Inside the Hidden Cave of Untold Shadows, a month had passed since the events of trial two transpired. Summoned to the training grounds located in the Valley of Order, 21 red fledglings remained out of the 300 who started in their unit. There, they were surrounded by the usual ominous glow emitted from the nearby torches. Zeke, Liz, and Kenshin stood in wait as Silva eventually arrived from the North tunnel.
However, unlike the previous times, Silva was accompanied by an unfamiliar group that followed behind him.
"Allow me to introduce the misfits of Unit 2!"
Silva quickly introduced those he led into the coliseum. Wearing red ninja uniforms as well, these fledglings were comprised of the prior classes who didn't complete this final trial. Able to retake the last trial up to two times if they failed on their third attempt. The individual would face death or be permanently assigned as a guard, losing all qualifications to be allowed above ground.
Among the 80 fledglings of Unit 2, there was a familiar face who had a scar across his right eye. Appearing to be at least in their mid-twenties, this man was the culprit behind cruelly dragging Elizabeth like a sack of potatoes to her execution. In Zeke's mind, there was no doubt that this person was another guy whom he had plans on exacting revenge upon. Separating both units in an orderly fashion, Silva spoke once more,
" As unit 2 is already aware of, this final trial will take place for a year and a half, being based solely on a point system! To accumulate 100 points overall, you will personally form teams of three! A daily board listing various tasks will be posted in the Valley of Light center square, offering a set number of contribution points depending on the task's difficulty level!"
Zeke, Kenshin, and Liz had already been informed beforehand by Den Mother Vivien on what to expect. Trial three would officially start tomorrow. Already having their set three in mind, they faced an early problem regarding eligibility. To partake in the final trial, every party member had to be at least a Stage 2 Disciple. Zeke had broken through onto Stage 3 Disciple months prior, while Kenshin was a Stage 2 Master. This left Liz as the odd man out, being only a Stage 1 Grandmaster.
Silva finally finished explaining as he dropped a stack of scrolls onto the ground where these red fledglings would write down their companions' numbers. He then announced where to find him once they made their decision and met the approved requirement, before making his exit thereafter.
Everyone soon proceeded to grab a scroll, assembling their groups based on the personal connections developed over the past grueling trials. Out of the 98 participants from the Valley of Order, Liz and several others were the only ones who hadn't reached Stage 2. Zeke concluded by using his ability of "Scouter" gifted by the Immortal System.
Receiving the grade of just a "D" from trial two. Zeke failed to gain The Great Immortal Ito's Fragment (2 of 3), 2nd circle awakening, and Health Advancement as a potential reward.
However, this glaring fact didn't upset him for long as he surmised that another chance would present itself. In the meantime, his first trial gift proved to be an eye-opening experience for him. A holographic green lens appeared only to him over his right eye on command.
Displaying yellow text that indicated someone's traits, stage, and power level, to whomever he set his sights upon. Initially, unable to properly gauge someone stronger than himself due to being at a lower stage. This feature would remain a valuable asset for the foreseeable future. Giving him the upper hand in planning accordingly for those whose strength would usually remain naturally unfathomable unless willfully exposed.
Not having the chance to meet Reaper Lee face-to-face after being made to kill Elizabeth. The Scouter had already proved useful when meeting with Reaper Ono, instead. When discovering that he was a Stage 3 Grandmaster. Zeke now had a better understanding of what it took to exact his revenge while usurping the Hidden Cave of Untold Shadows' inner hierarchy.
" Hey! Who said that you could go anywhere, yet?"
A ragged voice suddenly demanded from the pack of units 2, fledglings. Calling out to a group of three unit 1 members who had formed their squad, about to exit the training grounds. Stopping in their tracks, number 188 took exception to being questioned like he was inferior,
"Tsk, why would we ever take orders from a bunch of rejects like you?"
Stepping from the pack, along with two others. The ragged-voiced young man just shook his grey and black wispy head in disappointment.
"What a shame..."
Without further word, the thin-haired fledgling casually put his hands behind their head. On cue, the one who took exception had their noggin go flying airborne. Ripped effortlessly from his neck in a bloody mess as his lifeless body collapsed onto the ground.
Oblivious of what and how he was killed exactly. When being over 10m apart from the assumed assailant. The pair who were the deceased companions could only stand still nearby in disbelief and terror.
" I guess nobody has ever taught him to respect his elders."
The assailant grinned, front and center, as everybody else remained silent. Seeing that he now had a full command of the room, like he initially sought.
" Alright then, now that I have everyone's attention. I'm number 2020, along with my allies 2024 and 2025. Allow me to give a quick refresher course on the rightful pecking order around here. So, we can avoid any unnecessary incidents between the two units, like moments prior."
Number 2020, announced as he went on to explain the past intricacy and unspoken rules that had been traditionally upheld between their respective units. In short, 2020 informed them that the potential tasks offered were limited in number. Every day. Operating on the philosophy of first-come, first-served. This meant that competing among themselves and the other valleys for an opportunity to earn points was half the battle for trial three.
So, in the hopes of elevating their chance of success. Having more numbers, seniority, and strength, Unit 2 of the Valley of Order would usually threaten Unit 1's lives if they had any inclination to participate. Using them as extra assistance and reassurance when eliminating or slowing down the other parties, instead.
