As the weeks passed, Kyren, Hiro, and Zeeha found themselves growing closer. Their shared experiences in training and the camaraderie they built while preparing for the Elimination Exam forged a strong bond among them. They often stayed up late, discussing strategies and dreams, laughing at each other’s jokes, and helping one another with their weaknesses. Kyren’s sharp analytical mind made him the natural leader during study sessions, breaking down complex problems into manageable chunks. Hiro’s boundless energy and enthusiasm kept the group’s spirits high, even during the most grueling training. And Zeeha, with her quiet wisdom and steady determination, became the grounding force that held them together.
One evening, as they sat around a campfire under a blanket of stars, Hiro gazed at his friends. “You know, I’m actually feeling good about the upcoming exams,” he said with a grin, leaning back on the makeshift bench he’d crafted from mud and sticks.
Zeeha, focused on roasting meat skewered on a stick, looked up thoughtfully. “I still don’t know what to expect,” she admitted. “I heard that ten students from each section will be eliminated. It’s going to be serious.”
Hiro shrugged, a soft smile playing on his lips. “All we need is to have each other’s backs, right?” His voice carried a warmth that made Kyren feel grateful for their friendship.
After a pause, Zeeha’s gaze shifted to the fire, and she asked, “What if one of us gets eliminated? Would you stay if, say, Kyren didn’t make it?” Her voice was calm, but there was a flicker of vulnerability in her tone.
Hiro didn’t hesitate. “No way. I’d leave instantly.” His answer was firm, his eyes reflecting the flickering firelight. Kyren looked at him, surprised by the conviction in his voice, but also feeling a weight settle in his chest at the thought.
Not wanting the mood to turn somber, Kyren smirked. “Don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere. But maybe you’ve got the wrong example—Hiro here might be the first to go.” He nudged Hiro, breaking the tension as laughter filled the air.
“Hahaha, you really have confidence, Kyren,” Zeeha added with a gentle smile.
“Anyway,” Hiro said, stifling a yawn, “I’m pretty wiped from sparring today. Let’s get some rest; tomorrow’s going to be a long day.”
The next morning, the atmosphere in the Section 16 room was tense as a Sky Official entered, summoning all the students to gather. The room went silent, everyone’s attention locked on the official.
“Listen up, everyone,” the official announced, his voice carrying an air of authority. “The Elimination Exam has begun. It’s section versus section—a survival challenge.”
A ripple of murmurs spread through the room as students exchanged anxious glances.
“For this first exam, your goal is to knock out at least twenty students from the opposing section. Those left standing will pass.” He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. “Ten students from each section will be eliminated in total, but here’s the twist: it could be twenty from the same section. That means your strategy and teamwork are crucial.”
Hiro’s face grew pale. “Twenty? That’s half of our section if we’re not careful,” he whispered, sweat beading on his forehead.
“But there’s some good news,” the official continued. “Zeeha, as the 16th GA, has immunity in this exam. She may select five students for exemption.”
All eyes immediately turned to Zeeha. She took a deep breath and stepped forward, her expression calm and composed as she scanned the faces of her section mates. After a few moments, she pointed to Kyren and Hiro. Both friends exchanged surprised looks, unsure how to react.
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
For a few tense seconds, the room waited to see who else she’d choose. Zeeha studied the crowd thoughtfully, then chose Sparoo and Calir. After a long pause, she turned to the Sky Official. “That’s it. I won’t be selecting a fifth.”
Sparoo’s eyes lit up, and he approached Zeeha with a grateful smile. “Thank you, Miss 16th. It’s not every day I get handed a free pass,” he said with a playful salute. “I won’t forget this.”
But Calir’s reaction was far different. He clenched his fists, his eyes narrowed, and his expression simmered with anger. “What the hell, Zeeha?” he spat, voice low and seething. “Do you really think I need your pity immunity?”
Zeeha met his glare with a steady gaze. “It’s not pity, Calir. I’m choosing based on strategy. You’re one of the strongest here, and I’d rather keep you safe for now.”
