1 – Entering the Platform
The door that opened from the arcade machine led Mio into a golden-lit corridor. Thin mist curled around the floor, and at the end of the hallway—an expansive space opened up.
At the center of the space was a massive, circular platform floating in the air, filled with spotlights, hovering drones, and a giant screen displaying live comments:
> ✦ "Newbie alert! Red Card selection in progress!"
✦ "Oh snap—Captain Raphael himself is here!"
✦ "Uhhh Ghoulstrike new MEMBER!!! I'm excited!"
Mio stepped forward, eyes scanning his surroundings wildly. In one corner, a tall man with silvery-gray hair and a calm smile greeted him.
Raphael: "Welcome to the PLATFORM and GHOULSTRIKE. I'm Raphael, Captain of the Ghoulstrike team."
Next to him stood Eric, leaning lazily while chewing on something.
Eric: "He looks like a decent rookie... EH, doesn't he look like someone familiar?"
Eric: "The Platform Princess, huh?"
Raphael: "Right? Kid, what's your name?"
Mio: "My name is Mio. Mio Rossel."
Eric patted Raphael on the shoulder.
Eric: "Told you! HAHAHA those eyes—absolutely captivating!"
Raphael laughed.
Raphael: "Ha ha ha, yeah, no kidding."
Mio, Jake, and Luna stood silently, just watching the two of them.
---
2 – Meeting the Team
Raphael led Mio to the back of the platform—a special room for the Ghoulstrike team, complete with weapons, strategy panels, and a lounge. There, he was introduced to:
Lana, Luna's twin sister, who immediately asked, "Sis, why are you late?"
Luna, who remained silent.
Lucas, who glared at Jake and pretended not to care about Mio.
Jake, already changed into his training uniform, waved cheerfully at Mio.
Luna, now sitting cross-legged, reading a classified team file.
Raphael placed a Red Card into Mio's hand.
Raphael: "Starting today, you are a member of Ghoulstrike. But being a member isn't enough. You need to prove yourself."
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3 – The Platform Live Test
Drones hovered above them.
LIVE Commentator (via speaker):
> "Ladies and Gentlemen, today we have a selection battle from Team Ghoulstrike! A new boy named Mio will be tested in the Platform Mission!"
Mio was sent to the center of the platform, which transformed—turning into a simulation arena filled with traps and virtual enemies. A holographic watch appeared on his wrist, showing zero stats and empty skills.
Raphael (via speaker):
> "You'll have no weapon. All you have is what you brought from the outside world—your mind, determination, and reflexes."
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4 – Mission Begins
Mio faced his first virtual enemy—a masked, shadowy creature. He panicked at first, but slowly, his instincts kicked in.
Suddenly—something inside Mio awakened. He could see the enemy's movements in slow motion for just a second. He had never known he possessed such an ability.
Jake, watching from the side:
> "He activated… a skill? But where did that come from?"
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TO BE CONTINUED