The tension in the dormitory was thick.
Team 6—led by a collection of judges that Team 3 had to face.
Jackie James, a former childhood friend of Miles now considered to be one of his biggest bullies in life.
Violet Veil, once kidnapped by a villain named Stalker and received a lifelong injury that fuels her undying rage toward Gwin.
Finally, Joseph Martin, a young man who was kept secret from the media for the sole purpose of becoming the next Empire Gold. But in order for him to take on his grandfather's legacy, he needs to defeat Arthur, the man responsible for his death.
Joseph chuckled slightly as he realized that Arthur's left eye pupils were forming an infinity symbol; he averted his gaze, "Fighting you like this has no meaning. We are still so early in the exam, so we will have enough time to learn more about you guys before the final day."
Joseph turned to both Violet and Jackie; they all nodded their heads as the two began to withdraw, "I hope to see you in the fighting exam. So that we can give the people a generational battle worth remembering." Then Team 6 turned and walked away, but stopping at the door, "Here's a gift." He tossed a book that landed directly by Arthur's feet.
The book he was concealing within his cape was called Two Lost Oni.
Joseph took one final look at Arthur before leaving and closing the door.
For a long moment, no one spoke.
Arthur's eyes lingered toward the book before grabbing it.
Finally, Miles broke the silence, "…Guess I'm not the only one who has trouble following them."
Arthur exhaled through his nose, "Seems like it."
Gwin was still in shock, muttering the same phrase over and over, "It wasn't me, it wasn't me." Replying as blood dripped from her fingers.
Arthur placed both hands on her shoulders and shook her gently, "Calm down, okay? I know that at the moment we are in a tight spot, but going psycho about it won't help."
Gwin locked eyes with him, slightly blushing, "You're right. But what's going to happen?"
Miles fidgeted with his hair, "Look, whatever problem we have with them… let's just pretend we didn't hear it. At least until the exams are over."
Arthur nodded, "Agreed."
Gwin sighed dramatically but didn't argue.
The unspoken pact was made.
Two days later, the examinees gathered in the main hall, their nerves frayed from the wait.
The massive scoreboard flickered to life, displaying the results in glowing letters:
PASSED:
Team 1 with 8 points Team 2 with 10 points Team 3 with 7 points Team 4 with 6 points Team 5 with 7 points Team 6 with 7 points Team 9 with 6 points
The failures weren't even mentioned to save themselves the embarrassment they have with their teams.
A mix of cheers and groans filled the room. The failed teams were swiftly escorted out by Association staff.
Team 3 stood together, relief washing over them.
"We actually passed," Miles muttered in disbelief.
Gwin giggled, twirling in place, "Of course we did! We're amazing!"
Arthur just smirked.
Then—
"Attention, remaining examinees!"
Sonic Burst's voice boomed through the speakers as he strode onto the stage, his neon-blue hair practically glowing under the lights.
"Congratulations on surviving the written test. Now?" He grinned with a sharp and dangerous smile, "Let's see if you can survive us."
The floor beneath them rumbled—then split open, revealing a massive underground arena.
"The Obstacle Race begins now."