The students had no say in the matter—they never did. Asking for their opinion was a re formality, a hollow gesture. Much like in any school on Earth, tests weren't optional; they were imposed.
"It's nothing too drastic," Hay stated, his stoic deanor unshaken. "This test will simply give you all a better understanding of what you can achieve with your aura."
The tension in the room thickened as he spoke. Slowly, Hay lifted the oppressive force from the beast boy, who gasped loudly as air flooded his lungs. Across the room, a light giggle broke the silence.
"Next ti, don't joke around like a fool," chided a girl sitting nearby, her mocking tone cutting through the tense atmosphere. The boy shot her a glare, but wisely kept his mouth shut.
"Sir," Kurt spoke hesitantly, breaking the mont. "What exactly does this test involve?"
"You'll find out soon enough," Hay replied, his tone brooking no further questions. "Step forward, one by one."
Without hesitation, Kurt stood. His usual confidence painted a bright smile on his face as he strode to the front of the class. Jack, watching from the back, felt his lip twitch in irritation.
'Idiot,' Jack thought, resisting the urge to facepalm. 'Why does he have to be the first to volunteer? He's just setting himself up to fail spectacularly. Seriously, can I et soone in this world who isn't painfully stupid? I need smart allies, not reckless morons.'
His irritation simred. But Jack knew the harsh truth of this world: strength and power ruled above all. Wealth, fa, intelligence—none of it mattered without raw power to back it up. Until he reached that pinnacle himself, he had to endure the incompetence around him.
Kurt stood confidently in front of Hay, exuding eagerness. Hay rested a hand on Kurt's shoulder, his expression unreadable. The class collectively leaned forward, curiosity burning in their eyes. What was this test, exactly?
The seconds dragged on in heavy silence. Kurt's confidence began to waver. Suddenly, his knees buckled, and he collapsed to the ground, panting like he'd run a marathon. Sweat dripped from his pale face as he gasped for breath, his previous bravado shattered.
Hay, anwhile, remained impassive. "Next," he said flatly, ignoring Kurt's trembling form.
A tall, stoic-looking young man stood next. Jack's sharp eyes assessed him. 'Judging by his build and deanor, he's probably the oldest here. Nineteen, maybe twenty. He's got that soldier vibe. Military training, perhaps?'
The young man approached with asured steps, his long legs making short work of the distance. Hay observed him briefly before placing a hand on his shoulder. Again, the silence stretched, the tension in the room growing unbearable. This ti, the young man lasted longer—over two minutes—before crumpling to his knees, his face pale and drenched in sweat.
Unlike Kurt, his reaction was more dramatic. He pushed himself away from Hay, his eyes wide with terror, as though he'd glimpsed sothing unspeakable. "What... what was that?" he stamred, his voice trembling.
"You endured longer because of fear," Hay remarked, a rare chuckle escaping his lips. The montary humor faded as quickly as it ca, replaced by his usual stoicism. "Who's next?" he asked, his gaze sweeping across the room.
The class hesitated. Fear now outweighed curiosity. One by one, however, they stepped forward. Every student succumbed to the sa fate, collapsing in varying states of exhaustion and terror. So barely lasted a minute, while a rare few managed to endure two.
Jack watched with growing amusent. Nearly the entire class now sat in disarray, trembling as if they'd all woken from nightmares. He fought the urge to laugh aloud. 'This is priceless,' he thought, a smirk tugging at his lips. 'They're breaking down like fragile glass. What is Hay even doing to them?'
Though entertained, Jack's curiosity burned. He observed each attempt carefully, hoping to uncover Hay's thod. But whatever technique the instructor was using remained elusive.
Soon, only two students had yet to take the test: Jack himself and Jas, who sat stiffly a few seats away. Jack's eyes flicked to Jas, who was noticeably avoiding his gaze.
Jack leaned back, smirking. "Surprised to see you scared, Jas. I didn't think a simple test would rattle you so much."
Jas's jaw tightened at the taunt. He stood abruptly, his steps deliberate as he strode to the front of the class. "Scared? Don't be ridiculous," he snapped. "This is nothing. He's just using his aura to pressure them."
Jack's smirk deepened. 'Bingo. That's what I needed to know.'
Feigning disinterest, Jack stayed seated, his mind racing. Jas had unknowingly spilled the secret: aura. Jack had suspected as much, but confirmation was valuable. 'I'll have to thank him for the free lesson later. Maybe with a nice dose of humiliation.'
Jas stood before Hay, his posture defiant, his confidence radiating. He crossed his arms, his white-sheathed sword resting between them like a badge of honor. Hay regarded him for a mont, his sharp gaze assessing.
'This one has potential,' Hay thought. 'His aura is stronger than his peers'. Let's see how far he can go.'
Placing a hand on Jas's shoulder, Hay initiated the test. Ti stretched painfully as the room held its collective breath. Jas endured longer than anyone before him—nearly ten minutes—before he finally staggered back, dropping to one knee. Though shaken, he held himself upright, his pride refusing to crumble entirely.
Jas turned his head toward Jack, his eyes narrowing. "Your turn," he spat, his voice laced with venom. "Co show us what you've got."
Jack rose slowly, dusting off his sleeves as he approached. The amused smirk never left his face. "You seem awfully eager to see fail, Jas. Don't worry. I won't disappoint."
The class watched with bated breath as Jack ca to a stop in front of Hay. The instructor's piercing gaze bore into him, but Jack t it evenly, his expression unreadable.
'Let's see what you're made of, Asriel,' Hay thought, placing a firm hand on his shoulder.
Hay's hand rested lightly on Jack's shoulder, yet it felt like a mountain had settled there, crushing down with unrelenting force. Jack's smirk faltered for a fraction of a second, but he steadied himself, refusing to let any weakness show. The pressure was imdiate, oppressive, and invasive, like a thousand invisible needles piercing through his very being.
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