[All Isothes have been exterminated. Concluding the final part...]
[Shiratori Hitomi.]
[Michel Garamond.]
[Alcide Ottaviano.]
[Ko An.]
[Anise Angell.]
[Shiratori Ayato.]
[Kanna Alabaster.]
[Ayumu Alabaster.]
[You have successfully passed the assessment.]
Hinozu sinks to the ground.
He watches in disbelief. A wail escapes his lips, forcing him to clench his jaw to compose himself.
Michel: [Your sins can't be forgiven, Kenki Hinozu.]
[Please make way to the plaza. You will be given plenty of time to rest and celebrate before tomorrow.]
[Those who have failed are required to return home.]
Stepping around him, he approaches Ayumu, offering his shoulder to help him stand.
Michel: [The righteous were given a chance. You turn into a sinner, and it vanishes.]
With that, they walk away, towards the plaza.
Hinozu slams his fist on the ground.
Several times.
[Why, why, why, why, why?!]
[I... Almost did it! Almost...]
[I should've passed!]
[I should've...]
Rubbing his fists, he stands.
[It is unfortunate. I had hopes you could at least pass.]
A hand settles on his shoulder. Looking up, he sees Lorei.
[I didn't make it either. I guess that makes us two, then.]
Hinozu slaps his hand away.
[I wasn't supposed to be with someone like you.]
Lorei: [Whoa, there. Don't get cocky now.]
[Weren't you the one who collapsed in the third part?]
Hinozu's eyes widen.
[How... How do you know that?]
[Ayato told me. He seemed sad about it, so I guessed you'd be a good person. I still believe you are... but tone it down.]
[I... I'm sorry. I need to think about all this. I'm... leaving.]
[Okay, I guess. See you soon, Hinozu.]
Hinozu walks away from him, striding calmly through the city.
Mist is left behind with each one of his breaths.
[Again.]
[I can do it all again.]
He reassures.
Reaching the plaza, he scans around.
No one's present. Probably in their rooms.
Happy.
Relieved.
Proud.
[...]
[Fuck them.]
The door to the third trial is held open.
[Must be the exit.]
He makes his way to the area, walking through the corridor.
His feet are planted firmly on the ground, gaze focused ahead.
It doesn't end.
Did I really have a chance?
The clicking of his shoes echoes throughout.
Lorei: [We really have to walk all the way there?]
His sudden appearance startles Hinozu. He turns around.
Hinozu: [I guess.]
Lorei: [Let's go, then.]
Hinozu: [Yeah.]
Lorei rushes to Hinozu's side, walking beside him.
Lorei: [Those guys are pretty impressive, right?]
Hinozu: [Unfortunately.]
Lorei: [Well, we've tried our best.]
Lorei focuses intently on a statue, tracing its details. Then, his gaze travels to the floor.
[Doesn't matter. We've failed.]
[Are you always this pessimistic?]
He fixes his hair.
[I'm just stating the reality, for now.]
[For now, huh... Are you planning to redo the Assessment?]
[I am.]
[You'll see me again, then. But it'll be after a long while.]
He scoffs.
[How long?]
[Next Assessment's in 2 years, so definitely long.]
Hinozu clicks his tongue.
[They're doing it on purpose... I swear.]
[It's plenty of time to toughen up.]
Lorei's hands travel to his head.
[Why are you always fixing your hair?]
Hinozu says, earning a chuckle from Lorei.
[Can't risk looking bad, can I?]
[You're weird.]
The next few minutes pass by in silence. Hinozu takes a moment to rest, sitting beside a pillar. A lamp hovers above him.
[So, why did you want to become an Exterminator?]
[... Nothing much. I'm doing this for someone.]
[Vengeance?]
[Something like that.]
Lorei sits down with him.
[Me too. Well, not vengeance towards the demons, though.]
[Then?]
[I hate the IEM. My... father, he died during the Assessment.]
[... I see.]
[Didn't even compensate us. I thought he'd turn back home as a hero. My hero. Guess it just... It's not like that sometimes.]
[Right. And then you guess... How do they do it? These 1st Ranks, Honorary Ranks... Whatever.]
