I quickly shook hands with everyone, introducing myself.
-Allow me to reintroduce myself to everyone. I am Mr. Culligun; as you know, I have been authorized by the Minister of Education to conduct a very, very special exam. This exam has been taken by all university students across the country, and you are the rectors of the five universities that ranked highest in this first phase. Let me start by offering you my sincere congratulations. Now, if you would follow me, I have a room that I prepared specifically for this meeting.
I opened the doors, and the rectors found themselves in a huge, almost completely dark room. At the center of it was a hexagonal table, with each side marked with a person's name and a tablet present for everyone. At each station, there were also waiters ready to serve the guests as needed. Moreover, on the four walls, various videos were displayed; one showed images of the universe and different planets, another depicted various cities on Earth, another showed the evolution of history from the Big Bang to the present day. And then there was the fourth, the wall behind the seat with my name; on this wall was only a huge red question mark.
I invited everyone to take their seats and order the drink of their choice, as the waiters would have to leave shortly so as not to overhear the discussion.
It might seem trivial, but I did this for a reason. Even a single drink can tell me a lot about who I'm dealing with; and if I know who the rectors sitting with me are, I can better understand how they manage their universities and, consequently, their students. With this, I can already anticipate something about the outcome of this tournament. Let's see.
Mrs. Melissa ordered a Sex on the Beach; a youthful drink, which didn't surprise me. After all, Melissa is the youngest in the room, probably around thirty; she is the youngest university rector in our country. I can't help but admire her; from what I see, her youthful side still seems to exist within her. I can deduce high enjoyment but still seriousness in her university. Different from standard norms, and having even come second in the national field means her students must be of high caliber. She could have a lot to say in this period.
Pomer, on the other hand, went for a gin and tonic; a classic. Mr. Pomer gives me the impression of a typical old English gentleman who spends his afternoons drinking that drink and living his daily life. His university came fifth in my ranking and isn't too high in the national rankings either. Honestly, I've somewhat lost my curiosity about him.
Marika, however, went for straight vodka… not flavored, not fruit-infused, but pure. Moreover, she didn't ask for a glass but went straight to requesting the whole bottle. Incredible; I can see her in two ways. Either she hoped someone would notice, or she's a daily drinker. In any case, people who give me more hypotheses excite me immensely, and I was pleasantly surprised by her choice. Who knows, perhaps even from a professional standpoint, she's used to making decisions no one expects; I'm curious.
Bernard chose an energy drink. Interesting, probably just out of this meeting, he'll have to go back to work immediately; being the head of the best university in the country, this doesn't surprise me. Both he and his students must be real war machines, ready 24/7 for exams of all kinds. Bernard and Huss were a real wall that other universities had to break through in these tests; honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if the tournament's winners turned out to be them.
Well, now let's talk about Bless; the university known for being of low level, with poor preparation, less competent professors compared to the competition, and not strict at all. I wonder what Alarec will go for; probably something strong. Let's see, Alarec chose a… a glass of water?
I turned and saw Alarec holding his glass; as soon as he noticed I was looking at him, he waved at me with a smile.
"What the hell is he doing? Is this idiot messing with me? No, stop, compose yourself, compose yourself."
I took a deep mental breath and paused to think. Maybe Alarec has seen through my plan? Yes, it must be so. While the others went for drinks that pleased them or represented them, Alarec chose to remain anonymous; what could be more anonymous than a glass of plain water? He did this so that I couldn't make any assumptions about him. It might seem like a bold move, but he outsmarted me. Any assumptions I might make at this moment would be completely unfounded; not that the others wouldn't be, but the smallest details can say a lot about a person. Alarec, on the other hand, decided not to show me even one of these small details. In fact, he wanted to show me that he had seen inside me; with that damn smile.
I struggled to keep a smile off my face.
Well, it seems Alarec also has a plan for this exam. He probably wants to restore his university's reputation; perhaps he didn't want to show anything about himself to me, but to the other rectors. Very well. This battle promises to be a real thrill.
