poised to strike.

This time, I didn't hold back. I stabbed it repeatedly, pouring all my frustration and exhaustion into each blow. By the time it stopped moving, the creature was unrecognizable.

I staggered to my feet, breathing heavily. My uniform was soaked in monster blood, and my hair dragged on the ground, stained and sticky.

"One last souvenir," I muttered, picking up one of the creature's shattered bones.

I walked toward the exit, my body screaming in protest.

"Welcome back, missy," Mr. Sayo greeted me with a nod. "You've completed the challenge."

I barely acknowledged him, heading straight for Daniel.

"Cut it," I said, gathering my blood-soaked hair in my hands.

He blinked at me, confused. "Are you sure? That's where your power comes from."

I shook my head. "That's not how it works. Just cut it."

Reluctantly, Daniel swung his spiked whip, severing my hair to its usual shoulder length. The detached strands burned away instantly, disappearing into ash.

Mr. Sayo stepped forward, addressing the four of us who remained.

"Well done, kids. Only four of you passed—a bit lower than average—but I'm confident in this group." He smiled, his eyes gleaming with approval.

"Welcome to Squad BLACK."