TAEHYUN POV

I was sure that there was a reason for this training. My mind was completely focused. The screams of Soobin, Yeonjun, Beomgyu, & Kai bounced off the walls. Not Haru was no easy opponent. It was routine. This was nothing new. I usually started with the sword test first.

The room was pitch black. I needed to maintain my focus. "태현아, 기회가 있었을 때 연준이랑 싸웠어야죠. 그는 당신을 어린애라고 생각해요. 그 사람 밑에 있는 사람이요." (You should've fought Yeonjun when you had the chance, Taehyun. He thinks you are a child. Someone beneath him.) I took a deep breath. This was classic taunting. Things to get a rise out of me. I simply swung my sword into the darkness.

A sharp yelp sounded to my right. I made a hit. A few minutes pass before they said something again. "Not going to talk, Taehyun ah ?" I swung my sword as I answered, "No matter how I feel... I refuse to let you hold that against me... To keep me here..." To my left I heard another yelp before the room was lit up. Not Haru had one slice in the right shoulder, & had one gash in the left thigh.

The only thing left was the unfamiliar spell that caused immense pain to who it was cast upon. Not Haru sat in in the chair they usually sat in as they continuously hit me with the spell. I forced myself to stay quiet so no screams escaped from my lips. Obviously this angered my opponent. "소리 질러요! 소리 질러요! 어떻게 좀 해봐요!" (Scream ! Scream ! Do something !)

The pain was felt all over my body but I didn't let out a single scream. I choked out a response, "Why ? Were you expecting I'd fail your little tests ?" This clearly was upsetting them. I wasn't breaking. The screams of the others got louder within the room. This went on for a while before everything stopped completely.

"Rise, Taehyun ah." Not Haru said in a calm tone. I slowly stood up. What was going on ? "Is that all you got ?", I asked a bit confused. The person ignored my question as they lead me out of the room. Once finally out of that room I came face to face with the Head councilor. "Take a walk with me, Taehyun ah."

The walk started off silent. "Where are the others ?", this was my first question. My first concern. The councilor laughed. Seemed impressed. "당신은 훈련을 통과했습니다. 태현 씨, 이 시점에서 당신은 다른 사람들보다 우리의 목표에 더 가깝습니다. 나는 기뻐요." (You passed your training. At this point you are closer to our goal than everyone else, Taehyun. I am pleased.) The conversation ended as quick as it began...