First exam

'I can see other people's stats and talents', Zero thought while looking at Mike and Kayla.

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Name: Mike Rodriguez

Age: 12 years old

Power: 9

Intelligence: 6

Stamina: 11

Talent: Soccer, Socializing.

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Name: Kayla Aaron

Age: 12 years old

Power: 6

Intelligence: 14

Stamina: 5

Talent: Violin, Economics, Business.

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'but looking at their stats, I guess my overall stats is unnatural after all' zero muttered.

"Did you say something, Zero?" Kayla asked, looking at Zero with a hint of curiosity.

Zero's gaze flickered back to the present, and he shook his head, managing a casual smile. "No, nothing. Just thinking."

They decided to regroup with Camila and found her still bubbling with enthusiasm over her experience with the Literature club.

"How was the Literature club, Camila?" Mike asked, his voice filled with genuine interest.

Camila's eyes sparkled as she replied, "It was wonderful, Everyone was so friendly, and they have this amazing collection of books. I've already joined"

"Congratulations! That's fantastic," Kayla cheered, sharing her excitement.

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Age: 12 years old

Power: 5

Intelligence: 19

Stamina: 4

Talent: Memory

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disturbing Zero with his focus, "Zero, have you thought about joining any club yet?" Mike inquired, looking at Zero.

Zero's expression remained composed as he answered, "Not yet. I think I'll take some more time to decide." 'memory?' Zero thought, ' also she has a really high intelligence for a 12-year-old'.

The friends spent the rest of the day touring the academy, exploring various clubs. Each of them found a club that resonated with their interests, Camila with the Literature club, Kayla with the Music club, and Mike with the Soccer club.

As they toured the campus, they discovered hidden nooks, and state-of-the-art facilities, and even stumbled upon a serene garden that seemed to be a well-kept secret among the seniors.

"The academy is so much more than I thought," Kayla remarked, her eyes wide with wonder.

"Yeah, there's something for everyone here," Mike agreed, his mind already on the soccer field.

They explored the gym, the art studio, and the science labs, and even peeked into the teachers' lounge, their curiosity leading them down various paths.

As the day wound down, the friends realized that it was time to head to their respective dorms.

"Today was incredible," Camila sighed, a contented smile on her face. "But we have that exam tomorrow. We better hit the books."

"You're right," Kayla acknowledged, a mock grimace on her face. "I guess it's time to face reality again."

Mike laughed, "Don't worry, we'll ace it!"

They all decided to go to their own dorm. Professor Emily explains that the first week of the dorm room is only temporary since after the ranking system announced for the first year they will have a better room.

"See you guys tomorrow," Zero said, his voice softer than usual. "Don't forget to study. And good luck with your clubs."

"Thanks, Zero," Kayla replied, her eyes filled with gratitude. "You too, take your time deciding."

"Yeah, no pressure, Zero!" Mike added, clapping him on the shoulder. "See you in the morning."

With heartfelt goodbyes, they parted ways, each heading to their dorms, their minds filled with exams and the anticipation of what lay ahead.

As Zero walked to his dorm, his thoughts wandered back to his friends' stats and talents. 'Business and economics,' he mused, reflecting on Kayla's unexpected talents. 'I wasn't expecting that. She'll be useful in the future if I can guide her right.' 'And what does memory mean' thinking about Camila's talent.

He mulled over this thought as he reached his dorm, his mind working through the implications. As he settled down to study, the questions continued to swirl, but one thing was clear—his abilities were more than just numbers; they were a key to understanding the world around him, a tool to navigate the complexities of relationships.

"With this enigmatic system, I'm uncertain if it's a blessing or curse. It grants me formidable power, but its purpose, good or evil, rests on my choices. Drawbacks remain shrouded, a mystery to unravel. A ticking death quest adds urgency, a puzzle to solve. Despite its might, this system is a weight to bear, a force both wondrous and overwhelming." Zero murmured.

The written exam day had arrived, and the tension was palpable throughout the academy. Students were busy revising, teachers were offering last-minute advice, and the hallways were filled with nervous energy.

Tuesday's exam was mathematics and history both subjects that Zero had an exceptional grasp of. Of course, as he had been reading books from his father's library and the help with his high intelligence. As he settled into his seat, he calmly surveyed the room, noticing the mixed expressions of anxiety, determination, and fear on his classmates' faces.

The examiner, Professor Emily, a stern but fair woman, announced the commencement of the test, and the room fell into a focused silence, broken only by the scratching of pens and the occasional rustle of paper.

