THIRD PERSON'S POV
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"Warning. First strike leads to demotion."
Another cry rang out.
"No changes detected."
With every mechanical announcement came either cheers of excitement or groans of despair from students scattered across the academy grounds.
The physical assessments had officially begun.
Some students looked nervous.
Some uncertain.
Others overflowed with confidence.
Nora stared at the massive arrangements in awe.
Country H's Academy was one of the largest institutions on the continent — both in scale and performance.
Rows of advanced machines had been set up across the field to test different abilities and combat attributes. Teams stood together under the supervision of their mentors and instructors.
Even though it was technically an examination, the atmosphere felt closer to a competition.
After all, what team didn't want to be known for producing capable members in every aspect?
Unfortunately, that only made Nora more anxious.
She tightened her grip around her notebook, absentmindedly fidgeting with her uniform. The bandana tied around her wrist had already become crumpled and twisted from how often she touched it.
Sarah stood beside Lilian with a clipboard in hand, monitoring the attendance of her team members.
"So everyone's here..." Sarah muttered before looking up. "Where's Nkechi?"
"I'm here!"
A dark-skinned girl with a fluffy afro came sprinting toward them, panting heavily.
"I saw cotton candy. Don't worry, I only ate one."
Lilian pinched the bridge of her nose tiredly.
"Nkechi, there's a medical checkup too."
Nkechi froze.
"...Ah."
Her smile slowly disappeared.
"I forgot. Sorry, Sensei. Sorry, Sarah. Damn it, I should've resisted temptation."
The others only smiled knowingly. Everyone present knew resisting sweets was impossible for her.
"Come on, foodie." James nudged her shoulder teasingly. "Race me so it digests faster."
Before she could react, he bolted away laughing.
"Hey! That's cheating! I wasn't ready!"
Nkechi immediately chased after him.
Nora watched the interaction quietly before lowering her gaze to her notebook again.
A troubled expression crossed her face.
"Girl, relax." Sarah gently took the notebook from her hands. "You'll do great. You've been training well. Besides, James said you aced his questions last night."
Nora reluctantly let go of the notebook with a sigh.
"And today's mostly physical anyway."
"Look, it's George and his team."
"I'm sure they'll dominate again this year."
"Even their new teammate, Ivy, is ridiculously strong."
At the sound of nearby chatter, Sarah and the others looked up.
George's team was approaching alongside Renzo, drawing attention from nearby students almost instantly.
Renzo stopped beside Lilian and casually slung an arm over her shoulders.
"Hey, bestie."
"Who's your best friend?" Lilian frowned immediately, shoving him away. "Get off me, freak."
Renzo clutched his chest dramatically but obediently stepped back.
Lily happily bounced over to Nora.
"Hello!"
Nora smiled faintly.
"How are you today, Miss Vinci?"
Albert dropped onto the bench beside Nora with a lazy sigh, stretching out his long legs. His blonde hair looked messier than usual as he removed his glasses to rub his tired eyes.
Several girls nearby squealed while secretly watching him.
Nora stared at him for a moment.
"I don't know... but I'm pretty sure I still look better than you."
She frowned as he cleaned his glasses using the edge of his uniform shirt.
"...What's wrong with you?"
"Don't mind him." Ivy chuckled lightly while massaging Albert's shoulders. "He stayed up all night trying to test his strength against Donald."
"Why isn't Donald tired?" Nora asked, staring at the energetic boy currently taking pictures with a group of girls nearby.
"He's an idol, remember?" George answered after signing another autograph for a few excited first years. "He's mastered the art of surviving on three hours of sleep."
Nora slowly nodded, her gaze drifting across their chaotic group.
And somehow... despite how strange they all were, they still came first in nearly everything.
Renzo shamelessly flirting with female mentors.
Lily chattering endlessly beside her.
Fiona and Nathan calmly reviewing documents together.
George signing autographs like a celebrity.
Zoe casually raiding Richard's backpack until she found a takeout box.
Albert practically melting into the bench while Ivy massaged his shoulders.
*Weird group* Nora thought silently.
"Group 16, please proceed to Row 3, Column 20 on the left."
The mechanical voice sounded again.
Nora immediately stiffened.
"Aren't you guys supposed to go before us?" she asked Albert nervously.
"Nope." Albert adjusted his glasses lazily. "They randomized the order this year to prevent cheating and coordination between teams. It was too much last year."
Nora nodded stiffly just as James and a breathless Nkechi finally returned.
"Alright, team!" Lilian clapped once. "Let's move!"
"Good luck!" Lily waved excitedly.
"Yeah, try beating us this year," George added teasingly.
Sarah laughed softly.
"Don't worry. We will."
With that, Group 16 headed toward their assigned area.
As they walked away, Nora glanced back one last time.
Ivy simply smiled and gave her a small wave.