After taking down the eight-meter robot and getting out of the wreckage, I realized that maybe it hadn't been such a good idea, judging by the pain all over my body.
I actually used the vibration gene to dissipate the force of the impact, releasing it outward and causing the shockwave that shattered all the windows. I suppose this makes people think I'm tougher than I really am...which reminds me.
...
Flashback POV
"Mom, what should I put in the description of my gene?" This happened while I was filling out my academy application form.
"...I know I told you years ago that you should keep your gene hidden, but I think it's time to reveal it, sweetheart."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. Hiding your gene will only bring problems sooner or later, so this is a good time to show it. Plus, the principal doesn't allow anything to happen to her students, so as long as you're at the academy, you'll be safe."
"Alright, then, I'll write that my gene lets me copy other genes, with some restrictions. It's true, just not the full truth."
"That's my girl."
...
I smiled, remembering the conversation, but I refocused, reminding myself that I was still in the middle of the exam and continued looking for more robots.
...
"IT'S OVER!" Crimson Blaze's voice echoed throughout the fake city, announcing the end of the exam. As I walked to the exit, I saw the faces of the other participants—some were smiling, others looked exhausted, and others seemed completely defeated. As for me, I think I have my admission in the bag. After that first eight-meter robot, I took down three more using the same method, so I'm aching all over and have taken down several dozen of the smaller models as well.
When I left the stadium, I looked around for Selphira, and after a few seconds, I spotted her a bit ahead of me. I quickly walked toward her so I wouldn't lose her.
"So, how'd it go?" I asked from behind, startling her a bit.
"Oh, it's you! You scared me!" she said, playfully hitting my shoulder as I laughed. "But to answer your question, it went well! I even took down one of those giant robots! And you? Did you find the button?"
"What button?"
"You know...the one on the back of their necks that would deactivate them? Or didn't you take any of them down?"
"I took down four in total." She looked genuinely surprised and was about to say something but then narrowed her eyes and stared at me intensely.
"How did you take them down? Wasn't that dangerous or reckless?"
"N-no, not reckless at all…"
She just kept staring at me.
"Well, maybe I jumped over them…"
"And?"
"And dove right at them... head-on."
She stayed silent for a few seconds before saying, "Of all the things you could do with your gene... YOU DECIDED TO THROW YOURSELF HEAD-FIRST AT THE ROBOTS!"
"…Yes."
"…Honestly, I'm not even surprised anymore."
With that, she seemed to calm down after her outburst, though I couldn't tell if I should be happy or insulted.
"So…did your parents give you permission to go out today?" I asked.
"Yeah, so we should get going before it gets dark."
And with that, we left the academy and took a taxi to our destination, a shopping mall.
…
We arrived within five minutes.
Already in the mall, Selphira and I started exploring the stores, stopping at a display showcasing the latest sportswear. The vibrant colors and sleek designs made everything look even more impressive.
"Can you imagine training in one of those jackets?" Selphira commented with a smile, pointing to a black and red jacket that looked straight out of an action movie.
"Well...maybe it would make me look more intimidating. But I doubt it would make me less prone to hurling myself straight at robots, don't you think?" I joked, remembering her words from earlier.
Selphira laughed and shook her head.
"It might not change your methods, but you'd definitely look awesome."
We spent some time trying on accessories and clothes; Selphira insisted I try on a pair of sunglasses she thought looked like "professional spy gear." When I put them on and posed dramatically, we ended up laughing so hard that the store clerk glanced over at us curiously.
After wandering from store to store for a while, we decided to head to the food court, where the aroma of pizza, burgers, and other tempting dishes made it hard to choose.
"Are you craving anything in particular?" I asked while Selphira scanned the signs, looking thoughtful.
"Hmm! What about a giant pizza to share?" she suggested enthusiastically.
"Perfect! But fair warning, I'm hungrier than usual today."
"That's because you threw yourself at four giant robots," she replied, laughing as we got in line to order.
With the pizza on the table, we started eating and chatting about how we each approached the entrance exam. Selphira, excited, shared her strategy of using the button on the robots' necks, laughing at my reaction when I found out about it.
"So, they had a button to disable them, and I didn't know until now?" I asked, pretending to be indignant.
"Exactly, Miss 'Charge-Head-On Strategy.' But...honestly, I admire your courage. I couldn't have done it."
"Guess everyone has their style," I replied, taking another slice, amused.
We finished the meal, laughing and talking, and after a while of resting, we began to think about what to do next—or at least, we would have if not for a massive explosion that blew out the glass roof, causing everyone to duck for cover, though some people ended up with injuries of varying severity.
Everyone who could looked toward the center of the food court and witnessed a... shocking scene.
A very muscular man in an orange suit was standing on the back of another muscular man—though not as muscular as the first—who was wearing a suit. I immediately recognized the man in orange as Violence, one of the city's heroes with the worst reputation, always stopping criminals and villains with excessive force and without regard for the collateral damage he caused to civilians or property.
"I-I surrender," said the man in the suit between gasps, spitting out blood.
"What did you say? That you're still resisting?" Violence said as he lifted the foot that wasn't pressing down on the man's back and crushed the man's elbow. The sickening sound of a bone breaking was followed by the man's scream of agony.
Although people were hurt, no one dared to call an ambulance because everyone knew Violence's reaction when interrupted...let's just say that if someone interrupted him, more people would end up needing an ambulance.
So, as mothers covered their children's eyes and ears to shield them from the grim scene, and others used napkins to stop the bleeding of the wounded, the "arrest" continued with more sounds of breaking bones, screams, and a few sobs here and there.
...
After ten minutes, Violence finally said, "Well, now I don't think you'll resist anymore, so my job here is done." With that, he jumped so high that he left the mall, and the moment he left, it was as if a valve had opened, letting all the noise flow.