The Janitor Who Was A Killer

The next morning, Vardan sat alone in his room, staring at the black card. The number etched on it glowed faintly under the sunlight creeping through his window. With a deep breath, he dialed the number.

The line clicked after a few seconds. As Vardan opened his mouth to speak, a cold, mechanical voice cut through.

"Location and date sent. Arrive on time. No latecomers."

Before he could respond, the line went dead. A message popped up on his phone with coordinates and a date—one month from now.

Vardan exhaled slowly, gripping the phone. One month.

He knew this wouldn't be easy. If top prospects were attending, he'd have to sharpen himself even further.

---

For the next month, Vardan trained relentlessly. Mornings were spent sparring with Johan, refining his technique and pushing his endurance. Evenings were filled with solitary training—running, weightlifting, and practicing martial arts drills until his body ached.

Johan never went easy on him. "You don't fight to win," the old man often said. "You fight to survive."

By the end of the month, Vardan's body felt stronger, sharper.

---

The Day of the Exam

Vardan arrived at the location—an abandoned factory on the outskirts of the city. As he approached, he was stunned to see dozens of people gathered.

They stood in small groups, eyeing one another carefully. Some leaned against rusted walls, others quietly sharpened knives or stretched. Every single one of them looked dangerous.

Vardan felt their eyes lock onto him the moment he stepped inside. He kept his face calm, masking the tension he felt in his gut.

Suddenly, someone called out.

"Master!"

Vardan turned sharply. A young boy, no older than fifteen, ran toward him with a wide grin.

"Do you remember me?" the boy asked, practically bouncing with excitement.

Vardan frowned, studying the boy's face. "...Who are you?"

The boy's grin widened. "It's me—Jay! You helped me at school! Remember the bullies? You defeated them… with just an eraser!"

Recognition sparked in Vardan's eyes. "Jay…?"

Jay nodded enthusiastically. "You told me to stand up for myself. I took your advice! I started training every day—10 km runs, 100 push-ups, 100 sit-ups, and squats. Just like you said!"

Vardan's surprise was hard to hide. He never imagined Jay would take it this seriously.

"But why are you here?" Vardan asked, lowering his voice.

Jay's cheerful expression dimmed slightly. "A few months ago, I got into trouble with a gang. But I beat them—thanks to the training."

Vardan nodded, impressed.

"After I won, this guy appeared and gave me a black card." Jay pulled out the same invitation Vardan had. "I got curious and called the number… and they told me to come here."

Vardan's eyes narrowed. "Jay… do you even know what this is?"

Before Jay could respond, a loud siren echoed through the factory. A voice boomed over hidden speakers.

"Welcome, everyone. Those who stand here today have been deemed worthy of potential. Potential… to become killers."

Jay's face paled. "Killers?"

Vardan's gaze hardened. "This isn't just a game, Jay."

Jay swallowed nervously, gripping his card tighter.

The voice continued. "Out of the hundred who stand here, only ten will survive this trial. The rest…" A pause lingered. "Will leave in ways you do not wish to imagine."

The room fell into dead silence.

Jay glanced up at Vardan nervously. "Master… what should I do?"

Vardan placed a hand on his shoulder. "Stay close to me. And whatever happens—don't hesitate."

Jay nodded firmly, fear lingering in his eyes.

As the factory doors began to creak open, the exam had officially begun.