[Location: Global Hospital Ward, Tokyo – Restricted Zone]
Kaito Yamada's eyes opened.
The white ceiling above him felt too clean, too sterile, almost artificial. Blinking against the blinding light, he sat up slowly, ignoring the faint aches throbbing across his body. His fingers twitched instinctively, as if searching for something. Someone.
"Aya…"
The door burst open before the name fully escaped his lips.
Aya Shirogane stood there, her hair tied loosely, eyes rimmed with sleepless nights, her pristine white uniform half-buttoned and wrinkled. She stared at him, frozen.
Kaito raised a hand with a faint grin. "You look like hell, Queen."
She moved before he could finish the sentence, arms wrapping around his chest in silence. No words, no bravado. Just relief.
"I'm sorry," she whispered. "For leaving you alone at the end."
"You didn't." His voice was soft. "You came back. That's enough."
---
[Location: System Control Center – Japan Branch]
Across the world, news reports replayed the footage on loop.
> "The Second Gate has closed. Of the original 50 Japanese duos, only one remains—Kaito Yamada and Aya Shirogane. Total confirmed deaths: 98."
There were no celebrations.
Other nations watched with widened eyes and tightened lips. Japan, one of the Tower's founding powers, was nearly wiped out.
Only a duo survived.
And they were no longer just national figures—they were the face of survival itself.
---
[Location: Tower of Trial Interface – Global Broadcast Room]
As Kaito recovered in silence and Aya guarded his side like a sentinel, the System pulsed across the sky.
> [SYSTEM ANNOUNCEMENT – WORLD BROADCAST]
The Second Gate has been cleared.
● The 3rd Floor of the Tower will open in 9 months.
● Until then, a new World Event Cycle will begin.
● In 3 months, the first of three World Events will initiate.
────────────────────────────
WORLD EVENT CYCLE RULES:
● Each event is mandatory for all surviving duos.
● Duos unable to participate will be permanently retired.
● Duos who fail will be erased.
● Events will test the Mind, the Soul, and the Strength of Awakeners.
[1] Event of Mind: Begins in 90 days
[2] Event of Realm: Begins after Mind event
[3] Dungeon Rush: Final event before Floor 3
Duration: Entire cycle spans approx 180 days
This is a test of evolution. Only those who adapt shall ascend.
---
[Location: Tokyo – Reconstructed District 3]
Three weeks later…
Life, strangely, tried to return to normal. Streets buzzed with cautious traffic. Shops opened under heavy security. Students attended combat and theory classes. And newly Awakened began forming strange fan clubs for surviving duos.
"Kaito Yamada's mask was black and cracked in the Gate! Symbol of edge!"
"Aya-sama's glare made a Chimera scream. Iconic."
Kaito sighed as he passed by a news screen showing a chibi version of himself in a hospital gown.
"I hate this place."
"You're a celebrity," Aya said, smirking. "Endure it."
"Can I kill them?"
"No."
Kaito gave a dramatic groan and slouched forward. "So, when do we start the mental torture event?"
Aya glanced sideways. "Soon. Three months isn't long."
"You think the others will make it?"
She didn't answer. They both knew the truth.
This time, it wouldn't be demons or monsters killing them.
It would be themselves.
---
[Location: Global Conference – United Nations of Awakeners]
Leaders and high-rank Awakeners from across the world gathered. The balance of power had shifted. China, Russia, the Vatican, and India now held the top numbers. Japan had fallen to the lowest tier—one surviving duo.
Whispers began circulating:
> "Should we reassign Aya Shirogane to another country for her safety?" "Kaito Yamada's power… it's undocumented. Could he be a threat?" "This upcoming cycle... is designed to thin us out."
One American general spoke bluntly, "This isn't a test of power anymore. It's a war on psyche."
Another responded, "And in war, only monsters survive."
---
[Location: Rooftop – Tower of Trial]
Kaito sat on the edge, legs dangling over the void.
Aya stood nearby, arms crossed. She hadn't smiled all day.
"You okay?" Kaito asked.
She didn't answer right away.
Finally, "You almost died."
"I didn't."
"You'll do it again."
He chuckled. "Probably."
"I hate that part of you."
Kaito tilted his head, curious. "What part?"
"The part that jumps into hell smiling just so someone else doesn't have to."
He grinned. "That's funny. I hate the part of you that tries to do it alone."
They both fell into silence, staring at the Tower in the distance.
Its Third Floor loomed, and beyond it—the rest of the unknown.
---
[Closing System Message]
> [WARNING]
In three months, your mind will be tested.
Only those who conquer their past may create a future.
Begin preparation. Welcome to the World Event Cycle.
---
End of Chapter 29