Three years had passed.
Kenji woke up at 5:37 a.m., without needing an alarm. The grey light of dawn filtered through the curtains, drawing soft shadows on the walls of his room.
He lay still for a moment, eyes fixed on the ceiling, listening to the sounds of the house gently waking up — muffled footsteps in the hallway, a door opening, Hana's distant laughter ringing like a small bell.
Today was the day.
The Yuei entrance exam.
He got up, ran a hand through his hair — still black, the colored streak only appeared now during intense absorptions, and then for just a few hours. He looked at himself in the mirror hanging on the wall. Sixteen years old.
He was sixteen. When had he had time to grow so much? His face had lost its last childish roundness, his jaw had become more defined, his shoulders had broadened. But his eyes were still the same — calm, observant, a little too serious for his age.
On his desk, his notebooks were carefully arranged, a dozen now, covering years of observations and progress. He picked one at random, opened it to a marked page.
Visit with Leonidas, Italy. He told me: "Determination is what turns a losing battle into a victory. Your Alter is powerful, but without will, it is nothing."
He smiled, thinking back to that day. Leonidas had trained him for an entire week, pushing him to his limits, teaching him to draw from his deepest reserves.
Next to it, a framed photo of him with Yuki and Toru in front of the training center, all three smiling. Yuki had her cheeks smudged with dirt, Toru held her sketchbook, and him... he was smiling. A real smile, not his usual half-smile.
Further on, another photo: him and Carol Danvers, Solarflare, in front of the London Eye. She had an arm around his shoulders, her bright smile contrasting with Kenji's focused expression.
"Light is capricious," she had told him that day. "But you, you've learned to tame it. Now, learn to trust it."
He took a deep breath, put the notebook back, and opened the door.
The kitchen already smelled wonderful. Akari was at the stove, a robe over her pajamas, her hair hastily tied up, a few stray strands escaping from her bun.
She turned when he entered, and her face lit up with that smile she'd always had — the one that said "you are my son and I am proud of you."
"My big boy. You're up early."
"You too."
She approached and took his face in her hands, looking at him for a long moment, her thumbs gently stroking his cheeks. Her eyes were moist, her lips trembling slightly.
"Mom..."
"I'm proud of you. So proud." She kissed him on the forehead, a long, soft kiss. "Sit down, I'll make you breakfast."
Kenji sat at the table. The kitchen had barely changed since his childhood — the same light wood furniture, the same smell of coffee and toast, the same calendar on the wall with family photos. But today, everything seemed different. More intense. More important. Every detail took on a special meaning.
Hiroshi entered a few minutes later, already dressed, a cup of coffee in hand. He placed a hand on Kenji's shoulder, a silent but meaningful pressure.
His fingers squeezed a little tighter than usual, and Kenji felt through that simple gesture all the love and pride of his father.
"Ready?"
"I think so."
"You are ready." Hiroshi sat across from him, took a sip of coffee, his eyes fixed on his son over the rim of the cup. "I remember my first big exam. My hands were shaking."
"You?"
"Me." Hiroshi smiled — that rare smile he reserved for his family, which crinkled the corners of his eyes. "Your mother had to force me to eat. I kept checking my files, over and over."
Akari laughed softly as she placed a plate in front of Kenji — eggs, rice, grilled fish, vegetables. A champion's breakfast, prepared with love. "He was green. GREEN. I'd never seen anyone so nervous."
"Preparation is a good thing," said Hiroshi, but his eyes sparkled.
Kenji looked at his parents, and something warm expanded in his chest. He loved them so much.
"Mom, Dad... Thank you. For everything."
Akari stopped short, a spoon suspended in mid-air. She exchanged a glance with Hiroshi, a glance loaded with so many years of shared understanding.
"Why do you say that, sweetheart?"
"Because..." Kenji searched for his words, his fingers playing with the edge of his plate. "Because you've always been there. You supported me, encouraged me, let me make my own choices. You gave us the training center, you accepted that Bishop came, you never doubted me." He lowered his eyes, his throat tight. "I wanted you to know. Before the exam. In case..."
He didn't finish his sentence. He didn't need to.
Silence fell in the kitchen, broken only by the gentle sizzle of the pan on the stove. Then Akari came around the table and took him in her arms, hugging him so tightly he could hardly breathe.
