10 10 301 They are both wielding greatswords and using similar maneuvers, but it is obvious that the older one is way more experienced.
11 11 301 So he keeps challenging the younger one with different moves. A thrust first, and then feinting and pulling back.
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13 13 301 RImgBg1Shake What looked like a kick turns into a downwards chop.
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15 15 301 1 ??? Darn it, Master! You keep making conversation to distract me in the middle of the duel. That's so unfair! 1
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18 18 301 1 ??? I'm just trying to teach you as much as possible in the shortest time, you know. 2
19 19 301 The youth is named Camu, a civilian who is a little bit more capable than the average person. The mentor is named Mao Zhen, a Special Security personnel in Kurono.
20 20 301 Camu Tch, what a headache! 1
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22 22 301 RImgBg1Shake Camu tosses his greatsword towards Mao Zhen and gets into his usual stance, hoping to grab his mentor and give him a good thrashing.
23 23 301 Mao Zhen Also, haven't I told you not to talk in battle? You could get distracted. 2
24 24 301 Mao Zhen simply responds to Camu's rage by knocking the latter's weapon to the side with his own greatsword and bending down slightly.
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27 27 301 Camu Ugh, my sword— 1
28 28 202 1
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31 31 301 Mao Zhen You lost. 1
32 32 301 The hilt of the sword is pressed against Camu's stomach. He curls up in anguish and take a few steps back.
33 33 301 RImgBg1Shake ...And then he tumbles down to the ground after stepping on an empty tin.
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35 35 203 1 0.25 400
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37 37 401 1 204
38 38 301 1 Camu Ow ow ow ow... 2
39 39 301 Mao Zhen Come to think of it, you've been training here with me for at least half a year, huh? 1 1
40 40 301 Camu Hey, at least help me up, yeah? 2
41 41 301 Mao Zhen My apprentices do not rely on others' help. 1
42 42 301 Camu Eh... fine. 2
43 43 301 Camu bounces up from the ground and dusts himself off.
44 44 301 Camu I'm not sure how long exactly I've been training here... Why bring it up now, though? You want me to work for Kurono's Special Security Department too? 2
45 45 301 Mao Zhen The Special Security Department is not for everyone, but I do believe Kurono is your best choice right now. 1
46 46 301 Camu For real? I can really work for Kurono? 2
47 47 301 Mao Zhen There's an increasing number of Corrupted, and fewer and fewer livable areas. The people at Kurono believe it's time to strengthen their security. 1
48 48 301 Camu Security? You mean a private military. 2
49 49 301 Mao Zhen Call it whatever you like. So? Will you starve to death on this block or become a Kurono soldier? 1
50 50 301 Camu Did you really have to ask? I'll become a Kurono soldier, of course. And someday I'll climb higher than you. 2
51 51 301 Mao Zhen You sure have no shame. But if—Nah, no way that's happening. 1
52 52 301 Camu Are you calling me weak now, Master? 2
53 53 301 Mao Zhen Who knows? Anyway, I'll be leaving the city for a mission soon. You should report in at Kurono tomorrow. If we're both unlucky, we might meet again. 1
54 54 301 AniZhuanchangBegin Camu If we're both unlucky? 2
59 59 301 Camu reports in at the Kurono headquarters the next morning. Several other youths from a similar background are also there.
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61 61 301 1 Instructor Thank you all for coming today. Some of you we've recruited, some of you recommended by our own. 1
62 62 301 Instructor You may come from different backgrounds, but we do not discriminate. Here, everyone's treated the same. 1
63 63 301 A tremor runs down Camu's spine. He notices several others in white lab coats stepping into the room behind the instructor.
64 64 301 Some are wheeling in basic monitoring devices, some carrying surgery tools, and some holding metal suitcases embossed with the Kurono logo.
65 65 301 Though the sight is unfamiliar, the youths present can all tell that the suitcase must hold what they call "serums."
66 66 301 It's the elixir that allows one to walk outside of a filtered city without being infected by the Punishing Virus.
67 67 301 Instructor Want to become a Kurono soldier? Simple. We'll inject the serum into you, and you'll be under observation in our building for one night. 1
68 68 301 Civilian A That's all? No need to go through tests or anything?
69 69 301 Instructor Our devices have already determined your physical capabilities when you passed through our gate. Those who didn't make the cut were already sent away. 1
70 70 301 The instructor's indifferent comment seems to have given all the youths present a confidence boost, as if they were all "chosen ones".
71 71 301 Something, however, hangs on Camu's mind.
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74 74 301 1 Camu Why do we have to be observed for a whole night? Doesn't the serum just make us immune to the Punishing Virus? 1
75 75 301 If they are testing the effects of the serum, should they not be let outside instead?
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78 78 301 1 Instructor Because it's a specially-modified serum. We don't know how many of you it will work on. This is a safety precaution. 2
79 79 202 1 2
80 80 301 While beset with questions, Camu decides to keep them to himself. Like the others, he figures that this will not be such a big deal.
81 81 301 As long as he becomes a Kurono soldier, he will be set for his whole life—unless he dies in battle, of course.
82 82 301 That is why so many others have gathered here.
83 83 301 AniZhuanchangBegin After the brief Q&A session, the instructor moves discreetly out of the room. The prospective soldiers get their serums injected and are sent into the pre-arranged containment rooms to be observed.
92 92 301 It is as if his muscles and veins are expanding from the inside. The pressure against his nerves gives him so much pain that he topples to the ground the very next second.
93 93 301 As if on cue, shouts and wall-banging travel over from the other rooms.
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95 95 301 Civilian A Let me out!
96 96 301 Civilian B Agh! Arrgh!
97 97 301 Civilian C What's going on? Am I allergic? Doctor! Is there a doctor?
98 98 301 Only a few were shouting at first, but after a while, it feels like everyone else out there is screaming for help.
99 99 301 But there is no response. Writhing in pain, all Camu can hear is the clicking of the security camera as it zooms in and out. He tries his best to calm himself down by focusing on the regular, mechanical whines.
