The break room, still buzzing with post-test discussions, fell into a sudden silence as the blast doors opened, Mr. Bethany’s massive figure stepping through. His presence commanded attention and he wasted no time. "Congratulations to those who have passed the second test, even if some of you used unconventional means.” He began, and James coughed, knowing he was talking about him.

The man’s voice resonated clearly in the quiet space. "However, your final challenge awaits. The last exam will commence in a couple of hours. I suggest you use your time wisely to rest and recover the mana you spent.”

A murmur of anticipation swept through the room as Mr. Bethany left as abruptly as he had arrived. James felt the weight of the final test settle over him. The first two had been more draining than he had originally believed, but the last one would be the most important, and he’d need to be at his best, especially since it was a straightforward combat test. He needed to stay focused, but first, he decided to gather some intelligence.

James turned to Tea, who had been whispering with her teammates, and decided he might as well ask. “Hey, do you know anything about the last part?”

Tea looked up, her gaze piercing and predatory. “Now, why would I give that kind of information for free? It’s the lifeblood of my Guild’s business.”

James chuckled, lifting his hands up in the air in mock surrender. “I didn’t mean to ask you to share without giving anything back. You know I work here, so we could exchange information, if there is anything you wanna know.”

Despite having been part of the AA for a while now, James and his companions had not been given any special knowledge about the test. Rather, it seemed the higher-ups had slammed down hard on any leaks, and they had been left in the dark. So much so that he didn’t doubt someone like Tea would know more than he did.

Tea's eyes narrowed for a moment, a smirk playing at the corners of her lips. "An exchange, huh?" She glanced at her teammates, who backed away, giving them space. "Alright, I'll bite. What do you want to know?”

"Anything about the last test.” James pressed. "Particularly about our examiner. I know it’s a straight-up fight, but my approach will change a lot depending on who’s administering it.”

Tea leaned back, threading her fingers together. "Alright. You know Rick Martinez, right? E-rank Awakener. He's tough, ex-military, and close to one of the Managers here. Rick doesn't pull punches, and if he senses weakness, he'll push you till you break or stand up to him.”

James cast his mind back to all the people he had met at the AA, and he finally put a face to the name. Martinez was older than him, around twenty-five or so, and had been taken in as part of the administrative corps. He had then Awakened a couple years back and been used as a sort of helper for higher leveled teams, thanks to his connections to one of the higher-ups.

James's expression tightened. That was good intel but also a bit unsettling. "Thanks. Anything I should know about his fighting style?”

"He's a Warrior talent.” She said with a shrug. "Big on strength, but not as slow as you'd expect. And he likes to test for endurance. As for what I want..." She eyed James with a sudden intensity. "What's the Association's true stance on the attacks last week? There’s a lot of rumors, but you’ve got insider access.”

James weighed her question. "The AA is on high alert.” He admitted. "We've been given strict instructions to not engage outside our current purview, but... there's a sense that won't hold for much longer. People are scared, and they're calling for blood. We might have to respond to that call soon.”

“Oh, come on!” Tea complained, rolling her eyes. “The AA is wary about anything and everything. A toddler could have told you that. Give me something more.”

“People want blood.” Lauren repeated, sliding next to James. “And the AA will give it to them. I can’t say for certain who it’ll be, but I’m sure elite teams will be dispatched to take revenge.”

The purple-haired woman took the words seriously, sharing a look with her companions. "That's as I thought.” Tea said, nodding. "Thank you. That's valuable info.”

They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of the city’s - if not the whole country’s - turmoil pressing on the room's atmosphere.

"Do you think that's the right call?" James found himself asking. "Retaliation, I mean?”

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Tea's purple hair seemed to shimmer as she considered the question. "I think... it's not about right or wrong at this point. We are beyond that.” She said slowly. "It's about keeping the peace and keeping people safe. Sometimes, that requires a firm hand. Considering how wild public opinion is getting… Well, I’d expect a much bigger reaction than what we are seeing now.”

James nodded. He didn't necessarily agree, but he understood the sentiment. The balance between safety and freedom was a delicate one, just like the one between following the people’s will and doing the right thing.

“Well." Tea said, standing. "I should get ready for my own test. Good luck, James. You seem like a decent guy. I hope you don't get crushed.”

He smiled wryly. "Thanks for the vote of confidence.”

She gave him a two-fingered salute and moved off, her team falling into step behind her.

James sat for a moment longer, collecting his thoughts. Martinez was a problem. The knowledge that the E-rank Awakener was both strong and favored by the management meant he had to be smart about how he approached the fight.

Turning to his friends, he saw them in deep contemplation, as they all tried to think of different strategies for the upcoming fight. It quickly became evident to him that the examiners didn’t expect anyone to win, not against an E-ranker by themselves. But a good showing would mean a guaranteed pass, and there were several ways to get that.

