Game Without Limits

Hours had passed before the helicopter finally began its descent. The landing was so smooth that the Fujiwara family didn't even realize they'd stopped moving until the sharp clang of the opening doors shattered the silence, jolting them awake.
"What the hell?! You couldn't open that any quieter, you dumb piece of junk?" Keito snarled at the soldier standing in the doorway.
"My apologies, sir!" The soldier snapped to attention, then quickly retreated, eager to avoid further ire.
Keito waved a dismissive hand, as though swatting at an annoying fly, and turned to face the others.

"Well, we're here. Time to get moving, my dear guests," Sigero drawled lazily, already standing on the ground with his hands tucked into his pockets.

Takatsu squinted groggily at the view outside.

"Where are we? What is this place?"

Following his lead, the rest of the family peered outside. They were surrounded by a dense forest, its damp, earthy aroma filling the air. Shafts of sunlight pierced through the canopy, painting golden patterns on the forest floor. Beyond the trees stood an enormous structure—majestic and ancient, as if plucked straight from the pages of a historical novel. Its towering gray stone walls, stained glass windows, and gothic spires made it look more like a cathedral or an old academy than anything modern.
"Beautiful..." Ayana whispered, her voice barely audible, as though afraid to disturb the magical moment.
"Indeed," Keito murmured unexpectedly, now standing beside her.
"This place isn't on any map, so let's consider it a secret, shall we? Understood?" Sigero's tone was casual, yet his words carried an unspoken warning.
"Let's go inside," he added, giving them a slight nudge forward.
"What is this place?" Takatsu repeated, his curiosity refusing to be silenced.
Sigero, not breaking his stride, tossed the answer over his shoulder.

"A school."

They approached the massive gates of the complex, intricately carved with mysterious symbols and scenes that seemed lifted from some ancient legend. The moment Sigero stepped forward, the gates groaned and creaked open on their own, as if bowing in recognition of their master.
What lay beyond left them speechless. The interior grounds were breathtaking: manicured pathways adorned with lanterns, towering buildings with high arched windows, and vibrant flowerbeds bursting with every imaginable color. The atmosphere was serene, yet laced with an underlying tension, as though this place held secrets far beyond its elegant façade.
"Incredible..." Ayana breathed, her eyes wide as she took in the sight.
"Wow," echoed the rest of the family.
"Impressive, isn't it?" Sigero remarked, a smirk playing on his lips as he reveled in their reactions.
Takatsu, burning with questions, pressed on.

"But why? What's the point of all this? Why bring us here?"

"To help you understand. In time, everything will make sense," Sigero replied cryptically, striding ahead with an air of unhurried confidence, clearly enjoying their bewilderment.
As they entered, the massive gates shut behind them with a soft but ominous thud.
Walking through the courtyard was both awe-inspiring and unnerving. Every turn revealed something new—details that made them feel small and insignificant compared to the grandeur of the place. As they ventured deeper, a new sound reached their ears: sharp, rhythmic thuds, synchronized footsteps, and commanding shouts. It wasn't chaotic noise, but a structured cadence that spoke of discipline and skill.
Nearby, a group of teenagers was training. Their movements were precise, every punch and block executed with the grace of a deadly dance. It was mesmerizing, almost hypnotic, as though each of them was a part of a lethal symphony, every note played to perfection. Strange devices surrounded the area, seemingly assisting their practice, while occasional bursts of light flashed, cutting through the shadows like blades.
Ayana's gaze lingered on one girl at the center of the training ground. She moved with an effortless elegance, her long hair swaying like a silken ribbon with each turn and strike, as though it was an extension of her energy. The girl paused, her sharp eyes catching sight of the newcomers, and without hesitation, she left the group and strode toward them.
"Sensei!" she called out joyfully, ignoring the wide-eyed stares of the Fujiwara family. She threw her arms around Sigero in an unreserved embrace, her enthusiasm unrestrained and genuine.
"You're doing well, Ren. But get back to training," Sigero said, his lips curving into a faint smile that softened his usual sarcasm.
"Yes, Sensei!" The girl nodded eagerly, though it was clear she was reluctant to leave. She cast him one last look before hurrying back to her group.
Ayana clenched her fists involuntarily, a flicker of irritation sparking in her chest. Why did that scene bother her? Was it jealousy? But of what? Or of whom?
Her thoughts were interrupted by Takatsu's voice, still brimming with curiosity.

"You're a teacher? To all these... kids?"

Sigero slid his hands deeper into his pockets, his gaze cool and indifferent.

"These 'kids,' as you call them, could level a small city in under three minutes. So I'd choose my words carefully if I were you," he replied, his tone light but laced with a subtle threat.

Ayana, desperate to shake off her strange feelings, turned her attention to the group of trainees. Their determination and focus were palpable. Each movement was executed with mechanical precision, and the very air around them seemed charged with energy.
"What is this place?" she finally asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
Sigero cast her a brief glance before looking up at the towering spires of the main building in the distance.

"This is where people are taught to survive. Where they're shaped into those who can protect—or destroy. The choice is theirs."

He began walking again, leaving the Fujiwara family standing in silence, his words echoing in their minds as they followed him deeper into the unknown.