"My big boy," she murmured, her voice muffled by tears. "We're so proud of you. So much."
Hiroshi approached too, placing a hand on his head, his fingers gently sinking into his hair. "You are our son. We'll always be here. No matter what."
Kenji closed his eyes for a second, enjoying the embrace, that family warmth that had always carried him. He thought of all those moments, all those years, all that love.
"Mom?"
"Yes?"
"Do you think Bishop would be proud?"
Akari hugged him tighter. "He is. Wherever he is. I know it."
Kenji nodded against her shoulder. He hoped so.
Daichi came thundering down the stairs, his steps echoing like thunderclaps. He burst into the kitchen, his hair already slicked back with excessive gel, his hero costume impeccable — a dark blue jacket with silver sound wave patterns on the sleeves. He had his own agency now, small but his, and he was immensely proud of it.
"KENJI! IT'S THE BIG DAY!"
Kenji smiled, gently pulling away from his mother's embrace. "I know."
"ARE YOU NERVOUS?"
"A little."
"THAT'S NORMAL!" Daichi sat next to him, slapped him on the shoulder — a bit too hard, as always. Kenji swayed slightly under the impact. "I was nervous too. And look at me now! I have my OWN AGENCY!"
"You're still nervous."
"It's not stress, it's enthusiasm! It's completely different!" Daichi leaned in, his eyes shining, his hands gesticulating in all directions. "Seriously, Kenji, you'll see. Yuei is INCREDIBLE. The teachers, the facilities, the training... Even me, there, I learned crazy stuff!"
"You've told me. A hundred times."
"I'M REPEATING SO YOU REMEMBER!" Daichi gave him another slap.
Akari placed a plate in front of Daichi. "Let your brother eat in peace."
"I am letting him! He's the one talking to me!"
Kenji attacked his meal, but his mind was elsewhere. In a few hours, he would be at Yuei. In the exam hall. Facing the teachers, the trials, everything that would decide his future.
"Kenji."
He looked up, a mouthful of fish half-chewed. Daichi was looking at him, serious for once. Really serious. His eyes had that gleam they took on when he was about to say something important — it wasn't frequent, but when it happened, you had to listen.
"You know what I told myself, on the day of my exam?"
"What?"
"That even if I failed, I would have tried. That it was worth it." Daichi placed his hand on his arm, a firm, warm pressure. "But you, you're not going to fail. Because you're the strongest I know."
Kenji felt his throat tighten. "Daichi..."
"I'm not joking. You've worked like crazy for years. With Bishop, with Leonidas, with Carol, with the girls, on your own. You learned to absorb, to convert, to mold energy..." Daichi looked him straight in the eyes. "You're ready, Kenji. Truly ready."
Silence fell in the kitchen. Akari had tears in her eyes, her hands clutching her apron. Hiroshi smiled proudly, his eyes bright.
Kenji took a breath. "Thank you, Daichi."
"You're welcome, little brother." Daichi gave him another slap, softer this time. "Now, finish your breakfast. We have an exam to go take."
Kenji nodded and went back to eating, but this time, each bite tasted different. A taste of confidence.
He went upstairs to get dressed. Clean uniform, white shirt, dark jacket. He checked his bag once, twice, three times — notebook, pens, water bottle, energy bars. Nothing more. No lucky charm, no bracelet. Just himself.
He stopped in front of the door to the next room. He placed his hand on the handle, hesitated a second, then turned it gently.
Hana was awake. She was sitting in her bed, her brown hair messy, her stuffed toy — a small wooden fox that Yuki had carved for her — clutched to her chest. Her big black eyes, her mother's, lit up when she saw him.
"Kiki!"
Kenji smiled. She had called him Kiki since she learned to talk, and he loved it. He sat on the edge of her bed, pushed a strand of hair from her face. His fingers met the softness of her skin.
"Good morning, little sister."
"Kiki leaving?" she asked, head tilted to the side, imitating a gesture she had seen him do a thousand times.
"Yes. Kiki is going to take an exam. To become a hero."
Hana's eyes widened, her eyebrows rising so high they almost disappeared under her bangs. "Hero? Like Daichi?"
"Like Daichi."
She thought for a second, her little brows furrowing in intense concentration. "Daichi is a hero. He has an agency. He wears a costume. He does noisy things. BOOM! BOOM!"
Kenji laughed. "Yes, he does noisy things."
