As Enzo walked toward the other room with a dejected expression, he gave Jack a small wave. The "good luck" signal was understood even without words; a silent yet deep bond existed between the two friends. The disappointment in Enzo's steps and the determination in Jack's eyes showed that this exam was not just a test of strength—but a test of character.
Rick watched Enzo leave the room, raising an eyebrow slightly before turning his gaze to Jack.
Rick: Now that the flashy one is gone… it's Jack's turn.
At that moment, a powerful voice echoed throughout the hall, instantly catching Jack's attention.
- - - : I THINK IT SHOULD BE MY TURN!?
Jack quickly turned toward the source of the voice and saw a massive man—nearly two meters tall, broad-shouldered, and built like a wall. His gaze was sharp and aggressive, radiating an aura that felt like it could shatter stone itself.
Rick: Peter Fitness… you were supposed to go second to last.
A disgusting grin spread across Peter's face, as if he were looking down on everyone around him.
Peter: Sorry, but I'm not patient enough to wait for idiots like these. Especially the ones who look weak.
Jack felt a shiver run through him as he looked at Peter. This man wasn't intimidating just because of his physique—his attitude alone crushed the air around him. Michael narrowed his eyes, carefully observing the situation, then gave Rick a subtle signal.
Rick: Fine. Go ahead step forward.
As Peter walked past Jack, his heavy footsteps kicked dust into the air. He shoved Jack aside roughly and continued forward. Jack paused for a moment; he realized Peter's behavior wasn't just rude it was a deliberate provocation, testing the spirit of the exam itself.
Michael signaled the overseer again, his voice calm but firm.
Michael: Overseer, start the timer immediately.
Rick looked surprised for a brief second, but he couldn't ignore Michael's insistence.
Rick: Started…
The moment Rick said "started," Michael raised his hands—and an overwhelming pressure formed at the center of the arena. It felt as if gravity itself had intensified. The ground seemed to glue itself together; stones cracked, small fragments instantly crumbling into dust.
Michael: Jupiter Gravity!
The pressure crushing the stone was so intense it felt as if matter itself was being forced into a gaseous state. Jack took a step back, his eyes widening. This was no ordinary exam.
Rick: (Shocked) No way… this is the first time I've ever seen something like this.
Jack thought silently to himself:
Jack: So there are people this powerful… even in the exam…
Michael turned toward Rick.
Michael: Overseer, may I ask how many points I received?
A faint smile appeared on Rick's face, but his eyes remained serious.
Rick: You almost broke the record—let me tell you that. Arthur Violend still holds the stone-breaking record. He shattered it in exactly 0.25 seconds.
Jack and Peter exchanged glances as the weight of Michael's achievement settled over the room. Rick then turned to Jack.
Rick: You broke it in 0.32 seconds. So not 100 points… honestly, I wish I could give you 200.
Michael clicked his tongue slightly and nodded.
Michael: Damn it…
Jack scanned the wall in front of him with his eyes. Its height and thickness represented more than just an obstacle; every brick felt like a legacy left behind by past elites who had faced this very test.
Jack: (Quietly, to himself) I'll surpass you… geniuses.
Rose noticed Jack's silent determination and smiled faintly.
Rose: (Softly) So your goal is to crush the geniuses too, huh…
There was determination and a spark of excitement in Jack's eyes. This exam wasn't just measuring physical power, but strategy, intelligence, and courage as well. The weight of the stones, Michael's pressure, Peter's arrogance… all of it became fuel for Jack a rehearsal, a source of motivation.
Jack took a deep breath and stepped toward the wall. With every step, the sound of stone echoed beneath his feet, his breathing steady and sharp. As Peter, Michael, and the others watched him, only one thought filled
Jack's mind:
To pass the exam.
To prove his worth.
And to never disappear beneath the shadow of geniuses.