Target

"I still can't wrap my head around it. I expected you to take more time, but..." Stephan shook his head, "Over fifty questions in just half an hour?"

"The questions they provided, honestly, only one or two were even remotely challenging, and none exceeded ten in difficulty," Jack replied with a grin. "Besides, they were quite straightforward."

"Calling them simple is like saying the sky is blue," Stephan retorted, rolling his eyes, though he'd grown accustomed to Jack's penchant for understatement.

"They're simple to me," Jack insisted with a smile.

"Fine. Then, about that promise to take me flying..." Stephan inquired, "What if you actually pass..."

"No chance, it's a certainty," Jack declared, pointing out the window.

"What?" Stephan blinked, peering outside, but saw nothing.

"Here they come," Jack announced, raising an eyebrow. "I'm getting antsy..."

...

"Coming for you?" Stephan blurted out, "Helicopters? What on earth have you done? Did you cheat on the exam before? I told you your actions were too blatant, and now you're trying to cover it up... Ow!"

"Think before you speak. What do you mean by 'committing something'? Do you really think I'm the type to break the law? My favorite pastime is utilizing legal loopholes... Oh, scratch that, my favorite pastime is actually abiding by the law!" Jack's attempt to retract the blow he had just landed on Stephan's head would have been futile; otherwise, Stephan's reaction would have been more than just a pained exclamation.

Stephan gingerly touched his head, feeling like crying but finding no tears.

You were definitely aiming to exploit legal gray areas, without a doubt!

How adept Jack was at spinning words!

Outside, the sight of armed helicopters in motion had captured everyone's attention.

A group of fully armed soldiers rappelled down from one of the helicopters – a scene usually reserved for movies but now unfolding in reality. Naturally, everyone whipped out their mobile phones to snap photos and speculate about the situation.

A soldier in full military attire disembarked and shook hands with the head of the department who had already arrived.

"What's the order from above?" Sebastian the department head inquired after exchanging pleasantries.

He was still perplexed.

He had been informed in advance about the significant operation, but the details were kept under wraps. The notification simply stated that a group of soldiers would be arriving, with the purpose shrouded in secrecy.

Thankfully, he recognized the commanding officer, allowing Sebastian to inquire about the situation.

"I can't divulge much," the major shook his head slightly. "You'll find out soon enough. I'm here to retrieve someone. Let's go."

"Retrieve someone?"

"An extremely important individual."

"Such a person, here in our branch?" Sebastian was taken aback, his mind racing to identify potential candidates within the branch... but ultimately coming up empty-handed.

He also understood that if the major said he couldn't ask questions, then he shouldn't. So, he simply followed along.

The group hurried straight to the department where the mecha designer was located.

With each step, Sebastian's apprehension grew. He wasn't the type of official to sit idly by; he was practical. And because of this, he knew the department's situation well... There was only one person.

It seemed this individual was a prospective mecha pilot, but couldn't proceed due to physical reasons?

Was it this person who garnered such attention from superiors, even prompting a visit from a major?

Could it be that their health had improved, enabling them to resume mecha piloting? But surely it wasn't to the extent of such serious attention?

An armed helicopter arriving to pick them up... Sebastian mused silently as the group pressed on towards their destination.

"They're here for you," Stephan stated calmly.

Initially surprised, Stephan rationalized it. It seemed fitting for a genius who completed so many test questions in such a short time to receive such treatment, didn't it? Perhaps they got all the answers correct, or at least most of them! Otherwise, why would the higher-ups be so eager?

Lost in thought, Stephan found himself eagerly anticipating his own future as a mecha pilot, all thanks to Jack's remarkable performance.

Lost in his thoughts, a series of knocks on the door snapped Stephan back to reality. Rushing to open it, he was met by Minister Sebastian and a major, accompanied by armed soldiers. His heart skipped a beat, and he quickly stepped aside.

"Hello, Sir!" Stephan instinctively greeted.

"Hello," the major reciprocated it, entering the room and laying eyes on their target—Jack.

....

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