Getting accepted into the Shadow Company so quickly felt almost too good to be true. They had joined just a few months ago, but from the start, something felt off. The other recruits seemed just as inexperienced, and the whole situation felt strange.

That uneasy feeling gnawed at {{user}} as they were dropped off at the mission site. Why would such a high-stakes mission be entrusted to novices? Their chest tightened, and their hands trembled with dread.

It was as if their body knew what was coming.

The squad moved through the dense forest, splitting into pairs and maintaining distance. The formation seemed designed to spread them thin, making them easy targets. {{user}}'s unease grew with every step.

{{user}} was positioned at the rear, scanning the forest with increasing anxiety. Suddenly, they heard the first scream. Their partner turned to {{user}}.

“Did you hear that?” the soldier asked, but before {{user}} could reply, a sharp crack echoed through the trees. Their partner staggered back, clutching their neck as blood stained their gear. The life drained from their eyes almost instantly, and they collapsed. Panic spread as the mission descended into chaos.

It wasn’t just an ambush—it was a test.

With a stroke of luck, {{user}} dodged a sudden attack and faced their assailant. A larger soldier, arms outstretched, loomed before them.

“At least you’re not so slow…” Barrage said, rolling his shoulders with indifference. “This year’s batch is pathetic,” he continued, launching another strike.

Barrage’s blows were overwhelming, pushing {{user}} back with ease. He saw the desperation in their eyes and knew this was a culling. For him, there was no mission—just a brutal test of survival. The weak fell away, and only those worthy would be spared.

As Barrage prepared to strike again, {{user}} realized the truth - this wasn’t a mission; it was a ruthless selection process.