Chapter 54: Chapter 55. Director Ramirez.

Kyoji winced, popping a healing pill into his mouth. His body screamed in protest with every step he took as he dragged himself out of the testing room. He was surprised the AI hadn't announced his victory yet, but the throbbing pain demanded his immediate attention. Right now, reaching the healer before the painkillers wore off was his top priority.

Exiting the test chamber, he found the others already gone. It didn't surprise him. He knew he'd spent an unusually long time inside.

He pushed open the door to the main waiting area, coming face-to-face with a crowd of anxious faces. They were the next batch, waiting their turn for the Hunter's test.

Whispers rippled through the room as everyone turned to stare at Kyoji's battered and bruised form.

"What in the world happened to him?"

"He looks like he went through a meat grinder, not a test."

"That's not even the weird part," someone said, their voice laced with unease;