-Now I would like to ask the waiters to leave us alone, as we need to discuss very important matters.
The waiters left the room, and we were left alone.
-I ask the gentlemen present to look at the tablets that have been given to each of you; on your screens, you should have a summary of your data. Please read it carefully and check that everything written is correct.
After a couple of minutes, I received notifications that all the rectors had given their approval.
-Good. You should soon see a series of slides; there should be 34 of them. You are free to scroll through them whenever and as much as you want throughout the meeting. As we have already repeated, you are here because your five universities are the top performers in the initial test that I personally created. At this point, you might be wondering when the next test will be. Well, I'm informing you of what has already been approved by the Ministry of University Research: in a month, on May 31, the tournament between your five universities will officially begin.
The five rectors exchanged looks.
Bernard was the first to speak.
-Excuse me, Mr. Culligun, but I'd like to raise a concern I've had for a while. Is this tournament really necessary? We already have a national ranking list.
I smiled upon hearing the question.
-You see, Rector Bernard, this question has been asked of me many times. Even Rector Ryuga raised the same issue earlier. And I believe, deep down, you already know that this won't be as a normal exam, right?
-I see you've caught a glimpse of my next question.
-Exactly. Gentlemen, this will not be a normal exam. There will be no quizzes, no exercises, no questions to answer. This is an exam designed to test the students' abilities.
-Abilities in what? Can you be more specific?- asked Melissa.
-It's difficult to be specific about something like this; however, I can summarize it by saying it's about the ability to cope in a hostile environment.
The five rectors began to look at me with questioning expressions. I knew it was time to make my move.
-Listen, who among you plays or has played video games?
-More or less all of us, I'd say. Wait, what do video games have to do with this?
I spread a broad smile.
-What would you think if our students took part in an exam that's like a video game?
They probably hadn't quite understood yet. So, I decided to show my winning card and pulled out a helmet.
-I ask everyone to go to slide 7. We'll stay there for a while.
I waited a couple of seconds.
-So, this is a virtual reality helmet. I won't lie, I copied what I've seen in many films and cartoons, but I managed to make it real. This helmet will connect to the student's neural system and basically… bring to life an online version of the student himself. I don't know if you're following me.
They indicated that they were following.
-So, basically, our students will be thrown into virtual worlds and will have to complete tasks?- asked Pomer.
-Exactly.
-Will there be any consequences?
-I can assure you that the student will feel no pain in reality. There will be no physical consequences. As for the psychological ones… I can't promise much; it all depends on the students themselves.
-It seems a bit harsh as an exam,- added Melissa.
-I won't lie to you,- I began, -In these trials, the students will be forced to make very tough choices. I don't hide that they might even kill each other. Obviously, only virtually; in reality, there will be no consequences whatsoever.
-I'm a bit doubtful,- said Bernard.
I turned to him.
-Excuse me?
-I mean… I don't like at all the idea behind this exam. And I'm sorry to say, but I find it hard to believe it could have been approved by the minister himself.
-You can go speak with the minister yourself. He will confirm everything I've just told you.
-You can skip that, Bernard. I've already done everything myself the other day.- said Alarec.
I hadn't noticed, but Alarec had stretched out with his legs on the table.
-Excuse me? So, you already knew everything?- Bernard got up from his chair, sounding angry.
-Yes, exactly.
-And you didn't tell any of us?
-Would it have changed anything?
-Yes,-Bernard shouted -I would have avoided coming all the way here to attend this damn meeting.
-Then I guess you can leave this room if you're not interested. Right, Culligun?
I nodded.
Alarec was making this meeting feel eternal. Every second that passed felt like a day. Why? How did he know everything? How had he managed to glimpse the answers I had thought of?
-And despite knowing everything, you still came here?- Bernard shouted.
-Of course. I am obviously interested in the project.
Bernard was momentarily stunned.
-What? How can you be interested in such a project?
-Why shouldn't I be?
