The day had finally come.

Twenty-two years of blood, sweat, and tears. Hours upon hours of studying and training. One demanding challenge after another.

Today was the day he would begin The Test.

A young man stands at the door into a silent room. In the center of the room ahead sits a sleek, black recliner chair, facing an immense window of glass. Brilliant white clouds float across an azure sky, as two bamboo plants line the outer edges of the room, bringing a zen-like presence to the space.

He surveys the room with an unbridled excitement — the room seems so simple, yet so profound. As he begins to walk towards the recliner, he smirks with focused intensity. This room is the room he’s dreamed about his whole life. This room is where he will take The Test.

All citizens are offered this privilege. Also known as Jinsei, The Test is a rite of passage in a citizen’s life. Passing means elevated status and authority, while failure means shame and regret. Many choose not to take the test out of fear of failing. Kenzo was not one of them.

As he sits on the reclining chair, the immense window begins to dim. The room is now nearly dark, except for faint sunshine that seeped through. Luminous words appear on the darkened window, spoken by a soothing female voice.

Welcome, Kenzo Inoue.

You are about to commence the Jinsei. This is your one and only chance. Your success or failure depends entirely on the choices you make and why you made them. It will also end at any moment.

Upon completion of the test, you will return here, to this room. A fair and wise judge will evaluate your performance and decide whether if you pass or fail.

Are you ready to begin?

“Yes,” he declares.

Utter darkness consumes him as the words fade away. The room becomes a void of sensation and whirlwind of confusion. Kenzo loses sense of where and who he is. He tumbles down into oblivion, forgetting all past memories and experiences. He cries and screams but nothing is heard.

Silence.

He wakes up with a sudden gasp. The darkness remains… yet it’s comforting. Warm and safe; it would be so easy to relax, so easy to forget about The Test…

A faint light appears in the distance, growing bigger and bigger. He hears muffled voices and a woman’s scream. Two gloved hands grab him, yanking him out from his safe chamber.

So many noises… so cold… so painful. “Where am I? What is this?”

“Look dear, he’s beautiful,” the woman cradling him whispers with weak tenderness. “Let’s call him Ken.”