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The Second Chance System: A Life Unbound

In a world that's lost its luster, Zero Elsher leads an utterly average life. With an unremarkable job, appearance, and relationships, his existence is a monotonous cycle of tedium. Desperate to escape his boredom, Zero delves into the dangerous and illicit world of street fights and human betting, but this twisted pursuit of excitement comes at a fatal cost. Kidnapped and used as a pawn for others' entertainment, Zero meets a tragic end—but his story is far from over. Awakened by a mysterious system's voice, he finds himself thrust back in time, reborn as an eight-year-old child. The confusion of a second chance is overshadowed by the realization of the control he now wields. Armed with knowledge of the future and guided by the enigmatic system, Zero vows to reshape his destiny. With the determination to seize life's excitement and avoid the boredom that once ensnared him, Zero sets out on a journey of self-discovery, power, and redemption. Through the eyes of a man reborn, explore a world where second chances exist, and nothing is as it seems. Will Zero's pursuit of fulfillment lead him to enlightenment, or will the shadows of his past catch up to him?

Ullyses1 · Fantasía
Sin suficientes valoraciones
96 Chs

Physical exam

The next day has come, The sun had risen, casting a warm golden hue across the sprawling field where the physical exams would unfold. The field was a patchwork of short grass and hard-packed dirt, bordered by towering trees that rustled gently in the breeze. The air was alive with the buzz of excited students, their energy palpable as they gathered for the day's challenges.

In the midst of this vibrant scene stood Professor Helena Strive, an imposing figure in her late twenties. Her strong presence demanded attention, her sharp eyes surveying the assembled students with a mix of scrutiny and expectation. Her dark hair was pulled back into a tight bun, accentuating her stern expression. Clad in a form-fitting athletic uniform, Professor Strive radiated an aura of discipline and authority.

As the students prepared for the physical exams, Professor Strive's voice boomed across the field, commanding attention. "Today's tests will challenge your endurance, agility, and teamwork," she announced, her voice unwavering. "Remember, that we will be looking closely at your performance since this exam is worth 50 percent of your rankings."

Among the throng, Carl Reiven of Class 1 was like a beacon of arrogance. His boasts rang through the air, echoing in the hearts of those who heard them. When his eyes fixed on Zero, they were full of challenge.

"Prepare to be humiliated, Zero," Carl sneered, his eyes glittering with malice. His challenge was met with quiet confidence by Zero, who stood calm amidst the storm of anticipation.

Zero's eyes, however, were not just fixed on Carl. He scanned the crowd, recognizing familiar faces from his previous life's knowledge. These were not just any students; they were the strong and formidable ones, talents he had noted in his past existence.

From Class 2, two figures stood out. Liam Fortis, a tall, broad-shouldered young man with strikingly short blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. His chiseled jawline and stern expression were a testament to his disciplined and relentless nature. He was a powerhouse known for his physical strength and unbreakable resolve.

Beside him was Seraphina Aelius, an ethereal beauty with flowing silver hair and captivating violet eyes. Slender and graceful, she moved with a dancer's poise. Her appearance belied a fierce determination and agility that made her a formidable opponent. Her reputation for precision and control was well-earned.

Class 3 had its own standouts. Maxwell "Max" Thorn, a charismatic young man with wavy brown hair and mischievous green eyes. His confident smile and relaxed demeanor hid a tactical mind and quick reflexes. He was a strategist, known for his clever and unpredictable plays on the field.

Alongside Max was Isabella Crane, a fiery redhead with intense amber eyes that sparkled with determination. Her petite frame was packed with energy and strength, and her athleticism was unmatched in her class. Her fierce competitiveness and ability to adapt quickly to any situation made her a force to be reckoned with.

Lastly, from Class 4, were two more remarkable students. Orion Hale, a quiet and mysterious figure with raven-black hair and deep, thoughtful grey eyes. His lean and muscular frame spoke of agility and endurance, and his reputation as a master of martial arts was widely acknowledged.