-It's a matter of our students' lives.
-Our students' lives are fine. He said so, and the minister confirmed it.
Bernard was about to grab his glass and throw it at Alarec.
I signaled Bernard not to do anything, or there would be trouble.
-How can you simplify things so much, Alarec? You're seriously risking traumatizing these kids. This isn't a normal exam, and we need to make that clear.
-I suppose the abnormality of it has already been pointed out - Alarec replied -And it has already been approved. How this happened is something even I admit is obscure, but that's not the main point now.
-The fact remains that you're risking destroying the lives of many people. Young people, moreover. What's going through your mind?
-Isn't it obvious?- Melissa answered.
Both Alarec and Bernard turned toward her.
Melissa was swirling the ice left in her cocktail with her straw.
-As soon as Alarec learned about the nature and danger of the tournament, he immediately realized that this was his golden opportunity. Basically, he figured that the four of us would all withdraw now, and he would be the last one remaining. This would make him the undisputed winner.
Bernard glanced repeatedly between Alarec and Melissa. Alarec had never stopped smiling.
-What kind of shitty plan is this, Alarec? Are you crazy?
-It's not that stupid, actually- Melissa said.
-What?
-If you think about it, this is an exam that has been heavily publicized. Everyone is aware of this exam and knows the outcomes; in fact, just the fact that Bless came in second is already a huge victory for Alarec.
Everyone turned to Alarec, who was holding back a laugh.
-So- Melissa continued, -if we all withdrew and Bless won, the news would spread faster than we can imagine. Imagine the success for Bless!
-So you're telling me that… we have to participate?- Bernard asked.
-Not necessarily; we still have a choice. My question is… Alarec, are you really willing to put these kids through this terrible experience just to gain a bit of success?
Alarec composed himself and, still smiling, replied.
-Melissa… are you really willing to put these kids through this terrible experience just because you don't want me to gain a bit of success?
-In any case, Alarec's plan was a failure from the start- Marika spoke this time.
-Marika? What do you mean?- Pomer asked.
-The Caltane wouldn't back down from such a proposal. Our students are strong, ready for anything. They won't have problems, whatever this tournament might be, and I certainly don't have any problem making them participate. If Alarec wants a fight, we'll welcome it.
-Marika, what are you saying?- Bernard asked.
-At this point, I can't back down either- Melissa said -Bernard, I also believe this is a barbaric practice. And for that reason, I want to make it as known as possible and will participate. I'm sorry, gentlemen, but you've already lost. At Arrenal University, cooperation comes even before grades. Our students are used to facing physical and academic challenges always in groups. On this front, we are undoubtedly the most prepared.
Bernard began to look around.
-Pomer? What about you?
Pomer took a couple of seconds to think.
-I'm sorry, Bernard, but I will also participate. I've been in the shadows for too long, and like Alarec, I finally have a chance to try to restore the name of Reykvi.
Bernard returned to his seat and put his hands on his face.
-So, Bernard? What do you intend to do-" I asked.
Bernard removed his hands from his face and assumed a very serious expression.
-I'm sorry for all of you. Huss has maintained the top spot among all universities in the country for years. We are considered the best, both physically and academically. We are on a higher level than all of you. I will participate in the tournament… And we will win.
I smiled.
-That's exactly what I wanted to hear.
-Now -Bernard asked -can I know what this tournament will actually involve? Or should I ask Alarec, who might have already learned that from the minister?
-Oh, I'm sorry. I won't lie, I tried to get this information, but the minister made it clear that he knew absolutely nothing and that all specific information was only known by Culligun.
-Yes, that's true- I confirmed -I haven't told the minister anything about the number, type, or content of the individual tests. In fact, I won't tell you anything either. I just want to give you some guidelines on how to prepare your students for next month."
I took a few seconds to gather my thoughts. Meanwhile, I noticed that Alarec had started scrolling through the slides he had been given.
