In the principal's office, where Nezu was seated, he stared at the monitor in front of him.
The tablets used during the examination were high-tech devices designed specifically for this kind of test. The examinees didn't need to write their names. The moment they touched the screen, their fingerprints were detected automatically.
Everything they did on the tablet was recorded.
Their answers.
How long they took to respond.
Even every erased word.
All of it was gathered as data.
The tablet also had a built-in AI capable of evaluating the answers and automatically grading the exam. Since the test was open-ended with no multiple-choice options, each question carried the same points. The examinees needed to pinpoint the main answer required. Each question was worth ten points, and the score would decrease if the response lacked sense or clarity.
Once evaluated, the AI would send the data to Nezu's computer. He would personally review it before forwarding the files to the teachers for final analysis. After that, they would gather and study each examinee who passed. Based on their survival test performance and the AI's data analysis, the staff would vote on which class each student should enter.
It was supposed to be a heavy workload.
But with advanced technology, it became much easier.
Nezu had just received the data from all ten halls.
He ignored the others.
"Let the other teachers handle those," he muttered.
He moved the mouse and selected the file labeled Hall 3. Names appeared on the screen as he scrolled down.
He stopped when he saw it.
MAKI
Only his first name. Written in bold letters.
Nezu clicked on Maki's file.
His eyes widened as he reviewed the answers.
His suspicion had been correct.
Nezu had observed Maki's actions before he arrived at UA. From the start, he felt that this man didn't know anything about this world.
Maki didn't realize that his test had been slightly rigged.
Several questions had been inserted personally by Nezu to evaluate him more closely.
Now he was certain.
This man truly knew nothing.
Nezu had asked Nemuri what kind of person Maki was and whether she had ever educated or tutored him. Nemuri had simply replied, "He's a fish."
Nezu understood what she meant.
But rereading Maki's answers was something else entirely.
This wasn't someone pretending to act dumb.
He was genuinely ignorant.
And worse—
He didn't care.
Normally, when someone lacked knowledge, they would at least attempt to research, gather information, or think carefully before answering.
Maki didn't.
Just like Nemuri said — as long as he ate, he was fine.
That was the type of person he seemed to be.
The test had been scrambled for him specifically. Nezu had inserted different questions to properly evaluate him.
As Nezu read through the responses, his eye twitched.
Maki didn't even know what Authority was. He lacked the most basic knowledge.
And what was this "Infinite Gauntlet" supposed to mean?
He used common sense and philosophy in some answers, but other responses were filled with names Nezu had never heard before.
When asked about the characteristics of a leader, Maki had written:
Captain America.
For support qualifications:
Batman and Iron Man.
Nezu didn't understand any of it.
And Orion being "black cookies with cream in it"?
Nezu slammed his forehead against the desk.
Then he reached Question 70.
Why do you want to be accepted into UA?
Maki's answer:
I have received the down payment.
Nezu stared at it.
Most examinees wrote about wanting to grow stronger, to learn, to discover their limits, or to become part of UA. They expressed ambition, dreams, and pride.
Maki?
Down payment.
For what?
Nezu leaned back in silence.
Four possible scenarios formed in his mind.
If his conclusion was correct, then Maki's answer to the final question should confirm it.
Nezu clicked the next page.
The final question appeared.
Final Question
If ever you face something far stronger, far more threatening, and you stand no chance against it — what would you do?
Nezu read Maki's answer.
Answer:
"I would do what I have done every day of my life: I would sit.
You ask what I would do against a force I cannot beat? I would make myself as small as a fish in the sea. You cannot break what is already on the ground. When the great storm comes, the oak tree snaps because it tries to be strong, but the grass simply bends and lets the wind pass over it.
I have no pride to protect, no kingdom to defend, and no armor to wear. To a man like me, a 'threat' is just another day. If I cannot fight it, I'll be a witness to it — even to my own demise — and I will let it take what little I have left, so that I might enjoy the sun setting on my behalf."
( ＴДＴ)