I had no idea what to write on the test sheet when it was handed to me. I was instead observing the clear, crimson-red sky that was heralding the approaching sunset through the holographic sky, even though this wasn't a real sky, I felt so peaceful right now.
Neon-lit skyscrapers were starting to glitter, and I could feel a chilling breeze sweeping through my ruffled blonde hair.
This school was one of the department of this gigantic skyscraper, so from above, I could see an endless number of buildings that were tall enough to even pierce artificial clouds, as well as countless flying cars that were gliding just beyond the schoolyard and park.
On one of these tallest skyscrapers, there were advertisements featuring a holographic screen about the tournament of the AR game known as Dawn, which shares the same progressing system and data as TWOD but it runs on the quantum server in the Citadel, so even if TWOD shuts down, the AR version would be still up for rankers in reality to participate in the quest hunt, PVP, tournament and trading etc... The players were called Rankers, they were professional gamers who competed against one another in real life or in the VR for coins that could be used as currency in the solar system.
However, even being a high ranker. Magic couldn't be used in reality, it only works in VR games. Yet high rankers could perform superhuman strength as rewards from the world government through body modification.
The world government's distribution of the rewards from TWOD's missions also provided for our basic needs. As a result, rankers could be found competing with one another all over the world. This was just a typical aspect of our daily lives.
A game based on archetypes, [Dawn]. gives each player access to their skills based on personality and potential. The peasant was one of the prevalent archetypes out there, my archetype was precisely the peasant. However I had this exclusive skill known as "The jack of all trades", It allowed me to use every foundation archetype basic skill, unfortunately, I couldn't level up any of these skills.
The virtual reality version of Dawn was called "The World of Dawn" where 7 billion people throughout the solar system participate in this immersive experience.
The world government funded the entire project and allowed us to all take part in the fantasy game that tests the boundaries of reality because humanity had developed into a utopian society where peace could achieved after so many tragedy event in mankind history, this statement was claimed by the world government.
But I discovered the truth after my encounter with the Orc Demon Lord, that the World of Dawn might actually be another reality and dimension that trained humanity to use magic. If I were to tell people about this, they would laugh at me and think how delusional this blondie was. It would be better to keep quiet.
As a result, some people were able to use TWOD's ability in reality such as moving at incredible speed or regenerating quicker than the typical person. Once again, this wasn't magic but through their body modification.
Through this opened window I was glancing at a giant hologram that had two men's figures on it. One of the men cloaked in a black hoodie. He was tall and athletic, and a glimpse of his demonic aura could be seen in his red eyes and black hair. One of the strongest rankers I admired.
He went by the name of Rith Bora, and his modification was known as [The fallen apostle] strongest ranker in the Singa Sanctuary's leaderboard.
I was mindlessly glancing at the advertisement display when I heard my teacher's footsteps coming toward me. And as I glanced at him, he gave me a cunning, mystifying look.
"You still haven't completed your test? Don't even think of becoming a competitive ranker, you won't make it, just focus on landing a regular job." His voice was calm yet so terrified, that he started ambling around the classroom once more while smiling with emotionless eyes.
You didn't have to tell me, I planned to become a district judge and lived a normal life as well.
As I glanced at his open back; I imagined he was reading my paper and thought I had failed, but what was the point of even discouraging me? The time the exam ended was displayed on the holographic that was hovering in the air.
[55 minutes remaining for the exam]
I was worried that I wouldn't be able to complete the test within the given time frame. Instead of focusing on studying and reviewing the lessons, I spent my time playing games this morning and encountered such a bizarre event. It was no surprise that my performance suffered as a result.
However, I did manage to answer some questions confidently, such as the date when the great global disasters started occurring 50 years ago and the significant event where The All Mother successfully negotiated a peace treaty between humanity and androids.
I recall that The All Mother suggested that androids should strive to become more like humans, to acquire values and emotions. In return, the androids offered a unique technology that only they were capable of creating.