"Will Kiki have a costume too?"
"Maybe. Someday."
"Will it be handsome?"
"I hope so."
She found that apparently satisfying. She reached out her arms, spreading them wide. "Hug."
Kenji took her in his arms and held her close. She smelled of sleep and vanilla, that unique mix that was hers. She was warm, small, fragile. He closed his eyes for a second, breathing in her scent, engraving this moment in his memory.
"Kiki coming back?" she asked, her voice muffled against his shoulder.
"Kiki is coming back tonight. Promise."
She hugged him tighter, her little arms wrapping around his neck with surprising strength. "Promise?"
"Promise."
She pulled back a little to look at him, her small fingers touching his face — his cheeks, his nose, his eyes. She explored his features with absolute concentration.
"Kiki strong," she finally said.
Kenji felt his eyes prickle. He blinked several times. "Thank you, Hana."
"You're welcome, Kiki."
He stood up, gave her a final wave from the door. She smiled at him, a gummy, perfect smile, and waved her little wooden fox.
"Kiki come back!" she shouted.
"Kiki come back."
In the hallway, Akari was waiting for him, leaning against the wall, eyes bright.
"She said goodbye?"
"Yes."
"She adores you."
Kenji nodded, his throat tight. "Me too."
Akari pulled him close and hugged him tightly. She said nothing. She didn't need to say anything. Her embrace spoke for her.
Downstairs, Daichi was waiting by the door, his hero costume put away, in casual clothes, his hair shining under the hall light. "The girls are coming. Shall we go?"
"Let's go."
In front of the house, a black car was waiting — an elegant sedan, long and gleaming, with a chauffeur in a suit. Grandfather had arranged everything, of course. He never did things by halves.
Takeshi Arashi was already there, standing by the car, impeccably dressed in his three-piece suit. His white hair shone in the morning sun, and his smile was so wide it crinkled his whole face. He held a cane in his hand, but Kenji knew he didn't really need it — it was for style.
"Kenji!" He opened his arms wide. "My grandson!"
Kenji threw himself into the embrace. Takeshi hugged him tightly, as always, with that vigor that had never left him despite the years. He felt his grandfather's strong arms around him, smelled the familiar scent of his cologne and old leather.
"I'm proud of you, my boy. So proud."
"Thank you, Grandfather."
Takeshi pulled back, holding him by the shoulders, looking at him for a long moment. His eyes scanned his face, lingering on every detail. "You have your mother's eyes, you know? When she was your age, she had that same look. Determined."
"I'm told that often."
"Because it's true." Takeshi patted his cheek. "So, ready to show what you can do?"
"I think so."
"You're not going to think. You're going to do it." Takeshi looked him straight in the eye, his gaze piercing. "I spoke to Leonidas last week. He told me you were ready."
Kenji blinked. "You spoke to him?"
"I talk often with his father, and he often asks for news of you." Takeshi smiled, a mischievous smile. "He likes you a lot. He told me you had more determination than half his students."
Kenji felt warmth in his chest. Leonidas thought of him.
Daichi approached. "Grandfather, we're going to be late."
"One is never late when one arrives early." Takeshi opened the car door with a sweeping gesture. "Come on, get in. The girls are coming."
Yuki and Toru appeared around the corner, almost running. Yuki's cheeks were slightly flushed from running, her ponytail decorated with a bright blue ribbon that danced with every step. She wore her impeccable uniform, but Kenji noticed a small, almost invisible spot of dirt on her sleeve — she must have touched a plant before leaving.
Toru walked with a more measured step, but her smile was huge. Her shield-shaped pendant shone on her uniform. Her hair was perfectly styled, with a small discreet blue highlight — Yuki had helped her, apparently.
"KENJI!" they shouted at the same time.
They threw themselves at him, a three-way hug, as they had always done. Their arms intertwined, their heads almost bumping.
"Are you ready?" asked Yuki, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"I think so."
"You're going to crush it!" said Toru.
"We're going to crush it," Kenji corrected. "You're taking the exam too."
Yuki laughed, a clear laugh that echoed in the street. "Yeah, but you're going to crush it MORE."
"It's not a competition."
"Yeah, a little." She elbowed him in the ribs, not hard enough to hurt, just enough to tease.
