2 The First Exam

"You are the most recent in a multitude of worlds to enter the death games."

People freaked out as the black demon-dog appeared out of nowhere. While Ziph, Lucia, and the Army man were unfazed and awaited more information. Or in Ziph's case when he could go back to bed. This sounded like a lot of working and was already detesting the possible amount of effort he would have to exert to live. He would have to constantly watch over his shoulder while also ready himself for any possible traps.

"It's too soon…" Lucia mumbled to herself barely heard by Ziph.

"We will now be arbitrating your test to join the Death Games."

"Can I not?" Ziph questioned, he knew the question was pointless but it couldn't hurt to ask, maybe.

"You will automatically be eliminated if you do not clear the test." The Demon-dog informed, not pleased with Ziph's question.

"Can you do that then? I'm going to die anyway. An eternal sleep sounds swell." Ziph yawned and a cheeky smirk spread across his face.

The Demon-Dog chose to ignore Ziph. This was a great choice, there was no way the dialogue would have gone well if it continued.

Ziph laid across the bench and the Demon-Dog scoffed at him, still choosing not to interfere. I would give that Demon-Dog, who I'm now titling Fluffy, a good head rub!

Fluffy in all his fluffy glory tried to talk in a very menacing voice. Though it sounds more like a small child trying to lower their voice. A few of the people in the car couldn't help but snicker. Ziph? He was snoring and back to sleep.

Fluffy cleared his throat and his voice truly became menacing as his fur turned white and his eyes a blood red. I shall dub this version of Fluffy, Flooffy.

"Time for you humans to prove your worth in the myriad of worlds. Prove that you are all still worthy of supporting!"

Floofy turned back into Fluffy and no one dared speak out against him.

If they could hear his thoughts they would die, not from heads exploding but from the sheer difference in thoughts versus actions, and then laughter.

'Look at all the scared humans, Owner will give me lots of belly rubs for completing the objective with such a high score.'

[Streamer McFluffySkee is online!] The exact translation would LordofBellyRubs, but I like mine more.

[God of the Realm is laughing at Lord Abu's fate.]

"The Games have begun, only the ruthless will survive!"

[First Examination – Prove your Worth]

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Clear Conditions: Kill one or more living objects

Time Limit: 15 minutes

Compensation: 500 coins

Penalty: Death

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Ziph only now woke up when near everyone began screaming. He didn't blame for their choice but he really wanted to get more sleep.

Lucia continued to sit beside Ziph as she forced a conversation, "You're really calm for experiencing a near-death situation."

Everyone else in the car was trying to make sense of the situation but neither Lucia or Ziph seemed bothered by any of it.

"Not like it matters. Death is called the eternal sleep, and that sounds awesome."

"Then why you still living?"

Ziph was slow to answer, "Because suicide is a sin."

Time ticked down and no one acted. Maybe it was fear or morals, but no one in the train carriage tried to kill someone else.

With less than a minute remaining Lucia pulled a gun from her boot. She shot one of the old men close to dying a natural death. The army man from earlier used his own gun and acted in a similar fashion. It was the straw that forced everyone else into complete panic as they started rampaging over each other throwing punches in hopes of making it out it alive.

No one wanted to be the first, but to be second was acceptable. The best analogy would be a box of cookies, no one wants to open the cookies but everyone wants to eat them. So, they wait, and after the first person opens the cookies they all pounce devouring the sugar filled goodness.

With only seconds left the car shook and Ziph fell out of his seat falling on top of the plant.

[The Exam is over.]

With the announcement made only three people were left alive in the car. Everyone else died an instant and painless death.

The car was painted red and the floor was covered in bodies without heads.

"Congratulations to you three, you are the surviving humans from car 5 of subway 4152."

The army man was the first to answer Fluffy, "What happens now?" His gaze was hardened as he spoke monotone to the demon.

Ziph was confused about how he lived but didn't argue against the fact.

Lucia looked to be preparing for the next act of the exam.

The surviving people are symbolic of what will come in the future of this story.

A man who was trained to kill, a man who wanted nothing more than to be sleeping, and a heroine who knew more than she was letting on.

"With having lived through the exam you will now be picking your sponsors," Fluffy informed them.

[You have gained 500 coins.]

[One God is interested in sponsoring you.]

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God of the Realm

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With only one God to choose from Ziph didn't think about his choice and just pressed on the God's name.

[The Gods of Curiosity are interested in you and how you lived the examination.]

[The Gods of Wars are annoyed with you living without killing.]

Ziph was confused even more so now, but knew he wouldn't be able to figure it out himself.

"The next exam will be happening shortly, but until then sit tight as we prepare the next stage."

After Fluffy disappeared Army Man walked up to Ziph and Lucia.

"Name is Anax." He reached his hand out to Lucia and not Ziph. Which is expected since Lucia proved herself to be more useful by being the first to act and also acting effectively. Okay, that is enough lies, it is because she is much better looking.

Visibly annoyed she returned his introduction, "Name is Lucia and this is Ziph."

"Can I go back to sleep now?" Can I slap him now?

[The God of the Realm says No.]