"The first round of the Superhero License Exam..." Fury said at the top of his lungs before stopping in order to create suspense, adding to the anxiety that every individual participant had.
Gulp.
Momentary silence filled the air as it grew thicker. Fury's lips curved upward. "... will be a race. Break a leg, everyone."
Once the stadium was opened, a huge banner at the top of the entrance could be seen, marking the words 'Start' and 'Finish Line'. Satoshi and the others stood close to each other as they realized that the race-type test would have a looping track and that only those who'd finish in the top spots would be granted a pass to the second round.
Fury found no need to explain the rules since it was already displayed in the large monitor that also showed a live stream video of the Superhero License Exam. Besides, it's not like this was the first time that such an exam will be held. Throughout the years where the Superhero License Exam was conducted, the race exam was a common one, held almost every year. There are even guides and tutorials on Youtube on how to pass the exam. It's nothing new to the examinees as well, even the first-timers.
Even the course wherein everyone will be competing in hasn't changed over the years. That's why those who had been taking the Superhero License Exam for many years, sure have a huge advantage. Of course, this wasn't due to the fact that the exam was overlooked, or that the administration was lazy, but rather, to help those who had been failing for many years so they'd have a chance to pass the exams. SAO needs as many superheroes as possible after all, with all the otherworldly threats, villainy, and crimes that occur throughout the country.
And right now, with the appearance of Dungeon Spire, the urgency of the SAO couldn't be more tested.
"Hah, this will be a piece of cake," Hiroshi smirked, enveloping his arms and legs with flames that were ready to shoot up at a second's notice.
"Yep, see you at the finish line." Midori crouched low, activating his Berserk and Healing Skill at the same time to maximize the full power output of his muscles. These past few weeks, he had been undergoing intense self-training to heal faster than his muscles deteriorate during his Berserk form. Although he couldn't do it in a lengthened period of time, he knew that a few seconds is more than enough for him to finish this race.
"Sure," Satoshi answered, summoning Ghast and Nailgun. He figured that the examiners might not accept him teleporting at the checkpoint and then back at the finish line so he decided to do short bursts of teleportation while flying with his Nailgun. That way, he'd be able to satisfy the examiners by showing them a fraction of his power.
Murmur. Murmur.
The whispers that encompassed the group suddenly became louder as a certain figure passed by. He wasn't anything noteworthy, or at least that's what his figure screamed at everyone. Nevertheless, everyone thought it best to be wary of him, not because he was powerful (and he is powerful) but because of his purpose.
"I-isn't he... the Death Reaper?" Someone uttered in a low tone,
"Y-y-yes, that's him. We shouldn't have... tsk!" Another one said, shutting his eyes in frustration.
Death Reaper was tall in stature but he was skinny. His pointy ears resembled that of a bat, and he wore small circular-rimmed sunglasses on his eyes which barely covered them. His tattered clothes, despite making him look like a beggar, intimidated the group, causing them to step aside as he walked into the center. A creepy smile swept across his face in return as he was awaiting such reactions from them.
"I guess it's hunting season this time of year again," He licked his lips, swinging the two small scythes in his hands which were bound together by chains on each end.
"Do you know him?" Someone asked from the crowd near Midori, to which Midori promptly replied.
"Yes, that's the Death Reaper. Usually, he avoids the first Superhero License Exam but right now, he's here out of all places. This is bad." Midori grunted.
"I know... fortunately we can overtake him... the others aren't that lucky though." Hiroshi agreed.
Three...
Two...
One...
Ready...
Start!
The race gun was shot, and the exam commenced, making everyone scramble towards the front. However, with one great leap, Death Reaper managed to overtake everyone, including Midori and Hiroshi who were confident that the Death Reaper wouldn't be able to go head to head with them in terms of speed.
Just as everyone here had been preparing for the past year to pass the Superhero License Exam, Death Reaper had been preparing as well, forming strategies that would give him the edge when it comes to any exams. And right now, it was clear that he was more ready than anyone else in this group. As soon as he was forty or so meters ahead, he stopped short, turning around and facing everyone who was running toward him.
"Sorry guys, just doing my job," He said to himself, swinging his chain scythes relentlessly, trying to discourage anyone who might come near. Adding to that, he let out a sliver of bloodthirst towards the group, causing them to stop short in their tracks as crippling fear overcame them... well, not all of them.
[I've nullified the attack to the mind, Satoshi,] Dex said in Satoshi's mind as he woke up from the daze.
"Snap out of it, you two." Satoshi then raised his voice, slapping both Hiroshi and Midori in the face. "We can't afford to lose here."
The three of them weren't the only ones who snapped out of the mind daze, but then again, it's not like there were a lot of them who were able to do so. Most of them were also psychics as well. It was probably their mental fortitude that enabled them to not be affected by the bloodthirst.
"So, who here is nicknamed the Iron Blooded Orphan?" Death Reaper called out, "Be honored, someone out there has given me the opportunity to stop you from being a superhero. Well, not that it would make any difference to everyone, I still have enough breathing space to take all of you on."
"Are you sure about that?" A metallic voice resounded from the group, followed by a clanking of metal.
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