Lorei: [Yeah. It sucks, man. I also want to do something great. Get some money, be famous. I could even get along with a pretty girl, you know?]
Hinozu smiles.
[Wouldn't be so bad.]
[I think it's possible.]
Lorei: [Really?]
Hinozu: [Of course. If they can, anybody can. It might cost us more. That's it. Those who aren't on their level...]
[Never really did anything with their lives.]
He stands up, brushing dust off his clothes.
Hinozu: [I'll better see you in 2 years. We'll see who wants it more.]
Lorei: [Probably you.]
Chuckling, Hinozu starts walking again.
It's the only thing...
Someone like me can do.
Until they feel their feet crumbling, they walk.
Reaching the exit.
That same gray room.
And a door in front.
Lorei: [What a nightmare this was.]
Hinozu: [Right... Ah, by the way. Who broke a bone in your room?]
Lorei bursts into laughter, tears gathering in the corner of his eyes.
Lorei: [It was Alcide. The guy really took a beating from that blind guy.]
Hinozu: [Crazy.]
Reaching the door, they wait as it slides open, revealing the waiting room.
Same as before.
Just empty.
Lorei: [We met here, right?]
Hinozu: [Yeah.]
Lorei: [Did I seem too creepy?]
Hinozu: [Definitely.]
He chuckles shortly. Tilting his head upwards, he stares at the screen.
Lorei: [Let's go.]
Hinozu nods. Leaving from the door to the left, they reach the examination room. Mr. Nelin is sitting at his desk, reading a book. He lifts his gaze to the boys.
[Well done. Returning home?]
Lorei: [Unfortunately, yes.]
Mr. Nelin: [You'll have another chance.]
Uninterested in conversation, Hinozu makes way to the exit. Lorei follows, rushing towards him.
Soon, they stand outside.
The sky is deep black, with particles of something akin to ash floating around.
Same lights. Same neon.
Same buildings.
Empty.
[Do you live around here, Hinozu?]
If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
[No. I'll take the bus to return home.]
[I see.]
Lorei takes a few steps forward, already leaving.
[See you next Assessment, Lorei.]
Lorei turns around, smiling sheepishly as he scratches the back of his hair.
[Ah... Sorry. I really am forgetful... I've just realized... It's not possible.]
[... Why?]
Lorei: [I promised myself that... If I failed the Assessment...]
[I'd kill myself.]
Hinozu's eyes widen, momentarily.
[Why do you want to do that?]
[There's just nothing much to do for me, now. My mother is about to die... And I'm not really able to do something about my life. I had thought that by passing, I'd make myself a life.]
[I knew the reality, because of my dad, but... Wouldn't hurt to try, right?]
[I don't really like to suffer. And, effort comes with suffering, and then, results come with both.]
[I just...]
A few breaths.
[Don't want to suffer anymore.]
A flicker of something in Hinozu's eyes.
[I see. Nice meeting you, then.]
[You too. Do your best, Hinozu.]
Hinozu nods. Lorei walks away, stepping slowly through the night, until disappearing.
He starts walking, too, towards the bus stop.
There, he waits for the bus.
A kid giggles nearby.
[Look, Sis! I'm the fastest in the world!]
The kid runs around the stop, swinging his arms. Hinozu's gaze follows him.
A young woman picks him up, kissing his cheek.
[You are!]
[I am the best!]
They giggle together.
Glancing to his right, Hinozu spots the approaching bus.
Stepping back as it approaches, he lets the siblings get on first before entering himself.
Empty, with just a few people in.
Finding a spot, he sits down, looking out the window. Leaning his head on the window, he closes his eyes.
His face twists.
His throat aches, forcing him to clench his jaws.
And as a burning sensation spreads through his eyes...
He cries.
Silently.
Not even bothering to wipe the tears away, not even bothering to suppress his sobs.
At least, strangers don't care.
After a while, he sleeps, breathing calmly as the bus bumps around.
He wakes up to someone shaking his shoulder.
Rubbing his eyes, he focuses on a man in front of him.
[This is the last stop.]
[Alright. Thanks.]