-So, I'd like each of your universities to nominate four students. You must be confident in your students' abilities, as you won't be able to change them and they will have to face every test. I know it might seem strange, but that's the way it is. Unfortunately, these helmets are very expensive, and I managed to obtain only 20. Therefore, four students per university. I don't care if they know each other, what they study, or what their relationships are with each other; of course, for the tests they will face, it would be preferable if the four selected students are on good terms with each other, but I leave the final choice to you. The students must be willing and sign the documents found in the last 3 slides. For convenience, I've already had all the necessary sheets printed for each of you. These sheets should be scanned and emailed to me; I don't care when, as long as it's by May 31. Additionally, once completed, I'd prefer you to keep them and return them to me on the first day of the exam. Understood? You'll find all the information and everything that has been said in the document on your tablet. Oh, one last thing; I'd like all the selected students to be in their fourth year.
-And why is that? - Melissa asked.
-Well, it was more a matter of exclusion. I started by excluding first-year students; they are novices, they don't have enough skills or experience compared to older students. Of course, there are exceptions, but generally, that's the case. I also excluded fifth-year students; they would certainly be focused on finishing their careers and maybe looking at the job market, so it would be difficult for anyone to be interested in such a dangerous project. Thus, we have second, third, and fourth-year students remaining. Just like with the first-year students, fourth-year students are the ones who should have gained the most experience and thus be the most suitable for participating in this tournament. The last note I can give you; the exam will last a month; I know it's incredible and very strange, but as you'll see, for the tests that will be created, this is the minimum duration.
I quickly scanned the faces of the attendees; two of them were smiling.
One of them was obviously Alarec; he had not stopped smiling and seemed to find the meeting extremely entertaining. His presence both delighted and disturbed me. I hoped to see as little of him as possible during the exam.
The other person smiling strangely was… Melissa.
She had hinted earlier that her university was used to collaboration, but that smile was too odd. It seemed she was already thinking she had the victory in her grasp. Melissa had something in mind.
What a fun time this exam will be.
-Well, I should have covered everything that needed to be said. Any questions?
-Sorry - Bernard said -but I have to run. I have a lot of work to do.
Bernard immediately dashed out of the room. As I had anticipated.
The others stood up right after.
-Not you, Alarec. I want to speak to you for a moment.
-Certainly, Culligun.
I waited for Melissa, Pomer, and Marika to leave the room before starting to speak.
-Obviously, I imagine you know why I kept you here. How did you manage to speak with the minister?
Alarec smiled again.
-Oh, is that what you mean? No, I've never spoken to the minister. In fact, I don't even know what he looks like."
I was bewildered.
-Excuse me? So you didn't… then how did you manage to confirm everything I said?
-Oh, I just had to listen to a few of your sentences, and I immediately guessed how things went. It was very easy to predict how this conversation would unfold.
-So, why did you say that?
-To spice up the discussion, you know.
-It was to put me in difficulty, wasn't it? You wanted to see how I would react.
-Also. And I must say, you didn't disappoint me, Culligun.
-Tell me, Alarec, honestly. Did you expect the other universities to withdraw?
-No, not at all. As I said, I was sure of how things would go. Honestly, I think my interventions only sped up the process. If I hadn't said anything, we'd probably still be discussing.
-Yes, you're probably right. Tell me, Alarec, how do you feel about this exam?
-I'm actually very confident.
-Oh really? Despite the monster universities you'll face?
-I definitely have very powerful opponents, but I don't fear them too much. You see, although Bless is not famous for its teaching methods, underneath, we teach things that no other university teaches and have very unique methods. That's why I have a lot of trust in my students. The only two threats I can think of are Huss and Arrenal; but I believe my students will be able to win against their rivals without problems.
-One last question: are all the students at Bless like you?
-Well, let's say I'm a sort of representative of Bless. So yes, or at least, that's our goal. For this tournament, I will certainly choose students who are very similar to me.
-Do you already have an idea of who your students will be?
-Oh yes. I have very clear ideas.