Chapter 142: How to Exploit a System (The Academy Edition)

The car pulled away, merging seamlessly into the morning traffic of Veridian Hills. Natalia and I sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes, watching the city wake up around us.

I leaned back into the plush leather seat, mapping out the entrance procedures in my mind as the rhythmic hum of the car’s engine served as a backdrop to my thoughts.

"It’s a three-phase exam," I explained, turning slightly to face Natalia, whose violet eyes were focused intently on me. "Phase one is individual aptitude—essentially a comprehensive screening. They run you through physical assessments, reflex tests, cognitive evaluations—the works. It’s designed to mercilessly cull the mediocre from the exceptional."

I traced an invisible diagram in the air between us. "Phase two escalates to combat simulation—they’ll throw us against each other in controlled duels or pit us against synthetic monsters programmed to test specific combat parameters. It’s where they identify not just raw power, but adaptability, tactical thinking, and grace under pressure."

Natalia shifted closer, the subtle floral notes of her perfume reaching me as she lowered her voice. "And the final phase?"

"Team dynamics," I continued, my fingers unconsciously tapping against my knee. "They form provisional squads and run us through a simulated Gate clearance operation. It’s the ultimate test—how well you function as part of a coordinated unit when facing life-or-death scenarios."

Her slender fingers played with a strand of her purple hair, twirling it absently. "And you’re sure they’ll put us together?" The skepticism in her tone was evident, but there was also a hint of eagerness beneath it.

"Not at all," I admitted with a slight smirk. "The system isn’t designed for personal preferences. But systems have patterns, and patterns can be exploited. That’s where our little sunshine girl Emi comes in."

Natalia’s perfectly sculpted eyebrow arched upward, curiosity sparking in her eyes. "Oh? Do tell." The challenge in her voice was unmistakable, almost playful—a private game between predator and willing prey.

"The examiners sort teams based on complementary abilities. If we can demonstrate good synergy during the individual and combat phases, they’ll be more likely to group us together. A telekinetic who can create ice constructs, a healer with support capabilities, and a thermal cutter with mid-range attacks? That’s a balanced team on paper."

A small smile played at the corners of Natalia’s lips. "You’ve thought this through."

"I always do, Princess. I always do."

The car’s smooth movement lulled us into another comfortable silence. Natalia pulled out her phone, scrolling through news and social media. I watched the cityscape change as we moved out of Veridian Hills and into the more modest neighborhoods beyond.

The transition was stark. The gleaming towers and manicured gardens gave way to older, smaller buildings. Chain stores replaced boutiques, and the streets grew more crowded with everyday people going about their lives.

"Look at them," Natalia murmured, glancing out the window at a group of schoolchildren walking together. "None of them have any idea what’s coming."

"What do you mean?"

"The exams. The Gates. The monsters. Their whole world revolves around normal things—school, friends, what to have for dinner." She shook her head. "Sometimes I wonder what that’s like. To be ordinary."

"Boring," I replied flatly. "It’s boring as hell."

She turned to me, a genuine curiosity in her eyes. "You sound like you know."

Her question hit a nerve. For a second, I wasn’t in a luxury car in Veridian Hills. I was back in Shinjuku, rain slicking the asphalt, the taste of cheap instant noodles in my mouth.

A nobody.

I pushed the memory down. "Just a guess," I said, my voice flatter than I intended.

"Just a guess," I said instead. "But I’ll take dangerous and extraordinary over safe and boring any day."

"Me too," she said, her voice soft but firm. "Me too."

The car turned into a narrower street lined with modest apartment buildings. This was Asahi District—working class, practical, unfussy. The car slowed to a stop in front of a five-story building with a faded brick facade.

"We have arrived at the residence of Emi Aoyama," the car announced.

"Text her that we’re here," I told Natalia, who was already typing on her phone.

"Done."

We waited, watching the entrance to the building. A minute passed, then two.

"Maybe she’s running late," Natalia suggested.

Just as she spoke, the door to the building flew open, and Emi burst out, her blue hair bobbing with each hurried step. She wore the same NVA prospect uniform we did, though hers was accessorized with a cute blue pin shaped like a water droplet on her collar.

When she saw our car, her eyes widened in surprise, taking in the luxury vehicle. She hesitated for a moment, then straightened her shoulders and approached with purposeful steps.

The car’s door hissed open automatically as she neared. Emi’s gaze moved from the vehicle to us waiting inside, and a brilliant, determined smile broke across her face. It was the smile of someone who had made a decision and was ready to face whatever came next.

"Good morning!" she called out, her voice bright with forced confidence. "Sorry I’m late. I couldn’t decide which lucky charm to bring." She held up a small blue rabbit’s foot keychain. "I went with this one in the end. It’s worked for all my tests so far!"

"Get in, Blueberry," Natalia said. "We’ve got an exam to ace."

Emi climbed in, settling on the seat across from us. The door closed silently behind her, sealing the three of us in our private bubble.

"This car is amazing," Emi breathed, running her hands over the leather seat. "I’ve never been in anything this fancy before."

"First time for everything," I said with a smile. "First day at the academy, first ride in a luxury car..."

"First time becoming a Hunter," Emi finished, her eyes bright with excitement and nervous energy.

"Next stop, Ferry Terminal Seven," I instructed the car. "New Vein Academy."

"Of course," the AI responded. "Estimated arrival time is forty-three minutes. Would you like music for the journey?"

"Yes," the three of us answered in unison, then looked at each other and laughed.

As the car pulled away from the curb and soft jazz filled the cabin, I looked at my companions—Natalia, my Ice Queen, deadly and beautiful; and Emi, my Healer, kind and determined.

The first two pillars of my kingdom, traveling with me to conquer New Vein Academy.