章節 18: Skydancer Exams (17)

"All candidates will be leaving the virtual space now!"

A mechanical voice entered the ears of every candidate in the virtual space and a blue dreamy light enveloped their bodies and transported them out of the virtual space.

. . .

"Congratulations to all the candidates who could successfully enter and exit the virtual space safely. And I felt the need to tell you we did not suffer any casualties during this fourth exam. And as much as it saddens me, the truth came to light three hours ago; the people who had quit; were cowards.

This wasn't part of the exam or anything and was initiated by me. It makes me sad that a vast majority of you all would surrender after being proposed a few possible losses. The higher-ups might suspend my license temporarily but it makes me better to know I didn't just pass some cowards and made them people tasked with the survival of our country!"

Hyena and Hugo looked at each other, having long figured out this fact, it was why they didn't quit in the first place. He could throw around the word coward however he liked, but it was all just subjective. If the higher-ups left the country in the hands of brutes who didn't know when to bow their heads, they would have been eliminated in the hands of enemies long ago.

'Hmph, for a very intelligent man, he comes off as quite lacking in finesse.'

Hugo observed, staring at the leather-clad man.

"And so, we close this day to inform you that out of the 1170 people who took part in the fourth exam, only a bit over 500 was able to pass."

His words were quite shocking as that was quite a low number to pass people. Hugo furrowed his eyebrows and stared at Loudmouth like he was trying to see through him.

'Even for someone who thinned the ranks from the start, this is a bit too much. Loudmouth didn't pass a lot of people this exam, why?'

"If you are wondering what happened, then my answer is quite simple. Quality. We seek quality over quantity, sure sometimes quantity is needed most, but when it comes down to it, quality will still be preferred over quantity. I'm not some stupid brute as a lot of smart people might think, in fact, I'm far from it. I, Loudmouth was born with an IQ of 159.

Meaning, I am only short on one point before I am as smart as the legendary genius from the time of old, Albert Einstein. It may not look like it, but I could find ways to kill you right here and now without using a single skill in my arsenal."

Hugo listened to his words carefully and smirked.

'That was why I felt the surrounding vibe near him so weird and familiar. It's the aura of the arrogant!'

Hyena's shock was not a subtle as Hugo's though, he never felt like this guy could be on par with him, not in a million years. But not only did Loudmouth prove he was on par with him, but he also was higher than him at the same time.

Hyena's breathing became heavy and unstable, making the surrounding air unsettling.

"Hey, bro calm down, you cannot let this get to you. Do not forget that this IQ we're speaking about is long since developed by our ancestors, it is only used to measure intellectual disabilities or potential. If he could get as high as that, Loudmouth has some specialities of his that we do not know of, just because he has a higher score does not mean he is better than you."

Hugo hurriedly rushed to Hyena's side and tried to calm him down.

"It's fine, but note that your views are very flawed, you like to view things in an objective manner, but sometimes that just doesn't cut it! Look here, if I told anyone about Loudmouth and myself's IQ score, they would definitely feel me dumber than he is, and if I one to make it sound less harsh, they would find me lacking intellectually compared to him..."

"... What I'm trying to say is that you should not look at it that way, I am very much willing to bet that Loudmouth has more than a few tricks up his sleeve."

His heavy breathing became a bit calmer, and he walked away, knowing what Loudmouth would say next.

"So, today's set of exams are finished and the last exams will start a day from now!"

His announcement received a bout of applause from most of the candidates, who felt they deserved a good rest and that this nightmare of an exam would soon be over.

"Hmm."

. . .

"Whew, this thing is almost over!"

Hugo sighed in relief and jumped onto his hotel bed, this hellish nightmare was almost over. He was about to close his eyes and drift off to sleep when he heard an annoying voice near his ear.

"Hmm, why are you in such a hurry to sleep?"

'Huh, where'd that voice come from...'

After waiting a few seconds and not hearing the voice again, Hugo tried going back to sleep.

"Hey, are you listening to me?!"

The annoying mosquito-like voice spoke near his ear again.

'Where is that sound coming from? Could be in my head, maybe.'

Hugo randomly thought of multiple theories to the voice he was hearing and only came up with one viable explanation.

'I got it! I must have developed the voice because I stayed in the virtual space for too long. Heh, I've had annoying voices tormenting me my whole life, this guy came a little late.'

Hugo was quite pleased with the thought and went to sleep soundly.

"Goddamnit wake up!"

The annoying voice spoke angrily this time and was hitting him with a large stick.

"Ahhh! Oh, it's just you Avery, I thought heard some annoying voice in my head."

Hugo quickly adapted to the situation without realizing the wrath he had incurred upon himself.

"Grr- Annoying voice?"

"Yeah, it was this tiny voice that spoke annoyingly, which made me kinda upset the way it sounded. Hey, Avery what's wrong with your face, it's all red!"

Avery gritted her teeth against each other and extended a pair of hands towards Hugo.

"Come here little boy, come have some deat- I mean candies."

Hugo finally realized what he did, but by that time, it was too late.