The test was long.
Too long.
Questions piled up—logic, hero law, disaster response, moral judgment.
If a villain escapes but civilians are safe, is the mission a failure?
List three situations where a hero must retreat.
When does justice become ego?
Sweat formed.
Pens slowed.
Shadow wrote steadily.
No rush. No panic.
Ayu walked between rows, silent footsteps echoing.
Yoi watched one candidate smile confidently—then freeze halfway through a question.
Time ended.
Papers were collected.
Hours later, results appeared on the screen.
Out of hundreds—
Thirty-one passed.
Shadow's score appeared quietly near the top.
68 / 100
No reaction.
Some cheered.
Some stared in disbelief.
Some walked out without a word.
Ayu looked at those who remained.
"This only means you can think," he said. "Nothing more."