Blair

Within a huge campus, the facilities resembled an old-fashioned school, but strangely empty. Inside an office, an elderly, bald man with a bushy beard addressed a group of individuals in formal attire with a serious demeanor.

"I want you to investigate a possible witchcraft ritual in Colorado," said the man, his voice echoing through the silent office. "The ritual aims for a resurrection, according to the visions of our seer, Yuna."

The group listened attentively, exchanging serious looks among themselves, showing determination towards the assigned task.

The group consisted of three individuals, two young men and a woman, all with a youthful yet serious appearance in the face of the assigned mission. One of the boys, with black hair and red eyes, displayed a more relaxed and outgoing attitude.

"Ah, I'm not really in the mood for traveling. Can't you send other exorcists?" he asked with a light tone of disinterest.

His friend, a boy with brown hair and black eyes, responded firmly: "If he's asking us, it's because only we can handle this, idiot."

The girl, observing the interaction, remained silent, but her posture indicated determination and readiness for the imminent mission.

The girl, with a peculiar appearance of snow-white hair and sky-blue eyes, curiously questioned the director, "Director, what is the level of the mission?"

Meanwhile, the boy with black hair, after being called an idiot by his friend, grabbed the collar of his companion, challenging him, "Do you want to fight here or can it be outside, huh?!"

His friend, with a calm smile, replied in a serene tone, "Doesn't matter. Anywhere, you end up getting beaten up."

The director, amidst the commotion, sighed deeply and reprimanded the boy with black hair, "Akira, stop being a fool and pay attention to what I have to say!"

"TSK, but it was the idiot Uzui who started it!" retorted Akira as he let go of his friend's collar.

The director sighed before answering Saori's question, "Saori, the mission will be classified as a special level."

Upon hearing those words, the atmosphere in the room immediately changed. "Special class? I thought that only happened when a powerful demon was on Earth or when some higher entity was at play," replied Uzui, the boy with brown hair and black eyes.

The tone of surprise and concern in Uzui's voice denoted the gravity of the situation, making it clear that everyone understood the seriousness of a mission classified as special level.

The director nodded after hearing Uzui's words and continued with seriousness: "According to Yuna, an unknown energy has emerged abundantly in a deserted region of Colorado. She told me that this energy has shades linked to death, in a strange concentration. Uzui, Akira, and Saori, I need you to personally travel there and investigate. It has been 7 days since Yuna's prediction. We are racing against time. You must resolve whatever is happening. Remember, the Order of the Aurora is counting on you."

The urgency in the director's words echoed in the room, highlighting the importance of the mission and the need to act swiftly in response to what Yuna had foreseen.

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The scene shifted to a classic diner. Seated on a stool at the counter, a man with black hair and equally dark eyes savored a cup of coffee. It was Yami. After catching a ride with Mary and John, they had helped him with new clothes and some money, providing the opportunity for Yami to get back on his feet financially.

As he enjoyed his coffee, Yami reflected to himself, "So I'm inside that novel, huh?" John had discovered this after his experiences in hell, and finally back, Yami had read news about events that had occurred in the novel. Among them, a deadly virus that had devastated an entire city in the countryside.

Yami pondered his perplexing situation. "But what explains me being here inside? I remember well that before being sent to hell, my room started shaking and bizarre things started happening, until finally my vision went dark... Damn, thinking about it only gives me a headache. Maybe it was God? No... Maybe the author of this damn novel? That seems more logical, since he created the God of this universe," Yami mused.

The uncertainty about the events that led him there mixed with the headache and the anguish of trying to understand such a surreal event. The idea of being manipulated by the author of the story he was in seemed more plausible than any other explanation.

Yami reflected, lost in the possibilities of his next step. "Anyway, I don't know what to do next," he murmured, observing his reflection in the coffee cup. "What should I do? After everything I went through in hell, should I hunt demons until there are none left? Or should I try to live a peaceful life? Get a cool job, some friends to chat about nonsense, maybe even meet a nice girl?"

He scratched his head, lost in thought. "No, after everything I've been through, trying to live a normal life seems so distant, since I know about the monsters that lurk in the shadows of this world."

Yami contemplated his coffee, immersed in deep thoughts. "This is interesting, maybe I am the existence with the greatest knowledge of this world, perhaps second only to God, since he is someone who sees and knows everything," he reflected, pondering his unique knowledge after his experiences.

As he finished his cup, he continued to reflect: "Maybe I should become an exorcist? Help people who are dealing with supernatural problems?"

The idea of using his knowledge and skills to assist others facing supernatural challenges seemed to gain strength in his mind.

"My whole life has been just about me. I lost my parents very early, so there was no one to guide me on what to do. Maybe this is my chance to do something meaningful and use what I've learned in a useful way," pondered Yami, reflecting on the loneliness and lack of guidance throughout his life.

