CHAPTER 84: EXAM DAY 4

He changed swiftly into his training suit, the fabric clinging to him like a second skin, designed to channel aura flow without resistance.

When he stepped out, the scale of the simulator hall struck him. Unlike the intimate room at the Jian home, this was vast—an arena of steel and light. Dozens of simulation rooms lined the polished floor, each sealed with reinforced doors.

High above, observation decks stretched like glass balconies, where instructors and officials could watch every candidate’s performance, their eyes sharp, their judgment absolute.

Yu Xi moved with quiet composure towards his assigned simulator. Soon , he reached the door and stood in front of it, waiting for the signal to start.

He suddenly felt an intense gaze burrowing into his skin, sharp and unrelenting. He turned his head slightly and saw him. It was the same young man from earlier, standing across the hall, glaring at him with eyes full of venom. The hostility was palpable, a silent challenge hurled across the distance.

Yu Xi’s lips parted, but he didn’t speak. Instead, he exhaled softly, a sigh that carried both dismissal and weariness. "..." He looked away, refusing to give the young man the satisfaction of acknowledgment.

The announcer’s voice rang out, amplified across the hall: "Candidates, step into your designated rooms. The exam will begin in five minutes."

Yu Xi placed his hand on the door panel. It slid open with a hiss of pressurized air, the chamber welcoming him into its sterile embrace. As the door sealed shut, the hum of the simulator rose, steady and powerful, like the heartbeat of a beast awakening. Yu Xi’s aura steadied. He was ready to tackle it.

Two hours later, Yu Xi completed the exam. The simulator doors slid open with a hiss as he stepped calmly into the corridor. The Imperial Academy’s simulator exams were infamous, designed to push candidates beyond theory and into the crucible of lived combat. Each trial was meant to break down hesitation, to expose weakness, and to measure the strength of those who sought entry into the Academy.

One trial had placed him in a mech battle simulation, forcing synchronization with his assigned unit. Tactical warfare against enemy forces tested precision, endurance, and the ability to adapt under fire. Yu Xi’s movements had been seamless, his aura flowing into the mech’s systems like water into a vessel.

Another exam transported him into a psychic mission on a hostile planet, its terrain crawling with beasts whose aura signatures destabilized the environment.

Candidates were tasked with neutralizing threats and completing objectives under strict time limits, balancing speed with strategy. Yu Xi moved through it with calm efficiency, his focus unbroken, his aura steady.

Together, these simulations measured raw power, adaptability, teamwork, and composure under relentless pressure. For Yu Xi, it was a breeze. He had trained for this moment, and his preparation carried him through.

When he emerged, the invigilator blinked at him in confusion. No one could leave without completing the mission, which had a strict four-hour limit. Yet Yu Xi was done in two. The silence that followed was heavy, the weight of astonishment pressing against the air.

Yu Xi noticed the invigilator watching him, so he asked calmly, "Can I go, or is there something else?"

The invigilator blinked, startled out of his thoughts. "You can go if you are finished. You may pick up your communicator at the reception desk."

Yu Xi inclined his head. "Okay. Thanks." Without another word, he walked away, his stride steady. The invigilator watched his retreating back, uncertain what to make of the young man who had completed the exam in half the allotted time.

Yu Xi changed out of the training gear and put on his clothes. At the front desk, the attendant retrieved the secure box and slid it across to him.

Yu Xi placed his exam pass against the lock, and with a soft click, the box opened. He retrieved his communicator, slipping it back onto his wrist. He was about to send a message to Jian Rui when a familiar voice rang out across the hall.

"Yu Xi!"

He turned, surprised, and saw Jian Ci waving at him with unrestrained excitement. Beside him stood an older man with a rigid stature, his grey beard neatly trimmed, his sharp military uniform gleaming with insignias that spoke of high rank.

Yu Xi’s brows lifted. He hadn’t expected Jian Ci to come pick him up. Genuine surprise flickered across his face as he walked over. Jian Ci wasted no time, draping his arm over Yu Xi’s shoulder with boyish enthusiasm, his grin wide and unguarded. He pulled Yu Xi even closer. "Little Xi, this is Chancellor Lasson, or like I call him, Uncle Jael."

The older man’s hand moved faster than Yu Xi expected, smacking Jian Ci lightly upside the head. "You brat," Chancellor Lasson scolded, his voice deep and commanding. "You can only call me that in private."

Jian Ci scratched the back of his head sheepishly, chuckling. "Right, right."

The Chancellor’s stern expression softened as he turned to Yu Xi. "You must be Yu Xi. It’s a pleasure to meet you."

Yu Xi extended his hand, shaking firmly. "Likewise."

Jian Ci leaned forward eagerly. "How were the exams? Was it too difficult for you?"

Yu Xi opened his mouth to answer, but Chancellor Lasson cut in with a dismissive wave. "Why bother asking that? You know I have him covered."

"Yes, yes, I know, Uncle," Jian Ci said quickly, "but I am worried about him. He truly studied hard. He’s a good student."

Yu Xi felt a strange giddiness at Jian Ci’s praise, warmth blooming in his chest.

"Then he will fit in right here," Chancellor Lasson declared.

Jian Ci turned back to Yu Xi. "So, how did you do?"

Yu Xi hesitated. He wanted to say it wasn’t bad, but something mischievous stirred in him. Instead, he lowered his gaze. "So-so. I hope I pass."

Jian Ci frowned, his voice gentle. "Don’t stress about it. Most people spend years preparing for this moment, and you only had months. Don’t feel so bad."

Yu Xi realized then that pretending to be sad was another way to draw Jian Ci’s attention, and he couldn’t help but savor it.