Zero's pen flew across the paper, his mind working at a breakneck pace, solving equations and problems with fluid precision. Within 25 minutes, he found himself staring at the last question, a satisfied smile tugging at his lips as he filled in the final answer.

He looked up, realizing that he was the only one finished, and the room was still a sea of furrowed brows and concentrated faces.

Rising from his seat, he approached Professor Emily, his completed paper in hand. She looked up, surprise evident in her eyes.

"Finished already, Zero?" she asked, her tone a mixture of disbelief and curiosity.

"Yes, Professor," Zero replied, his voice calm and respectful. "I've checked my answers, and I believe they're all correct."

Professor Emily took the paper, scanning through it briefly. Her eyebrows shot up as she realized that he had indeed completed the test accurately.

"Well, Zero," she said, her voice filled with admiration, "I must say, I'm impressed. You may leave early if you wish, but please keep quiet about the exam until everyone has finished."

"Thank you, Professor," Zero responded, giving her a polite nod before leaving the room.

As the other students continued to work, Zero's friends, Mike, Kayla, Camila, and the rest of the class watched him leave, their eyes wide with surprise.

The two-hour mark finally arrived, and the rest of the students filed out of the exam room, their faces reflecting various emotions ranging from relief to despair.

Mike, Kayla, and Camila immediately went to Zero, their faces still showing signs of disbelief.

"Zero, did you speedrun the exam or something?" Mike exclaimed, his voice filled with awe. "How did you finish so fast?"

"I didn't know you were a genius, Zero," Camila said, her eyes sparkling.

"did you ... cheat????," Kayla added jokingly.

It was at this moment that a tall, dark-haired, muscular boy named Carl Reiven appeared, a smirk playing on his lips. Flanked by his lackeys, he sauntered over, his eyes fixed on Zero.

"What a show-off," he sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. "Trying so hard to look superior, aren't you?"

His lackeys laughed, their eyes filled with malice.

"Or maybe he actually cheated," one of them suggested, earning more laughter from the group.

Zero's eyes narrowed, but his voice remained composed, with a smile Zero said. "I simply did my best."

Carl's smirk widened, his eyes glinting with malicious amusement. "Oh, playing the humble card now? What's next? A speech on morality?"

Zero's friends bristled at Carl's taunts, but Zero held up a hand, silencing them.

"I don't need to prove anything to you," Zero said, his voice cold and measured. "My actions speak for themselves."

Carl's face twisted into a scowl, his eyes burning with anger. "We'll see about that, Elsher. We'll see."

With a final sneer, Carl turned and stalked away, his lackeys trailing behind him, their laughter echoing in the hallway.

Zero's friends looked at him, concern in their eyes.

"Are you okay, Zero?" Camila asked, her voice filled with worry.

Zero nodded, his face showing no emotion. "I'm fine. Let's not let him ruin our day."

They all agreed and decided to go to the cafeteria. As they settled into seats at the cafeteria, the tension from the confrontation with Carl seemed to lift, and the friends started discussing their exam experiences.

Mike wore a worried frown. "I don't know, guys, I think I did badly in that exam. Some of those problems were really tough."

Kayla reached over and patted his hand reassuringly. "Don't worry too much about it, Mike. I'm sure you did better than you think. Besides, it's just one test."

Camila nodded, her expression shy but her voice carrying a hint of conviction. "Um, yeah, Mike, I agree with Kayla. We... all studied hard. And Zero, you finished in 25 minutes. That's really... amazing."

Zero simply shrugged, his demeanor as calm as ever. "It's not that big of a deal. Mathematics just happens to be something I'm good at. How about you, Kayla? How did you find the exam?"

"I felt pretty good about it," Kayla replied, smiling. "I managed to answer all the questions, so I'm hopeful."

Camila's eyes brightened, but she spoke softly. "I think we'll all do well, too. We have more subjects to focus on."

Mike's expression lightened a bit, and he allowed himself a small smile. "You guys are right. I should stay positive. We've got more exams to conquer."

As they chatted, Zero interjected with a suggestion. "You know, we have a few hours until our next history exam at 4 pm. How about after lunch we then head to the library? We can use the time to revise and help each other prepare. Mike, I can assist you with the part you're unsure about."

Mike looked at Zero, his eyes widening in surprise. "Seriously, man? You'd do that?"

Zero nodded, a faint smile gracing his lips. "Sure why not?"

After lunch they go to the library.