Caldwell Academy's admissions and class assignments were done in two phases.
The first was a group assignment that got weeded out through 1:1 sparring. Basically, "beat someone up or go home."
After that, there's the "class placement" exam, which evaluates the student's overall ability in excruciating detail. Think of it as a report card that punches you in the face.
Students would be grouped according to their performance in the 1:1 sparring.
I was assigned to the top group thanks to beating the next Hero candidate. Yeah… somehow I managed that. Still doesn't feel real.
Looking around, this group was riddled with confident faces that screamed: "We are awesome, and we know it."
And then there's me, sticking out like a thumb that accidentally wandered into a manicure ad.
There are many reasons for this, but one woman stood out the most.
I glanced at Elize, who was in the same group. She caught my eye and waved.
Her smile… was almost criminally cheerful.
"…Didn't I beat her to death yesterday?"
There is nothing good about getting involved with the main character. Nothing. Zip. Nada.
The more I interact with important people in the story, the more my life is at risk. And Lirielle alone? Already a full-time hazard.
I need to avoid her like she's a pop quiz I didn't study for.
< Gift-related Character Notification >
▼ Elize Kingsley
[ Curiosity Level 4 ] >>> [ Curiosity Level 5 ]
[ Rewards Currently Unavailable! ]
[ Close to favorability status change! ]
[ She is an important character. A special event will trigger after a successful status change! ]
Why is her favorability skyrocketing like it's on Red Bull?
What is it really?
So many questions!
Come to think of it, an envelope with my name on it showed up at my door yesterday.
Inside: a cute piece of paper that said, "Do your best for tomorrow's exam."
Obviously, no one should've sent this. Stalker vibes: 100%. Goosebumps: achieved.
'…I don't know.'
On the bright side, it says "Rewards Currently Unavailable," which basically screams: "Something good is coming, but patience, mortal."
But why am I not being rewarded yet? Is it because she's not officially a villain? Or is it because she just really likes me? No, let's not go there.
"Group 1! It's your turn!"
The Teaching Assistant announced.
Well, there's no more thinking. Time to deal with what's in front of me… and hope it doesn't try to kill me.
•
This is where the main character showcases her abilities, gets recognized and rewarded, etc.
It was a smooth development. No matter how you look at it, there's no way this goes wrong.
Eung.
That's how it was 'supposed' to go.
< Gift-related Character Notification >
▼ Lirielle Elissandre La Caldwell
[ Trust Level 2 ]
[ Related events coming soon! ]
But this...
I read through the system prompts as I looked in front.
"Nice to meet you, I am Lirielle. I will be leading the examination."
Not a good sign.
The Student Council President personally leading the exam for the 'top group'?
"..."
The timing was too perfect for it to be a coincidence.
She has an 'event' today, and now she's leading my group. Something's definitely going to happen.
"Alright, let's move into the exam venue first. I will entertain questions there."
I followed behind Lirielle, trying to act normal. My brain, however, was on a full panic loop. "This is either a trap, or my life just became a live-action tutorial on how to die gracefully."
As soon as I entered the stadium, the entrance slammed shut with a bang.
Simultaneously, the lights went out. Perfect timing for "surprise chaos mode."
"..."
"..."
Silence. Too much silence. Finally, someone whispered:
"Hey, you said you'd entertain questions. Is this part of the exam?"
I wanted to respond: "Yes. Question one: How do I survive today?"
[ 'Lirielle' Related Event Occurs! ]
[Event: Subsequent Assassination Attempt]
Assassins are still out to target her!
Protect her from getting hurt!
This was not part of the exam.
It's a trap.
"..."
Adrian Merrick. Day 3 of admission.
Life expectancy: currently questionable.
F_ck.