The morning light streamed gently through the windows of Delom's house, illuminating the quiet corridors. Delom padded softly toward his mother's room, his mind buzzing with anticipation.
"Mom… you know today is important," he said, trying to keep his voice calm but brimming with urgency.
Hitara, his mother, looked at him with a gentle, knowing smile. "I know. Today is a very important day," she replied, her voice soothing.
"Then please give me the money. Quickly… I'm getting late. I have to go with Clive," Delom urged, a hint of impatience in his tone.
Hitara chuckled softly and handed him the cash. "Alright. Take this. And don't do anything wrong. I believe both of you will do well today."
Her hand lingered for a moment as she added, "And take 2000 more. That's for both of you. Enjoy the day… but stay alert."
Delom nodded eagerly. "Okay, Mom. Bye."
"Bye. Be careful," she called after him as he left, the morning air brushing past his face as he hurried toward Clive's garage.
Delom's mind raced. Clive should be ready… His kicks are powerful. I really believe he'll do great in his first try.
He arrived at the garage and knocked on the door, calling out, "Clive… Clive… Time to go!"
The door swung open, revealing Clive, a hint of confusion on his face.
"Are you ready for today?" Delom asked.
"What's so special today? And why are you dressed so well?" Clive replied, raising an eyebrow.
"W-what? You don't know?" Delom stammered.
"Know what?"
"Today they're choosing who will get the qualification tickets for Skyph Codes," Delom explained.
Clive froze for a moment, then a mix of shock and determination crossed his features. "…Wha—okay. Let me get ready. Come inside."
"I thought you already knew…" Delom said, slightly surprised.
Inside the garage, Delom settled onto a stool while Clive fumbled with his bag. "Wait… why am I even getting ready? I don't have money."
"Stop acting stupid. I already told you—my family's covering everything," Delom said, his voice firm.
"Seriously?!" Clive's eyes widened.
"No. It's a joke. Now hurry up," Delom added, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
"Okay, okay. I'm ready," Clive said, finally composed.
The two left the garage together, stepping into the fresh morning air.
"Boss, I'm leaving," Clive said, approaching Mr. Yaroya.
"Alright, Clive. Do your best," Yaroya said warmly, placing a hand on Clive's shoulder. "Do your best for your fake father."
"Yes, boss. I will," Clive replied, straightening with resolve.
"That's my boy," Yaroya added with a grin.
Delom gestured toward the street. "We're leaving, Mr. Yaroya."
"Bye," Yaroya said, smiling.
"Bye," they echoed, getting into a waiting taxi.
As the vehicle stopped in front of a massive, high-tech building, Delom turned to Clive. "Ready?"
Clive nodded. "Ready."
They stepped inside, immediately enveloped by a world of floating lights, hovering structures, and gleaming surfaces. Clive whispered in awe, "This place is amazing, Delom."
"Focus. Let's move," Delom said, keeping his tone steady.
"Thanks for giving me this day," Clive murmured, gratitude clear in his voice.
"You're welcome," Delom replied simply.
Inside the main hall, dozens of boys and girls gathered, their presence imposing.
"Everyone's older than us," Clive whispered.
"No. They just look taller," Delom corrected.
"Okay… I'll believe you," Clive said, still observing the crowd.
A rush of wind heralded the arrival of a woman stepping forward.
"Everyone, please take a seat," Tarai, the Vice Super, instructed.
Chairs descended gracefully from the air, and everyone seated themselves.
Delom muttered, amazed, "This place is insane…"
Clive leaned closer. "What happens now?"
"No idea. I'm confused too," Delom admitted.
Another figure appeared beside Tarai, exuding authority.
"There are two rounds in this interview," Hanaro, the Super, announced.
"First round—three math problems," Tarai explained.
"Second round—defeat three trainer robots," Hanaro continued.
"Understand the rules," Tarai added.
A student piped up nervously, "Where will we solve the problems? And where will we fight?"
"Problems here. Fighting in the stadium," Hanaro replied calmly.
"Begin," Tarai instructed.
Papers and pens appeared in everyone's hands, floating lightly toward them.
"Five minutes," Hanaro added.
Clive glanced at the problems and muttered, "Easy problems."
Delom, however, looked stressed. "What kind of math is this…"
"Relax. I'll help," Clive whispered, reassuring him.
Time passed quickly, and Tarai called out, "Time's up. Release the papers."
A boy stood, attempting to hand his paper, but Hanaro waved him off. "Do not stand. Just release."
All papers floated automatically toward Hanaro.
"One hour break," he announced.
Later, in the Super's room, Hanaro focused on the pens, ignoring the papers entirely.
"All fingerprints are strong…" Hanaro muttered, examining them.
"This one… it's different," Tarai noted.
Hanaro's eyes widened. "This bloodline… it matches Sir Kraiton."
"Impossible. His family ended with him," Tarai said, shocked.
"If this is his son…" Hanaro trailed off, his mind racing.
Back in the hall, Delom handed a small watch to Clive. "Thanks, Clive."
"Anytime," Clive replied, examining the gift.
"If you like it, take it," Delom offered.
"No, it's yours," Clive said.
"Mine is yours," Delom insisted.
Clive, distracted, bumped lightly into a girl.
"How dare you!" Oragi exclaimed, her voice sharp.
Clive froze. "I'm sorry."
Her eyes softened as she studied his face. He's… cute, she thought, the anger fading.
"I'm really sorry…" she said, bowing slightly.
Delom blinked in confusion. What just happened?
"I'm Oragi," she introduced herself.
"Clive," he replied.
"Delom," Delom added.
"Nice to meet you…" Oragi whispered, then quickly walked away.
Delom turned to Clive. "What was that?"
"Just a shy girl," Clive said, shaking his head with a small smile.