Standing up, he walks to the front, tapping his card before exiting. He finds himself in a large parking lot, a wide bridge just above. Probably a highway.
The coast can be seen in front, dark yet loud with crashing waves.
Lampposts serve as the only source of light, everything else blending into gray and black.
His right elbow itches, though he doesn't dare touch it.
His pants, stained with dried blood, though barely noticeable due to the black color.
He looked awful, like a rusty machine.
Turning around, he approached the bus again, waving a hand to the conductor.
[What is it? Do you need help?]
[Can I call someone with your phone?]
The man hesitates for a moment before taking his phone out. Handing it to Hinozu, he waits.
Hinozu taps in a few numbers.
No response.
Again.
No response.
[Just... One more time.]
...
[Hello?]
[Uhm... It's Hinozu.]
He says, almost whispering.
[What's wrong? Are you...]
He shuts his eyes.
[Please...]
[Come pick me up.]
...
[Alright, where are you?]
[I... Don't know. It's the last stop of uh, bus line 33.]
[Wait for me, alright?]
[Yeah. Thanks.]
He hangs up, returning the phone to the conductor.
[You can stay here with me. It's too dangerous to be alone at this hour. An Isothe may appear, eh?]
The man chuckles.
[Scared of 'em?]
[... Not really.]
[Brave one.]
Hinozu decides to stay silent, waiting patiently as he sits on the ground.
After roughly an hour, a car approaches in the distance. He stands up with an expectant gaze.
It stops in front.
[Thanks for letting me use your phone.]
[No problem.]
Stepping towards the car, he reaches for the handle before opening the door.
His legs hurt a bit as he lifts them to get inside.
As soon as he shuts the door and fastens his belt, the car moves again.
[You did your best, Hinozu. Feel proud about that.]
Silence.
[Now... You need to focus on your future. You already found out how harsh it is, so take the engineering route. It's the best for you.]
[I guess.]
[Don't just guess, know it.]
Ignoring her words, he closes his eyes again, sleeping through the drive home.
Waking up upon arriving at the center, he lazily exits the car, walking slowly towards the entrance. Pushing the door open, he directly takes the stairs to his room.
His mind considers showering, ultimately discarding the option as he plops down on bed.
He wakes up the next morning, sliding out of bed.
8:03 AM.
After freshening up and taking a shower, he descends the stairs, heading to the kitchen.
Sliding the door open, he makes way to the fridge before opening it.
Grabbing an apple, he washes it.
Eating it, he focuses on every single detail of the kitchen.
He sets the apple on the counter, suddenly full.
Light filters out through the windows as he walks through the corridor, making way to the living room.
Jenneah sits on the couch, reading something.
[Good morning.]
Jenneah: [Good Morning, Hinozu. Have you eaten breakfast yet?]
[Yeah.]
[Good. I see you've already put on some nice clothes.]
[Already?]
Jenneah puts her book down on the armrest.
[Don't you want to see Ayumu and Kanna? It's an important celebration, especially if they're taking part in it.]
Hinozu stays silent for a while, his gaze focused on the paintings.
Finally, he parts his lips in a delayed response.
[Ah... Yeah. I do want to see them.]
[Put on your shoes, then. The earlier, the better.]
Nodding, he steps out the living room, grabbing his shoes from the nearby rack at the entrance. Sitting down on the couch, he puts them on, tapping them twice on the floor before standing up.
Jenneah opens the entrance door.
[Come on.]
[Coming.]
Walking outside, he shields his eyes from the sunlight.
Walking towards the car, he gets inside.
As it drives through the city, Hinozu notices the sheer number of people marching, wearing their best clothes, accessories, and banners. They cheer, celebrate.
He had seen it on TV.
The crowds. The stage. Celebration. Announcements.
It felt different.
After 2 grueling hours of driving, they arrive at the same area as yesterday, though the walls are nowhere to be seen.
Now, it's been replaced by a giant circular structure, surrounded by several acres of spotless green gardens.
Descending into an underground parking lot, Jenneah drives through, trying to find a spot. It takes around half an hour before she does so.
They both exit the car, taking the elevator to Floor 1.
