The Nexus vibrated slightly as Cid Kagenou and Sung Jinwoo were transported to the first duel area. On the remaining platforms, the team members watched, each processing the strange situation and their new teammates.
On the Alpha Team platform, a peculiar silence reigned. Rimuru, still in his human form, watched Saitama, who sat cross-legged, staring at the empty ceiling with complete disinterest. Cid, standing with one hand on his chin, muttered quietly to himself.
Cid: "...yes, a subtle test of loyalty... placing us on teams with unknown elements... the real challenge is seeing if you maintain your facade even under pressure... and this 'System'... is it the mastermind behind this 'organization'? Or perhaps... the pawn of another, even deeper force..."
Rimuru approached Saitama, curiosity overcoming caution. "Um... hello? I'm Rimuru. Rimuru Tempest."
Saitama lowered his head slightly. "Yes. Saitama. Nice to meet you." He looked back up at the ceiling.
Rimuru blinked. The response was... normal. Too normal for someone whose data sheet read "Danger: Infinite." He turned to Cid. "And you're... Shadow, right?"
Cid slowly turned his head, his visible eye shining with what he considered deep mystery. "I am... the shadow that lurks in the shadows. He who hides to strike from the darkness. You may call me... Shadow." Cid (Thought): Perfect. A henchman interrogating. They must be testing my identity. I have to give them just the right amount of cryptic information.
Rimuru blinked again. The seriousness with which he delivered those dramatic lines was almost admirable, if it weren't for how ridiculous it sounded. Rimuru (Thought): Ciel, you're suffering from... severe chūnibyō? [Ciel: Affirmative. Diagnosis: Grade 5 Chronic Chūnibyō. Fantasy Immersion Level: Dangerously High.] Rimuru suppressed a nervous laugh. "Ah, I see. A... stage name."
Cid (Ignoring the comical implication): "It's the name of my... organization. We operate from the shadows. To counter... a certain threat." Cid (Thinking): Right, "Shadow Garden." Though these two don't seem to be part of it. Double agents? Or just temporary recruits for this 'System' charade?
Rimuru sighed. "Well, it looks like we're working together for now. I hope we make a good team." He looked toward the stage where his teammates were about to battle. "Though our first fight is 1-on-1. I wonder how they'll decide the subsequent matches."
On Team Beta's platform, the dynamic was equally peculiar. Gojo Satoru was stretching his arms, yawning loudly, while Mash Burnedead stared at the ground as if waiting for profiteroles to grow. Sung Jinwoo, arms crossed, watched the arena, his dark aura restrained.
"So, you're Sung Jinwoo, right?" Gojo said, in that casual, slightly mocking tone. "The guy who brings the dead back to life and has an army of shadows. Interesting. I've never seen that kind of energy before. Is it like cursed energy, but... different?"
Jinwoo looked at him, his expression serious. "It's Spiritual Energy. And I don't 'revive the dead,' I make them my soldiers."
Gojo laughed. "Sure, sure, 'soldiers.' It sounds way tougher. And you, muscleheads," he addressed Mash, tapping her shoulder with a resonant sound like hitting stone. "Where did you get so much strength? Is it some super-secret body technique? Or were you just born that... tough?"
Mash blinked slowly. "I train a lot. And I like the bench press."
Gojo was quiet for a moment, processing the simplicity of the answer. Then he laughed. "Hahaha! That's great! The shadow guy, the muscle mage, and the strongest sorcerer! We're an unbeatable team." He paused, thoughtful. "Though our number 1 is going to face their number 1 first. The shadow cloak guy. I felt his power when I arrived... it was enormous, but... strange. Do you feel anything, Jinwoo?"
"His power is vast. Pure mana. But his aura... it's like a shadow, but not from my realm," Jinwoo replied, focused. He recognized in Cid a strange resonance with the concept of "shadow" that didn't come from the Monarch of Death. It was a shadow... different.
[The System: The first combat is about to begin. Participants 1-Alpha and 1-Beta, prepare yourselves. The rules: The combat ends when one of the participants is unable to continue by decision of The System, or surrenders. The use of personal abilities and subordinates is permitted within the designated combat area.]
The voice boomed, and the dueling stage fully activated, emitting a dim but ominous light. Cid and Jinwoo took position facing each other. Cid, with a smile hidden under his mask, ready for his grand entrance. Jinwoo, with a grave expression, ready to assess and neutralize an unknown but powerful threat.
Cid (Thought): The stage is set. The audience (my teammates, the rival "organization," and even this "System," which must be the Masked Cult) is watching. It's time for the demonstration.
Sung Jinwoo (Thought): A fight I didn't ask for. An opponent with bewildering power. I must end this quickly.
The air crackled with anticipation. The first battle in the Nexus was about to begin. The clash between the Shadow Monarch and the self-proclaimed Eminence was upon them.