Result

At 4:30 pm, the marathon began. 

Zero didn't rush it. He knew the weight would quickly tire him out if he pushed too hard too soon. So he went with a steady pace, focusing on his breathing and the rhythm of his steps.

Mike, ever the competitive one, started strong right out of the gate, leading the pack. Orion and Liam kept pace with each other, each clearly determined to outdo the other.

When they reached the wooded section of the route, things got challenging. The ground was uneven with roots that could easily trip an unwary runner.

Clara deftly navigated this part, her steps light. She seemed more attuned to the terrain, every movement deliberate and sure.

The hill in the middle of the route was daunting. It was where most felt the full weight of their vests. Mike's strong start began to show its downside as he started to slow, but he pushed on, gritting his teeth. Liam's vest started leaking sand, a small but crucial detail he immediately corrected by adjusting his stride.

Suddenly, a voice boomed from the loudspeakers, "Number 13, you are out!" Professor Strive announced, his gaze sweeping the group. Another student, attempting to push past his limits, stumbled and fell, sand spilling from his vest. The harsh reality of the race was setting in: three candidates had now been disqualified.

Mike was holding the lead, his initial burst of energy still keeping him ahead, but just barely. Orion and Liam, in their competitive camaraderie, were hot on his heels, pushing each other to keep pace.

Zero and Clara took the hill slowly but steadily, their careful pacing showing its merit. Lucas pushed through with sheer will, even as his earlier confidence seemed to waver slightly.

Downhill was a challenge of its own: the need for speed versus the need to keep balance. Orion's longer strides gave him a bit of an edge here, but Zero and Mike were close behind.

As the terrain leveled out, the end was in sight. Zero's eyes locked onto the finish line banner fluttering in the distance. A surge of adrenaline pushed him to increase his pace. Glancing back, he caught sight of Clara, Carl, Lucas, and Isabella - all pushing hard, each fighting their own battle with the vest and fatigue.

In the midst of his increased speed, Zero couldn't help but look at Clara. "i guess her stats must be high the fact that she can catch up with Isabella and Carl," he mused. In the back of his mind, he lamented not having access to her stats. "It's annoying, not being able to see her stats...," Zero thought.

But now wasn't the time to ponder. Zero focused and sped up even more, his legs pumping with ferocity. The once far bickering between Liam and Orion seemed closer now.

"Keep up old man!" Orion screaming at Liam while looking behind, 

"shut up dude I'm still going easy on you!" Liam replied,

"You want me to stop so you can catch up!?" Orion continued while laughing.

Zero passed Orion and Liam with ease, 'they are too focused on each other, I didn't know Orion had this side of him'. zero thought.

in his previous life, Orion and Liam weren't this close, Zero had never talked with Orion since he was the serious type that doesn't really hang out. but it looks like this is his real self. 

"wa.. wait Orion Slow down dude.. wa.. What Zero??!" Liam finally realized.

"hahaha Looks like you've gone mad Liam! what do you mean Zero? wait .. Zero!?" Orion continued

Zero smiled, "Keep up"

as Zero began to inch closer to Mike. The gap narrowed with every stride.

Just when he thought he had gauged everyone's capabilities.

Liam then shouted, "Wa..What Clara as well??"

'hmm what does he mean Clara? i guessed carrying 20kg of weight while running is taking a toll on his head' zero thought then  he glanced back one more time.

To his astonishment, Clara was rocketing forward, leaving Liam and Orion in her wake. 'what.. the' Zero thought, his eyes widening.

The cheers of their classmates and faculty grew louder as the finish line neared. 

As they finished, the digital board displayed the times:

1st Zero Elsher

2nd Mike Rodrigez

3rd Clara Asher

4th Orion Hale

5th Liam Fortis

Carl and Lucas were close behind in the 6th and 7th spots.

Catching his breath, Zero turned to Clara. "You know, I didn't expect you to be right behind us," he said with a genuine smile.

She chuckled, wiping sweat from her brow. "Well... I tried my best, and you still got first place zero!."

suddenly a screen popped out, 

====================================

Name: Zero Elsher

Age: Undetermined ?? Error! Error!

Power: ???

Intelligence: ???

Stamina: 21

Talent: ???? , Stamina,???

==================================

Zero has used focused insight on Clara more than ten times, but it still doesn't show anything, this time it showed by itself without even needing to use the skill, and it shows the stat stamina, and talent. 

'does that mean.. I have to interact with her to see more of her stats. 29 stamina at the age of 12 is incredibly high, for reference, Orion has 29 stats of stamina while Liam is 28, Mike and mine are 33 and 37.5 respectively' Zero thinking hard. 

interruption zero thought a hand hit the back of his shoulder.

"Damn it you won again!" Mike annoyingly said to Zero.

Zero smirked, "Unlucky, Mike. You were close."

Mike rolled his eyes, "Liar! you weren't even trying! I saw how you were just chilling in the back until the last seconds you just ran past everyone!."

Zero smirking" hm.. I think you overestimated me, I was trying really hard in the last part and I got lucky!"

Clara joined in, "is that true Zero? you were going easy on al of us?"

Mike " of course he did, ughhh whatever I'll beat you next time"

Zero only smiled at their comments.

on the other side of the field, 

Orion, still catching his breath, added, "Today proved it. I won you slowpoke!."

Liam lying down almost passing out, "da..mn you.. go..t luc..ky.. ." catching his breath

The afternoon slowly transitioned to evening, the day's challenge highlighting not just their physical endurance but also their mental strength and resilience.

As the candidates began gathering their things, Professor Strive approached with Sarah White beside him. "Students," Professor Strive began, "I would like to congratulate all of you for giving your best. The results will be posted on Saturday morning. It will be a combination of your theoretical grades from the past three months and today's physical test."

Sarah then added, "All the best, everyone. We hope to announce our top candidates from the first year this Saturday. Rest well and good luck."

As the crowd began to disperse, Zero noticed Sarah seated on a nearby bench, engrossed in her laptop. Curious, he approached her. Sarah looked up, noticing Zero, and a hint of a smile crossed her face. "Hey, Junior," she greeted, "Congrats on getting first place."

"Thanks, Senior," Zero replied, "I got lucky."

Sarah raised an eyebrow, "Hmm? it doesn't look like that junior, you were going easy on them."

Zero shook. "not at all senior, you overestimate me. either than that what are you doing?"

"Oh, just some student council work. The life of a vice-president is never easy, you know," she said with a playful sigh.

He chuckled, "I can imagine. Need any help?"

Sarah grinned, "Maybe I'll take you up on that offer one day, Junior. Now go get some rest. make sure you win us the trophy next week okay?"

Zero just smiled.