The thunderous sound of shattering glass echoed through the bathroom where Angelo and Nova stood.
Blood began to trickle down Nova's fist, his eyebrows furrowed in restrained anger as he fixed his intense gaze on a stunned Angelo.
Angelo, eyes wide in disbelief, watched as Nova's fist obliterated the mirror.
"You're right; I am a coward. That's why I was afraid and almost accepted your disgusting proposal," Nova's voice cut through the tension with a determined, serious tone.
"I swallowed my anger and betrayed the memory of someone who trusted me with his deepest dreams. So, yes, I am pathetic too." Nova pulled his hand away from the broken glass.
"But rest assured, the only reason you're still alive is that killing you would disqualify me from this exam." Nova's anger was palpable, contrasting sharply with Angelo's arrogant smirk.
Had Nova not reacted at the last second, he would have hit Angelo and been disqualified. However, he remembered Katya, Nathaniel's dream, and Adan's advice.
"All I hear are excuses from a pathetic coward," Angelo retorted, still shocked by Nova’s newfound strength. He dared to smile, hoping to provoke Nova further.
"Think what you want," Nova said, feeling that the pain from the shards of glass sharpen him back to his senses.
It didn’t matter what that arrogant bastard said or what his intentions were; if he had learned anything from Alpha, it was that he would never again let his own weakness affect those he cared about.
"I will not let you manipulate me. I will pass this exam, become an agent, and fulfill my purpose." Nova said with resolve, turning his back on Angelo and walking toward the exit.
At the last second, he paused, resting his uninjured hand against the wall.
"Oh, and Angelo," Nova’s synchro aura flared violently, causing Angelo to instinctively raise his guard.
"I would never be afraid of someone as insignificant as you again."
The wall Nova touched cracked violently, spreading a web of destruction in all directions.
Nova’s yellow eye, peering over his shoulder, was sharp and unyielding, like a predator ready to pounce.
Without another word, Nova left, leaving Angelo in stunned silence. The display of power, combined with Nova’s fierce gaze, filled Angelo with a palpable fear mingled with annoyance.
"Damn bastard..." Angelo thought, irritated. The strength Nova had shown was formidable, but it also sparked a grim excitement in him—if Nova could achieve such power, so could he.
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In another part of the building, Textex and Corwin watched through the security cameras as the white-haired boy exited the premises.
"I thought I was going to kill him right then and there," Textex remarked seriously, crossing his arms.
"Did the boss really approve him for the exam? He seems like the kind of guy you can't trust," Annoyance was clear in Textex's voice.
"If the boss gave that order, it’s his responsibility to enforce it," Corwin said, glancing at the man in the rabbit mask.
"Don’t be deceived. Despite his scoundrel appearance, there's a clear logic behind his actions. He seems to have identified Nova as his biggest rival in the exam and used his past to target him." Corwin’s tone was neutral and methodical.
"You may not know exactly what he's thinking, but you can be sure he’s acting in his own best interest. And right now, what’s in his best interest is to become an agent." Corwin’s serious expression made it unclear whether he was praising or distrusting the boy, but knowing his motivations, they could keep him under control.
"I suppose you’re right," Textex said, shrugging with disinterest.
"Well, I’m off to take my exam. This situation gave me a good idea for some fun." He left the camera room, leaving Corwin alone to watch Nova exit the building.
"He seems like an ordinary guy... but he might be a valuable asset."
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Outside, Nova soon found Katya waiting for him. "What happened to your hand?" she asked angrily, noticing the state of his injured, blood-soaked hand.
"Oh, I wasn’t careful and cut myself on some glass," he lied, not wanting to worry her with the truth about almost being disqualified for attacking Angelo.
Katya immediately removed the scarf from her arm and began to carefully bind his hand. "You’re so reckless. You should be more careful. You’re making me worry unnecessarily," she said reproachfully.