With Orion was Aurelia Storm, a stunning young woman with long, dark blue hair that shimmered like the night sky. Her clear, icy blue eyes were a window to her calm and collected nature. Known for her intellectual prowess and strategic thinking, she was a leader, cool-headed and methodical.

Zero's memory from his previous life was a treasure trove of information, allowing him to analyze and evaluate these promising talents. He knew their strengths, their weaknesses, and their potential. They were the key players in this grand event, and Zero could feel the pulse of competition throbbing in the air.

As Zero's eyes swept over the assembled students, taking in their determined faces, a sudden realization struck him. Among the sea of familiar faces, one was conspicuously absent: Clara Asher.

Zero's brows furrowed in confusion. He knew the importance of these exams and the pivotal role they played in the future of the academy. So where was Asher? Even as he combed through his memories from his past life, he couldn't recall any mention of Clara Asher as a student at the academy. 'she was never supposed to be in this academy' Zero thought. This absence of information left him puzzled and somewhat uneasy.

His thoughts were abruptly interrupted as Professor Helena Strive's authoritative voice rang out across the field. "Attention, students!" she called, silencing the murmurs and drawing all eyes to her. "Due to special circumstances, Clara Asher will not be participating in today's exams. She has already completed the required tests before the academy term began."

A wave of whispers washed over the crowd, a ripple of surprise and curiosity. Students exchanged glances, speculation in their eyes, questions on their lips. Why had Clara taken the tests early? What were these "special circumstances"? The mystery only deepened students' confusion.

Carl's voice broke through Zero's thoughts, his arrogance smitten the area.

"looks like someone pays their way through, I guess you can use real money to affect the rankings" Carl smirked. "Why don't you do the same Elsher?".

As Zero's growing irritation threatened to surface, a teacher assistant named Oliver stepped boldly into the spotlight. With a confident air, he introduced himself as a third-year student, a member of the student council. Whispers of curiosity and intrigue surged through the gathered students "I guess aiding Professors can give you NSE points." some students whispered like a ripple in a pond as Oliver took center stage, preparing to unveil the details of the upcoming exam.

"Listen up, everyone," Oliver's voice projected across the field, capturing the attention of the students. "The upcoming physical exam will be split into two distinct parts, the first part will only be testing your endurance and stamina."

He paused, allowing the weight of his words to settle, before continuing, "In the first part of this challenge, you'll be engaged in a pursuit. Picture this: I'll position myself at the front of the line, and your task is simple—try to keep ahead of me as I walk at a fast pace. But here's the catch: if I manage to tag the student at the very back, they're out of the running. No discussions, no debates."

The gravity of the situation was palpable, and the implications of these rules rippled through the crowd like electricity. The students exchanged glances, surprise and a hint of anxiety flickering in their eyes. The challenge was now crystal clear—an intricate blend of speed, endurance, and stamina.

Oliver's confident voice carried on, painting a vivid picture of the impending trial. "I will keep the same pace of speed, and I won't stop until only one participant remains. So, whether you're at the front or back of the pack, you've got to balance your speed and your wits if you want to survive this first round."

Oliver paused for a moment then continue, "Because we will be using the academy American Football field which is 110x50 meters in length there will always be a space, and I will start at the opposite site of the field to give you first year a head start" Oliver take a breather, "any questions?"

hands were raised, "You! The tall guy on the back, please state your class and name before your questions." Oliver asked.

"Greetings, My name is Maxwell Thorn from class 3, you can call me Max. My question is how are we going to decide the order, I don't think it is fair for the people on the back?" Max confidently said.

"Good question, Max," a student's voice rang out, cutting through the anticipatory silence that had settled over the crowd. "Isn't it unfair for those at the back? Shouldn't there be some sort of random selection?"

Oliver's demeanor remained arrogantly confident as he responded, his tone dripping with self-assurance. "Ah, but that's where you're missing the point, my friend. Fairness, you see, is a relative concept. The world isn't always just, and life rarely hands out equality on a silver platter."

