Many people wasted no time finding a partner; before the doors opened, people began talking and creating alliances for the exam.

"Hm, I really didn't expect a team exercise, Dammit." Abell thought to himself while clenching his fist.

"Even back in Iridius, I fought solo."

"I could team up with Gaius, but no way I rather team up with someone else." Abell thought, glancing over at Gaius, who was already looking away from everyone, clearly trying to distance himself.

Suddenly, Abell's stomach growled, and he stumbled to his knees, clutching his gut. "All this stress for what? Let me go eat something," he grumbled, ruffling his hair as he stood back up and approached the food.

"Woah, Abell, are you okay?" Tank asked.

"Yeah, don't mind me; I'm just hungry." He replied with a bit of annoyance.

The dark-haired girl observed Abell from afar, Impressed by his carefree attitude. "What an odd guy falling to his knees Is he okay?" she pondered.

"Hey Masako, are you heading in? The food is ready, and we found a table." A girl called out to her. "Yes, I'm coming," she said while bowing gracefully.

Finally, the examinees entered the tavern. It was a bit run-down, matching the vibe of the Inn, but the food smelled delicious. After a long trek to Britoria, everyone was looking forward to eating. However, no one forgot the real task at hand: finding a partner.

Abell got his food and went to sit near Gaius, who looked as miserable as ever.

"What's up with you?" Abell asked while eating.

"Nothing." He responded sharply.

"Here, I thought we were finally getting along," Abell said.

Gaius let out a heavy sigh. "We are just acquainted by Hugo. However, this paired exercise is irritating."

"You're mad about that too, I get it," Abell said, continuing to eat his food.

"We're here to prove our skills individually but were told we need to team up on the first trial; what a pain," Gaius said.

"We should pair up, seeing that we are accustomed to each other fighting styles and habits," Gaius added.

"You know what? That's a good idea, but I don't want to team with you; that would be boring," Abell said.

"Let's compete against each other. I still want to see who's stronger." After finishing his food, he walked away.

"Damn fool, can't rely on a meathead to be reliable," Gaius muttered under his breath. "Now what?" He said while his eyes paced around the tavern.

As the students settled into their places, Abell's attention shifted to the new faces that filled the room. He hadn't noticed them before, but now, a few unfamiliar examinees stood out. It seemed as if half of the students found their partners.

"I guess I should hurry up." Abell thought.

A guy perched at the tavern counter displayed his slightly disheveled silver hair. He displayed a self-assured grin while his body remained loose, one hand resting on his hip and the other lifted slightly. His sharp eyes examined the room and captured the attention of nearby people.

"Hey boy, get off my damn countertop. I got regulars that eat here." The shopkeeper said.

"Give me a second, will ya." He said.

"What's with this guy?" Abell thought to himself.

"Attention, everyone. My name is Neris Prox, and I am the strongest and most talented prospect in this room. I can guarantee that my skills are far superior to anyone else here. Also, I plan to be the next Liberator to get used to my name." He stated.

A few students exchanged glances, some raising an eyebrow at Neris's bold claims.

"Is he serious?" one muttered under his breath.

A girl at the back of the room shook her head, whispering, "Confidence is one thing, but that's a bit much.

"Let's see if he can back that up," another student snickered, rolling their eyes.

Standing in the corner, Lance crossed his arms and smiled, "Interesting."

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A few students chuckled nervously, unsure whether to be impressed or annoyed.

"Settle down, please. I am looking for a partner. I can guarantee you that we will pass the paired examination. With me by your side, we will be unbound by failure," he said, hysterically laughing.

"Does he really think that will convince anyone?" one student whispered.

"Man's got some serious ego," another muttered, rolling their eyes.

A few students shifted uncomfortably, not impressed by Neris's antics but hesitant to call him out.

A girl stepped forward with measured grace, her long brown hair tied back neatly. Her sharp and calculating amber eyes scanned Neris for a moment before she spoke.

When she reached the counter, she stood quietly before speaking.

"I don't need your guarantee," she said. "But if you're looking for a partner, I'm here for you and seem competent."

"Hahaha, great. Let's ensure we get along well; we'll be the strongest team here. But first, please tell me your name.

"Serin Vale." She quietly commented. The two proceeded to walk out of the tavern.

"That was certainty something," Abell said aloud. "Next liberator, so I'm not the only one." He thought.

"Indeed, it was; that guy has guts for real." A voice commented.

Abell jumped at the sudden voice; he looked around to find it was Tank's.

"You have got to stop doing that seriously." He said.

"Doing what? I'm just short." He chuckled. "Anyways, that guy is a part of the famous Proxy family."

"Proxy family? That name sounds freaky. What do they do?" Abell asked.

