Host, Please Be Honest! What Exactly Are You?

–Vardos Country–

Today was the day many prepared to head back home. Unlike the atmosphere in the past, today's atmosphere was strange and unsettling. Several people had heavy bags underneath their eyes, looking like they haven't slept for several days now. But who could blame them? Each time they closed their eyes, they seemed to be scared of everything, from the shadows the moon made through their windows, to the slightest noises made by birds outdoors. The human brain sure was incredible. Whenever they close their eyes, they seem to reimagine several of those creatures inches away from their faces, laughing in the dark and kicking their lips in hunger at the sight of fresh food dozing away in the many sleeping quarters. Ahh!!! Many woke up from nightmares, screaming at the top of their lungs in the middle of the night, but their superiors didn't lash out at them, as they too woke up painting, sometimes finding they were drenched right down to their pants with sweat. Oh My God of Science! This cannot go on! How long will it take for their initial fears to cease? After learning all they did about the various ministers in the shadows, they found that there were monsters everywhere. It's said that some monsters lived in ponds, some on trees, others in the mirrors, some under the beds, others in their very homes, and some were even in their food. What was more frightening was that their shadows were actually alive in a place called the shadow world. It seems these shadows hate them to guts, wishing to destroy them completely. … Suddenly, the world didn't seem so friendly anymore. Mommy, what sort of world have they always been living in? Sure enough, ignorance is truly bliss. When they were ignorant, the only thing they had to worry about were the other humans, plants, bears and animals on land and in the seas that they could scientifically categorize. But now, after knowing the truth about the darkness in the world, they suddenly felt weak, helpless and completely vulnerable. But wait, do you think it ends there? They also heard from those live streamers who were rescued out of that hidden world, that if one was targeted and affected by these beings, their lifespans would also get shortened too. F***! Several superiors felt their palms grow sweaty when thinking of how their former most trusted subordinates had turned out to be monsters in disguise, saying they had marked them all this time. Ah… in that case, wouldn't their lives be reduced by a lot now? If Dorian knew their thoughts, he would only give them the said eye, as though saying: Relax… it's only a few months/years off your life. You were targeted by lower phase creatures. So what's there to be worried about?

What if they were targeted by the Underworld Princes, higher Generals or all those who headed back to the underworld to join the battle down there?

Even if it's just 1 day or 8 months or even 5 years off their lives, so what? That was still theirs!! (:*?*:)

9 days.

It's been 9 days since their eyes were finally opened to the truth. And they had to say that they were still not holding up fine. …

"Why does it seem like a year since the competitions began?" "Yeah. I'm beat up, tired, and in desperate need of sleep. Except… I can't sleep alone, at least not now." A cute girl spoke wryly, while wiping her face with her white towel. She was a little ashamed to say that she had shamelessly posted herself in Khalea's bed, alongside another girl, who also joined in mid-May. Before, they used to complain that their bunk beds were tiny for 1 person to sleep on. But who would have thought that 3 people could actually sleep very comfortably on it these past few days with no discomfort? Khalea flashed cold water on her face, while listening to the girls beside her. Well, she too had to admit that she found solace in knowing she was stepping with 2 others on her bed. "Today is the 9th day… time to depart."

Of course, she meant to say that today is the 9th day, and they will soon know whether they passed or not. However, the walls and everything around them might be watching, so they must keep their mouths shut at all times. Soon, the girls left with their damp towels around their necks. They separated briefly, with Khalea heading for her father's quarters. "At ease." She might be young, but she had a high rank within the army. What's more, her father's men recognized her, so they let her in without notice..

"Dad!" Kletus having his late breakfast, also in a daze. It seems he didn't hear it notice her come in. Breakfast should be a happy meal. However, he was chewing and forcing everything down as if it was shit. He really didn't have the appetite to eat, but knew that he must eat because his body needs fuel to sustain itself. "Dad, I know… it's just too tough to pull through, but… but if you don't strengthen your body, you'll be letting our Country's enemies win." "Impossible!" Kletus blurted out, staring at Khalea with heated eyes. Although he feared the 'enemy,' he would rather die than see them win. So, with that conviction in mind, he gobbled his food down like an ogre, slamming his cutlery down hard. Khalea chuckled, slowly taking a seat opposite Kletus. Now, both of them had similar thoughts in mind, without uttering a single word to each other. –The Test. How would they know if they passed or not? They both crossed their arms in thought, thinking and speaking on the matter in a coded manner. But what they didn't expect was that the news of their exam status was closer than they thought. 11 AM on the dot. What was that? The duo jumped from their seats when hearing a light tapping noise coming from Kletus's bedroom. And before they could react, an unimaginable scene unfolded before their eyes that left their eyes battling in disbelief. This… This… This…

Visit and read more novel to help us update chapter quickly. Thank you so much!