The silence didn't last long.
But it felt heavier than the battle itself.
Milo stood still, still feeling the remnants of the virtual trial clinging to his body. His breathing had finally calmed, but something inside him hadn't.
That gaze…
The girl from Selunarion.
He didn't understand why, but it stayed in his mind longer than the fight.
Solir stopped in front of Milo, glancing briefly in the direction of the girl before focusing on him.
"How was the test?"
Milo looked at him for a moment, then replied calmly.
"It was good."
Solir gave Milo a small smile, an expression that carried both respect and appreciation.
"I knew you would finish early."
Milo smiled back faintly.
"Yeah… what about you? How was the test?"
Solir glanced toward the gate, remaining silent for a brief moment before answering calmly.
"It was easy…"
Aurelian joined their conversation, his voice calm and precise.
"The purpose of this test was simple. To analyze everything about our strength and our way of thinking."
Milo responded shortly.
"Yes,I think so."
Solir spoke in a low whisper, almost amused.
"It was a good attempt from them… but it won't work on me."
Milo looked at him, as if he wanted to ask what he meant, but in the end, he chose not to.
A brief silence fell between them.
Milo's gaze drifted across the arena once again.
The number of participants who had finished was still small… but every single one of them carried a different kind of presence.
Some stood confidently, others remained calm… but none of them looked ordinary.
Milo spoke while observing the others.
"All of those who finished in such a short time… they must be strong."
Solir didn't agree. He looked completely uninterested in them.
"No… the only one here who can be considered strong… is that person."
His gaze shifted toward Korito Kuroka the first to finish the test.
From Korito's side, Komiya Kuroka noticed Solir's gaze directed at him. With a faint scoff, she spoke while looking at Korito.
"Your opponents are increasing… doesn't that bother you?"
For the first time, Korito responded to her.
"Opponents? I don't feel any threat…There's a difference between you and me. I don't lower myself to compare my worth with insects crawling in my presence."
Komiya fell silent. Her expression tightened, irritation and anger flashing in her eyes at his blunt, disrespectful reply but she held herself back, forcing her emotions under control.
But she chose to play along.
"That's true… no one here will crush you but me."
Korito replied harshly, his words cutting deeper this time.
"There's no difference between them and you. I think you already know that."
Komiya felt a sharp sense of humiliation. Without saying another word, she turned away immediately, looking in another direction as if nothing had happened.
Milo watched the interaction between them from a distance, even though he couldn't hear what they were saying.
Something about their exchange felt tense… heavier than a normal conversation.
Before he could think further
The gate opened once again.
Another participant stepped inside, having finished the test.
He appeared calm… almost too calm. His expression was cold, his movements steady.
But one detail stood out immediately.
His hand.
The veins along it were bulging unnaturally, as if it had been pushed far beyond its limits… as if it had endured intense strain.
Milo narrowed his eyes slightly.
"…Another one."
After some time, participants began to come out one after another.
The gate opened and closed repeatedly as more of them finished their tests.
Herax came out as well… followed by Lilithia.
Then Ryo stepped in, and right after him, the shy girl quietly made her way into the arena.
Milo shook hands with Herax.
"You did well. I was sure you'd make it."
Herax returned the same calm energy with a faint smile.
"It seems you finished early as well… as always, Milo. You keep surprising me."
Lilithia also stepped closer, offering her congratulations to Milo.
From a distance, Selunarion Selea watched Milo quietly.
She observed how he interacted with his friends… the ease in his voice, the way he relaxed around them, something that wasn't visible during the test.
Her gaze lingered on him a little longer than intended.
For the first time, a subtle interest appeared in her eyes.
After a while, George stepped out of the gate, followed by his two stern guards. His presence immediately silenced the arena.
He announced that the test had officially ended.
The entire arena was now filled with participants who had managed to pass.
George then delivered a speech to everyone present.
"Congratulations to all those who have completed the test. As for those who failed… there will still be other opportunities to prove your worth."
His voice echoed through the space, firm and composed.
