The darkness still surrounded him.
But it wasn't just external… it was inside him, too.
Then…
[Transition to "First Rejection Chamber" in progress…]
[Transfer complete.]
He opened his eyes.
Cracked black ground.
A lifeless gray sky.
And endless walls made of dark stone.
No doors. No exit. Just a small floating panel before him:
[Welcome to the Initial Training Zone – First Rejection Chamber]
[Attempts: Unlimited]
[Graduates: 0]
"Training?"
The system's voice returned—sharper this time:
[Warning: Rejection Core is unstable. Immediate reinforcement required.]
[Objective: Survive for 24 hours.]
Suddenly…
The ground split open, and small, gray creatures emerged—each with a single eye leaking black fluid.
[Experimental Withered – Tier 0]
[Count: 10]
Losen raised his fists, but felt… nothing.
No power. No energy. No skill.
"I'm… powerless?"
[Initial Condition: All abilities removed until worthiness is proven.]
He had to fight with nothing but bare hands.
At first, he fell.
One kicked him in the face. Another bit into his arm.
But every time he collapsed…
[1%… 2%…]
The core responded.
Over time, he started to notice something strange…
The blows that used to knock him down… felt lighter.
His skin grew tougher.
His eyes began to track enemy movement more clearly.
[Skill Acquired: "Rejection Adaptation – Level 1"]
[Description: Every blow that doesn't kill you… strengthens your body.]
After seven hours…
Only Losen remained.
Standing, breathing heavily, black blood covering him.
But… he was no longer the same boy who entered.
[Time remaining: 17 hours]
[Next wave begins in: 30 seconds]
He lifted his head, looked up at the gray sky, and whispered:
"Bring it all… I'm not running."
The system paused—
Then displayed a new line:
[Rejection Will – Accepted.]