The library's grand entrance loomed before them as they entered, the air heavy with the scent of old books and ink. Tall shelves lined the walls, filled with volumes of knowledge from different subjects and ages. Students sat in hushed groups, immersed in study, their faces reflecting determination and concentration.
Mike, Kayla, Camila, and Zero found an empty table in a quiet corner, their minds ready to delve into the intricacies of history. Zero opened his textbook, his eyes scanning the pages as he prepared to help his friends.
"So, Mike," Zero began, "Which part do you not understand?"
Mike looked up, his face creased with worry. "The Renaissance era, mostly. I can't seem to get the dates and events straight in my head."
Zero nodded, understanding the confusion. "No worries. The Renaissance was a time of big changes and creativity. Imagine it like a period of rebirth in knowledge and art."
As Zero explained, Mike's eyes began to light up, the fog of confusion lifting.
Camila, sitting next to Kayla, was flipping through her notes, her face concentrated. "Kayla, do you remember the specifics of the Treaty of Westphalia? It's a bit unclear to me."
Kayla looked over, her eyes thoughtful. "Yeah, that's a crucial one. The Treaty of Westphalia marked the end of the Thirty Years' War in Europe. It was signed in 1648, basically putting an end to a huge conflict."
They continued to study, the library's silence broken only by the soft rustling of pages and the murmur of explanations. Zero was guiding Mike through the labyrinth of history with ease.
The hours flew by, the intensity of their study session undiminished. They took short breaks, stretching their legs and sharing light jokes, but always returned to their books.
As the time for the history exam drew closer, Zero looked at his friends, satisfaction in his eyes. "So how are we feeling now?"
Mike grinned, his confidence restored. "Absolutely. Thanks, Zero. I feel like I've got a grip on the material now."
Kayla and Camila shared a smile, their faces reflecting a similar sense of preparedness.
Camila's shy voice chimed in, "We've worked hard, and we'll do well."
They gathered their things, confident energy in their steps as they headed towards Class 1.
The history exam went smoothly, the questions challenging but not insurmountable. Zero once again finished early, his mind was already in his obsidian black ring, 'should I check everyone's stats?' he thought, but decided against the idea because Zero doesn't know the drawbacks of using his skill too much.
As they left class 1, Mike turned to Zero, his eyes filled with gratitude. "Zero, thanks for the help today. If it weren't for you I would most likely fail this exam hehe."
Zero's face softened, his voice calming. "no problem, you owe me one now."
"sure I'll treat you to something," Mike said.
Kayla nodded, her eyes bright. "Having those types of study sessions really helps, we should do this more often."
"Alright, let's just not forget we still have 2 written exams and a Physical exam. focus up" Zero said. "make sure to study".
Back in his dorm room, Zero's gaze fixed on the stats and talents of his friends. They were no longer just individuals; they were tools, resources he could potentially exploit for his own amusement.
He lay back on his bed, a twisted smile forming on his lips. 'This academy, this new beginning, it's not just about challenges; it's a chance to manipulate, to experiment, to savor the chaos.'
With that thought, he drifted into sleep, his dreams filled with visions of manipulation, calculated moves, and a future where his power over others was undeniable.
The next day was filled with even more tension as the students faced exams in Science and Economics. The night before, the group had studied well into the evening, and now, as they gathered in the cafeteria for breakfast.
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Name: Carl Reiven
Age: 12 years old
Power: 10
Intelligence: 11
Stamina: 14
Talent: Manipulation, Strategy.
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As they ate, Zero's mind drifted to Carl, the dark-haired boy who had confronted him the day before. He knew Carl's reputation as a bully, but there was more to him, something that seemed hidden beneath the surface. 'Manipulation and Strategy?' Zero thought, mulling over Carl's stats. 'Interesting talents for a 12-year-old. It seems he is more than just a loudmouth.'
His friends' chatter brought him back to the present, and he tuned in to their discussion about the upcoming exams.