Given humanity's desperate situation on the verge of extinction, we readily accepted the proposal without much questioning. It is quite possible that many of the technologies we possess today were invented by the androids, hidden beneath the surface of this planet.
So now I secured 20 points, but I need 60 more points.
While leaving the part I didn't know blank such as how many important events happened in the space era and great global disasters as well as how many species of animal were currently at the brink of extinction and only exist due to cell cloning, I could only count up to 5 species such as dolphin, elephant, lion, panda, polar bears but I knew there was a lot more than that so I left it alone and moved on to another question.
This answer only gave me 10 points,
As I turned my attention away from the window, I noticed my friend sitting beside me. She seemed unfazed by the upcoming exam, as she was not bound by any restrictions like orphans were.
Moreover, she could be considered the wealthiest teenager in our entire school. However, her carefree yet straightforward and rebellious demeanor often made it difficult for her to connect with others.
Apart from me and Shan, she rarely spent time with anyone else, although occasionally she could be spotted hanging out with a few introverted female friends from other classes. This young girl wore a black jacket over a white shirt and her tight brown jeans revealed her slender legs and curvy hip.
I couldn't help but notice her long, dark hair cascading down her back, slightly tousled by the breeze. Her amber eyes were fixed in my direction, although I pretended not to acknowledge her gaze.
In this era, people with amber eyes were believed to have undergone body modifications since birth. These modifications enhanced their strength, agility, and cognitive abilities, enabling them to adapt more effectively. And yes I was aware that even she didn't study, her brain held more memories than I could even comprehend so passing the test was like walking in the park for her.
It was seen as a clear indication that she came from a noble and affluent family know as the Elite that supported the world government, only parents belonging to the noble families were granted the exclusive right to give their children the coveted amber eyes. This privilege was reserved solely for those of high social standing, emphasizing their esteemed lineage and position in society.
Her name was Setsuna Hono, and she hailed from a highly noble and respected family. Despite her outwardly rebellious appearance, her father, Suzuki Hono, was the owner of a giant guild in TWOD. Specifically, he managed the renowned dimensional merchant shop called the [Blue Eastern Dragon.]
This establishment employed skilled rankers to track and capture dimensional creatures, acquiring valuable parts and items that were then sold across various dimensions, both in the East and West.
In reality, her family's wealth extended beyond imagination. They possessed not only a car brand, but also a restaurant, casino, hotel, and music production company. Setsuna could easily be regarded as a princess of the modern era, considering her family's extensive holdings. However, her personality was far from that of a traditional princess. She was known for her directness, boldness, and impulsiveness, albeit in positive and admirable ways.
The reason she chose a public school over a private one was that Setsuna wanted to live a normal life, even though her own life was far from ordinary.
Setsuna let out a sharp whistle, diverting my attention towards her. I found myself glancing at her involuntarily, and even the teacher briefly shifted his gaze in my direction before being interrupted by another student's raised hand, seeking help from him. Seizing the moment, Setsuna smirked at me, clearly satisfied with the outcome.
"Don't forget about our bet!" Setsuna whispered in a barely hearable voice.
She then flashed me a thumb-up finger while grinning brightly to provoke and enjoy seeing my reaction but I maintained a neutral look and stuck out my tongue at her face with the reaction that she did not expect.
She smiled and carried on with her test as if she accomplished her test of provoking me. Damn, this girl!
I forgot the bet between me and, whoever has more score by the end of this semester will
receive 50k coins from the loser.
If I failed this test, either the Church or Setsuna would suck me dry with no coins and probably put me on a blacklist that might get me kicked out into the working society, as the church only provided me with a shelter and scholarship due to my academic achievement during all of this 7 years.
[Your examination has ended]
I heard an alert bell announce the examination had ended.
As I left the classroom, I started to turn off the holographic display that was hovering above my desk and strolling toward the exit alongside other students.
