College Auditorium
The auditorium buzzed with quiet tension.
Students filled every seat, the air pulsing with whispered speculations and the rustle of papers. At the center of the stage, a screen glowed with bold, sterile clarity:
APTITUDE ASSESSMENT: PHASE ONE
A voice crackled over the intercom, calm but firm.
"Before we begin, a reminder: Every student has a different set of questions and invigilators will be making rounds. So if you were planning on cheating—don't."
A ripple of nervous laughter passed through the crowd.
Franz remained still, his eyes flicking to the screen in front of him. The paper was placed neatly on his desk. Neat lines. Sharp text.
100 questions. 100 minutes.
Zane, a few rows ahead, pumped his fist with a little too much enthusiasm.
"Thank God it's multiple choice," he said—loud enough for half the room to hear.
Heads turned.
A few chuckles broke out. Even Celeste cracked a reluctant smile. Lena covered her mouth to suppress a laugh.
