01-02-2345 Celestial Era, 20:34
T+06:00
The main classroom remained calm and silent as before, where the two founders of the Astral Gear Federation sat face-to-face with the officials from the Earth Federation government, their gazes cold and measured.
Both founders of the International Astral Gear Federation studied the tablets in their hands, each screen displaying critical classified documents — files that should never reach the public eye.
"Mr. Asterius, Mr. Steiner," one of the officials began firmly, "the current situation shows immense enthusiasm among the citizens, thanks to the Astral Gear Grand Prix you both created. Consider including six additional teams to represent political factions — it would surely heighten the event's popularity."
"That's not a bad idea," Steiner replied coolly. "Public engagement and viewership ratings have surged by forty percent over the last six years. You're hoping to leverage that momentum for your own business interests, aren't you?"
His expression hardened as he turned back to the tablet, its screen filled with complex numerical charts.
"We're willing to share profits in exchange," another entrepreneur interjected. "Two hundred bits per ten spectator tickets. Surely such an offer interests you?"
"Hold a moment," Steiner interrupted, his tone cutting. "Let's pause this discussion. The examination period has ended. Show us their results — now."
The businessmen exchanged uneasy glances toward the center of the room, where two students — Revan and Kiana — sat at separate desks three meters apart, ensuring no possibility of cheating.
Kiana exhaled in relief, resting both hands neatly on her lap."How refreshing," she said warmly. "Finally, I can prove my brilliance and perfection."
Revan merely lifted his digital stylus and stared blankly at the dimmed screen before him, sighing."Great. My head's about to explode again," he muttered flatly.
The two founders of the International Astral Gear Foundation exchanged sharp looks, closing their own documents as they began reviewing the submitted digital tests with meticulous care.
The atmosphere grew still; the hum of the room faded into silence. The businessmen forced polite smiles as Steiner released a long, tired sigh.
"The results are in," Asterius announced firmly. "Kiana — total score: thirty-five."
Kiana's tense expression shifted instantly to joy. The silver-gray-haired girl leapt from her chair with both arms raised."Yes! I knew it! I'm not stupid — I'm brilliant! It must've been that group of friends dragging my scores down!" she exclaimed.
"Not so fast," Asterius said sharply. "Your opponent, Revan, scored thirty-four."
Kiana froze mid-celebration, her smile fading into stunned silence. Everyone in the room turned toward Revan — who simply yawned.
"So this was some kind of special test for them," one of the officials remarked with a light laugh. "Amusing, considering they both scored so low for an academy like Astral."
"This isn't an entrance exam for Astral Academy," Steiner corrected sternly. "It's for the International Astral Gear Federation College. The average passing score for general classes is twelve. This exam was meant for genius-tier candidates. You two — this is not a joke!"
The long-haired girl froze, covering half her face in disbelief, while beside her Revan stared blankly, fighting sleep.
"Hey, come on, cheer up! We passed with high marks!" Kiana said brightly.
Revan rose slowly, following her toward the front desk as both stood side by side.
"Please, don't make a mockery of this evaluation!" one official barked.
"I'm not joking," Asterius replied firmly. "We've already uploaded the data to the main server. The results were validated by the Grand Codex itself."
"Then that means…" the official hesitated, "…this is genuine talent. No cheating, no interference. Would either of you be interested in working for the Earth Federation?"
Kiana's face lit up with excitement — in stark contrast to Revan, whose expression remained tired and disinterested.
"What's with that face? You should be thrilled!" Kiana demanded.
"He's already working as an intelligence operative," Asterius said flatly, "assigned to investigate internal disturbances within the International Astral Gear Foundation — under my direct command."
"Wait— what? He's a government informant? Oh no… I'm in so much trouble! What if I have to pay reparations?" Kiana stammered, panic rising.
"Your behavior has been discriminatory and condescending toward those deemed inferior," Asterius replied sharply. "That's a red mark against you — and it contradicts the founding principles of this Astral Academy."
Kiana lowered her hands, guilt washing over her face as she turned toward Revan.
"Hey, wait— I'm sorry for everything that happened between us, alright? It was just teasing! You're too uptight!" she said defensively.