"Science is my strong suit, but Economics has me a bit on edge," Mike admitted, his forehead furrowing.
"Don't sweat it, Mike. We've got each other's backs. Zero and I will be there to help," Kayla reassured him.
"Yeah, we've put in the work," Camila added. "I've really focused on the theoretical aspects of Science, so I can help there."
Zero nodded. "Don't worry."
The day progressed quickly, the exams passing in a whirlwind. The Science test posed its challenges, but with persistence, they managed to tackle the questions. Economics, though, demanded a deeper understanding and critical thinking.
Mike encountered difficulties, yet Kayla's guidance during their study sessions proved invaluable. Kayla, well-versed in business matters, found Economics more within her wheelhouse.
After the exams, in the courtyard, relieved smiles spread across their faces.
"We did it, guys!" Mike cheered, his enthusiasm contagious. "I might've actually nailed Economics. Thanks, you guys."
"I say we treat ourselves," Kayla suggested.
"Perhaps some ice cream?" Camila proposed.
The idea was met with unanimous agreement, and they made their way to a nearby ice cream parlor, spirits soaring.
As they savored their treats, Carl and his lackeys entered, their gaze locked on Zero's group. Carl's face twisted into a sneer, and he approached them, dripping with disdain.
"Having fun, I see? Don't get too cozy. The ranking system is on its way, and I'll be sitting pretty at the top."
Zero met Carl's gaze, and he smile. "You really think you can outscore me carl? you must be delusional."
Carl's eyes narrowed, his tone oozing with malice. "We'll see who's laughing when the results come in, Elsher."
One of Carl's lackeys, a lanky boy with shaggy hair and a perpetual sneer, stepped forward. "Hey, Elsher, did you have to bribe the teachers to pass that last exam? Or did you just use your 'special talents' to cheat your way through?"
Zero leaned back, a playful glint in his eyes. "Well, I did offer them some freshly baked cookies, but I guess my 'special talents' are just too hard to resist."
Carl's other lackey, a stout girl with a permanent scowl, chimed in with a mocking laugh. "Special talents? More like special treatment from the teachers. You're just their pet project, Elsher."
Mike clenched his fists, his anger palpable. Kayla shot a warning glance at him, her expression urging restraint.
Camila's voice cut through the tension, her tone calm but firm. "We're not here to argue, guys. Let's focus on our own paths and prove ourselves through our hard work."
Carl's sneer deepened. "Hard work, huh? Some of us have to work harder than others, don't we?"
Zero chuckled, his amusement was evident. "Well, Carl, I've always believed that it's not about how hard you work, but how smart you work."
Carl's face flushed with anger, his retort sharp. "We'll see if your 'smart work' can stand up to real competition."
With that, Carl and his lackeys turned to leave, their presence dissipating like a storm cloud. Zero's friends exchanged glances, a mixture of frustration and resolve in their eyes.
"Zero, you really know how to get under his skin," Mike said, a begrudging smile on his lips.
Zero shrugged nonchalantly. "If he wants to engage in verbal sparring, I'm more than happy to oblige."
"yeah they are really annoying aren't they." Kayla pouted.
Camila nodded. "Let's keep studying and working hard. Our achievements will speak for themselves."
Zero nodded, "You're right Camila."
'I guess I found my new plaything' Zero silently thought with his plans.
They finished their ice cream. their minds set on what lay ahead.
Later, back in his dorm room, Zero's mind churned with thoughts. 'Being at the top has its perks. I remember some of the loopholes in NSE's system from my previous life. If I manage to secure the first rank, I can exploit those and gain even more benefits throughout my six years here.'
He recalled the ways he could leverage his knowledge to make the most out of the academy's resources, bypass certain restrictions, and carve a unique path for himself. With his intelligence and insight, Zero was confident he could use the system to his advantage.
Ranking first was no longer just a goal for personal pride; it was a strategic move that could shape his entire journey at NSE Academy. The thought of wielding such influence fueled his determination further.
With this, Zero set his sights on the first rank.