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Hoshina's POV (after seeing Yoru again):
Okonogi was briefing me on the final preparations for the second half of the exam, but my mind was elsewhere. All I could think about was Yoru. Seeing her again after all these years... she looked so different, yet there was something more, another feeling I couldn't quite put into words.
Since I saw her smile at me again, my heart hadn't stopped pounding.
"Vice-Captain, are you listening?" Okonogi's voice snapped me out of my thoughts.
"Oh, sorry. Please continue," I replied, trying to focus, and she went on with her report.
"If it's not too much trouble, we could use some assistance transferring the honju from the safety zone to the training grounds," she said.
„I'll handle it," I nodded, turning toward the door to leave the command room. But before I stepped out, something occurred to me, and I stopped in my tracks, glancing back at Okonogi.
"Could you print out the file for examinee number 225 later and hand it to me?" I asked, keeping my tone as neutral as possible.
"225? That's Akiyama Yoru, right? Sure, i can do that" she nodded
"Thanks," I thanked her. "I'll be off now."
---
Yoru's POV:
After Hoshina explained the second half of the exam, we were instructed to change into the Defense Force uniforms.
I fidgeted in the suit, feeling a bit uncomfortable—not because of the tight fit, but because it reminded me of my dad. He used to work on these uniforms, and now I'm wearing one. It felt like I'm wearing a part of the person I hated the most. I pushed that thought aside for now and turned to where Reno stood, just as the computerized system made an announcement.
"Reno Ichikawa, unleashed combat power... 8%."
"What the... what does unleashed combat power mean?" Reno asked, clearly confused.
"It indicates how much of the suit's power is being drawn out," Hoshina's voice came through the speakers, explaining calmly. Before I could react, another voice echoed from the system.
I glanced over at Kikoru, who stood confidently, like she expected nothing less from herself. Then, just as I was getting used to hearing these numbers, my own came through.
"Akiyama Yoru, unleashed combat power... 29%."
I blinked, feeling a strange mix of relief and surprise. Not bad, I thought. 29% was solid—better than I'd expected, given how nervous I was.
"Hmm, 29% for you Yoru, huh?" He paused for a second, then added, "Not bad at all. That's higher than most officers." There was a slight hint of pride in his tone, though he kept his expression neutral over the intercom.
"But don't get comfortable you all," he continued. "This is just the beginning. You're all going to need more than a good suit reading to survive out there."
"Prepare yourselves, because once we enter the next phase, numbers won't matter. What matters is whether you can handle the pressure."
His words were meant for everyone, but I couldn't help but feel like they were directed at me.
As the number "0%" for Kafka flashed across the screen, there was a sudden pause before the sound of Hoshina's laughter rang out through the speakers.
"0%, huhhh?" Hoshina chuckled, clearly amused. "Kafka Hibino, you might have the worst combat power reading I've ever seen. Congratulations."
His teasing laughter continued. "You might wanna start actually using that suit, or you'll be Kaiju food before this exam's even over."
I glanced over at Kafka, who was rubbing the back of his head, clearly embarrassed but trying to play it off.
„Just give me a second! I'll force it out right now!"
„Please stop you look like you're taking a dumb!!"
I couldn't help but stifle a small laugh.
As the machine announced— "Rei unleashed combat power... 96%," —a wave of confusion and shock rippled through the examinees. Whispers quickly spread as everyone turned to look at Rei, their faces filled with disbelief.
"96%?!" Hoshina's voice rang out, disbelief clear in his tone.
Even I couldn't help but feel startled, glancing over at her. Rei's expression wasn't one of pride or satisfaction, I couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right—
Then, just as suddenly, the numbers flickered and reset to 15%.
"What the..." someone mumbled nearby.
Rei sighed as if she was relieved the number changed ,like she was deliberately trying to downplay the situation, hiding something she didn't want anyone to notice. I blinked, shaking my head. "Must be a glitch in the system," I muttered to myself, trying to play it off. After all, there was no way that was right. The machine had to be broken.
Hoshina cleared his throat through the speakers. "Alrighty, now that everyone is suited up, let's start the final examination," he announced, his voice carrying a sharp edge of authority.
The atmosphere shifted immediately, tension rising among the examinees as they prepared for what was to come. Hoshina continued, "This is where we separate the real talent from the ones who just got lucky in the first half. Hope you're all ready."
The massive gates to the training grounds began to creak open, revealing the dark, sprawling terrain again.
"The targets are the 36 honjus and yojus positioned on this wide open training area modeled after an urban instinct. Last year, in Hachiouji, these Kaijus killed 16 victims. They were later captured to train the next generation of troops."
"An automatic tracking drone will be monitoring each of you, and we will observe your movements from here. If we think that the situation becomes life-threatening, we will remotely activate your suit's shield. Be aware, however, that this will also mean your disqualification."
"So without further ado, Only those who are prepared..."
I took a deep breath, steadying myself for what was about to come. My hand instinctively tightened around the hilt of my katana—that I had quickly grabbed from my locker before we had to suit up.
The feel of the familiar grip gave me confidence, and I could feel my pulse steady. No matter what anyone said about katanas not being ideal for kaiju combat, this was my unique style, my own weapon.