Exiting, Hinozu scans through the enormous area, filled with countless seats. Light filters out from the curved-in ceiling, illuminating the stage below.
The whole place is decorated with several medals, trophies, and the country's flag. Golden pillars are spread throughout each line's wall, making something like a spiral.
At the back of the stage, four chairs are set behind a long table. The same number of microphones is set on it.
[Take a seat, this will be filled pretty soon.]
[Right.]
Taking the stairs to descend a few rows, he sits on the fifth.
[Excuse me, this row is reserved.]
Hinozu looks to his right. A woman, around 40. Her dark hair is tied into a French bun.
[Ah... I'm sorry.]
[Wait, wait. Let the boy be, he's done nothing.]
A man sitting next to the woman, probably her husband, speaks up. He seems to be of the same age. Brushing a hand through his blonde hair, he smiles warmly, adjusting his champagne suit.
[Take my seat. I don't want to be sitting next to a stranger.]
[Cruel, huh?]
Switching places with his wife, he offers a hand to Hinozu.
[Nice to meet you, what's your name?]
Hinozu takes it.
[Hinozu. Hinozu Kenki. Nice to meet you too.]
[I see, I see.]
He says, releasing his hand.
Hinozu: [May I ask your name?]
The man chuckles.
[Haven't seen a kid this polite in ages. Name's Caden Angell.]
[So... You're the father of Anise Angell?]
Caden raises a brow.
[You know my daughter?]
[We... did the Assessment together.]
[Ah, how curious.]
A knowing smile spreads through Caden's lips.
[And I'm assuming you weren't able to pass.]
Sighing deeply, Hinozu replies.
[I should've.]
[That's what they all say. So, which part?]
[... Fourth.]
Caden's brows shoot up in surprise.
[That's pretty impressive for someone like you.]
Someone like me?
Right.
I'm not one of you.
[I failed. That's it.]
Ending the conversation, Hinozu scans through the room. It seems filled to the brim now, the sound of talking a bit too loud for his taste.
[Well, you still have a lot of life ahead of you, so more chances will come.]
[Yeah.]
With his eyes focused on the stage, he sees four figures enter as the audience starts clapping.
They're all around their fifties except one, who seems to be just under his twenties.
A man stands out the most from them, his skin burnt throughout, like scales on bare flesh.
[Silence, please.]
Says one of the four.
[Silence.]
As the cheers subside, he clears his throat.
[Welcome, and I invite you all today to the 2143rd Passing. May the Sages bestow wisdom and hope on us.]
Murmurs echo throughout the crowd in the form of devoted prayers.
[On this very day, the Sages appeared from the darkest shadows of the day, bringing the hope of magic to humankind, and therefore, providing us with the one and only solution to the terrible demons. Ruddii, found in the lineages of those worthy.]
[And indeed, we have seen and found those with worth that, if not comparable, then certainly honorable.]
[As you know, yesterday, January the 15th, the Assessment took place, where several applicants proved themselves worthy of joining the IEM, and becoming respected Exterminators, those who protect not only this country, but the world from the threats that are demons.]
[It is nothing short of a special occasion, celebrating the future generations and their soon-to-be-seen success.]
Hinozu's eyes narrow as he leans forward in his seat.
[All four of us here are extremely satisfied with the results, as the ones who planned and made this Assessment possible within these 2 years.]
[Therefore, I, Marlain LeRoque, start the Passing!]
Eager screams and shouts erupt from the crowd, confetti falling from the ceiling.
They only get louder and more vivid as eight people step on stage, standing proudly for the whole auditorium to see.
They wear sleek, elegant black uniforms, with a single red stripe around their left shoulder. Black leather gloves and boots add a contrast, and their visors match the outfit perfectly.
It fits them well. Really well.
And all their gazes look ahead.
[Let me present to you, eight new, brave, skilled, and brilliant recruits, who have successfully passed the Assessment after their hard work!]
More clapping. More cheering. More. More. More.
...
Was I just... Less?
Maybe, they aren't that brilliant.
Maybe, they aren't that special.
Maybe, it's just me.
Being less.
