The exam began as soon as the instructor pressed the glowing blue button on the podium. The hall grew silent.
Only the soft hum of air filters and the tapping of screens could be heard. Each desk lit up, showing the student's name, ID, and a timer counting down from two hours.
Ethan took a slow breath and tapped Start. The first question appeared in bold blue letters:
Question 1: Which element is most compatible with a triangular fragment of neutral hue?
A) Fire
B) Water
C) None, all elements react equally
D) Depends on the user's Dominion
He stared at it for a second. "Hah… they really changed the paper," he thought. In his past life, the questions had been the same, but this one felt new. He tapped D and moved on.
The next questions were about the History of Fragments and Biological Connection of Fragment Cores. Some were easy, but others made him pause.
The invigilator, a tall man with silver hair, walked between the rows. His uniform had four shining marks — a sign of a Crux Rank Fragment user. He glanced at each screen, making sure no one cheated.
Every few minutes, he reminded them, "Keep your focus. Once you press submit, you cannot go back."
Minutes turned into an hour. Ethan's head was filled with questions — how fragment energy flowed in the human body, which Dominion balanced mind and soul, who were the founders of the Astral Academy. Slowly, his fingers grew tired, but he pushed through. He remembered his sister's death, his wasted past, and why he was here.
Finally, the timer showed 00:05:00. Ethan reviewed his answers one last time, sighed, and pressed Submit. His screen flashed Submission Complete. One by one, more students finished. The sound of chairs moving filled the hall.
When the instructor announced, "You may now leave the hall," Ethan and Elara stood. They exchanged a tired smile and walked toward the door.
Outside, sunlight poured through the tall glass windows, warm and soft.
Elara stretched her arms. "That was easier than I expected."
Ethan laughed lightly. "Yeah… maybe for you." He looked up at the sky beyond the glass — blue, endless, full of chances. "One part done," he whispered.
"Four more to go."
.....
The afternoon sun hung high above the Astral Centre, painting the white walls in soft gold. After the long exam, the air outside felt lighter.
Students were leaving the building in small groups, talking about their answers and laughing nervously. Some were happy, others complained that the questions were too hard.
Ethan and Elara walked side by side down the marble path that curved through the campus.
The place was wide and open, filled with flower beds, old oak trees, and tall silver lamps. In the distance, a clear fountain sparkled, its water catching sunlight like diamonds. The gentle sound of water mixed with the chatter of students.
Ethan carried both his and Elara's bags on his shoulder. "That was long," he said with a small laugh.
Elara smiled, brushing a strand of her blonde hair from her face. "You're telling me! My hand still hurts from all that writing. But I think I did well."
"Of course you did," Ethan said. "You've got that brain fragment, remember?"
She laughed softly. "Still, I saw some people finish even before time ended. That's crazy."
They turned into a quieter lane lined with cherry blossom trees. Pink petals floated down slowly, carried by the gentle breeze. For a while, everything was peaceful — until a sharp voice broke the calm.
"Hey, where do you think you're going, weakling?"
Both Ethan and Elara turned. Near the side of the courtyard, a small group of students had formed a rough circle. In the middle, a brown-haired boy stood clutching his bag tightly. His uniform was wrinkled, his eyes wide with fear. A tall boy pushed him back.
Brother let's go to stop them
As Ethan and Elara ran to stop them ,suddenly Ethan stopped
"What happened brother why did you stop"
In the crowd a blonde boy stood with the bullies, he was not participating in the bullying but just stood there enjoying the show .
It was Cole stroud seeing him Ethan froze.
His stomach tightened, old memories flashing like sparks — betrayal, pain, his own death. He blinked once, trying to calm the storm inside him.
The boy on the ground mumbled, "Please, I didn't mean to—"
Cole's friend laughed. "Didn't mean to bump into us? You should watch where you're going!"
Ethan's hand clenched into a fist. He could almost feel the heat rising in his chest. Elara stepped forward, anger flashing in her black eyes. "Brother, we can't just watch!"
Ethan's voice was quiet but firm. "Elara, wait."
She turned to him, confused. "But he's getting hurt!"
He looked at her — the worry on her face, her small hands shaking. "I know. But if we step in now, it'll only get worse. Trust me."
He forced a calm smile, though his heart pounded. "Come on. Let's go to the canteen. I think I saw it earlier."
Elara hesitated. "But—"
"No buts," he said softly, tugging her hand gently. "Please, Elara. Not now."
They began walking the other way, down a small path filled with sunlight. The noise of shouting slowly faded behind them. Ethan kept his eyes ahead, but his thoughts burned. Some things never change, he thought bitterly. But this time… I will.
As they reached the canteen, Elara was quiet. Her brother's face looked distant, almost cold. She opened her mouth to say something, but stopped when he spoke.
"Someone will stop them," he said, staring at his food tray. "She always does."
And somewhere back in the courtyard, Amanda's voice rang out clear and angry
"Stop it right now!"
Ethan closed his eyes, a faint, sad smile touching his lips. "See? Told you."
Elara looked at him, still not understanding everything, but she nodded. Outside, the wind rustled the trees, carrying Amanda's voice again through the open halls.
For the first time that day, Ethan felt like the past was truly repeating itself — only this time, he was watching from the outside.
In his mind he had already decided to never interfere,
"I have my own priorities, why should I waste my time and effort to help others. "