The Limit [Book 1]

Chapter 2

"Good morning students. As you all know, this will be the last test of your lives and despite what happens today, I would like you all to know how proud I am to have been with you throughout this year. These questions are not designed to trick you so calm your minds and work through them carefully. There is a solution and each and every one of you have the capability of finding that solution. Good luck. You may pick up your tablets and begin."

Taking in an even breath, I closed my fingers around the smooth tablet and clicked it on. Inputting my information, the screen switched to my profile picture to confirm and the test began.

-

It wasn't as difficult a test as many might have thought. It was simply compiled of all of the material that we covered this past year and if one focused enough in class, passing is well within reach.

"Five minutes on the clock."

I set down my tablet gently on the table, the ironic beaming face of a green emoji stared up at me with the words "TEST COMPLETED". I glanced over at Kaden, his face scrunched up in the way that spoke of his seriousness. I've always teased him about that face. The lights suddenly came on above us.

"Alright, students. Put down your tablets, the test is over. Feel free to sit for a few minutes while results are being calculated."

Kaden turned to me, "How did you do?"

I smirked teasingly, "I think we can finally settle this little competition of ours. Just admit that my brain power exceeds yours and treat me to dinner."

He scoffed, "in your dreams, Le. I ain't treating no one."

"What? You broke or something? Then how about we split the bill, but you owe me." I grinned as he glared, a smile breaking out on his face as I laughed quietly.

"Alright, settle down everyone, the results are in." I turned to face the front and Kaden followed suit. The whispered conversations died immediately as the teacher held up a portable tablet, the screen illuminating a neon glow on her face. "The following students, please get up in an orderly manner and follow the security to your respected destinations."

"Ethan Rubis."

A short Asian boy struggled in a futile effort as a trained guard grabbed him up by the elbow. His whimpers of protest faded behind the closed door. Drawing in another breath, the teacher continued.

"Ashley Coy."

The girl stood silently, the only sign of inner turmoil and distress could be found in her hazel eyes as she followed the guard obediently. I observed the teacher as she hesitated only slightly at the next name, before stammering it out through wavering lips.

"... J-Justin... Lack."

I drew in a deep breath as a boy in round-rimmed glasses with eyes identical to that of the teacher, was led out by the arm. His eyes darted to her for a split second, fear evident in the dark orbs before he disappeared. After a much longer pause than necessary, the teacher began once again.

"A-And lastly..." I watched her eyes bulge microscopically in shock before they flickered up to meet my own. A weight dropped in the pit of my stomach as fear clawed up my throat. "... Vera Le."

"... shit." I felt Kaden's sharp gaze on me as I was wrenched to my feet. I glanced at him to see surprise and disbelief written on his face before I was shoved out the heavy metal door.

-

It took me only a moment to process the words that were spoken before I was forced to join the others at the back of the line.

I... failed? No, not possible.

I was pushed from behind as the line began moving forward. I twisted my head around to glare at the guard before stepping in time with the others. Something was severely wrong. Even if I made some mistakes through the iron defense of my knowledge, it didn't require a low enough score to place in the bottom of the class. My mind didn't allow for it. So it was either someone was looking to sabotage my test or a man with a high enough social standing selfishly pulled some strings in the shadows.

Just as my group was about to enter the long hallway, a familiar voice shouted out from behind me. I twisted around to the sight of Kaden racing at full speed from the other end of the hallway.

"Vera!"

"Kaden! What the hell are you doing?"

He was restrained by two guards before he could get to me. I rushed to pry them off of my classmate, ripping Kaden's arm out of their iron grip.

"Vera, tell them it's all a mistake. Tell them that you couldn't possibly have failed the test." He turned to approach one of the guards. "Vera did not fail that test. She's the smartest kid in school with a mentality that far exceeds any of the teachers. Please check again."

The guard appraised the boy with scrutiny before whispering a strand of words into an earpiece. The man on the other side of the earpiece exchanged a small conversation with the guard before he turned to the both of us.

"There is no mistake. Miss Le has failed the test. Move along." I shuddered at the altered voice, at the dead undertone.

"No Vera, they can't take you away." I gave a forced grin.

"Don't worry, Kaden." He grabbed onto my hand, subtly slipping a cold piece of metal into my palm. "They can't contain my mind, I suppose." To sell the act, I let two small tears leak out of the corner of my eyes. As the guard pulled the boy out of my reach, I slipped the object into my mouth, tucking it under my tongue.

"Get back in line."

I pretended to resist a bit before resolutely placing myself back in line.

I owe you big time, Kaden. See you in a bit.

-

"Remove all clothing." The row of men in front of us flicked their batons into view, obviously threatening to punish any disobedient students. I hesitated only briefly before slipping my clothes off of my body.

The air was cool on my bare skin. I avoided eye contact with the other students as I stripped down to nothing. I made no attempt to cover and protect my modesty as I stared defiantly at the black wall behind the row of guards. One of them threw a bundle of bleached clothing, the standard gray shirt and pants.

"Put these on now." I caught the roll and tossed the articles of clothing over my body, all the while gazing into the onyx mask of the guard directly in front of me, my eyebrows drawn in to express my displeasure. He stared unflinchingly back at me.

Seven men led my group into an enclosed space, the only light coming from artificial lamps on the walls. The coolness of the metal floor seeped into my bare feet with each step I took, my senses drawn so sharply that I could practically feel every exhale of the guard directly behind me.

The room we entered was comprised of two rows of metal chairs that were screwed into the floor. I was forced into the first chair and my hands were cuffed into the rings that protruded from the arm rests.

I tested their strength by wrestling my hand through the holes. Cursing, I resigned to simply glaring murderously at the man in front of me.

"The President's confirmation has been received. Proceed with The Limit."

The men surrounding the two rows of chairs drew out a neatly sharpened dagger from their sheaths, the metal glinting dangerously under the dim lighting. I pressed my back into the chair, desperately trying to distance myself from the man in front of me and for a split second, through the bottomless holes of the mask, sharp electric blue eyes shone with regret.

Then all of a sudden, the lights went out, the cuffs released, and a strong pair of hands hauled me up from my seat and into the shadows.