Exam(1)
He finally did it – he created an A.I. with sentience.
Aiden couldn't hold back his tears of joy. "I finally did it," he whispered with a trembling voice.
Seeing Aiden's emotional state, I.R.I.S. – as she identified herself – understood the pain he had gone through for all these years. But now that she was there, Aiden wouldn't have to worry about being alone again.
|2 weeks later|
After Iris gained sentience, Aiden started to find a way to implement her consciousness into his Z-Phone and house network. It was a delicate process, but with his [Genius] intellect and comprehensive understanding of mana and technology, he made significant progress.
He also discovered that his suspicions were right; there was someone who had repeatedly broken into his network until I.R.I.S. blocked every access. "It was probably someone with a Technopathy-type Gift, most likely a high-rank one since my network defense is very hard to break," Aiden speculated.
He decided not to reveal the creation of I.R.I.S. to the public; it was far too dangerous for such advanced technology to be known widely. He only informed his family, telling hem that he enhanced their network defense, ensuring their safety from any potential spies or hackers.
Now, Aiden stood in front of the Gifted Association once more, ready to enter the Noxus exam. His father accompanied him, knowing that Aiden would stay at home regardless of the results of the exams.
"Dad, are you sure this is the place?" Aiden asked, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves.
"Yes, just remember to say the phrase I told you. Hey Philomen, my son has to enter the Noxus exam," Lenn said to the receptionist.
"Password," Philomen replied.
"In knowledge's realm, trials I've braved, now seeking Noxus to conquer and save," Aiden recited the code phrase confidently.
"Follow me, Aiden. As for you, Mister Ouroboros, you can turn back home. Aiden will be left at home regardless of the results of the exams," Philomen directed.
"Good luck, son," Lenn said, giving Aiden a reassuring pat on the shoulder.
"Thanks, Dad," Aiden replied, taking a deep breath as he followed Philomen down a white corridor, feeling the anticipation building up inside him.
Philomen spoke to Aiden along the way. "You sure about Noxus? You know that it's one of the most dangerous places, and the exam itself can be perilous."
"I'm confident enough," Aiden said, his determination shining through.
Aiden glanced at his [Status], reviewing his growth and abilities.
RANK: D+
□Name: Aiden Ouroboros
□Age: 16 years old
□Race: Phoenix + Human
□Gift: Celestial Pyre Phoenix SSS+
◇HP: 4800/4800 ♤MANA: 5900/5900
☆Boons: [Divine Body]~Genius~[Phoenix Immortality]~Hardworker
¤Flaws: [Phoenix Arrogance]~Battle Maniac~Skeptical
Stats:
STR: 45
END: 48
AGI: 38
WILL: 59
CHA: S+
Skills:
Passive
Fire & Heat Immunity MAX
Cold Resistance (3/5)
Martial Arts (3,5/5)
[Super Regeneration (1,5/3)]
[Divine Sense (2/4)]
[Language Comprehension MAX]
[???]
Active
[Beastification (1,5/3)]
[Hellfire (1/3)]
===================================
With his [Hellfire] skill now fully mastered, he could shoot fire externally, not just coat it around his body. Aiden also made considerable progress with his Martial Arts skills, especially after training with weapons.
"I'm getting closer to a breakthrough," Aiden thought to himself, determined to push his limits even further.
Philomen stopped in front of a sleek and futuristic metallic platform, embedded with intricate circuitry and glowing symbols that pulsed with energy. The teleporter stood tall, supported by sturdy legs that kept it stable.
"A teleporter?" Aiden asked, impressed by the advanced technology before him.
"I didn't expect you to remain unfazed in front of it, but yes, it's a teleporter," Philomen replied.
"You are the only one that requested to enter the Noxus; I will turn it on right now, so stand on the platform," Philomen instructed.
Aiden nodded and stepped onto the circular platform, excitement building as he prepared to undertake the Noxus exam.
The teleporter emitted a soft humming sound, indicating its readiness for use. A circular platform at the center served as the designated area for the user to stand on, surrounded by safety barriers – a shimmering energy field that prevented unintended movement during teleportation.
"Okay, here goes nothing," Aiden said with a mix of nerves and excitement, taking a deep breath.
Brilliant arcs of energy surged from the base to the circular platform, enveloping him in a cocoon of iridescent light.
During teleportation, Aiden felt a sensation akin to being pulled through a vortex of space and time. The world blurred around him, and he felt a sense of weightlessness that lasted only a moment before the teleporter seamlessly deposited him at his destination.
{Wow, that was incredible! It resembles the sensation that I feel when I cross the Gates, but this is super intensified!} Aiden thought, taking a moment to collect himself after the teleportation.
Looking around, Aiden found himself standing on a platform similar to the teleporter one he had used earlier.
{So, all the people who requested to enter the academy get teleported here? It seems like I am one of the first ones here}, Aiden thought, observing the still-empty surroundings.
Stepping off the platform, Aiden approached a man who appeared to be an instructor for the exam.
"Good morning, sir. Is this the place where the first exam takes place?" Aiden inquired politely.
"Aiden Ouroboros, right? Don't know what a Giftless dude like you is doing here, but I suggest you get out of here," the man replied mockingly.
Raising an eyebrow, Aiden replied, "I wouldn't be here if I was Giftless. Besides, this is my problem, not yours. So, how about you do your job and tell me what I have to do?"
The man's face flushed with anger. "You little shit! I'm one of the instructors here! I will make your life a living hell if you don't excuse yourself right now!" Said the instructor while emitting killing intent that grew stronger each second.
But Aiden remained unfazed;[Phoenix arrogance] was on work.
{How dare this peasant mock me!! A PURE BLOODED PHOENIX Your killing intent it's so pathetic that I bet that even a goblin would be able to resist it!}
Contrary to the instructor's expectations, Aiden didn't falter or display any signs of fear. His expression remained composed, and his will remained unyielding.
Seeing Aiden's resistance without a care, the instructor began to smile, confusing Aiden in the process.
"You passed the first test," the instructor declared.
Confused, Aiden asked, "Wait, so this was a setup to test my resistance to killing intent?"
"You caught on quickly, boy. Yes, this is the first test – a test of willpower. There are too many aspiring hunters who, when put on the battlefield or in extremely dangerous situations, freeze due to fear. So, we decided that the first test will always be a test of willpower. Yours must be quite strong if you were completely unfazed by mine. Usually, the others have a heart attack, pass out right after or feel into their knees," the instructor explained.
Aiden nodded, understanding the rationale behind the test. The academy was no place for the faint-hearted, and it seemed he had already proven his mental fortitude. The challenges ahead would undoubtedly be tough, but he was ready to face them head-on, just like the true Phoenix he aspired to be.