With a solitary laugh, Yami stood up, leaving a generous tip on the counter, signaling a silent appreciation for the coffee and the brief company he had found in that diner.

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Yami left the diner with determined steps towards a building across the street. The building was imposing, its windows reflecting the sun's rays.

With a determined look, he murmured to himself, "I'm ready to talk to Blair." The environment was calm, only the sound of passing cars breaking the silence.

The building, modest in its appearance, seemed to hide secrets within its walls. Yami approached the entrance and, decisively, pressed the intercom, expressing, "I want to speak to Blair."

The doorman, with closed eyes, reacted upon hearing the name. He opened one eye, assessed Yami, and inquired, with a touch of curiosity, "Are you sure?" Yami, confirming confidently, promptly replied, "Yes."

The door of the building opened, allowing Yami to enter. The doorman, with a tone of warning, said, "I hope you have a good reason to visit her, kid."

Ignoring the remark, Yami moved forward, with a firm and determined step towards the top floor, where Blair had her office. The elevator, with its faint hum, began to ascend, taking him to the desired destination.

After reaching the top floor, the elevator door opened slowly, revealing a dark and eerie corridor. The faint light of a single lamp hanging in the center cast threatening shadows on the walls. At the end of the corridor, a single door stood out, creating a sense of loneliness and helplessness. Yami observed the scene with apparent calm, but his heart was beating faster than he would like to admit. "So, this is the famous Blair Witch test?" He murmured to himself, recalling the stories and challenges others had faced there. With a confident smile, he thought to himself, "Akira may have had difficulties, but with the knowledge I have, this will be a piece of cake."

In the Blair Witch test, upon opening the door at the end of the dark corridor, the participant is faced with a mirror that strangely does not reflect their own image. If the person decides to seek Blair, they will be compelled to enter inside the mirror, beginning a journey towards a distorted dimension created by the witch.

This dimension is an altered reality, a manifestation of the witch's own madness, a labyrinth of chaos and illusions. All the elements of this reality are distorted, challenging the sanity of the individual with a series of riddles, traps, and challenges. It is a barrier conceived over a thousand years to protect the witch, and no living being has been able to pass this test for centuries. It is a difficult and impossible trial for most, as it seeks to explore the limits of the human mind and test the resilience of the spirit.

Yami, with a peculiar understanding and comprehensive knowledge of the nature of these barriers, recognized the facade of the Blair Witch test. Seeing beyond the illusions, he understood that this challenge was one of the many layers intended to protect the witch.

As he stood before the door, Yami expressed his conclusions aloud, as if he wanted to unravel the mystery for any possible observer. "There are two ways to dismantle such a barrier. The first, more direct, would be to break it by force. However, the second is by identifying its vulnerability.

Analyzing this type of barrier, based on a test, the way to overcome it is simply by ignoring it."

With this conviction, Yami advanced towards the door, demonstrating confidence and determination, as if he were completely ignoring the existence of the test before him. This bold approach seemed to challenge the very essence of the challenge imposed by the Witch.

Yami advanced towards the illusory door with unwavering determination, aware that it was not a physical structure, but rather a mental construction. His steps continued without hesitation until, at the last moment, he crossed the false barrier.

Instantly, the scene changed, dissolving from the transformation of the dark corridor into a beautiful garden. Yami found himself transported to this new environment instantly, facing a woman who exuded an aura of serenity.

She was sitting peacefully, engrossed in a book, looking completely at ease amidst the nature of the garden. Her beauty was remarkable, with vibrant red hair and piercing yellow eyes, a glimpse of experience and wisdom. Dressed simply, her mature appearance was a reflection of her experiences.

Yami smiled as he settled into the chair in front of Blair, who was reading a book tranquilly. "It seems that someone finally made it." Blair's voice sounded calm and thoughtful.

"Yami," he replied, maintaining a light tone. "I ended up passing through this 'barrier' without much complication, actually."

Blair slightly raised her gaze from the book, revealing expressive eyes. "It's a surprise. Many have made it this far, but most were stopped by this illusion."

"I understand," said Yami, curious. "What ... is the purpose of all this? What do you guard beyond this barrier?"

Blair smiled, a mysterious expression forming on her face. "Oh, it's more than just a barrier. It's a selection, a demonstration of strength and knowledge."

Yami nodded, absorbing her words. "And what comes after this?"

"After this, Yami," Blair replied, returning to her book, "that's when the real questions begin to emerge."

Yami frowned, intrigued. He knew that this was just the beginning of a series of challenges and mysteries.

Blair closed her book and looked directly into Yami's eyes. "What is the reason for your visit, Yami no Ouji?"

