Jack stiffens slightly as he watches Enzo's performance, but he also nods with admiration.
Jack: (To himself) This guy… he's confident even while using his Technique.
As Enzo steps away from the stone, his hands are still glowing with golden energy. His breathing is fast, but there's a satisfied smile on his face.
Rick walks toward Enzo and speaks in a serious yet instructive tone:
Rick: Enzo, your display was impressive… but remember, power only gains real value when it's used fast and accurately. That's why 90 points.
Enzo: (Frowning) Hmph… I know, but I still wanted to look cool!
Jack chuckles softly and approaches Enzo.
Jack: Maybe Rick's right… but looking cool can be motivating sometimes, right?
Enzo: (Smiling) I guess… maybe you're right.
Rick looks at the other trainees and gestures to the next one:
Rick: Alright, next Jack Horizon. Show us what you can do.
Jack takes a deep breath and walks toward the stone. His eyes are determined; his hands tremble slightly, but he radiates a focused aura. Every step shows how carefully he's balancing his energy.
Jack: (To himself) Stay calm… use your Technique properly… don't panic…
He stops in front of the stone, his eyes scanning the cracks. Every line, every tiny flaw is processed in Jack's strategic mind.
Jack: (Whispering) I should strike here… that weak point… okay.
Jack leans forward slightly and places his hands on the stone. He hasn't fully revealed his Technique yet, but a small wave of energy ripples across the surface, causing vibrations. The stone shakes lightly but doesn't break.
Rick: Hmm… careful. He's focusing.
Jack takes another deep breath and activates his Technique. His energy seeps into the stone, spreading in a controlled manner.
Jack: (To himself) Raw power isn't enough… strategy matters too…
Suddenly, red and purplish lights appear across the stone's surface. As the energy dismantles its structure, Jack calmly but decisively directs his Technique toward the weak points.
Rick and Vals watch in silence. Michael and Enzo follow Jack's movements with admiration.
Michael: (Whispering to Enzo) This kid… he's controlled but there's incredible power inside him.
Enzo: (Whispering) Yeah… his Technique feels like a part of him.
Jack delivers one final strike to the upper section of the stone. The energy flow completes the fracture, and the pieces fall to the ground quietly, yet effectively.
Rick: Well done, Jack Horizon. 100 points.
Jack smiles slightly, his expression humble.
Jack: Thank you…
Rick: Next Michael Southwoods. Are you ready?
Michael takes a deep breath, looks down for a moment, then steps in front of the stone. He raises his hands slightly; concentration and determination shine in his eyes.
Michael: (To himself) Not just power controlled energy… focus…
Rick: (Thinking) These kids… each of them has a different kind of potential… all of them are interesting.
Michael uses his gravity control to create a small gravitational field around the stone. The stone lifts into the air, then at Michael's controlled strike it cracks from the center and splits in two. The pieces land softly on the ground.
Rick: Excellent, Michael. 100 points.
Rick turns his gaze toward all the trainees.
Rick: Good… the first stage is complete! Now, the second stage: the speed test.
Enzo: (Excited) Let's go!
Jack: (Smiling) We can handle this too.
Michael: We're ready.
Rick points toward the gate leading to the second stage of the exam. The tension in the area rises in sync with the trainees' heartbeats.
The speed test will challenge them not only physically, but mentally as well…