Toru took out her notebook from her pocket, opened it to a marked page. "I prepared something." She showed a drawing — a portrait of Kenji, Yuki, and herself, all three smiling, with Yuei in the background. The details were precise, the expressions accurate, the shading perfectly rendered.
Kenji looked at the drawing, fascinated. Toru had improved enormously over the years. Each notebook was better than the last.
"It's beautiful," he said.
"I'm keeping it," said Yuki, taking it delicately. "We'll look at it after the exam. To celebrate."
"Good idea."
Yuki also took something from her pocket — a small dried flower, laminated. "It's a flower from my garden. It grew from a seed you gave me."
"It's beautiful, is it for me?"
"Yes. I thought it would bring you luck."
Kenji took the flower carefully. It was fragile, its dried petals almost transparent, but it was beautiful. He looked at it for a long time, thinking of all the journey traveled.
"Thank you," he said, his voice a little choked.
Daichi watched them, a smile on his lips. "Come on, get in. We're going to be late for real now."
They climbed into the car. Takeshi sat in front, next to the chauffeur. Kenji, Yuki, and Toru in the back — Kenji in the middle, as always, to be between them. Daichi sat on the jump seat, his long legs a little cramped.
"Are you ready?" asked Yuki.
Kenji smiled. "Yes."
"Are you sure?" asked Toru.
He nodded.
"Perfect."
The car started, gliding silently through the streets of Fukuoka. Takeshi turned around.
"So, girls, ready?"
"Yes, Grandfather!" they answered in chorus.
Takeshi laughed, a warm laugh. "I love their enthusiasm."
Daichi leaned forward. "Me too."
The car crossed Fukuoka, gliding silently through the still-quiet morning streets. Shops were opening their shutters, the first workers walked on the sidewalks, the city was gently waking up. Kenji looked out the window, observing the faces, the movements, life resuming its course.
"Look," said Yuki, pointing out the window. "The shop where we used to buy ice cream when we were little."
Kenji looked. The small shop was still there, with its colorful front and striped awning. An old man was opening the shutters, his movements slow and methodical.
"It's bigger now, it's changed," said Toru.
"Not much has changed, here."
"Except us."
It was true. They had changed so much, all three of them. Physically, mentally, in their abilities. But at the same time, they were still the same — the three inseparable friends, who had stuck together since kindergarten.
The car left the city, taking the road towards the countryside. The scenery scrolled by — rice fields still dormant, wooded hills, small villages with tiled roofs. Kenji looked out the window, lost in thought.
"What are you thinking about?" asked Toru.
"About Leonidas. About Carol. About everything they taught us."
"They helped you, they helped us a lot. How is he?"
"A lot. Leonidas taught us about determination, about heroism, about knowing our limits..." Kenji paused and replied about the excellent training sessions they had to get there. "Carol, she taught me about light. She also taught us about responsibility and work ethic."
"And Bishop?" asked Yuki softly.
"Bishop taught me everything else." Kenji looked at his hands. "He taught me to be patient. To observe. To never force things."
Yuki placed her hand on his, warm and reassuring. "They are proud of you."
"I hope so," he replied with a smile, then added, "but of you, for sure."
"We're proud of you," said Toru, taking his other hand. "That, for sure."
Kenji looked at them, his two friends. Yuki, with her ribbons and smiles, who had grown an entire forest in the training center. Toru, with her notebooks and shields, controlling them, making them dance around her like stars.
"Thank you," he murmured.
"You're welcome."
Daichi watched them from his seat, a tender smile on his lips. "You're a team. A real one."
"We know," they said in unison.
Everyone laughed.
Yuei appeared around the bend — immense, impressive, with its modern, sleek buildings and its huge gate. Kenji felt his heart race. His fingers tightened slightly on his knees.
"It's huge," Yuki breathed, eyes wide.
"Yeah," said Toru. "Really huge."
The car slowed, merging into the line of vehicles dropping off candidates. Hundreds of young people were already crowding in front the entrance, some with parents, others alone. Alters of all kinds were visible — wings, horns, strange skin, luminous auras. A girl with hair floating like seaweed in an invisible wind. A boy whose arms stretched to grab objects several meters away. Another with metallic sheens on her skin, like living armor.
"Look at them," Yuki murmured, her fingers squeezing Kenji's. "They're all so..."
"Strong," Toru completed. "They look strong."
"You are strong too," said Kenji.
