Veil of Dusk A dystopian world

Kyro stood alone, his gaze fixed on the training grounds. Rioji's words echoed in his ears. He knew that the Wolf Ritual would be the next big step in his life – perhaps even the most important one.

The next morning, at precisely six o'clock, a piercing siren blared throughout the quarters. I lay awake in my bed – sleep had been little more than a fleeting memory that night. The day ahead felt like a tightrope act. What would happen? What tasks awaited me? Was I truly ready? Could I hold my own against the three "monsters" I had to face? Did the others feel the same as I did, or was I the only one trembling?

Rioji stood silently by the door, watching Kyro as he paced back and forth, speaking his deepest worries out loud. Quietly, almost to himself, Rioji whispered, "Calm yourself, Kyro. You'll make it. You're stronger than you think."

Kyro spoke to himself: "Pull yourself together! You've trained hard for this. You'll succeed." The thought of failure made his pulse quicken. I have to be strong, he thought. I have to give it my all if I want a chance to prove myself. If I stay focused, everything will work out. I'll surpass them all.

Then Kyro heard footsteps outside the door. It was Rioji, speaking in his deep, calm voice: "It's time. Assemble in the main hall." He looked at Kyro, his gaze sharp and almost mocking. "You look tired, kid. Couldn't sleep out of fear? Tsss… weakling."

Kyro looked up angrily and interrupted him. "I'm not afraid, Rioji! I'll show you that I deserve to be part of the White Wolves."

A faint smile crossed Rioji's lips, an unreadable glint in his eyes. "Show me what you've got," he said, nodding.

Kyro followed Rioji silently to the main hall. The tension in the air was so thick he could almost taste it. With every step, the anxiety within him grew. He took a deep breath, trying to organize his thoughts. The past weeks and months of training – all the painful hours, the constant struggle to push past his limits…

As they entered the main hall, an almost tangible silence filled the space. Kyro looked around, his gaze firm and resolute. I gave it my all,he thought. Every day was a new challenge, and yet… Memories of the dark streets of the slums, of the fights for survival, flooded his mind.

Survival. All those moments. I had to stay strong – for myself, for everything I believe in, and for Aria. She was always in my thoughts, in my heart. Her voice, her smile – they gave me strength. They were one of the reasons I kept going. But they weren't the only ones. My path, my determination – that's what truly drove me.