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Luckily, I made it just in time before the reception closed. My examinee number was 225, meaning I was practically the last person to register.
In the changing rooms, I slipped into simple sports clothes for the first half of the exam. I was already pretty exhausted from running around the building searching for the reception so I hope it won't be too bad.
I was opening a locker, ready to throw my stuff inside, when someone tapped me on the shoulder. I turned around to see the girl Kafka, Reno, and I met earlier—Kikoru.
"Uh, hi?" I greeted her, a bit unsure.
"Can you use another locker? I want this one," she said matter-of-factly.
It was just like her situation with Kafka earlier. "And why's that?" I asked.
"5 is my lucky number today, and this locker is number 5," she replied confidently.
It was just a locker, so why not. "Sure, no worries, you can have it," I said, moving my things.
"Thanks," she said with a satisfied nod. "By the way, aren't you the girl who came here with that old man and the silver-haired guy?"
"Yeah that's me. I'm Akiyama Yoru, Nice to meet you.," I replied
"Likewise, I'm Kikoru Shinomiya, but I think you already know that since I already introduced myself at the parking situation," she said and I remembered how she easily threw Kafkas car away because he wouldn't move it
As I moved my stuff to a new locker, Kikoru's eyes landed on something inside. "What's that for?" she asked, pointing to my katana I had stashed away.
"Oh, this?" I smiled, taking it out briefly. "I'm planning to fight with it."
She raised an eyebrow. "A katana? Against kaijus? Katanas aren't exactly effective for kaiju combat, you know."
"Yeah, I know. But it's more about how you fight than what you fight with. I'm pretty skilled with it, and it's part of my style. I can hold my own." I said, putting it back in the locker.
Kikoru crossed her arms, giving me an appraising look. "Well, I hope your skills match your confidence. You're going to need more than flashy sword moves to take down a kaiju."
"I'll be fine," I said with a grin. "I've got more up my sleeve than just sword tricks."
Suddenly, one of the locker doors slammed shut loudly. We both turned around to see a tall girl with white hair and pitch-black eyes. Her face, screamed disinterest, like she didn't want to be here.
"Who's that?" I whispered.
"Her name's Rei, or at least that's all she's told me. I tried talking to her earlier, but she mostly ignored me. Weird girl, if you ask me," Kikoru replied, narrowing her eyes.
Rei walked out of the changing room, her intimidating aura leaving with her.
"Well, are you ready, Akiyama? Let's head out together," Kikoru said, closing her locker and looking at me expectantly.
"Mhm," I nodded. "You can just call me Yoru. It's easier."
"Alright, Yoru. Let's go."
---
I collapsed onto the grass, panting heavily. The first part of the exam was over, and I felt like I was about to reach heavens gates. But somehow, I managed to place 10th out of 225, so I guess the effort was worth it. One person, though, had completely outclassed everyone else—Rei, who finished first without even breaking a sweat. There was something eerie about her.
From the corner of my eye, I spotted Kafka and Reno sitting together, deep in conversation. I pushed myself up and walked over to them.
"Hey, what are you guys talking about?" I asked casually.
Both of them jumped in surprise. "Akiyama! Where'd you come from?" Reno said, clutching his chest.
They exchanged a glance, clearly hiding something they had been discussing before I arrived. Suspicious.
I leaned against the fence next to Reno. "Sorry for scaring you both. So, what rank did you guys get?" I asked, curious.
"I got 219 out of 225!" Kafka exclaimed dramatically, his head hanging in mock shame. "It's been too long since I've done this"
Reno shook his head. "I don't think 'too long' is the only reason for your rank."
"Huh?"
"There are a lot of strong people taking the exam this year," Reno explained. "Some of the most noticeable include Haruichi Izumo, who ranked 3rd. He graduated at the top of his class at Tokyo Subjugation University and is considered the most promising candidate this year."
I noticed the name Izumo. That was also the name of the family that took over my father's work on the Defense suits after my mother killed him. My breath caught in my throat, and I tensed up from the memory, trying not to show any reaction.
"And then there's Iharu Furuhashi—also incredibly talented. He graduated top of his class at Hachioji Subjugation High School," he continued, listing a few others like Aoi Kaguragi.
"And let's not forget who placed first," Reno continued, catching my full attention. "Rei. She's a bit of a mystery, I heard she gave no information about herself except her first name, height, and gender. Despite the lack of information she's definitely one of the best candidates here."
"Who's the best out of all?" I asked.
"Definitely Kikoru Shinomiya. All eyes are on her. She graduated at sixteen from California's Subjugation School. She's incredibly talented and her strength is admired by others."
I glanced over at Kikoru, watching her stand confidently, a smug smile on her face. She really did exude an air of greatness.
Kikoru strolled over, a proud smile plastered on her face. "Looks like you're finally realizing my brilliance, Kafka Hi—"
"I didn't know you were that impressive Kikoru!!" Kafka interrupted clearly impressed, grabbing her by the shoulders.
"Keep your grubby hands off the young lady!" Kikoru's aide yelled, tackling Kafka to the ground.
I laughed at the sight. "You enjoy watching those two argue, don't you?" Reno said, looking at me.
"A little," I admitted with a smile still on my face.
"So How did you two meet? You and Kafka?" I asked.
"I took a job in kaiju cleaning as a part-time gig, and Kafka worked there too," Reno explained.
"Why kaiju cleaning of all things?"
"For the past two years, the second half of the exam has been kaiju disposal. It's part of a reform to raise awareness that there's more to kaiju subjugation than just measuring strength. So, I figured it'd be useful experience."
"Kaiju disposal?! Gross," I said, wrinkling my nose.
Suddenly, a voice echoed over the loudspeaker. "Examinees, please proceed to the second exercise ground."
We stood before a massive gate labeled "Second Ground." "Holy moly... it's huge!," Kafka muttered.
"I have a bad feeling this won't be as easy as kaiju disposal," I whispered to myself.
I looked at the gate again noticing a familiar figure standing infront it.
"Hello examinees, I'm the head of the screening exam selection committee, Third Division Vice Captain Hoshina," he introduced himself as he turned to the gate and began entering a code to unlock it.
"For the second half of the exam, your task in the training area will be—" The gate opened, revealing a vast field, making my eyes widen in shock.