"Yeah, but they look... I don't know. More confident?"
"Confidence can be worked on," said Daichi from his seat. "And you've worked. For years. You're stronger than most of them, even stronger than some pros."
The car stopped in front of the main entrance. Takeshi turned to them, his eyes bright.
"I'll wait for you here tonight," he said. "To celebrate. Whatever the result."
"Thank you, Grandfather."
He hugged Kenji tightly, for a long time, then Yuki, then Toru. "Give it everything you've got. That's all we ask."
Daichi got out of the car and gave them pats on the shoulder — Kenji, Yuki, Toru. "You're going to crush it. I know it."
"Thank you, Daichi."
"Kenji?"
"What?"
Daichi looked him straight in the eye, his hands on his shoulders. "Make me proud, little brother."
Kenji met his gaze, seeing in his eyes all the pride and love of his elder. "I'll make the whole family proud."
Daichi smiled, an immense smile. "That's my brother."
They headed towards the entrance, merging into the crowd of candidates. Kenji turned back one last time. His grandfather and his brother were there, standing by the car, watching them, smiling. Takeshi raised his hand, a slow, dignified gesture. Daichi, meanwhile, was waving his arms like crazy.
Kenji gave them a small wave, that discreet gesture he'd always had.
Then he turned towards the future.
The inside of Yuei was even more impressive than the outside. Immense hallways with high ceilings, walls adorned with trophies and photos of famous heroes. Kenji recognized All Might, Endeavor, Best Jeanist — the biggest names in Japan, frozen in heroic poses. Screens everywhere displayed information, directions, welcome messages.
Candidates from all over the country crowded the hallways, some visibly nervous, others displaying an almost arrogant confidence. Kenji observed everything, recording every detail, every face, every Alter. It was stronger than him — this habit of observing, of mentally noting, had become second nature.
"Where do we go?" asked Yuki, eyes wide, turning her head in all directions.
Kenji took his admission ticket from his pocket, reread the instructions for the hundredth time. "Auditorium. All candidates must gather there."
"Follow me, I know the way," said a voice behind them.
They turned. A boy their age, with messy red hair and an easy smile, was looking at them. He wore the uniform of a regional middle school, and his eyes sparkled with contagious energy.
"I came for a visit last year, with my school. I know the way." He extended his hand, an open, friendly gesture. "Kaito Suzuki."
Kenji shook his hand. "Kenji Tanaka."
"Yuki Watanabe."
"Toru Hagakure."
Kaito looked at all three of them, a lopsided smile. "Are you together?"
"YES!" said Yuki proudly, straightening her shoulders.
"That's awesome." Kaito started walking, gesturing for them to follow. "Come on, I'll show you. It's a bit of a maze here."
They followed him through the hallways, passing by classrooms with glass doors, high-tech labs, training facilities visible through large windows. At one point, they passed a room where students were training in combat — explosions, leaps, incredible techniques. Kenji stopped for a second to watch, fascinated.
"This is Yuei," Toru murmured.
"Yeah," said Kaito. "The best of the best."
"Aren't you nervous?" asked Yuki.
Kaito shrugged, a casual gesture. "A little. But I figure if I don't get in, it won't be the end of the world. There are other schools."
"You're right," said Kenji.
"But I'd rather get in, huh." Kaito laughed. "Obviously."
They arrived in front of giant doors, several meters high, made of dark wood and metal. Above, a screen displayed in luminous letters: AUDITORIUM — ENTRANCE EXAMS.
"Here we are," said Kaito. "Good luck, everyone."
"You too," Kenji replied.
Kaito gave them a final wave and disappeared into the crowd.
Kenji placed his hands on the doors. They were cold under his palms. He pushed.
The auditorium was immense. Rows and rows of seats, a raised stage, giant screens hanging from the ceiling. Hundreds of candidates were already seated, some talking quietly, others looking around with wide eyes. The atmosphere was electric, charged with hope and nervousness.
Kenji found three empty seats in the middle of a row. Yuki sat to his left, Toru to his right. Their shoulders touched. He felt the warmth of their bodies through his clothes, a silent comfort.
"Are you nervous?" Toru asked quietly, her fingers playing with her pendant.
"A little."
"Me too. A lot." She smiled, but Kenji saw her hands trembling slightly on her knees.
Yuki took their hands, squeezing them tightly. Her palms were warm, a little sweaty. "We're going to make it. Together."
