Valz stood before the tall gates of Riverside High School.
For a high school, the place looked almost too grand—modern glass-paneled buildings, neatly kept gardens, and wide sports facilities. There were computer labs, music rooms, an indoor basketball court, and even dedicated spaces for robotics and debate clubs. Everything about it screamed prestige.
Applicants filled the main courtyard. They were all around Valz's age, dressed casually but presentable. The atmosphere buzzed with nervous excitement.
Valz stood quietly in line, expression as blank as ever. That's when his eyes caught a familiar face.
Ellice.
She had just turned her head, and the moment she recognized him, her cheeks burned red. She quickly lowered her gaze. "Wait… he's here too? Applying through the scholarship route? He's my age?!"
Ellice was the daughter of a powerful software company owner. With her family's influence, she could have easily entered Riverside through privilege. But she had chosen the scholarship exam—wanting to prove herself through her own ability.
After a brief welcome speech from the headmaster, the applicants were split into rooms for the written exam. By coincidence, Valz and Ellice were assigned to the same one.
Ellice almost dropped her pen when Valz walked in and sat at the back. Her face heated. "Focus, Ellice! Don't screw this up just because of that guy!"
The written exam began. Two hours were given. Nearly every student bent over their desks with full concentration.
Except one.
Valz finished in just fifteen minutes. He set down his pen, folded his arms, and… fell asleep.
Zzz…
Ellice, still stuck on question twelve, sneaked a glance. Her eyes widened. "He's done already?! Or… did he give up? No way… is he actually a genius?!"
She pressed her palms to her cheeks. "Focus, Ellice! Stop thinking about the sleeping guy!"
Yet her eyes kept drifting back toward him.
The bell rang. The test was over. Papers were collected. Ellice leaned back in her chair, drained. She glanced to the side. Valz had just woken up, his face as unreadable as ever.
"I nearly died writing for two hours… and he took a nap. Life is unfair," she thought bitterly.
The applicants were then guided to the back field for the practical exam. Each student had to demonstrate their Aether ability.
One produced flames in his hand. Another whipped up a small gust of wind. Someone else shaped a thin wall of ice.
When Valz's turn came, he raised his hand. A faint blue glow wrapped around his body. Not flashy, but steady.
A few students whispered.
"Is that… just a buff?"
"So weak."
But one examiner scribbled notes seriously. Control stable. Higher than average.
Then Ellice stepped up. Her Aether manifested in graceful golden light, forming delicate patterns around her. Several students gasped in admiration.
Finally, another boy walked forward. Short black hair, sharp eyes. The moment he activated his Aether, the air vibrated with a faint resonance.
"Resonator…" one examiner muttered, astonished.
The crowd erupted.
"A Resonator?! That's super rare!"
"He's definitely elite class material!"
Valz glanced at him briefly, then looked away, uninterested.
The day's exams wrapped up soon after. An official stood on stage.
"Thank you for participating in Riverside High's entrance exam. Results will be announced one week from today via the personal emails you submitted at registration. Please make sure your accounts are active."
As the crowd dispersed, Ellice trailed behind, debating whether to approach Valz. "I want to know where he lives… but what if I say the wrong thing? Our first meeting was at that food drive… what if I offend him?"
Her expression twisted in frustration.
Valz noticed. He stopped. "Hey. You sick?"
Ellice flinched. "Eh?! N-no, I'm fine!"
Valz stared blankly. "Your face looks like someone who's about to faint."
Her blush deepened. "I-It's just hot!"
Valz nodded lightly. "Oh. Well, if you're gonna faint, give me a heads-up. I don't feel like suddenly carrying someone."
Ellice almost burst. "W-who said I'm gonna faint?!"
Valz shrugged and walked ahead. Ellice stared at his back, her chest tight with a mix of irritation and curiosity.
"This guy… he's infuriating. So why am I more and more curious about him?"
The day ended with both of them heading back to their own places, bracing themselves for the long week until results day.