When I walked through the exit, a handsome boy dressed in a red long-sleeve sweater, a little bit taller than me, was standing in front of the classroom. Qiang Shan, was his name.
One might say that he was your typical quiet and easygoing friend due to the gentle aura emanating from his blue oceanic-like eyes, his brown hair was very well taken care of, it seemed smooth like silk and fallen in strain covered his eyebrows and not to mention that mature smile of him that easily alluring every girl.
Overall he had this gentle, dreamy, easy-going, withdrawn yet physically strong aura to him, but he was also very persistent and strict when needed to be.
When it comes to history and mythology, he had a wild side. Even though there was no longer a system of nations, nationalities, and humanity gradually losing interest in mythology and religion,
Shan would go on and on about every country's history, mythology, and religion whenever he opened his mouth.
At one time I remembered he also stayed up all night just reading about Greek mythology and easily remembered all the versions of it.
"I forgot about the date of Global Disaster" I mumbled to myself and Shan overheard it.
"The exam is so easy. Especially who doesn't know about the data of when the great global disaster began? This test is only failable by idiots." Shan boasts about his knowledge.
I retract what I just said; this man was not considerate or gentle. When it was not his problem, he simply kept quiet. Moreover, his words kinda hurt me a bit with his words, I knew it happened 70 years ago but I forget the specific days and the main events.
Fortunately, Setsuna was in the same position as me.
"Shut up, just because I don't give a damn about this test doesn't mean I am an idiot." Setsuna sighed at Shan, and following that he was whacked in the head with her left palm.
"You gorilla! Born into an elite family must make you so carefree in life." Shan grumbled.
Despite her poor academic performance, Setsuna was virtually unbeatable in the gold division of Dawn in this entire school. Nobody dared belittle her, particularly in this school. On top of that, she was the daughter of Gold rank citizen known as Suzuki Hono, the leader of the Hono family.
"You don't forget about our bet, right?" Setsuna asked while she turned to face me after hitting Shan.
"I was doing charity work for the church, Besides, this is just a joke right? Since you have a lot of money, don't be stubborn and knows when to take a joke." I shrugged it off.
"You think I am joking?" She replied with a cold expression.
After realizing she took this bet seriously, I replied with a poker face " I have only 10k coins left for this month's expense." It was the only choice left, to be sincere about my situation.
Normally I would just listen to her and say little, but I had to come up with an explanation, and I guess she understood my situation.
"Well, then look me in the eyes," Setsuna said as she fixed her golden gaze on me.
"Don't tell me—" I knew what she was about to do, her most disrespectful move!
She just stared at me and rolled her eyes with disappointment, then flashed another middle finger.
I facepalmed and shook my head in disbelief as I said, "This is why no one dares to ask you out."
"I prefer my freedom anyways, and I have you guys. Why do I need another guy?" Setsuna said incredulously.
Shan added, "Don't joke around, Setsuna. Do you really think of us as your harem?"
Setsuna smirked wickedly and teased, "Yes."
I glanced at Shan, and both of us shook our heads. After all, our type of girl was not Setsuna but someone like Stella—reasonable, mature, and hardworking.
She was probably going to fail too and would be grounded by her father since the result hadn't been announced yet, no one knew the outcome. To steer clear of the weird circumstances we found ourselves in, I redirected the conversation back to our bet on the exam results.
"As for the bet, why are you so confident that you will have a higher score than me? Let's just make it even and forget about it." I smirked at her.
Setsuna seems to be intimidated by the discussion of the test.
"Whatever, let's end this stupid exam discussion." Setsuna used both hands to mess with her hair expressing her intimidation, before going on with her words.
She then said something that caught me off guard "Have you guys seen the news about the explosion in TWOD?"
Shan briefly glanced at me and lightly shook his head as if signaling me to not talk about anything related to this incident.
