We arrived at the test site, an imposing structure known as the embassy. The building was a testament to both architectural grandeur and formidable purpose. Its vast stone facade, adorned with intricate carvings depicting historic battles and heroic feats, seemed to pulse with the energy of countless legends. Tall, arched windows glinted in the sunlight, casting a mosaic of colors onto the polished marble steps leading to the grand entrance.
Inside, the embassy was a blend of opulence and functionality. The main hall stretched out like an endless corridor, its high ceilings supported by ornately carved columns. Chandeliers of crystal and gold hung like suspended galaxies, casting a warm glow over the bustling crowd below. The air buzzed with the anticipation of hundreds of individuals, each hoping to pass the rigorous examination and earn their place among the elite.
"You can either register as a citizen or visitor here and take the test," Tarif explained, his voice echoing slightly in the vast space. He then outlined the six steps involved in the examination with the precision of someone who had witnessed the process countless times.
"First, testing your nova force levels," Tarif began. "This involves exerting all the force you possess in a designated room, designed to withstand even the most powerful energies."
Nova Uno listened intently, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "And then?" she prompted, practically bouncing on her toes.
"Second, evaluating your nova force capabilities," Tarif continued. "You'll need to shoot down an object and defend yourself from a target fired at you. It tests both your offensive and defensive skills."
Tarif paused, glancing at Uno to ensure she was following.
"Third, checking your physical strength. Not everyone has the ability to shoot nova blasts, so brute strength is also measured."
"Sounds intense," Uno muttered, a fierce grin spreading across her face.
"Fourth, measuring your speed and reaction time," Tarif said, smiling reassuringly. "You'll need quick reflexes to survive out there."
"Fifth, assessing your knowledge of potions and healing," he went on. "Understanding how to heal yourself and others is crucial."
"And finally, sixth," Tarif concluded, "Pairing you with another individual to complete a task together. It tests your ability to work as part of a team.
"Healers were stationed nearby, their tables laden with vials of the miraculous liquid from the ancient tree, ready to assist in case of any serious injuries. Their presence was a stark reminder of the test's potential dangers.
The results of the test would be announced the following day, determining each individual's rank. The atmosphere was thick with a mix of excitement and tension, as everyone awaited their turn.
There were some very tough and intimidating-looking individuals all around, their expressions ranging from fierce determination to icy calm. Uno's gaze darted around, but rather than nervousness, her eyes were alight with a warrior's thrill.
"Why are so many people here? Do they want to rush to fight monsters so badly?" she asked, her voice carrying a note of eagerness.
Tarif chuckled. "Not at all. Hunting monsters is a high-paying job," he replied.
"I see, I see. So you can get rich by defeating these vermin then," Uno said, nodding thoughtfully, her fingers twitching as if already gripping her weapon.
"This is very interesting news. The human race is no joke. To have reached this far in only a few years. Impressive," I remarked, marveling at the ambitious and relentless spirit that seemed to permeate the very air of the embassy.
While we were there, three loud but formidable looking young men burst into the room, demanding respect from all those present. The one in the middle bellowed, "Get out of my way, punks!" They pushed people out of line to register first, and eventually, they approached us. It seemed as though trouble always found us. The man in the middle, who appeared to be the strongest of the group, was about 6 feet tall with massive muscles. His two companions were equally intimidating.
"What do we have here? The circus is that way, clowns," he sneered.
Uno replied menacingly, "Do you have a death wish?" But her remark didn't phase him instead it fired him up.
"What did you say to me!?" he roared.
Many people around us muttered, "They're done for. They shouldn't have talked back to him." However, a stunning lady in uniform stepped forward beside us. She had long blonde hair and gorgeous curves.
"That's not how we do things here," she said calmly. She had a calm yet powerful presence, and both the scary looking dudes and myself could see that.
The man shot us a menacing glare and then walked away, scoffing. Tarif appeared frightened.
"Thank you," Durato/Dos said gratefully. "He should be thanking me instead," she responded, before heading towards a door next to the desk. It's like she could tell that he was no match for us. Im sure Laylah/Uno would have flattened him with ease.
The door was the entrance for everyone who had finished registering. We registered ourselves as Nova One, Nova Two, and Nova Three, and then followed suit, entering the same room as the lady. What awaits us now? I'm feeling kind of excited.
"Who was that?" I asked Tarif.
"That was Lieutenant General Irene, she's in charge of alot of stuff around here.
As we sat in the auditorium, all eyes were fixed on the center of the room where a blonde-haired woman stood. "Some of you may already know me, but for those who don't, my name is Lieutenant General Irene Winehurst," she announced. "I'll be overseeing your exams today. When you hear your name, please come forward.
