✦ -- Revised & Polished Version ✦
Vesper walked into the hallway, quietly observing the students from different schools as they frantically tried to memorize what they had read.
The competition had branches in every single city. Schools within each city were required to send their students to the nearest branch to write the examination.
Vesper clearly remembered the strict precautions the examiners had taken in his previous life to prevent malpractice.
Back then, he had felt that something was strange—but who would have thought that the examination itself would become the gateway to another world?
Soon, he heard his name being called from within the crowd.
"Vesper!"
He turned toward the voice.
It was a boy around his age, with pitch-black hair and dark brown eyes.
Jason.
Vesper's closest friend… and his childhood companion.
"Hi, Jason," Vesper said as he walked toward him.
"So, how did you prepare for the competition?" Jason asked casually, throwing an arm over Vesper's shoulder.
Vesper froze for a split second.
In his previous life, Jason had sacrificed his own life to save Vesper during a massive monster wave.
Among all his companions, Jason had been the only one Vesper truly trusted. They had grown up together, forging a bond that ran deeper than blood.
I won't let you die again, Vesper swore silently.
Clap! Clap! Clap!
The noisy hall fell silent instantly.
"Thank you," a middle-aged man said as he stepped forward, surveying the students from various schools.
Vesper observed the man closely as he spoke.
In his previous life, Vesper hadn't noticed anything unusual. But now, even though he couldn't see it he could sense it faintly.
They aren't human. They are creatures called velkyn. Just one of them can destroy an average country.
Vesper had mastered the art of analyzing his surroundings in his previous life.
Although he knew about this he did not panic. He knew they are the gateway to the other world.
As the students were guided through the hallway toward the examination hall, Vesper suddenly felt a tap on his shoulder.
He turned around.
His pupils shrank.
A pink-haired girl with her hair tied into a ponytail stood before him.
Luxen.
"Hi, Vesper," she said cheerfully, smiling as she grabbed his hand playfully.
No one found this strange.
In fact, in his previous life, Vesper would have secretly enjoyed it.
Luxen had been his companion.
She was interested in him—but he had never felt the same.
Now, however, only one thought echoed in his mind as he looked at her.
Kill… Kill… Kill.
He suppressed the murderous intent and forced a smile.
"Hey. Good morning, Luxen," he said, gently pulling his hand away.
She tilted her head slightly before smiling again.
"Why don't we hang out after the exam?"
Vesper's smile widened.
She had said the exact same thing in his previous life.
Back then, he had rejected her.
"Sure," he replied calmly. "After we're done."
Inside, he sneered.
She had thrown a tantrum the last time he rejected her invitation. He had tolerated it then—but now, he was tired of pretending.
Besides…
There would be no date.
They were about to be transported to another world.
Luxen stared at him, stunned.
Since the day she met him, Vesper had never accepted any of her invitations.
"…Are you serious?" she asked, barely hiding her disbelief.
"Of course," Vesper replied, his smile turning sly.
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