Moss approached the mysterious box, his curiosity piqued. He lifted the lid, revealing a sleek, well-crafted katana and a high-tech hologram video button. Intrigued, Moss pressed the button.
The hologram flickered to life, displaying Arkea's solemn face. "Moss, this will be my last message to you," Arkea's hologram began, his voice laced with concern. "I've noticed you've grown stronger, but you're slacking. Let me tell you something, Moss: from here on out, everyone is your enemy."
Moss's eyes widened as Arkea continued, "I've been protecting you since the day you arrived. It may have seemed like favoritism, but I didn't care. However, Milian and Sukurada are not pleased with your existence. I was the only one who could keep them in check, but now I'm no longer in charge of the Rank Rumble event. Your life rests in their hands."
Arkea's words sent a chill down Moss's spine. "I don't know what they'll do, but I'm certain they won't spare you any longer."
The hologram paused, and Arkea's expression turned determined. "Moss, as my last gift to you, I'm giving you the chance to fight and live. KIN is the weapon I used when I formed this agency. I've adjusted it to suit your power, so you'll need to get stronger to unlock its true potential. For now, it will serve as a 3-weapon shifter, responding to your command."
Moss's gaze fell upon the katana, now imbued with newfound significance.
"Go to the hyper chamber, Moss," Arkea's hologram instructed. "Set the settings to A-rank. You'll be trapped there for 5 hours, facing robotic servants intent on killing you. Good luck, Moss. You'll need it."
The hologram button exploded silently, erasing all evidence of its existence.
Moss grasped the katana, feeling its weight. "KIN," he whispered.
The katana transformed into a sturdy shield. Moss called out again, "KIN!"
This time, it shifted into a high-tech arrow. One more invocation, "KIN," and it returned to its katana form.
With the key to the A-rank hyper chamber mode in hand, Moss stepped out of his dorm, hesitation and fear gripping his heart. He was alone now, facing the uncertainties of the Rank Rumble.
End of chapter 10