My New Life

Chapter 27: Eyes On You

We were all ushered into new, independent rooms, and the only thing I saw before entering my room was Hashigaki going into another room that was higher and far to the right of mine.

Why was it higher?

Well, that's not important right now.

Rather, what I am finding important is how they've given us a thirty minute resting period.

This doesn't make sense, if everybody was tired from the first level, a half hour will do nothing, unless you can order water.

I already tried that though, and nothing happened.

Maybe it's for those who are watching? To get a washroom break?

I can see that, but we've also only been in here for about a half hour at least, an hour at most.

The first test only lasted five minutes after all, most of that other time was spent talking to other contestants and building up characters.

Oh.

I'm realizing my conversation with Cupid was likely heard and broadcasted.

Oh my, I really do need to do well now, or I'd be a laughingstock.

As I thought this, I realized there was likely still a camera on me, most likely built into the walls.

No point in searching for it, the last thing I want to do is make the spectators look at me with distrust.

I looked at the door ahead of me.

If I think about it, there's only a couple of things that we would be tested on now, and considering they had us all split up again like this.

I believe it might be some sort of combat simulation.

Like targets are running at us and we need to shoot them dead before they reach us, that type of thing.

I heard a door open behind me, and my eyes scrunched up.

I had my arms behind my back, and didn't turn around.

I didn't sense any hostility, so whoever it was made me feel no reason to turn around.

The door closed, and I heard the clacking of dress shoes as a man walked into the corner of my sight.

I glanced over at him.

Short, white hair tidied down neatly, rectangular glasses and a kind smile on his chiseled face.

I recognized this man.

"You've done well so far Shizukana, oh, sorry, Kitsune."

"Chairman Sakayanagi, I thank you for your praise."

"So you remember me, hm?"

"No, I simply know about you."

I turned to look around.

"Chairman, as much as I appreciate the visit, do the walls not have eyes? I'd hate to be seen with favour compared to others."

He let out a small laugh, his kind smile warming the room.

"No need to worry Kitsune-kun, the walls may have eyes, but no ears, and other boards are also visiting their representatives, so you have no need to fret."

"I see... may I ask what the purpose of your visit is?"

"...So you really don't remember."

"Pardon?"

I looked into his eyes, and he looked sad, as well as a little frustrated.

"This is not our first time meeting."