Nova couldn’t help but smile as he listened to her. "You’re right. I’m sorry for worrying you." His sincere smile made Katya’s concern soften as she finished wrapping the scarf around his hand and let go.
Katya didn’t fully understand what Nova was saying, but she was relieved to see him smile.
The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.
"You seem more like yourself now. I guess the pain helped you," she said with a smile, giving him a light pat on the shoulder.
"So, are you going to tell me what happened at the selection?" she asked, her expression turning serious.
"It’s hard to explain," Nova began with a deep sigh.
"I actually know Angelo. When I lost my memory, he hired me at Luxury Underground. He’s not someone who operates legally, or with any sense of humanity." His words carried a weight that was hard to convey.
Katya didn’t interrupt, understanding how difficult it was for Nova to talk about it. Like everyone in Etheria, she had seen the reports about the factory before her journey.
She knew about the synchro stone trafficking and the illegal activities, so she could guess why he had initially lied to her.
"Let’s just say he’s a dangerous person for whom I have no particular affection," he concluded, avoiding the real reason for his hatred.
"That’s why I was so upset when I saw him. I couldn’t believe someone like that was taking the test."
"Now I understand why you had that look on your face," Katya said, her expression softening with sympathy. "Thank you for telling me." She suddenly hugged Nova, catching him off guard.
"Hey, what—" Nova's cheeks flushed as Katya pulled away.
"You're not on Etheria anymore, Nova. It might be shocking to think that criminals can enter the exam, but consider this: if that guy faces a strong B-synchro, he’ll probably end up dead." Katya commented with a smile.
Sometimes Katya's Machiavellian insights impressed Nova, and this was no exception.
"Well, when you put it that way... you're right," Nova conceded, finally accepting Katya’s blunt logic. Perhaps this was the reason they allowed such individuals to take the exam.
In his world, wars didn’t discriminate about who wielded the weapon but who could fight effectively.
"Anyway, we need to focus on the exam. You heard Textex—it’s so challenging that many fail on their first attempt." Katya's determination was evident, she was clearly motivated to advance to the next round.
"Yes, rest assured, we will advance." Nova felt he should have shared this perspective with Katya from the start.
Her different viewpoint might have helped him stay focused on his goal, and although he had always trusted her, he felt more certain of it now.
With things clarified, Katya and Nova joined the group. Gradually, the others, including Angelo, arrived at the sector.
However, something seemed off in the square compared to the day before. None could pinpoint exactly what it was, but everyone sensed an strange feeling.
"Katya, don’t you think it’s eerily quiet here?" Nova whispered to her.
"Quiet? There were a lot of people yesterday... but yes, something feels wrong," Katya replied. They weren’t the only ones noticing this; several people around were looking around uneasily, and others were beginning to feel concerned.
"It’s a beautiful day, the square looks lovely, and there’s not a soul in sight—no sounds, no bustle. It’s clear that we’re alone for miles around." Elara, the striking blonde girl, spoke up, her voice carrying through the group.
Most of them turned toward her, and she gave a friendly smile. "I think so," she said, sticking out her tongue playfully, though everyone knew her observation was spot-on.
Textex arrived at that moment, drawing the group’s attention with his high-pitched, strained voice. He carried a striking black box.
"All persons within a half-mile radius have been evacuated for the first test," announced the man in the rabbit mask.
"So, we’re as alone as those who write light novels," he joked, though only Sophie, the dark-complexioned girl, laughed. The rest of the group showed little reaction.
"Hahahaha... oh, sorry," Sophie said, her laughter trailing off as she noticed she was the only one amused.
"I understand, tough crowd," Textex said with a hint of bitterness. "Anyway, the test is simple. Each of you will come forward in numerical order and take a Nexus device from this box."
The group was shocked. It was well-known that these devices were restricted to agents only.
"They are limited in number, so don't get your hopes up," Textex emphasized, continuing his explanation.
"Once everyone has their device, you will be able to see not only your names but also your levels." He paused, then asked, "Does anyone not know what the levels represent?" Had he not been wearing the mask, his relief at the lack of raised hands would have been evident.