He paused for dramatic effect, his grin widening. "Normal academies probably use some mundane method like roll numbers or rely on the fickle finger of luck to determine the order. Here at NSE, we've already taken care of that for you. We've already decided who stands where!"

Oliver's smile seemed to hold a mischievous glint, and he continued, "And how did we decide, you ask?"

The curiosity in the air was palpable, and another student couldn't help but voice the question that was on everyone's mind. "How did you decide the order?"

Before Oliver could unveil the method, Professor Helena Strive intervened with a voice that brooked no argument. "Punctuality," she stated, her tone unwavering and stern. "As you know, we scheduled this exam to begin at 9 am sharp. However, some students chose to arrive earlier, preparing themselves mentally and physically. This meant that those who find themselves at the very back of the line were the ones who arrived latest in our roll call."

A chorus of reactions echoes through the crowd like a tide. Some students exchanged whispers, expressions ranging from happiness to anger. A few protested quietly, their voices carrying their sense of injustice. It was clear that not everyone was content with this method of determination.

But neither Oliver nor Professor Strive seemed fazed by the discontent. Oliver, with a calm and superior smile, chimed in, "NSE isn't your typical academy, my friends. We don't follow conventional norms. We're focused on nurturing exceptional talents. If you're upset about a little competition, a bit of uneven ground, then perhaps you're not truly suited for this environment."

His words hung in the air, challenging and unapologetic, as if daring anyone to question the academy's ethos. Professor Strive's gaze remained unyielding, a reflection of her dedication to molding extraordinary individuals.

In the face of their authority, dissenting voices dwindled, swallowed by the weight of the institution's unique philosophy. The exam had already begun, not just in terms of physical prowess but in testing the students' mettle in the face of adversity.

"We will begin in 10 minutes," Professor Strive announced, her voice carrying across the field. "We will call your names, and you'll start at the front of the lines. After the first name is called, line up at the back. Our teacher assistants will be there to help you."

As the countdown began, the students shuffled into their respective positions. Zero found himself in the middle of the line, his eyes scanning those around him. To his surprise, Carl Reiven was among the students who had arrived early, positioned at the very front. It was a curious turn of events, considering Carl's reputation for arrogance.

At the opposite end, standing at the back of the line, were two figures who stood out for their apparent lack of athleticism. Their posture suggested an aversion to physical exertion, and Zero couldn't help but think that their tardiness might be attributed to their reluctance to participate in the exam.

Directly in front of Zero stood Orion Hale, a silent presence from Class 4. Zero had observed Orion's remarkable prowess in martial arts from his previous life, a skill set that made him a formidable contender in this exam.

Further ahead, Zero noticed Camila and Kayla, side by side. 'looks like they went here together' zero thought. It seemed they had found comfort and familiarity in each other's company, a reassuring presence in this high-stakes situation.

Mike was nearly at the very back of the line, yet Zero held no concern for his friend's performance. He knew Mike's capabilities well, understanding that even though he loves to act stupid, he still doesn't like to lose. The boy was a hidden powerhouse, and Zero had every confidence that he would be top 10.

As the minutes ticked away, the tension in the air grew palpable. The countdown reached its conclusion, and the last name was called. A student stepped forward, and the line slowly began to move, rearranging itself.

Zero's mind was sharp and focused, his senses attuned to the subtle shifts in movement around him. The exam was not just a test of speed and endurance; it was a strategic game of positioning and timing.

'Orion Hale and Liam Fortis are quite strong for their age, and so is Mike, I probably need to actually try if I want to get first place.' Zero thought.

As the line finally settled, Professor Strive's voice rang out once again, her words slicing through the charged atmosphere. "Begin!" shooting a flare gun.

With those words, the field came alive. Students surged forward, a surge of energy and determination propelling them. Zero's heart pounded in his chest as he launched into motion, his body moving in sync with his mind. 'I'll just keep my pace until there are only 10 people left.'

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