Time passed quickly, and before he knew it, the candidates were called to the arena. This time, no one was left behind to obscure the test, since it was so straightforward. James’ heart rate picked up as he followed the others, his mind racing through different scenarios.

The arena had been changed and set up with a simple circular pit, the walls padded, and the floor a smooth, matte surface with a little give. James eyed the space, noting the lack of cover or objects to use to his advantage. Evidently, someone who could use earth magic had taken the time to clear out everything from the last test.

It would be a straight duel, skill against skill, Talent against Talent.

Rick Martinez stood to one side, chatting with one of the proctors. He looked relaxed, but there was a coiled readiness to him. He had a buzz cut, a dangling earring and wore a black combat suit, similar to what James had on. He had a baton strapped to his left leg, but his reinforced gloves told of a hand-to-hand combatant forced to deal with weapons.

As Mr. Bethany stepped forward to announce the start of the test, James's focus narrowed to a point. Everything else fell away - the noise of the crowd, the pressure of the upcoming battle, the political tensions outside these walls - it all became background static.

"One on one.” Mr. Bethany was saying. "You will be graded on technique, adaptability, and resourcefulness. Show us what you've learned, show us your strength is worthy of the G-rank.”

Seeing as no one stepped up to volunteer, James took a deep breath and walked forward, facing Rick across the mat. There was a moment of silence, a breath held by the entire room, before it was interrupted by the woom of a barrier being raised.

The barrier encapsulated them, a translucent dome shimmering into existence. It was meant to contain the fight, to prevent any stray attacks from hurting the audience, and to mark the edges of the battlefield. If anyone crossed it, they'd forfeit the match. It was a way of giving the test takers a hope of winning, since they were facing such adverse odds.

Martinez eyed James as they circled each other. "You're the guy who passed the second test throwing the dummy, huh?" Rick's voice carried a tone of amusement.

James gave a noncommittal grunt, keeping his focus on his movements. The first strike would set the tempo of their duel, and he needed it to be on his terms.

Rick moved first, a feint, testing his reaction. Thakinetic Empowerment flooded through James’ system, allowing him to step around it, his own fist flashing forward with deadly intent.

The examiner parried it without trouble, though his eyes widened at the force behind it. Their eyes locked, an unspoken acknowledgment passing between them - this would not be easy.

"You know.” Rick started, softly enough not to be picked up outside the barrier, a smile playing on his lips. "I was told to watch out for you. But they didn't say you'd be this interesting.”

Was he told about me? It doesn’t seem connected to what I did on the second test…

Still, James didn't take the bait. He had learned from Tea that Rick enjoyed throwing his opponents off balance with words as much as with blows. They exchanged a series of probing attacks, neither committing to a full assault. James could feel the difference in strength; Rick's casual blocks had an ease that belied his power. And each time their limbs met, James felt the reverberation into his bones.

The difference was such that he had little doubt the man would have been able to defeat him quickly if he took it seriously, but not wide enough that James wasn’t able to do anything.

Rick's taunting continued, his voice a constant presence as they danced around each other. "Come on, don't hold back. I can see it in your eyes. You’re wondering if you have what it takes.”

James shifted, his stance tightening. He had to remain calm, to think strategically. Tea’s advice about Rick's strength and endurance echoed in his mind. He couldn't outmatch Rick in brute strength, but perhaps he could outmaneuver him.

Rick lunged, a sudden burst of speed that had James on the defensive. He managed to sidestep, narrowly avoiding a blow that would have likely ended the match. The air rushed following its wake. Rick's power was clear; he was toying with James, showing off that he could end this whenever he wanted.

"Is that all you've got?" Rick taunted, wiggling his finger as if in disappointment. "I was expecting more from the leader of Team 0.”

“I’m not the leader. Miss Walker is, if anyone has to have the title.” James replied, keeping Awareness entirely focused on his opponent.

The moment he felt a shift in his will, he moved, avoiding another devastating blow, mana pumping in his legs to get some distance.

This is so frustrating. I have no idea how they expect us to possibly pass this test if this guy keeps up with this intensity. At least I’m a tiny bit faster for now. As long as he doesn’t start using his skills.

James soon launched his counteroffensive, never one to be on the defensive for too long, using his agility to his advantage. He was quicker, if not stronger, and used that speed to land a series of rapid strikes. Rick blocked each one, but James could see it—the faintest hint of surprise in his opponent's eyes.

Rick’s grin faded a notch, his strikes becoming more deliberate. "You've got spirit, I'll give you that.” He conceded, but his eyes were cold, his attacks sharper, more ruthless.

James realized Rick was beginning to take him seriously, which was good and bad. Good, because it meant he was closer to passing the test, and bad, because he was pretty sure he wouldn’t be able to handle the examiner’s full force for long.