“Safe?” Calir’s tone dripped with scorn. “I don’t need ‘safe.’ I’m not some weakling who needs to hide behind immunity. I’m ready to fight, unlike some people who’d jump at the chance to sit this out.” His gaze flicked to Kyren and Hiro with a sneer.
Hiro frowned, stepping forward. “Look, Calir, Zeeha didn’t choose you because she thinks you’re weak. She chose you because you’re one of the strongest. We’re all aiming for the same goal here.”
“Save the speech, Hiro,” Calir snapped, crossing his arms defiantly. “I don’t care about any ‘goal’ you think we have. I’m not here to play nice with anyone, and I sure as hell don’t need immunity to prove my worth.”
Sparoo, sensing the rising tension, laughed in an attempt to lighten the mood. “Hey, come on, Calir! A day off from risking our necks is a gift. Just take it easy for once.”
Calir shot Sparoo a withering glare. “Spare me your nonsense, Sparoo. Maybe you’re fine with being handed things, but I’m not. I’ve earned my place here, and I don’t need anyone’s charity.”
Kyren, watching Calir with a mix of irritation and pity, spoke up. “Calir, maybe if you stopped trying to turn everything into a fight, you’d see Zeeha’s trying to help all of us succeed. We’re a team.”
Calir’s laugh was cold and bitter. “Team? Don’t make me laugh, Kyren. I don’t owe any of you anything, and I’m sure as hell not here to hold anyone’s hand. I’ll do this my way—no one else’s.”
Hiro stepped forward, his face uncharacteristically serious. “Fine, do it your way. But don’t drag us down just because you’re too proud to see what’s good for you. We’re all after the same thing: survival and success. Think about that.”
Calir’s sneer only deepened, but for a brief moment, something in his gaze softened, a flicker of doubt or conflict. Then he shook it off, rolling his eyes. “Whatever. Don’t pretend to know me, Hiro. I’ll do what I have to, but don’t expect me to play along with your little ‘team spirit’ nonsense.”
Sparoo, ever the peacemaker, patted Hiro on the shoulder. “Let him be, Hiro. Calir’s got his own way of handling things. Zeeha, thanks again. I’ll make sure to give it my all when it counts.”
Zeeha nodded, showing no outward reaction to Calir’s bitterness. “It’s alright. I knew it wouldn’t sit well with everyone. But I chose based on what’s best for us as a section.”
The other student started jumped over them with a burst out anger.
"We will make sure you will cry your ass out every day, after we passed this elimination" one student said.
Meanwhile Hiro advised Kyren and Zeeha to leave the room "Come Kyren, Zeeha, they are raging we don't have any business here."
"Yeah, let's leave in this place." Kyren agreed.
Kyren looked at her, impressed but thoughtful. He now understood the full extent of Zeeha’s strategy—and her willingness to make tough decisions for their survival.
Kyren began to understand Zeeha's plan, but he wanted to confirm his suspicions and asked her directly, "So, you've decided to abandon our section, Zeeha?"
Hiro interjected, "Wait, what?"
Zeeha replied calmly, "Yes, I've seen no future for our section, and I wanted all of them to opt out as soon as possible."
Hiro was confused. "I don't understand what you guys are tackling."
Zeeha patiently explained, "Well, Hiro, if Calir and Sparoo participate in the elimination exam, they can eliminate weak students from the other section."
"Oh? Isn't that a good thing?" Hiro asked.
Zeeha shook her head. "No, because if weaker students from their section get eliminated, it increases the chances of our weak students passing. I've decided to exempt our two aces for the bigger elimination exam, but not today. There's still a chance they could be eliminated by the other section, and that wouldn't be good for us. I'd rather team up with them than with a bunch of weak students."
"Woah! I never thought about that, and I'd never make a decision like that. You're brilliant, Zeeha," Hiro exclaimed, amazed by Zeeha's critical thinking.