Chapter 2: Unexpected Alliances and the First Call

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 Team Alpha's 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 to himself softly.
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... a 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 answer was... normal. Too normal for someone whose data sheet said "Danger: Infinite." He turned to Cid. "And you are... Shadow, aren't you?"
Cid slowly turned his head, his visible eye gleaming with what he considered profound mystery. "I am... the shadow that lurks in the shadows. The one who hides to strike from the darkness. You can 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 stifled 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 (Thought): 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 seems we're stuck working together for now. I hope we make a good team." He looked toward the stage where his teammates were about to fight. "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 contained.
"So, you're Sung Jinwoo, right?" Gojo said, in that casual, slightly mocking tone. "The guy who revives the dead 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 much tougher. And you, muscleheads," he addressed Mash, tapping him on the 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 silent 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 upon arrival... 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 match is about to begin. Participants 1-Alpha and 1-Beta, prepare yourselves. Rules: The match 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 duel stage fully activated, emitting a dim but ominous light. Cid and Jinwoo took up 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.
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Chapter end