Yami pondered for a moment, carefully choosing his words. "I am in search of something beyond the ordinary," he began. "I was brought from a very different place, a place that normally does not accept visitors."

Blair's curious eyes indicated that she was expecting more information.

"I have been in Lucifer's domain. Something brought me from there, something powerful enough to break the rules of the underworld. It wasn't an archangel, not even God... Something else," explained Yami, choosing his words carefully.

Blair tilted her head, considering Yami's words. "I understand. So, you are in search of the entity that rescued you from Lucifer's domain. Do you believe that I may have that information?"

"Exactly," confirmed Yami. "I don't know where else to look, but I am hopeful that you can help me find that entity."

Blair watched Yami with a curious and somewhat inquisitive look. "Okay, even if I had that information. What would you do against this entity?"

Yami pondered for a moment before responding. "My intention is not to confront this entity, not initially. I just want to understand why I was rescued and perhaps understand the purpose behind it. I am... intrigued."

Blair analyzed Yami for a moment, studying his expression. "I understand. Curiosity is a powerful motive. But be careful, Yami no Ouji. Sometimes, seeking answers can bring more questions than solutions."

Yami nodded, thanking for the words of warning. "I know I may be getting involved in something much bigger than myself, but the search for answers is a path I have chosen to follow."

Blair reflected for a moment and then nodded. "If that's your choice, I can try to help you find the answers you seek. But be careful, it's not always wise to challenge forces beyond our understanding."

Yami chuckled and said, "We've just met and you're already so concerned about me?"

Blair gave a slight smile and replied, "Let's just say I'm interested in strangers capable of challenging my barriers, Yami. But don't underestimate my curiosity. I could say it's a skill of mine." She raised her eyebrows slightly, leaving a sense of mystery in the air.

Yami chuckled lightly, finding her response amusing. "Well, to be honest, I'm a box of surprises. And, well, maybe I have some questions... and some skills of my own," he said, with a clever look.

Blair leaned back in her chair, analyzing him. "Ah, so we're in a territory of exchanging skills and information. Interesting. What would you bring to the table in this negotiation, Yami?"

Yami pondered for a moment, flashing a smile. "Ah, I have some unique skills and a good dose of curiosity to uncover hidden answers in strange places. By the way, where are we?"

Blair took on a more focused tone: "We're on the balcony, but let's focus on you. Where were you before you died and went to hell?"

Yami scratched his head, recalling the event. "Well, I was in bed, then suddenly I was attacked. To find out what happened, it would be necessary to see the last entity that touched me. After all, it left something, a mark of its presence to pull me out of hell."

Blair considered Yami's words for a moment. She watched him closely, as if trying to unravel the secrets hidden behind his story. "I see," she said, with a curious air. "So, are you suggesting that the entity that brought you back from hell left a mark or some trace on you?"

Yami nodded, maintaining a serious look. "Exactly. It's a clue that could help us understand who or what brought me back. After all, those who have access to the infernal corridors leave a unique signature on their victims."

Blair seemed intrigued. She leaned back in her chair, biting her lip as she thought. "It may be a challenge to find that mark, but it's not impossible. Come, I'll need a suitable space to focus my energy and try to identify that presence."

Yami followed Blair as she got up and headed to a quieter area of the garden. "This should do," said Blair, raising her hands with a concentrated expression. She closed her eyes, entering a state of deep concentration. Subtle energies began to circulate around Yami, as if searching for something invisible to the naked eye.

Suddenly, a change in the atmosphere became evident. Blair identified a peculiar trace at the core of Yami, something that brought memories of death, but it was a singular presence, unknown to her. That slight trace sent a shiver down her spine, indicating that, although significant, it was only a small fraction of the strength of the entity that had resurrected Yami.

Blair was perplexed by Yami's condition. His soul seemed completely damaged, devoid of any blessing indicating supernatural abilities. He was an ordinary human, extraordinarily fragile, susceptible to perishing with a simple movement of his hands. However, there was something peculiar about him, something that defied this inherent fragility. It was a contradiction between his apparent weakness and a special trait that Blair couldn't decipher.

Blair barely had the chance to finish her question when a whirlwind of magical energy manifested around them. She immediately realized that something was wrong, her expression became serious as a complex and shimmering magical seal appeared on the ground, like a shield of defense.

Blair detected the unwanted presence, her eyes acquiring a subtle glow, and she said quickly and directly, "We have visitors. Three in total. Two boys and one girl."

Yami, confident in his ability with blessed energy, seemed less concerned. He looked at Blair, interested, but showing no sign of fear. "Who are they?" he asked, remaining calm.

"They are exorcists..." Blair replied, leaving a sense of urgency and mystery in the air. The tone of her voice revealed concern, a growing tension hung in the air as they awaited the next moves of the visitors.