The moon hung high in the sky, illuminating a castle that was heavily fortified by guards. The castle sat atop a steep cliff, and nearby, a small river cascaded down the hill, forming a waterfall.
Near a window, watching the river plunge from the cliff, was a stunningly beautiful girl. She had raven-black hair, slightly large eyes, and pink lips. This was Rivernia Rutherson.
The river made her remember Leo Brody. He always called her River. It had already been five days since she arrived here as a princess, and what was most surprising was that everyone—including the guards, the king, and the servants—were all from Earth. The other astonishing detail was that they all belonged to the Government Society.
She was startled by a knock on the door. She turned to the door and saw a tall boy with a moderately muscular build and black curly hair. He was 22 years old and good-looking. This was her brother, Trontis Rutherson.
The door was already open, so he stepped inside and approached the window, saying, "You know you shouldn't be near this window. Someone could shoot an arrow or attack you through here."
Rivernia turned back toward the river and said, "Why would there be an attack? No one knows I'm here."
Trontis sighed heavily and said, "We haven't found the two men who went missing five days ago."
Rivernia then rested her head on her hand and looked at her brother, Trontis. Trontis wore leather trousers and a buttonless shirt.
She then said, "Is that why everyone is so tense and guarding the castle so heavily? And is that why no one can approach me? Is it because there might be some people who have chosen to be Hunters?"
Trontis met her gaze and said with a forced smile, "Yes... and it's only temporary until we find someone with lie detector powers. Then we can verify if a person is a Hunter or a Protector."
Trontis then turned to leave but stopped short, turned back to his sister, and added, "I forgot to tell you this: We found Voilentina, and she will be here Tommorow. And if you need anything, just tell me."
When Rivernia heard this, a wave of joyous happiness swept through her heart. Boredom, fear, anger, frustration, and loneliness were all banished by the news.
...
A day went by. The sun was painting the sky crimson; a vibrant red hue spread across the horizon. The sun was ready to vanish and yield to the night. Rivernia was reading pages placed on the table. Someone tapped gently on the door. Rivernia set down the papers, stood, and went to open the door.
She opened it and saw a very beautiful girl with curly black hair. She had a lean build and average height—neither too tall nor too short. She wore a black, loose robe. Rivernia's lips curled into a wide smile. Unable to hold back her joy, she hugged the girl and said with excitement, "You're here, Voilentina! I was dying of boredom; the Hunters wouldn't even have needed to do anything."
Voilentina hugged her back just as tightly. Rivernia winced and said, "Ouch... It seems you missed me more than I did."
Both entered the room, and Voilentina couldn't hold it back, asking, "Are you really okay?"
Rivernia frowned and said, "Yeah, I am truly fine."
Voilentina stared at her for some time before saying, "Wow, you really are tough. I mean, if I had heard that my life and death would decide the results of the First Trial, then I would already be in despair and severely depressed. If not that, then knowing more than one million people are hunting me and only one hundred thousand are protecting me—that alone would be more than enough to make me unstable."
Rivernia smiled and met Voilentina's gaze, saying, "I mean, I would have, as you said, but didn't you see outside? How many guards are out there! Who could possibly pass through them?"
Voilentina let the topic drop and said with a smile, "Is Leo here, too?" Rivernia shook her head.
Voilentina asked again, "Then Rogan?" Rivernia shook her head again.
Voilentina sighed audibly and asked, "How many siblings are here?"
Rivernia answered plainly, "Including you, we are three."
Their conversation was interrupted by a knock on the door. It was Trontis. Trontis smiled, glanced at both of them, and said, "Good news! Among the group who came with Voilentina, there is one person who doesn't have the power to detect lies, but who can forcefully make others tell the truth simply by making eye contact."
Rivernia heard this, and a wave of relief washed over her heart. She then turned to Voilentina and said, "Thank you for bringing that man here. Now I can finally move out of this room!"
...
It was well past midnight; the moon was at its highest altitude, and stars twinkled brightly, demanding everyone's attention. The night was slightly chilly and cold, so the guards were keeping warm by standing near the fire. A man was walking, holding water in his hands, when another man accidentally collided with him. The water spilled into the fire, and the fire instantly went out. A man shouted, "What the hell are you doing? Can't you even see?"
The man who dropped the water immediately apologized and said, "I am sorry, I will reignite it for you."
But another man said, "No need, I can breathe fire, so I will light it."
He then tried to breathe fire, but only a gust of air left his mouth. He tried again, but the same thing happened. He tried again and again, but nothing happened. Everyone was confused about what was going on. But suddenly, a light came from the sky, blindingly illuminating every person who was near the burnt-out fire, and struck each person present.
...
On another side of the castle, two people were sparring with each other using their powers: one could blast his saliva, and the other could freeze things by blowing air from his mouth. A boy with blonde hair spat, causing the saliva to detonate, but a boy with red hair froze it before the blast could spread.
Many people were watching and enjoying the fight, betting money, food, and many other things on the outcome. The blonde-haired boy spat again and caused it to detonate. The boy with red hair blew out air but was blasted into pieces; his organs scattered everywhere. Some of the gore landed on the onlookers.
The cheering intensified, and then the realization hit them: he was dead. Everyone went silent, and then they all heard the sound of an explosion from another part of castle.