Caden: [Something the matter?]
He catches himself shivering.
[Nothing.]
The man with the scaled skin stands up, picking up eight medals before walking in front of the Recruits. Some seem different than others.
[Kanna Alabaster, you have shown honor and steadfastness. Nothing less of a Recruit.]
I'm...
His voice comes across as rough, almost as if it hurt to speak.
He clips the medal on her uniform, widening her proud grin.
[Alcide Ottaviano. You are promising, and we can't wait to see your potential. Congratulations on becoming a Recruit.]
Clip.
[Ayumu Alabaster. Your future and mind shine just as bright as your white hair. You will become a great Exterminator. Welcome to the IEM as a recruit.]
He chuckles.
He smiles.
Shameless.
Clip.
Caden: [Look, look. Here she comes, honey.]
[Anise Angell, your skills are much needed in the organization. Your control over magic isn't just excellent, it's innovative. May you be honored, as a 3rd Rank.]
Surprised gasps echo through the room.
Caden: [That's my daughter.]
Clip.
The man coughs a little before moving on to the next one.
[Shiratori Ayato. Your incredible performance is nothing short of impressive, and your sharp mind is able to adapt to anything. We are pleased to have you in the IEM, as a 2nd Rank Exterminator.]
The room stays silent.
Hinozu darts his gaze around, confused.
Caden: [Many people take years in the IEM to reach even 3rd Rank. Being assigned 2nd after the Assessment is nothing short of madness.]
[I... See.]
An ugly feeling settles on his heart.
It hurts. A little.
Clip.
[Michel Garamond, you are the face of righteousness and devotion. We hope you follow your resolve until the end, making this world a better place, as we know you can. Welcome to the 2nd Ranks.]
Clip.
[Ko An. Esteemed warrior, unsurpassable longevity. You redefine the limits not only of age, but of wisdom. Akin to legends. You deserve nothing less than 1st Rank.]
Disbelief courses through the crowd, with some people clapping.
Some go as far as to cry.
Caden: [All their souls have gone above, it seems. No cheer, now?]
Clip.
[And finally, the one who has shown not only brilliance, skill, and sheer will, but a desire and the power to change this world. Few are comparable, even fewer above.]
[Shiratori Hitomi, we're assigning you to Honorary Rank.]
Silence.
And then, the crowd bursts out. Screams of awe, claps, tears of joy. Eyes that beam pride, euphoria.
[A new heroine in this world. May you lead us all to a better future.]
Hinozu sinks into his seat, closing his eyes.
It's enough.
Forget about 1st Rank.
I can't even become a Recruit.
Can... I?
His ears turn numb from the noise. His gaze focuses on Ayumu and Kanna.
He should've been there.
Next to them.
Or alone.
It didn't matter.
He should've been.
[Don't make this any more difficult...]
Caden: [Hm? Did you say something?]
He asks with a questioning gaze.
[Nothing. Was just... talking to myself, I guess.]
Caden chuckles, but decides not to speak further as he claps and cheers for Anise.
[With that, the ceremony concludes. You may now leave the auditorium and see the activities we've prepared for the whole family outside, in the gardens! Relatives of the Exterminators may now meet them behind the stage.]
Hinozu hesitates, lingering in his seat as people leave. His gaze meets Ayumu's, though he quickly diverts it.
Gathering some courage, he stands up, taking the stairs to the stage.
Approaching the two, he quickly fixes his hair.
[... You both were—]
[Hinozu!]
His words are cut short at the embrace.
His hands rise by reflex, falling to his sides as he processes the situation.
[It's a-alright...! You can t-try again... We'll be waiting for you, s-so give it... Yo-your all, alright?]
Kanna sobs while speaking, hugging him tightly. She stays embracing him.
[I'm sorry, Hinozu.]
[I'm really sorry.]
Ayumu stands in front of him, a hurtful expression on his face.
[I should've... I mean...]
He sighs.
[I... I'm sorry.]
Kanna steps back, standing next to Ayumu.
[For what?]
Ayumu's eyebrows shoot up.
[Because...]
[Because?]