"With this information, your device will direct you to a location within this area where you'll find a gold or silver rabbit figure next to your partner for this test." The instructions seemed clear to everyone, though Sophie looked somewhat puzzled.
"With your partner, you need to find the missing rabbit. If you find the gold one, you’ll search for the silver one, and vice versa. Once you have both rabbits, your device will guide you to another location. Only those who arrive with both will pass the test." Textex concluded his explanation, and Katya was the first to raise her hand.
"What's the matter?" Textex asked.
"Are there any rules for confrontations? Like, are we required to preserve our opponent's life?" Katya asked, clearly uncomfortable with the ambiguity.
"Oh, no. How you obtain the rabbits is entirely up to you. If you choose to eliminate the other members, that’s your prerogative." Textex's response surprised the group, with some even seeming to relish the prospect.
Katya frowned at the answer but understood that the task could be approached in various ways. Clever strategy could avoid direct conflict altogether.
"He mentioned that this is a skills test—information gathering, environmental analysis, and mission effectiveness. This test covers the basic skills necessary for an agent," Katya thought, analyzing the situation. For everyone, the primary concern was not how to get the rabbits but understanding the levels of those around them.
Seeing a stronger opponent meant it was best to avoid them and target weaker competitors instead. If they were lucky to be among the strongest or to have one in their group, their chances of success would improve.
"Okay, come forward one by one according to your numbers, and I’ll give you your devices," Textex announced.
One by one, the candidates stepped up to receive their devices.
The devices were similar to Katya's grandfather’s, but they transformed into a futuristic earring when activated, wrapping around the chosen ear.
As all 32 hopefuls donned their devices, each was activated in turn, causing a screen to appear above their heads displaying their names and levels.
Many were immediately astonished, while others paid little attention, as the list from strongest to weakest was revealed before them.
# 1 - Level 8 - Xin Hua Pin 63
# 2 - Level 7 - Sven Wagner Pin 88
# 3 - Level 6 - Nova Hawk Pin 112
# 4 - Level 5 - Ahmed Al-Farsi Pin 50
# 5 - Level 5 - Leila Mahmoud Pin 74
# 6 - Level 5 - Lars Andersen Pin 29
# 7 - Level 4 - Katya Ivanova Pin 111
# 8 - Level 4 - Bellamy Taric Pin 23
# 9 - Level 4 - Moleman Daniels Pin 96
# 10 - Level 3 - Lucas Muller Pin 41
# 11 - Level 3 - João Santos Pin 102
# 12 - Level 3 Chiara Bianchi Pin 81
# 13 - Level 2 - Alejandro Martínez Pin 68
# 14 - Level 2 - Ryota Takamura Pin 60
# 15 - Level 2 - Kenji Sato Pin 30
# 16 - Level 2 - Ethan Chang Pin 71
# 17 - Level 2 - Elara Fallbrook Pin 4
# 18 - Level 2 - Angelo Bennet Pin 1
# 19 - Level 2 - Beatriz Oliveira Pin 18
# 20 - Level 2 - Helen Sharp Pin 24
# 21 - Level 2 - Yue Moon Pin 49
# 22 - Level 1 - Frank Bettle Pin 11
# 23 - Level 1 - Rahul Patel Pin 52
# 24 - Level 1 - Daniel Johnson Pin 90
# 25 - Level 1 - Sophie Tanaka Pin 44
# 26 - Level 1 - Bartholomew Seagull Pin 99
# 27 - Level 1 - Sora Knightwalker Pin 7
# 28 - Level 1 - John Williams Pin 31
# 29 - Level 1 - Audry Antonive Pin 14
# 30 - Level 1 - Luzbel Amery Pin 16
# 31 - Level 0 - Brennan Deville Pin 110
# 32 - Level 0 - Nier Cuernil Pin 110
"The first test starts now!"