"One by one, names were called out, and each individual made their way to the front of the room. They performed the specific tasks required to complete the test with the help of Lieutenant Irene and her assistants. These individuals possessed an extraordinary Nova Force ability, which they used to repair any damage caused during the examination. The atmosphere was tense as each candidate completed their test, with all of us hoping to pass and move on to the next stage of our training.
The auditorium was filled with a sense of anticipation as names were called out, and each person stepped forward to take their test. Irene Winehurst, the blonde-haired woman in charge of the exams, oversaw the proceedings with a watchful eye. Assisted by others who possessed powerful Nova Force, she ensured that any damage caused during the testing process was quickly repaired.
As the examination progressed, the tension in the room mounted. Each candidate was determined to pass and move on to the next stage.
As Tarif had previously explained, the first step of the examination process was to test our powers. We were each led into a large, barrier-shaped box, with four men standing around the perimeter, ready to record our power output. If the box turned a brighter color, it indicated the strength of our abilities. To my dismay, as I looked around at my fellow candidates, it seemed that no one had exhibited any significant power thus far.
As the examination progressed, they arrived at a name that caught my attention—Traven Beltos. I recognized the face from earlier; it was the big guy who had been acting all tough before.
"Tarif, what's the story behind that one?" I asked, intrigued.
"Well, he's known as the 'Monster Ripper.' He single-handedly defeated ten intermediate-level monsters by ripping them apart to save his village once. That's something not even a rank N2 can do," Tarif explained, his eyes filled with admiration.
Beltos stepped forward and showcased his power. It was the greatest display of power we had seen out of the forty participants. As he focused, the box surrounding him began to glow with an intense brightness, indicating the immense strength of his abilities. He produced an impressive display of force, even placing a small crack in the barrier, which the four men fixed immediately. It was clear that Traven Beltos was a force to be reckoned with, and his reputation as the "Monster Ripper" was well-deserved.
"Next up, Nova Zero," the voice boomed over the loudspeaker. A hush fell over the auditorium. I slowly got up from my seat and made my way toward the testing box. Some of the other candidates were murmuring and laughing, calling me the "Nova Clown" because of my mask. I tried to ignore them and focus on the task at hand, my heart pounding with a mix of anxiety and determination.
The door to the box was opened for me by the four men, and I stepped inside. The door closed behind me, sealing me in. I took a deep breath, closed my eyes, and began to charge up my energy. It wasn't about screaming or shooting any attacks; it was like flexing a muscle, channeling the power from deep within.
As I concentrated, the air around me began to vibrate. The box started to glow faintly, then more intensely as I poured more energy into it. The murmurs outside grew silent, replaced by an awed anticipation.
Suddenly, a loud noise echoed through the auditorium. I opened my eyes to see the barrier surrounding me cracking and then shattering, crumbling to the ground. The force of my energy sent the four men flying back. Gasps and exclamations erupted from the audience, their disbelief palpable.
I knew I had used too much energy, but I couldn't help feeling a sense of accomplishment. The silence that followed was heavy with astonishment. Faces that had mocked me before now showed shock and respect.
Lieutenant General Irene Winehurst stepped forward, her eyes narrowing as she assessed the damage."Impressive," she finally said, her voice cutting through the stunned silence. "Nova Zero, you have exceeded our expectations."
As I walked back to my seat, all eyes were on me. "Incredible, dude," Tarif said, his eyes wide with amazement. "Only four people have ever done that. Well, now you make five." I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment, knowing that I had achieved something that very few had before me.
Next up were Durato and Laylah. As they stepped forward to display their powers, the tension in the auditorium grew palpable. Both of them channeled their energy, and, like me, they shattered the barrier, leaving the examiners in awe. Gasps and murmurs rippled through the audience, the disbelief now a shared experience.
"So, what about not standing out?" I said to Nova Dos.
"Remember everything is different here; didn't know that little display of power was so much," added Nova Dos.
We were the talk of the examination, having exceeded all expectations. Completing all the tests with ease, we left the other candidates and examiners in a mix of amazement and jealousy. I could sense the envy in their eyes, as if they thought we were showing off. But for us, what we had accomplished was nothing really. Back on the island, this is just like walking.
I could feel a set of eyes staring into my soul. I glanced back and saw Beltos and his friends looking at me menacingly.
The other parts of the examination went smoothly; we moved through each test with determination and focus. The physical strength test involved lifting massive weights and breaking through reinforced barriers. The speed and reaction time test required us to dodge projectiles and navigate through a complex obstacle course. The knowledge of potions and healing was tested through a series of questions and practical applications, where we had to demonstrate our understanding of various healing techniques.