"That's easy! I'll take you to the cinema after class today!"
Ryuuto grinned, looping his arm around Gwen's slender waist. "Let me hold you for a second, and we can sprint to school in a flash, huh?"
"Ryuuto, you're too kind. Meeting you has to be the luckiest thing that's ever happened to me!"
"Same here!"
He pressed a quick kiss to Gwen's lips and lifted her effortlessly. With a burst of speed, Ryuuto shot off, weaving past cars on the highway like they were standing still, every muscle and movement honed to perfection.
"Here we are!"
In a blink, he stopped at the Oxford University gates, gently lowering Gwen to the ground while still holding her hand. They strolled across campus, their chemistry obvious to anyone who looked—students turned to stare at the couple in awe.
A cheerful voice rang from behind.
"Hi! Ryuuto, Gwen! You two are up early today!"
Ryuuto and Gwen turned to see a tall, sunny blond rushing toward them with a bright smile.
"Harry! Good morning!" Gwen waved politely.
Ryuuto scratched his head, trying to place the face. "Hmm… I feel like I've seen him before."
Gwen whispered, "Ryuuto, don't you remember? He's our classmate, Harry Osborn! Top of his class, rich family… basically a golden boy."
"Oh, right! Got it!" Ryuuto extended a hand politely.
"Hello, classmate Harry! Nice to see you."
Harry clasped Ryuuto's hand warmly. "Student Ryuuto! I've heard a lot about you already!"
Despite his casual smile, Ryuuto's eyes narrowed slightly, keeping a discreet watch on Harry. Memories of Osborn's father flashed in his mind—Ruoman Osborn, who had taken the super-soldier-style formula, gained insane intelligence and strength… and a dangerously unstable personality. The Green Goblin's origin wasn't far off. If Harry followed in his father's footsteps… well, Ryuuto knew chaos was inevitable. But he wasn't afraid—he would face it head-on with Gwen. Victory always favored the righteous.
"Harry, why so early today? Library?" Ryuuto asked, curious.
"It's not that early. Some students like to get a head start before dawn!" Harry hugged a heavy book like it was nothing.
Gwen's eyes widened. "Really? Is there an exam coming up?"
Harry chuckled. "Not exactly an exam, but something big is happening." He adjusted the golden frames on his nose and his eyes sparkled. "By the way, Gwen, Ryuuto, maybe you don't know yet—today the school is holding a military selection exam!"
"Military… exam?" Gwen tilted her head, intrigued.
"Yep. Scientist Killian is coming. He's personally picking top students to study a mysterious microorganism!"
"Wait… you mean AIM's legendary scientist, Gillian? That Gillian?" Gwen's voice trembled with excitement. She'd heard the name before.
"Exactly!"
"Wow… no wonder the school is taking this seriously."
Ryuuto glanced at his watch as Harry continued, "Alright, exam time's almost up. Shall we head to class?"
"Let's go! I'm feeling confident today!"
The three hurried into the classroom as the bell rang. Ryuuto found a seat near Gwen and shot her a charming smile; she blushed in return.
Then, the invigilator entered.
Not just anyone—Gillian, the military scientist himself. The room erupted in murmurs of surprise. Even Ryuuto's heart skipped a beat. He had no interest in the "exam," but he knew ignoring it wasn't an option.
"Quiet!" Gillian's cold gaze swept the room. Instantly, silence fell.
"I'll hand out the test papers one by one. Answer quickly. No talking, no cheating—any violation is at your own risk."
A stack of test papers hit the desks with a crisp thud. The challenge had begun.