Ayumu: [I just, shouldn't have done that. It was yours, and...]
Hinozu: [Don't make me laugh.]
[Stop acting like a saint. I know you were going to kill it anyway. Why are you even apologizing? I shoved you back. I could only think of myself.]
[That's not important, what's—]
Hinozu clicks his tongue.
[It is important. I wasn't strong enough. That's all. I wasn't stronger than Michel. I wasn't stronger than you. That's why you killed it.]
[That's why you passed, and I didn't. That's why you're standing there, with your uniform, and a proud smile, while I have to watch with my jaw clenched.]
Ayumu's expression turns serious.
[That doesn't mean anything. You can try again, Hinozu, why are you saying that? We both pushed through the Assessment, it was only luck that I managed to—]
[Luck? Damn right it was luck. It's always luck, isn't it?]
He scoffs.
[I don't have any. That's why...]
[That's why I can't do anything.]
His voice lowers.
[That's why I'm a nobody.]
Tears well up in his eyes.
Kanna: [Don't say that about yourself... You're not... Nobody. You tried your hardest, and—]
[I'm tired of that shit.]
[Trying my hardest? What, will I "try my hardest" and that's all that counts? Even when I'm sitting under a bridge, with no future, no purpose? I can just... Smile and think I tried my best?]
[Bullshit!]
Kanna: [Hinozu... You're not—]
Hinozu: [Maybe you can say that. Yeah, you can. You try your best, and it works. Doesn't it? You grow, achieve, whatever. All I do, when trying my best, is fail. Be left behind. Injure myself. Spend hours, days and my whole fucking life doing the same shit over and over again!]
Ayumu steps back at Hinozu's rant, his eyes widened in disbelief.
Tears fall freely from Hinozu's eyes.
[And then... Nothing happens. How I wish I could be like you. Maybe it'd be easier.]
Ayumu: [Hinozu... Why did you do it?]
[Why did you try to become an Exterminator?]
...
[Because... I... I promise—]
[You're lying. It's about yourself, isn't it? You pretend it's for... Whoever it is for, just to—]
[You don't know that.]
Hinozu shakes his head, still sobbing.
[You don't.]
Ayumu sighs.
[Then... There's nothing else to know. I didn't want to leave like this, but...]
[Leave? Where?]
[We've been assigned to a base in the center of Tokyo. We'll be away for a long time, but Kanna and I will visit when we can.]
Hinozu's gaze falls to the floor.
Maybe... It's better this way.
They don't need someone like me.
[Try to think about it, alright? You can do the Assessment again in 2 years. It's plenty of time.]
Ayumu places a hand on Hinozu's shoulder.
[I know it's harsh. But I know you're not someone who gives up because of that. You... May not see it. But, I know you're capable of great things. Don't fret.]
Hinozu wipes his tears away.
[... I don't know.]
Kanna: [We'll be expecting you in 2 years. And I'm sure you'll be with us.]
[... Yeah.]
He takes a moment to calm down.
[So, uh... Are you leaving, now?]
Ayumu: [Yeah. We told Jenneah to pack our things already, so...]
Kanna: [Goodbye, Hinozu.]
Ayumu: [See you really soon.]
[Goodbye.]
With that, they leave the auditorium. Gathering his thoughts, Hinozu leaves too, walking through the crowded gardens before he steps into the city.
Stepping around the streets, he finds the scaled skin man smoking in an alleyway. He signals for Hinozu to approach.
Hinozu crosses the road, standing just in front of him, a few meters apart.
[Come, sit down.]
He pats the ground next to him.
Hinozu sits down, glancing at the man.
His skin makes Hinozu's stomach turn.
[You've all really grown. So much.]
Hinozu stares at the man in confusion.
[What do you mean?]
[Don't remember me, brat?]
His gaze travels to Hinozu.
[Well, I suppose I didn't do much for you.]
Hinozu stares at the man, trying to recognize him.
His gray eyes are the same.
His eyes widen, disbelief coursing through his features.
Could it be...?
[You look like you've seen a ghost.]
Throwing his cigarette, he steps on it.
[It's me, Hinozu.]
[It's Friedrich.]