George continued speaking, his tone steady.
"As for the next test… it will take place tomorrow."
Milo's expression shifted slightly, a hint of surprise appearing on his face.
"So soon…?"
George didn't pause.
"The second test will be different from this one. Make sure you prepare yourselves well."
He then raised his hand slightly to the side.
"You may leave for now. We will meet again tomorrow."
The gate leading to the exit slowly opened.
One by one, the participants began to leave, the tension in the arena gradually fading with each step.
Milo walked out alongside Lilithia, Herax, and Ryo.
Without saying much, the four of them headed toward the great dividing gate the boundary that separated the wealthy district from the middle sector of the city.
It stood tall and imposing, a massive structure of dark metal and reinforced stone. Guards were stationed on both sides, their presence strict and unyielding.
Beyond it, the contrast was clear.
On one side, order, wealth, and polished streets.
On the other… a more modest life. Structured, but far less luxurious.
Milo's gaze lingered on the gate for a moment.
Then he kept walking.
Lilithia spoke with a hint of surprise.
"I didn't expect the second test to be tomorrow."
Ryo nodded slightly.
"Same here… that was unexpected."
Lilithia let out a small, annoyed sigh.
"Ah… I guess I can't stay up late reading tonight."
Herax glanced at her with interest.
"Ah, right… did you find anything new or unusual in those history books?"
Lilithia smiled lightly before answering.
"Yes… quite a lot, actually."
Ryo looked at Lilithia, his expression gentle, a hint of shyness on his face.
"What do you think… about reading together today, Lilithia?"
Lilithia shook her head slightly.
"But you're not really interested in those things… so there's no need."
Ryo's expression fell immediately, his shoulders dropping.
"…You rejected me again."
Herax glanced at him and spoke calmly.
"She didn't say anything wrong."
Ryo turned toward him with an annoyed look.
"Shut up."
Herax suddenly grabbed Ryo, locking his head under his arm with a playful grin.
"What did you just say to me?"
Ryo struggled, shouting loudly.
"Hey no! Let me go!"
Milo suddenly stopped while walking with the others.
They all turned to look at him.
Herax spoke in a low voice.
"Milo…?"
Milo didn't respond.
His head was slightly turned back, his gaze sharp as he stared in a specific direction.
Why is she here…?
In the corner he was looking at
A girl stood partially hidden behind a wall, avoiding his sight.
Raiza.
One of Tavian's followers… a member of the Talented.
She had been watching him from time to time, for reasons unknown.
Her appearance was elegant, yet carried an air of arrogance. Sharp features, a confident presence… and long black hair, marked by a distinct red strand.
She tried to glance toward the area where Milo was standing.
"Damn it… he noticed me again… seriously…"
She clicked her tongue in frustration, then quickly turned away, retreating in the opposite direction.
Milo, however, was still staring at that same spot.
Am I imagining things…? I don't know… but I should stay alert.
He straightened his posture and finally turned back to his friends.
"Nothing. Let's keep going."
He stepped ahead, continuing to walk.
The other three exchanged brief glances, silently noticing that Milo's behavior felt a bit unusual to them.
While they continued walking, their conversation remained warm and calm as usual, even with the absence of Solir and Saly Lin from the group.
However, Herax kept glancing at Milo. There was a subtle tension in his eyes… concern.
He's acting strange again… he's definitely hiding something. And he won't tell me. But this time… I won't let him get into trouble again.
After some time of walking, they eventually parted ways.
Milo reached his home while it was still early evening.
He quietly made his way to his room, closed the door behind him, and lay down on his bed, finally allowing his body to relax.
He pulled out his phone and started going through messages, his expression showing clear exhaustion.
He let out a tired sigh.
The phone slipped from his hand, falling off the bed and hitting the floor with a soft thud.
Milo barely reacted. He turned toward the wall, pulling himself slightly into a more comfortable position.
Within moments, his breathing slowed.
He drifted into a deep sleep, resting fully as he tried to clear his mind from everything that had happened.