"With that said, moving onward, I'm sure the few of you left now have a perfect understanding of your position. Am I right?"
He strongly questioned, scanning the training grounds, observing how each person surrounding him became meek, not willing to challenge his authority. Amid his own unit, most faces dared not look him in the eye, afraid to get in number 2020's, and his cohort's way. Building a nasty reputation for being the most ruthless and powerful among the other red fledglings in this valley. On their third and final attempt currently, they missed the passing mark by only a couple of points over a year ago. With their backs against the wall more than ever, no one dared to cross them.
Satisfied with the submissive facial expression being displayed. Unexpectedly, 2020 was quickly knocked down a few pegs as blood heavily splashed onto him from his side. Turning to his right with urgency, he was left speechless. However, everyone else let out a collective gasp as both of 2024's arms were viciously severed as he let out a retched screech, dropping to his knees.
A short, blade-like blue qi emitted from a bronze-skinned boy's left hand. With Zeke harboring an emotionless look standing over the scared, eye, man. Basking in his misery for a moment as he screamed in agony, Zeke eventually responded to 2020's previous inferred threat,
" No need to worry. I understand you, loud and clear."
Stunned, 2020 still couldn't wrap his head around how he was able to easily maul 2024 without noticing the child's presence. He had heard through the grapevine that 00 was Master Lee's supposed future direct disciple. Not knowing what to expect, this was his first time actually meeting the rumored Zeke. In a state of disarray, 2020 stammered,
" ...Bastard! What do you think you're doing?"
"Hmph, what does it look like. I'm just setting the rightful pecking order as you mentioned earlier. However, seniority means nothing for those who truly wield superior power. Don't you agree?"
" You cheeky little brat! I'll..."
2020 began to fume but stopped short as Zeke let out an overwhelming killing intent with just a single stare. At a Stage 2 Master Rank, the skinny, grey, and black-haired young man couldn't begin to fathom Zeke's internal strength and Stage. This automatically signaled to 2020 that he was no match for 00 as he remained quiet while 2024 continuously hollered in pure agony.
" What was that?"
Zeke stated towards 2020. Making sure he understood who was in control at this very moment.
"Nothing..."
"Hmph, I guess you're smarter than you appear. Now then, where was I?"
Zeke turned his attention back towards the scarred-eyed man who had previously dragged Elizabeth out for him to execute her.
" Do you remember me?"
He glared down at 2024 as his screams died down to a whimper,
" I was just following Master Lee's orders..."
" I'll take that as a yes, then."
Wasting no time, he kicked the kneeling, armless man in his throat, crashing to his back while Zeke didn't remove his foot from 2024's neck. Unfeeling as he desperately tried to breathe.
" So, you say you were just following orders, huh? Well, I could comprehend that. However, the extra liberties you took are something I can't forgive. I especially can't shake out of my mind your callous look of disappointment and anger when I succeeded in begging for a proper burial for my Den Mother."
"... I'm....sorry..."
2024 barely managed to utter as he struggled to gain air.
"Tsk, I guess you weren't properly listening. There's no forgiveness left in me for your actions."
He said while fiercely stomping down, crushing 2024's windpipe, breathing his last haggard breath before dying. Zeke casually walked away afterwards, like he had only stepped on an ant, as Kenshin and Liz gathered by his side.
" Let this be my first and last warning to everyone here. When I say that the same outcome awaits anyone who has any misconceived idea of scheming or going against us."
Zeke declared in an eerie, calm, but intimidating voice, nonetheless. Leaving with his two siblings, thereafter. Both units could only watch on in pure fascination and fear as 2020, and his gang's supposed pecking order was immediately flipped upside down.
" Damnit!"
Number 2020 could only yell in frustration as his reputation, pride, and confidence in himself took a major blow this day.
Meanwhile, the party of three met up in Zeke's upgraded chamber as he posed a question,
" Did either of you happen to know how exactly 2020 killed 188?"
Liz shook her head no as Kenshin gave his insight to the situation,
" I'm not sure on the technique name or methods, but I happened to see a thin wire wrapped around his neck before being decapitated."
Hearing Kenshin answer, Zeke gave a slight nod of approval as he was testing their awareness.
" Correct. The technique he used, however, was called Spider's Noose. A formation that takes after a web, practically invisible to untrained eyes. Those who walk into the web would have a soft but iron thread subtly wrapping around their neck, while being linked to the user will. I surmise he set this unassuming trap by the north tunnel before we were summoned. Activating the technique after Silva left, 2020 had planned all along to set a strong example to whoever tried to exit first without his permission."
"Oh!"
Both Kenshin and Liz reacted as Zeke went on,
" Anyways, it goes without saying that we'll have to keep our heads on a swivel more than ever now, going into the final trial with stronger foes. That especially applies to you, Liz. How is your progress with breaking through onto Stage 2?"
" I don't know for certain..."
Liz sadly said, feeling that she was holding back her two brothers, as time was of the essence. Unable to officially participate until Liz met the necessary stage. Even though Zeke set Lee's valley in their place, the other two valleys were a different story entirely.
" No need to worry, I have just the solution to help you break through quicker."
" Really?"
Liz responded with excitement and a newfound hope.