What's With Everyone's Reaction?!

>BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMM!!!<

The blast caused by the collision of the flames sent shockwaves dispersing in multiple directions. The intense heat permeated the air, and both sides could feel the intensity of their attacks.

Rose couldn't stop grinning widely, and even Matt was caught up in the excitement.

As both crimson and black flames collided in a flash of color, the audience awaited with bated breaths to see which one would prevail.

However…

[WARNING!]

[WARNING!]

[WARNING!]

{Magia Levels have exceeded the permissible range. Halt at once}

"Oh crap!" The moment Rose saw this warning displayed above her, she realized her blunder.

How could she have been so caught up in excitement to allow this to happen?

"Let's stop here for now." She muttered with a sigh.

Her crimson flames suddenly vanished, so did the dark ones.

"W-wha—?!" Matt exclaimed in shock, definitely not expecting his flames to be put out so easily.

In a flash, however, both powerful bursts of power dissipated, leaving nothing behind.

"Hahaha… that was something, wasn't it?" Rose smiled, looking at the damage that was wrought as a result of her carelessness.

Smoke rose from the ground, and the area around them was charred and devastated. The cracks and massive holes created as a result of their clash were also too obvious to ignore.

"I got a little carried away." She whispered.

However, unlike her somewhat calm response to the damage caused, the audience was in an uproar.

"W-what was that?"

"Did I see that right?"

"That guy, he stood against Rose's crimson flames?"

"Idiot! She was clearly holding back."

"W-well, yeah. But still, even if it was for a few seconds, that's damn impressive!"

"Their Magia Levels exceeded the limit permissible by the examination standards! Do you know what that means?"

"Rose's power contributed most of it, I'm sure!"

"Then how were that boy's dark flames able to compete with hers?"

"W-well…"

Many were left in awe by the amazing sight. Their murmurs and comments pervaded the arena, so much so that a wave of excitement permeated the hall.

Rose ignored their comments, staring at Matt instead. The boy as well, didn't seem too concerned about the whispers around him. Rather, his eyes were fixated on his hands, and he had an amazed expression on his face.

His eyes were wide in surprise, and he seemed overwhelmed by what he just did.

"I… I used it. So this is it? My power…?" Matt's awed whispers were heard by Rose, and her grin widened.

'You've finally experienced your Imagi, Matt. That's good to see.'

Rose couldn't help but be amazed by how he was able to use something so powerful despite this being his first time consciously conjuring his ability. Two major questions puzzled her.

'Why didn't he use his ability earlier? Also, why is he so strong?'

Regardless of her confusion, however, Rose knew one thing for sure. She no longer needed any convincing, and neither did the audience. It was plain as day.

"Number 07… you pass! Return to your seat immediately." Her loud voice echoed throughout the hall, silencing the whispers of the crowd.

The audience fell silent, their piercing gazes converging on Matt. Even the other examinees couldn't take their eyes off him. As for the hot shot himself, he was too dazed to fully comprehend what was happening around him.

"I did it." He muttered, completely overwhelmed as he stared at his opponent—Rose herself.

She gave him a nod of approval, and he found himself mindlessly nodding in response. He felt floaty and surreal as he walked away.

He could hear himself breathing hard, and his muscles were still tense from the fierce battle from which he had just emerged. However, more than anything, he could feel the intense happiness welling within him.

Suddenly, all the exhaustion was gone and he felt like a brand new person.

*

*

*

'Uh, why is everyone avoiding me? They're also looking at me weirdly.' Matt thought to himself as he returned to his former seat.

He was already out of his daze, and was now well aware of his surroundings, yet it seemed like he was a completely different person compared to earlier. Not only was he now the center of attention, he was also isolated.

The designated area for the exam participants had at least fifty chairs, so his position was actually in the third row. However, to his amazement, every single person on that row had vacated the row.

They all occupied the first and second rows—and even in the second row, none picked a seat that was remotely close to his.

'Damn. Isolating me already? Is it because I'm sweaty? Do I stink?' Matt took a whiff of himself, and he didn't think he smelled badly.

Why did they constantly stare at him, yet pretended as though he was invisible?

'The only person here that was being treated the same, is that guy in the fifth row.' Matt removed his gaze from the people in front of him and looked behind.

Sure enough, there was someone who sat there.

He had been sitting there since they were all told to pick their seats and it seemed everyone instinctively avoided going to the fifth row because of him. The reason Matt chose the third row was to be closer to Violet, but even she had vacated the row for him.

The person looked young and handsome, having white hair and cold gray eyes. His skin was pale, almost white as snow, and he wore a blue trench coat for some reason. Underneath the coat, he wore a sweater that was also blue.

'How is this guy comfortable in that?' Matt knew the auditorium wasn't particularly hot—and that he was probably the only one sweating—but he didn't think it was cold enough for this guy to be shrouded in such thick clothing.

'U-uh?' Matt noticed the boy's gray eyes shifting in his direction, and for a moment, their eyes met.

In that single moment, Matt felt a chill run through his body.

'What in the…' He shivered, looking away instantly.

Matt had no idea what he just experienced, but he realized that the boy in the fifth row was a weird one—probably more so than the others. It was probably why everyone was avoiding him.

He initially thought they shared a bond due to how lonely the boy seemed, but after experiencing his chilly gaze, Matt knew he was back to square one.

'I've never felt so alone.' He sighed sadly.