"Of course," Revan replied wearily. "You're the daughter of an influential family — naturally I'm the one at fault for not fighting back. Even if I did, I'd still be blamed — especially since you're a woman."
Her eyes widened in mild offense. "That sounded condescending— wait, I'm being sincere! Sorry for underestimating you. I thought that kind of talk was trendy here!"
"I told you, it's fine," Revan said calmly. "In the end, I can't win either way."
Revan exhaled slowly as the businessmen exchanged expectant looks, their attention pivoting toward the two young representatives standing before them.
"Now that we have our young generation present," one of the businessmen said with a firm yet courteous tone, "tell us — how enthusiastic are you both for the upcoming Astral Grand Prix season?"
"Of course, it's going to be amazing!" Kiana declared enthusiastically, her silver-gray hair glinting under the ceiling lights. "It'll be a grand celebration of sportsmanship — and the season where I begin my career with Team Avalon, shining brighter than ever."
"Congratulations," the businessman replied with an approving nod. "You've officially been accepted into Team Avalon's main league roster."
The entire room murmured softly in approval. The same businessman then turned his cold gaze toward Revan."And you, young man — do you share her excitement for this season's Astral Gear Grand Prix?"
Revan, who had been quietly standing with a half-lidded stare, suddenly grinned — his dull demeanor fading."Of course! It'll be exciting. I'm actually a huge fan of Astral Gear myself."
That statement drew several puzzled looks from around the room. The sudden spark of energy in his voice contrasted sharply with his earlier lethargy.
"A fan?" one businessman repeated, raising an eyebrow. "That's unexpected. Tell me, then — where was the very first true Astral Gear Grand Prix held?"
Revan straightened slightly, his tone casual but confident."If we're talking about the first televised event — after the contract with the National Broadcasting Channel — that would be the International Cermius Stadium, located in the Central District, six years ago."
The businessman smirked. "Impressive memory."
Revan smiled faintly. "But if you're asking about the real first match — that happened ten years ago on Marineford Island, a military training base. Divisions One and Two used leftover post-war Astral Gears for mock battles to entertain displaced civilians. Two teams competed — Team Revein and Team Mortus. Both are still active today in the Master-Class League."
"Exactly right," another businessman said, clearly impressed. "This young man truly knows his league history."
Across the table, two other executives exchanged a glance, their expressions serious."Enthusiasm is important," one of them said coolly, "but we can't profit from enthusiasm alone. Or perhaps, our 'big fan' here has a business suggestion for us?"
Revan tilted his head, his tone suddenly sharp. "I get the feeling you're more interested in profit than the sport itself."
"Naturally," the second businessman replied without hesitation. "But we also have mandates — to stimulate local industries, create employment, and strengthen the economy. Let's call it a mutually beneficial solution."
"Mutually beneficial, huh?" Revan said thoughtfully. "Then maybe the issue lies in logistics — transportation, accommodation, and ticketing for fans. From experience, it's a mess. You have to check into hotels, buy separate entry tickets, and still end up with terrible seats."
The room fell quiet. Every businessman stared at him, and even Steiner leaned forward, intrigued.
"Are you aware," Steiner asked sternly, "that most Astral Gear fans prefer watching from broadcast channels rather than attending live?"
"Sure," Revan nodded, "watching on TV is great. But being inside the stadium is something else entirely — the explosions, the shockwaves, the sheer noise of combat. Feeling the machines clash in front of you — that's what makes it real."
For a moment, even the seasoned officials were speechless.
"This is the first time I've heard anyone describe it like that," Steiner said at last, his eyes narrowing with interest. "Perhaps we should test that hypothesis ourselves — to avoid any misunderstanding."
"Agreed," Asterius replied, his tone measured but intrigued. "We'll test it directly with after this test"
One of the businessmen smiled thinly. "Excellent. We'll gather market data at the same time. If the young mechanic's theory proves true, it could revolutionize our engagement model."
Revan blinked. "Wait — did I just create more work for myself?"
Kiana chuckled softly beside him. "That's what happens when you talk too much, Mr. Genius."
Asterius folded his hands on the table, eyes glinting faintly. "No, Kiana. What he just did — is what we call innovation born from curiosity. The very essence of what Astral Gear represents.