"Huff... huff... huff..."
Heavy breathing rang out, as though the enormous nose of the phantom beast Kongpacini were right before you, behind you, above your head. In the darkness, it existed without form, yet scrutinized you with great care.
It brought a deep, shuddering unease, as though a cliff lay half a step away, and falling would send you straight into the phantom beast's gaping, bloody maw.
Kallen folded his arms and waited quietly.
Richard sat on the ground, his body beginning to tremble slightly, but a glance at Kallen immediately settled him.
Actually, had Richard come to this selection alone, he would have been much calmer than he was now, because then he would have known he could rely only on himself. Now, with Kallen to lean on, his emotions fluctuated more easily, because he had that room to spare.
"Roar!"
Just then,
a long howl suddenly erupted. Amid those sound waves, a person's soul was like a little boat that could capsize at any moment.
Black light rose around Kallen, enveloping Richard as well and shutting out the howl's effects.
The sound gradually faded.
Richard raised his head and rubbed the tip of his nose.
Was it raining?
No.
It seemed to be snowing.
Kallen noticed it too. The temperature around them seemed to have changed.
Changing the temperature inside an illusion?
It could be done, but its effect would be limited, because everyone taking part in the selection possessed excellent basic qualities. They knew everything inside the illusion was false, and understood even better that they could not freeze to death or die from the heat.
If it was simply torment through cold and heat, most people with firm wills could withstand it.
Would it be that simple?
Above the sculpture of the phantom beast Kongpacini,