Kenji squeezed their hands back. He looked around him — all these faces, all these dreams, all these stories intersecting here today. Some would leave disappointed. Others would enter legend.
'I want to be one of those,' he thought.
He observed the candidates around him. In front, a boy with green hair seemed to be frantically revising notes, his lips moving silently, his fingers trembling on the pages. Further on, a girl with headphones on closed her eyes, visibly concentrating, her breathing slow and regular. Behind, a group of three boys were talking loudly, laughing at something, their confidence almost annoying — but Kenji noticed one of them had his fists clenched on his knees.
Suddenly, Kenji's attention was drawn to a boy with green hair, a few rows ahead of them. He was alone, bent over his notes, his lips moving frantically as if reciting something. His fingers trembled slightly on the pages. He looked nervous, really nervous — more than most of the candidates around him.
Kenji observed him for another second. There was something in his eyes... a fierce determination, hidden beneath the nervousness. As if he had something to prove. To himself, to the world, to someone else.
"Do you know him?" Toru murmured, following his gaze.
"No." Kenji shook his head. "But he looks... different."
"How so?"
Kenji thought. "He's scared. But he wants it. Really wants it."
Toru looked at the boy for a second, then nodded. "I see what you mean."
Suddenly, all the lights in the auditorium went out. A deathly silence fell over the crowd.
Then a thunderous voice exploded from the speakers.
"PLUUUSSS ULTTRAAA! EVERYONE ON YOUR GUARD! IT'S THE YUEI HERO DEPARTMENT ENTRANCE EXAM, FOLKS! LISTEN UP!"
Kenji jumped. Next to him, Yuki let out a small cry and Toru squeezed his hand tighter.
On the stage, under a blinding spotlight, a man with spiky blond hair stood, microphone in hand. He wore an extravagant costume and sunglasses. His presence filled the immense hall.
Present Mic. The Voice Hero, teacher at Yuei. A living legend.
"PRESENT MIC!" someone in the crowd exclaimed.
"YES INDEED! IN THE FLESH!" he roared back. "BUT KEEP YOUR COOL, KIDS! YOU'LL HAVE PLENTY OF TIME TO WORSHIP ME LATER! NOW, SHUT UP AND LISTEN TO THE RULES!"
Kenji felt the excitement rise in the hall. Present Mic. It was real.
The Voice Hero continued, explaining the practical exam procedure with his flamboyant style. He talked about robots, points, strategies. Kenji listened carefully, recording every piece of information.
"YOU'RE GOING TO FACE THREE TYPES OF ROBOTS! THE SMALL ONES, ONE POINT! THE MEDIUM ONES, THREE POINTS! AND THE BIG ONE..." Present Mic paused dramatically. "THAT ONE ISN'T MEANT TO BE ATTACKED! IT'S WORTH ZERO POINTS! IT'S AN OBSTACLE, NOT A TARGET!"
Kenji nodded. Logical.
"AND ABOVE ALL," Present Mic continued, his voice suddenly becoming deeper, more serious, "NO ATTACKS ON OTHER CANDIDATES! IT'S FORBIDDEN! YOU'RE HERE TO SHOW YOUR WORTH, NOT TO ELIMINATE OTHERS! UNDERSTOOD?"
The crowd nodded, a wave of heads bobbing.
"PERFECT! NOW, EXAM ZONES ARE ASSIGNED! YOU'LL RECEIVE YOUR AFFECTIONS!"
Screens lit up, displaying numbers and zones. Kenji looked at his — Zone B. He turned to Yuki and Toru.
"Zone B," he said.
"F!" said Yuki.
"I!" said Toru.
They looked at each other, a smile proof of a nascent competitiveness. They wouldn't be together for this test, but they were still there for each other. But this time, it was every person for themselves.
"SEE YOU AT THE END!" Present Mic shouted. "FOR NOW, HEAD TO YOUR RESPECTIVE ZONES! THE EXAM STARTS IN TEN MINUTES!"
The auditorium exploded into movement. Hundreds of candidates stood up, heading for the exits.
Kenji stood, followed by Yuki and Toru. He looked at his two friends, his two pillars for so many years.
"Shall we go?"
"Let's go," they said in unison.
They left the auditorium, merging into the crowd heading towards the exam zones.
The test was about to begin.