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GATHERED UNDER THE TWILIGHT SKY, deep in the shadowed woods, the Cobras stood still. The air was heavy with anticipation, faint rustle of leaves and distant chirping of crickets the only sounds breaking the tense silence. Towering trees formed an eerie labyrinth, their twisted branches clawing at the darkening sky. A bonfire crackled ominously in the center of the clearing, casting flickering shadows over the crowd.
Sensei Kim's sharp, calculating eyes swept over the gathered students. Beside her, stood John Kreese with his arms crossed, a cold smirk playing on his lips. Both radiated an air of intimidation that made the younger trainees shrink back slightly, while the seasoned ones stiffened in preparation.
Y/n felt her pulse quicken as Master Kim Da-Eun paced before them, her predatory gaze cutting through the tension.
"This isn't a game," She began, her voice a cold blade slicing the silence. "It's war. Your task is simple: exploit the weaknesses of your enemies and take what matters most to them." Her sharp eyes swept over the group, daring anyone to show fear. "You have five minutes to hide. After that, you will hunt each other. You'll have one hour to collect as many valuables as possible. No hesitation. No mercy. Fail to secure at least one item, and you fail completely."
John Kreese stepped forward, his voice gravelly but commanding. "The lesson here is simple: survival. You don't just fight. You dominate. Hesitate, and you lose. Show weakness, and you lose... and in the war field, you what it takes to win, or you die."
The girl's throat tightened. She stole a glance at Kwon, standing beside her with his usual cocky smirk. He met her eyes and tilted his head, leaning closer.
"You hear that?" Kreese spoke louder, noticing the tension between his two captains. "No alliances. You're all on your own."
Y/n's eyes narrowed at Kwon, suspicion prickling at her skin. "Didn't you tell me to stick close?"
Kwon shrugged, feigning innocence, aware that his sensei was watching him like a hawk. "Plans change."
"You're unbelievable," she hissed.
He smirked, unbothered. "You'll miss me."
Y/n turned away, biting back a retort. Her attention snapped back as Da-Eun barked, "Move!"
The group scattered, bodies disappearing into the shadowed expanse of the forest. The girl sprinted deeper into the woods, her footsteps muffled against the leaf-littered ground. She dove into a thicket of bushes, crouching low as she tried to steady her breathing.
