The Degree
A Beginning

The Shelter stopped moving, although it was initially surprising because this place was able to fly but everything was used to it. It's not Secret's name if it doesn't have surprising things like this.

Even Ray had guessed that this organization had more things than he expected. Again the same question, who exactly is Secret.

Not only did they research something beyond common sense like a Degree, but they even prepared great things like underground facilities and the Market system, as well as this inescapable watch.

‘This unique clock has unlimited power. The fact that I have never seen you run out of power or get charging instructions reinforces this assumption.’

After a few minutes, the door opened again. People started to come out unhurriedly because at least everyone had realized that this was not the end, but rather a new beginning that would push them stronger towards the abyss of hell.

What they found outside was a fairly large hall, although the other three Shelters were not where they were at the moment, at least Ray was still with people he knew.

As early as the first time they arrived at the test run, Secret came up with a large drone that he personally controlled. Everyone was no longer surprised, his gaze was compactly the same.

They no longer had the gaze of passion and no ambition. Just a blank flat gaze, almost as dead as it was was was not a problem.

Surely there are some who seem still fine and do not lose their spirit, Ray and others are part of some of these people.

“Sad views. You guys who looked a lot more alive earlier had a 160-degree change.”

Secret said flatly, though not intending to insult but some seemed annoyed by his words. How not? The change was caused by Secret, the man who designed all of this.

“We congratulate you who have completed half the tasks available. We are sorry for the loss and sadness of those of you who may be in a relationship with those who have fallen.”

“This place demands for you guys to fight with Degree. Betrayal, murder, and tragedy, such an environment is what we make.”

“This is not a story of friendship, romance or friendship. We don't need data like that.”

“What we need is data about Degree, and how you guys make good use of it.”

“We want to see how much impact Degree has on human life evolving.”

Secret continued to talk non-stop. For some reason Ray feels Secret is not one person, but consists of several. The fact that he always uses the word ‘We’ becomes an important point in this regard.

“Did this person come just to convey useless pleasantries?” ask Leo who looks annoyed.

“I'm sure not. This person definitely wants to say something, we should hear it carefully,” said Arthur.

Ray agreed with him on this, even he was willing to take pains to remember every Secret sentence even though it was just a pleasantries.

“Yes. We do not know what will happen next, not a loss if we remember well what he said.”

Secret clapped his hand a few times before returning to speak.

“After more than two years of being stuck at Open World, you finally made it out of there. Once again we congratulate you. This is a great achievement you guys got.”

“We have long been looking forward to where talented people with their Degree or genius-minded people can emerge. Their data we have placed in the top spot.”

“Please note that every small action of yours we always keep an eye on. Surely confidentiality will be maintained.”

“Definitely disgusting stalker!” Someone's words were heard but Secret wasn't interested enough to reply.

“We will compensate you all for completing the fifth task.” Secret clapped his hand once again with a little more force.

A huge golden-colored light screen appeared in the air, its size was large enough that everyone was able to read it clearly.

Then writing after writing came along, the surprising part was that it wasn't something that could be ignored. Even Ray couldn't help but be surprised by it.

“Bonus task for building the largest union unfinished. As compensation we decided to reveal a bit of his prize at this stage.”

“The third stage of this test. We decided to provide some information related to the next task.”

Ray read it carefully, as expected of Secret. Although he conveyed the information related to the next task, the information was very vague until it was difficult to digest the meaning. Here is the content of his message:

This stage you have to fight for. The answer is in the rubble. The sacrifice of the most precious thing to you is needed. Failure will swallow many of you but there will certainly be some success.

The message was absurd, Ray understood a few things, but he still did not know what would happen next. The picture of the future is still uncertain.

“That's strange information. Even almost like words that deliberately confused.”

“Yes. No need to bother trying to find the meaning behind his words.”

Some speculation arose among the people, but none of Ray was interested in hearing it. They apparently still do not understand what Secret is like, a person who does not lie, but conveys many cryptic things.

“No matter how you interpret it. We are sure those who understand will understand the message when the time comes.”

Ray thinks that Secret only came for that sort of thing, but it seems he has more than just an absurd sentence to say.

“We will provide additional compensation in the form of a break of approximately two months. We know you need recovery.”

“Physical recovery only takes one month even if it's the worst condition where the whole bone is broken. Unfortunately, Degree is not enough to recover your mental.”

“Because it's one month after recovery free you guys use for anything. Main tasks will not appear at this stage.”

Secret slowly patted his hand, the drone he was riding on slowly began to move to leave. There was no one trying to convey anything considering that the person had frightening mysterious things.

In his departure Secret also delivered a few sentences. Words that ask to be noticed.

“Take good use of your time. We do not have the kindness to give unnecessary things. Only data we need.”

“All the difficulties you have been through until now have absolutely no meaning to the thing waiting for you.”

“The biggest difficulty has not yet begun. Prepare yourselves. We will wait at the end of this research stage.”

‘As if all this is just a start to a great ending.’