"Man, you really don't know anything. The Proxys were a family of doctors who helped a lot during the first outbreaks of Eclipsia, a disease that affects people's orbs.

"Eclipsia?" Abell frowned. "What's that? Never heard of it."

Tank shook his head. "Eclipsia is a disease that hit when people first awakened their orbs. It messes with their connection to the orb, causes all kinds of illness, and sometimes… it can even kill them. The Proxys are the ones who figured out how to treat it. They were the ones who kept people alive when no one else knew how."

Abell looked thoughtful. "So, they're kind of like… Doctors?"

"Exactly," Tank replied. "They're one of the reasons we can even control our abilities now. "Seeing one of them here is weird they usually don't fight."

"That does seem strange. I wonder what his story is." Abell said.

"Anyways, how about it? Should we partner up?" Abell asked.

"Sorry, no can do; I'm already with Lance. He asked me as soon as we entered." Tank said. "I'm not sure where he is right now, though. "But you should hurry up you are running out of time. I heard the professors talking and were about to leave soon"

Abell's heart raced a tad bit hearing that statement. "Thanks for the heads up.

No problem, anyways, see you I'm going to go look for Lance,"

Abell nodded, watching as Tank left. "I need to hurry."

The tavern grew quieter as students paired off and began training in corners, practicing footwork and sparring with their new partners. The crackle of the fire and the occasional clink of weapons were the only sounds left as the room slowly emptied, leaving only a few lingering groups still trying to decide on their partners.

Meanwhile, Gaius still hadn't found a partner either the two regrouped accidentally

"Still no luck yet?" Abell asked as he broke the silence.

Gaius shrugged while his eyes scanned the room and deliberately avoided Abell's stare. "I don't need luck."

A piercing voice broke the silence. They both looked up to see Nona Von Ebruiss standing before them with a group of girls on either side. The dim light made Nona Von Ebruiss's golden-blonde hair shine while her posture exuded arrogance.

"You haven't found anyone yet?". Her eyes met Gaius's, who exuded a silent tension without saying a word.

Gaius departed from the conversation with a quiet "I'm not interested" while he turned away. Without looking at her, he stood up suddenly and moved past her.

Gaius's indifference made Nona blink, and she whispered to herself, "What's his problem?

Abell shot her a knowing glance and said, "He's just in a bad mood; don't mind him." he said while shaking his head."It's Gaius." He said.

"His full name." She said sternly.

Abell sighed, "It's Gaius Gray." He said. "I wonder why she wants to know." he thought.

"Duley noted, Let's head out, ladies. We need to practice for tomorrow. It's an important day." Nona said to her group.

Abell stepped outside, the cool air in sharp contrast to the warmth of the tavern. Students trained outside near the tavern, some sparring, others refining their footwork. The sounds of weapons clashing and voices calling echoed through the quiet evening. Abell leaned against the stone wall, watching them, his mind momentarily easing from the pressure inside.

"I guess I haven't changed much," Abell muttered, eyeing the other students teaming up. "This exercise is dumb; Gaius was right. Only Individual skills should matter. Maybe I should go find him." he thought to himself.

He glanced around, scanning the area for Gaius when he spotted the girl practicing alone—Masako. She was fluid and precise, her movements almost hypnotic as she went through a series of steps, her focus unbroken despite the noise of the sparring students nearby.

Before he could move closer, a voice shattered the stillness, catching everyone's attention.

"Well, well, look who it is."

Nona Von Ebruiss strode toward Masako, her entourage trailing behind her. Her golden-blonde hair gleamed in the moonlight, her posture oozing arrogance.

Abell stayed back, arms crossed, watching with mild curiosity.

"You're from one of the Four Families, right? The Wisterias," Nona said, eyes narrowing as they scanned Masako.

"Yes, I am," she responded.

"Figures. You think you're special just because of your name?"

Masako didn't flinch; her movements were smooth as she continued practicing. "I'm not here to talk about my family." She said.

Nona scoffed. "Trying to play all humble now in front of a crowd."

"Must be nice, getting this opportunity handed to you, I heard your ability is negligible I know your father must've pulled some strings."

Masako paused momentarily, then turned to face Nona, her expression unchanged. "Respect and opportunities are earned; no matter who you are, I am here to prove my worth as an individual."

Nona blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the calm response. She quickly recovered her lip curling. "We'll see about that. Let's hope you can back up your little speech when it counts."

Without another word, Nona spun around, her entourage following like shadows.

Abell stood silently at the sidelines while his eyes alternated between Masako and Nona. The silence between them became heavy with tension as an uncomfortable atmosphere lingered.

Although Masako maintained her calm demeanor during practice, Abell felt they were still far from resolution.