World Trigger: Accelerated Perception

Ren's POV

As I stare at the ceiling, all I can feel is pain—pain from my injuries and a massive headache, the result of my brain working overtime to slow down the world just enough so I could survive. I turn my head to the side and see… flowers? I guess the girl survived. At least one good thing came out of all this.

They were kind enough to put a TV in my room. If I remember correctly, the day of the attack was June 16th, a Sunday. I wonder how long I've been out.

[NEWS REPORT — MIKADO CITY, JUNE 24TH, MONDAY, 10:00 AM]

Eight days after the shocking appearance of mysterious invaders known as Neighbors, the organization Border has made its first public announcement.

Standing before the press was Masafumi Shinoda, the calm and authoritative Commander of Border's Self-Defense Units. At his side stood Masamune Kido, the imposing and enigmatic Head of Border, whose very presence underscored the gravity of the situation.

"We are Border," Shinoda began. "An organization formed to monitor, defend against, and research Neighbor incursions. Our mission is to protect the lives of the citizens of Mikado City and ensure safety in the face of these unprecedented threats."

Kido added: 

"You are not alone. Border will not allow this city to fall."

The announcement followed a week of chaos and confusion after the sudden appearance of gates—dimensional rifts through which monstrous beings known as Neighbors emerged. While many questioned how an organization like Border could have prepared so extensively in secret, today's statement marks the beginning of a more open presence.

Border's headquarters, located in the heart of Mikado City, is now active and fully operational. Highly trained agents—known as Border operatives—are already engaging in patrols and rapid response missions.

"We are beginning recruitment efforts to combat the Neighbors. I understand this nation has a long-standing aversion to military drafts, so let me be clear: there is no draft.

To apply, you must be at least 12 years old. If you're under 16, parental permission is required."

Shinoda then detailed the educational and operational requirements for new recruits. Education will be provided, if necessary, at Rokueikan Middle/High School, and he concluded with the basic qualifications to join as an agent:

Border Recruitment Overview

Age Requirement:

Applicants must be at least 12 years old to join. This ensures candidates possess the physical and mental maturity needed for Trion training and emergency response readiness.

Trion Compatibility Test:

All applicants must pass a Trion Aptitude Test to measure their Trion levels. This test determines whether they can effectively operate Triggers, the specialized weapons used to combat Neighbors.

Initial Rank: C-Rank (Training Rank):

All successful applicants begin as C-Rank agents, the trainee class of Border. C-Rank agents are not allowed to engage in real combat or leave Border grounds without permission.

Trigger Use Regulations:

C-Rank agents are strictly forbidden from activating their Triggers outside of Border facilities. This rule protects civilians and maintains secrecy surrounding Trigger technology.

Mandatory Training Curriculum:

All C-Rank agents must complete a required training program, which includes:

Trion body activation and control

Basic Trigger usage

Combat simulations

Emergency response drills

Teamwork and ethics

The message was clear:

Border stands between Mikado City and the invaders.