Chapter 49: Through the Mask (1/2)

Chapter 49: Through the Mask

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Three grown men stood in a confined room; there were two masked man including Johansson and also Ye Chong.

The other masked man hurled the same black mask they were wearing to Ye Chong and ordered menacingly, “Put it up!”

Ye Chong picked it up and felt the peculiar texture in his hands. The mask was surprisingly very soft when touched and it seemed to be made out of special materials too. There was a code written beneath the mask - F-58. He tried putting it on and the mask fitted on his face unexpectedly well as if it was specially tailored for Ye Chong. His face was layered by the mysterious aura of the mask. It fitted so well that he could even feel the mask mimicking his facial expressions; the mask would trace even the slightest twitch of muscle, and it had great airflow as well. Ye Chong did not feel the stuffiness he was expecting wearing a mask. Instead, he almost forgot that he was wearing one.

“I am Hak, your instructor!” His voice roared in the room, “And I'll be invigilating your examination. Johansson, take the lead!”

“The examination begins!” Johansson notified in a rumbling voice as he stood opposite of Ye Chong.

Ye Chong got into his ready-stance, anticipating the upcoming trials.

Johansson rushed into his position with his arms crossed embracing himself. He knew that this was merely a test, therefore took a more defensive position.

Ye Chong began seriously, a heavy stomp with his right. The room shook a little by that powerful burst of his. Instructor Hak's face had a hint of surprise as he witnessed this by the side. Ye Chong bravely leaped towards Johansson and whimpered as he threw a punch with his right fist.

Johansson gracefully spun to the side and dodged the attack. Ye Chong missed, and almost fell from losing his balance. It would be an opportunity to experience Johansson’s counterattack, but he remained on the defensive side and patiently waited for Ye Chong's next strike. Ye Chong regained his stance and was prepared to launch the following punches. He raised his fist, but before he could come into contact with Johansson, a thunderous voice broke his action.

“Stop right there!” Instructor Hak ended the little fight between them. “Enough!” Ye Chong was dumbfounded. I was evaluated with only a punch? Johansson seemed to be much more aware of such interruption through his gesture.

Instructor Hak walked to Ye Chong and stared into his eyes, “I don't care who you were. I don't know where you came from, and I don't want to know what you have worked for. From now on, this mask is yours. As long as you are in the Black Cove, you shall never remove this mask. Never. Ever! Anytime or anywhere! Your code would be F-58. You will be the 58th member of Group-F. Now, state your name!”

“Ye-“

“Pseudoname! Everyone here uses a pseudoname or a codename.” Right before Ye Chong actually gave his actual name away, Instructor Hak interrupted him with a gentle reminder.

Ye Chong did not ponder much on this request, “Mu. I am Mu!” The name slipped right off his mouth so naturally.

“Follow Johansson to your campsite now. It's Group-F. He would arrange the accommodation for you,” Instructor Hak ordered. “Welcome to the world of real Pilots!” he said sternly.

On the way to his campsite, Johansson lectured him some exclusive rules of survival in Black Cove.

Firstly, never inquire anything about someone. This would create enemies without knowing.

Secondly, never expose personal details about yourself to the others. That was to guarantee your life in the Black Cove.

Thirdly, never demonstrate your true strength in order to live longer.

Johansson mentioned the grave rules nonchalantly. Even though, that was alarming enough for Ye Chong to be aware of the hidden danger of this place. Ye Chong started to tense.

Johansson in the meantime somehow was able to identify the alert in Ye Chong's eyes. His own eyes expressed approval.