Avasyu had scored a perfect 300—dodging every ball in one minute.
It was an impressive performance.
Then, the instructor announced, "Now it's the turn of Contestant No. 14."
Ash stepped forward to the center of the room. His expression remained calm as he activated his first stage.
The countdown began.
"5..."
"4... 3... 2... 1..."
"Start!"
Balls shot toward Ash from every direction, varying in speed and angle.
But Ash moved with precision.
A ball came from behind—he spun to dodge.
Two more from the front—he weaved between them.
One from the right—he jumped over it.
Another from the left—he slid back just in time.
His movements were fluid, effortless.
For a full minute, he dodged without a single ball touching him.
Then—
"Time's up."
The instructor checked the results.
"Contestant No. 14 has scored 297."
Avasyu's eyes widened.
297?
He had seen Ash dodge every ball just like he had.
So why was his score three points lower?
Avasyu frowned and turned toward the instructor. "There must be some mistake—"
But Ash cut him off.
"Don't."
Avasyu stopped.
Ash smirked. "It was the timing."
"I was just slightly slower in dodging three of them."
Avasyu sighed. Even the smallest delay made a difference.
The exam continued as more contestants took their turn.
Then—
"Contestant No. 23, step forward."
The Air User.
Ash nudged Avasyu. "Watch carefully."
Avasyu nodded. He wanted to see what made this guy special.
The Air User stood in the center, completely relaxed.
The countdown began.
"5... 4... 3... 2... 1... Start!"
Balls flew toward him from every direction—just like before.
But something was off.
He wasn't dodging the balls.The balls were dodging him.
Avasyu's eyes widened. "What?! How is he doing that?"
Ash smirked. "I told you to observe closely."
Avasyu squinted, trying to focus. Instinctively, he activated his first stage, sharpening his vision.
Then he saw it.
The air.
Thin, nearly invisible distortions surrounded the Air User. The wind shifted around him, altering the trajectory of each ball just enough to miss him.
"He's manipulating the air... redirecting their paths," Avasyu muttered in disbelief.
Ash nodded. "Exactly. Instead of dodging, he's making sure the balls never even reach him."
Avasyu was impressed. "He's smart."
Ash chuckled. "Everyone's smart, except you."
Avasyu shot him a glare. "Hey! I am smart enough!"
Ash just grinned. "Sure you are."
Avasyu huffed but couldn't help smirking.
As the timer hit one minute, the instructor announced the final result.
"Contestant No. 23 has scored 300."
A perfect score—just like Avasyu.
The exam continued for ten more minutes as the remaining contestants took their turns. Finally, the test was over.
The instructor stepped forward to announce the rankings.
"Contestant No. 14 has achieved third place."
Ash remained calm, but Avasyu could tell he wasn't entirely pleased with the result.
Then, the instructor's next words caught everyone off guard.
"However, this time, there are no second or first positions."
Murmurs spread through the crowd.
"Because two contestants have achieved the same highest score, neither will be placed second or first.
"Instead, both will receive two points each. That is the final decision."
With that, the instructor left.
Avasyu turned to Ash. "This will count, right?"
Ash nodded. "Mhmm."
Before they could talk further, a sudden announcement rang through the area.
"Attention, everyone."
The voice was familiar. It wasn't just any instructor—it was Miss Assistant.
The crowd fell silent, turning toward the woman. She stood poised, speaking through the mic.
"There will be no more exams today."
Gasps and whispers erupted among the students.
She continued, "For this, we sincerely apologize."
"However, as compensation, every participant will receive one additional point as a grace mark."
The murmurs only grew. Something wasn't right.
Miss Assistant's tone became more serious. "We deeply regret the sudden change in plans. It is due to an emergency."
Avasyu and Ash exchanged glances.
An emergency?
"The final results will be sent to all participants via letter."
"For now, everyone is instructed to return to their hostels and remain there for the next few days."
"If possible, return home."
"There will be no classes during this time."
"That is all. Please move quickly."
With that, the announcement ended.
The tension in the air was heavy. Something big was happening.
Avasyu clenched his fists. An emergency?
Whatever it was, it wasn't normal.And he had a bad feeling about it.
Everyone rushed to their rooms. It felt like an emergency, though no one knew why. The only thing they were sure of was that they could trust her words.
The hostel was eerily silent. Tension filled the air.
"What's going on?" Avasyu asked, glancing at Ash.
But Ash stood frozen, lost in thought. He murmured, "It's happening."
"But....This early?"
"Huh?" Avasyu frowned.
"What are you talking about?"
Ash snapped out of his trance. "Come to my room."
"Alright…"
Avasyu followed him. It was his first time stepping into Ash's room.
The moment he entered, his breath hitched. Papers were everywhere—pinned to the walls, stacked on the desk, scattered across the floor. Newspaper clippings. Notes. Diagrams. It looked like something out of a conspiracy theorist's hideout.
"What is all this?" Avasyu asked, scanning the chaos.
Ash ignored the question. "Forget that. I promised to tell you my secrets."
His voice turned serious. "But first, promise me—you won't tell anyone."
Avasyu met his gaze. Whatever this was, it wasn't a joke.
"I promise."
Ash sat on the bed, exhaling slowly. Then he looked up.
"I'm not from this world."
Avasyu blinked. "What?"
"I'm not from this world," Ash repeated.
A silence stretched between them before Avasyu scoffed. "What are you saying? Where are you from, then?"
Ash's gaze didn't waver. "I'm from Earth."
Avasyu frowned. "But… this is Earth."
"Not the same one." Ash replied.
Avasyu felt his stomach tighten. "I don't understand."
Ash leaned forward. "I don't know how many versions exist. But I come from a different Earth."
Avasyu ran a hand through his hair. "This isn't just a secret. This is—this is something else entirely."
He swallowed hard. "And your second secret?"
Ash hesitated. His expression darkened. "The second secret… it's not entirely mine to tell."
A long pause.
Then, finally, he said, "But you need to know."
"The second secret is....."