I nodded to his response, meanwhile to not let me slip any words from my mouth. Shan stepped closer, stood before me almost blocking my view to see her face, and said to Setsuna "Of course, the news is spreading throughout Tellus right now."
"I wonder, does that mean we no longer be able to play TWOD anymore? I don't think billions of people would go along with this, especially the top 10 rankers in the solar system's leather board, will they ever reveal their identity?" Placing one's hand on her chin with fingers slightly touching her red lips in deep thought.
As she mentioned about the top 10 rankers, there was suddenly an air of mystery. Since they never revealed their identity, no one knew just how strong they were, some conspiracy theories even claimed they could use real skill in real life which could even be classified as magic, but it was just nothing but a baseless rumor. Not to mention, to be able to become the top 10 rankers in the entire solar system, meant they had the wealth, power, network, and strategy to reach these positions to even have their identity hidden from the public.
Shan replied with a fused eyebrow "Of course, the news now reaches even to Mars and probably to other planets and Velderik galactic federations as well."
He continued "Moreover, it is pointless to talk about the top 10 rankers of the solar system, their identity is being classified by the world government."
The world government had absolute power over the solar system right now, no one dared to dig into something that the world government tried to hide from the public. Some even claimed that the world government was secretly an empire of this era but they just operated with fake democracy and painted everything as a utopia.
Her wide smiles, raised eyebrows, and widened eyes signaled her interest in the topic "Doesn't it make them more interesting to talk about? The mystery surrounding them is what keeps them interesting." Setsuna spoke with increased enthusiasm and energy.
I was glad that she changed the topic, to break off the conversation, I said "Let's focus on practicing for our upcoming performance."
Setsuna exhibits a slouched or drooped body posture, with shoulders hunched forward and head slightly down, a lack of enthusiasm in her words "Nah, it is not fun for me. Also, I practice a lot in my studio so I am quite confident about my vocal."
Shan shook his head and sighed "You know at this point, you won't be able to replace Stella if she ever decides to leave our band."
Setsuna growled and hit him on the hand with her knuckle, then she had an emotionless serious expression, while saying in a serious tone "I am not Stella, don't compare me to her. Moreover, our vocal range is vastly different when it comes to style in singing."
"Man, you should have kept quiet instead of hurting her with words." As I advised him, I pat Shan on the shoulder to make him more aware of the weight of his words.
Sometimes Shan could be an airhead when it comes to understanding girls' feelings.
He gently rubbed his head to ease the pain while saying serious words with a neutral yet calm tone
"Nah, she needs hard truth to realize her potential, and you as well. The future goal of our band is not only to be known in such a small island of the vibrant city, but we must also expand our influence throughout Tellus only then can we perform in space."
I knew his dream was to go to space by forming a band. It was the quickest route to space without being an Elite, and it was inspiring to see that he never gave up on his dream.
Immediately Setsuna took a deep breath and said "You are always looking at the future, what important is we enjoy the process of creating music that inspires people and be who we are, isn't that why we created the band?"
Shan sighed again, and replied, "You are always good at talking, now if you want to inspire people, you must practice and practice."
Setsuna's voice becomes quieter, lacking the usual liveliness or excitement she typically possesses
"Okay, whatever." Setsuna said in a low voice.
I took out my tablet, the size, and length similar to a pen, then projected the lock screen to see the time was [12:30 pm]. Our performance began at 7 pm, therefore we had six and half hours left to practice.
Immediately I heard a voice from the entrance of the classroom, saying "You should pay more attention to school than your side hobbit that pays no coins for your future, except Setsuna since you are a rich kid."
This voice belonged to none other than Chad, he and his other four friends looked at us with a smug face, it was like he always tried to make us initiate a fight so he could pretend to be a victim.
Setsuna also got tired of his teasing and bullying, so she just gave him a middle finger and said with a disappointing voice "Go somewhere else, you are a boy who still needs his mother's titty to suck."