[20 November 2025]
Today marks the start of a new challenge for the students of Kikyo Bright Academy — a prestigious island school that was established by the Japan Ministry of Education to shape students into model citizens.
"Welcome to Kikyo Bright Academy, newcomers. Express your creativity, color your future." The pre-recorded welcoming announcement echoed like a cheerful ghost.
Unlike any other day, the hallways were seemingly packed with students from all classes — freshmen and seniors alike.
Among them was Shino Yuji, a seventeen-year-old student who was known for his quiet indifference and intelligence that few could rival.
Only those with exceptional talents and willpower were allowed into this academy. Rumor has it that when a student turns seventeen, they must go through a special program designed to test not only their morals but also their humanity.
Yuji, however, was clueless about the rumors and the special program. He didn't pay much attention to baseless gossip around the campus. His only concern was passing the final exams and graduating.
"Attention students," suddenly, a voice crackled through the speakers, "all students aged seventeen are to report to the laboratory elevator in Section 5 immediately."
Heads turned. The announcement came out of the blue, and no one seemed to be prepared for it. Murmurs spread. Some students turned pale, others panicked.
Yet Yuji stayed calm, not because he was fearless, but because of his obliviousness to the tension of the situation.
"I guess class has to wait," Yuji muttered under his breath.
Not long after, all of them made their way to the assembly point, where Professor Asmos waited, hands clasped behind his back.
"Good morning, students. I'm Professor Asmos Gold. Some of you are wondering why I've summoned you here." The students nodded in unison.
"Every year, when a student reaches the age of seventeen, they are required by law to participate in a special program — one that trains you to become the perfect role models of our society." He paused, eyes narrowing toward a particular late student — Yuji.
"Ah, Mister Yuji. You finally decided to grace us with your presence. Get in line, now."
"Hmph," Despite his attitude, he did as he was told anyway.
A hush fell.
"As I was saying," the professor smirked, "Without further ado, I welcome all of you, the ten thousand students of Kikyo Bright Academy, to the Morality Zero Program."
Gasps erupted through the crowd. The once-baseless rumors and gossip had now come to light.
"Calm down, everyone, calm down." He waited until everyone was quiet.
"I know some of you might have heard about this special program. So now, allow me to explain to you everything you need to know about the program," the professor said.
"Everyone, please direct your attention to the projection on the gate."
The students' attention switched to the gate when a holographic figure flickered to life.
"Greetings, students, I am Toshiko Abe — the Minister of Education. You've been gathered here for one purpose: to take part in the Morality Zero Program — a simulation that was designed by the ministry to teach students through means of the virtual world."
The image on the screen shifted to a sleek white pod.
"This is the Throne Device. It transfers human consciousness into a virtual world called Throne. Your goal: survive the simulation by any means necessary. The rule is simple — the last person standing wins."
The students' faces paled at the explanation. Some students started to panic and were breathing heavily, there were even a few who almost passed out, while the rest tried to remain calm. And yet again, Yuji just crossed his arms, waiting for the briefing to end.
"Do not be afraid," the minister continued. "If you're eliminated in the simulation, you will be ejected from the simulation with no lasting harm."
The students eased up, breathing a sigh of relief.
"However," the hologram added, "only one can become the victor. There are two possible outcomes: you win the program and graduate from the academy, or you fail and return empty-handed."
The hologram projection dimmed. The air seemed heavier now. Yuji stared at the image of the pod — utterly unaware that his real education was just about to begin.
Clap!
The sound of clapping broke through the silence in the air.
"Everyone, pay attention, please," said Prof. Asmos.
"We will now commence the final exam. Everyone, follow me inside the elevator."
The giant gate opened as the professor made his way through. Everyone seemed speechless, but they were not to question. Not now, not when many things had been sacrificed to get here.
And so, they marched inside the elevator in line.
As the elevator descended, Yuji couldn't help but notice the anxiety of every student around him. But now, he couldn't afford to lose. If there's only one who can become the victor, it must be him.
Soon, they arrived at their destination. Upon arrival, the lights turned on in unison, and they could see white pods stretching as far as the eye could see.
"These are the Throne Devices. Please take your seat according to your number on your smartwatch."
The students all looked at their smartwatches. They began to scatter all around the place, sitting in their own respective pods.
After what felt like an eternity, Yuji finally found his pod. He began to sit down and adjust the seat to his liking. He looked to his left and right; every student had already worn their own VR headset.
"Hm... this feels like a funeral," Yuji muttered to himself.
He reached out for his own headset and put it over his head as a voice seeped through it.
"The simulation will begin in three... two... one..."
As the countdown reached one, everything went white, thus marking the beginning of the simulation and the uncertain journey ahead of him.
[—End of chapter]