Noah's Apartment – 10:00 PM, Night Before the Exam
"Ah… The doctor said it's nothing serious," I muttered to myself, tossing the prescribed painkillers onto the table. "Just a minor injury. I'll sleep it off."
Tomorrow's the exam. I need to rest—no matter how tired I already am.
I collapsed onto the bed, my body aching, my mind focused.
---
Exam Day – 8:30 AM
The room smelled faintly of toasted bread and eggs. I was already up, dressed, and preparing breakfast.
"The exam starts at 10:00," I reminded myself, flipping the last slice of bread.
"Noah, you awake?"
He yawned, stumbling out of his room. "Ashen… You're up early again."
"You forgot?" I said, narrowing my eyes.
"Forgot what?"
"My exam. Today."
Noah's eyes widened. "Oh right! That's today! How are you feeling, by the way? You were in pain last night."
"I took the medicine. I'm better now," I replied, setting plates on the table.
Fifteen minutes later, we sat at the dining table.
"This food…" Noah took a bite and smiled. "You really do cook well. I think I'll hire you as my personal chef."
I smirked. "Me? Lior Ashen, the world's most perfect man, becoming your personal chef?"
"I'll pay you 50 yen per meal."
My eyes twitched. "A greedy guy like you can afford that?"
"I had a part-time job, you know," Noah said, casually sipping his tea.
"You never told me."
"It's my personal matter."
"Personal matter between friends, huh? I see," I said sarcastically.
"Still," he shrugged, "instead of taking 50 yen per meal, I could just buy food from outside."
"That'd save you the trouble," I said.
"Who said I don't need money?" he chuckled. "But reputation matters too."
I leaned back. "So, cooking for a friend doesn't ruin your reputation?"
"No, but charging your friend does ruin your reputation," he said, grinning.
"Tch. You're impossible."
"And you're perfect, Ashen," he laughed.
---
9:10 AM – After Breakfast
"I'll revise a bit more," I said, washing the dishes. "I'm going to top this exam and get the highest-paying job in Japan."
---
9:30 AM – Hitachi Corporation Tokyo Branch
A stern voice echoed across the large hall.
"All examinees, listen carefully," announced Professor Satoshi Nakamoto, standing at the front with arms crossed.
"The exam begins in ten minutes. Anyone caught cheating will be immediately disqualified and permanently banned from future exams. I hope you've come prepared."
So this is Satoshi Nakamoto, I thought.
A strict and legendary invigilator. For over a decade, he's conducted SPI exams and has no tolerance for dishonesty. I had already researched him before showing up today.
"The exam is two hours long," he continued. "You have 50 questions. If you get 10 or more wrong—you fail. Only those who get 35 or more correct will pass."
"Begin."
The sound of pages flipping and pens scribbling filled the room.
For many, this test was difficult—almost unreasonably so. Advanced grammar, complex mathematical reasoning, Japanese history, current affairs, politics, economics, financial theory—it was all here.
But I wasn't like the others.
Advanced grammar? Easy.
Math? Please.
History? Current affairs? Politics? I know it all.
Suddenly, Satoshi Nakamoto called out from the front. "Seats 6, 7, and 8—disqualified."
"Hey! That's your fault!" one student shouted as he was escorted out.
I ignored the noise and focused.
One question after another fell into place, like a puzzle I'd already solved in a dream.
---
2 Hours Later
"Time's up," Nakamoto announced. "Submit your papers."
I stood up and handed him mine. He glanced at me—perhaps surprised at the calm confidence on my face.
He thinks I'm just a smart student. He has no idea who I truly am.
---
Outside the Examination Hall – 12:00 PM
Noah rushed to me. "Ashen! How was the exam?"
"I'll get what I want," I replied with a faint smile.
---
2:00 PM – Afternoon
My phone buzzed. The screen flashed: Chief Kurosawa.
"Hello?"
"Ashen, this is urgent," the Chief's voice said. "Come to the office. I'll explain everything there."
"Understood. I'll be there in five minutes."
I grabbed my coat.
"Noah," I said quickly, "I have urgent business. I'll be back tonight."
"Got it. Be safe."
As I stepped out, my mind wandered.
Why did the Chief say that?
Make sure you're careful while doing this mission...
What kind of mission would require that kind of warning?
Something's coming.
Something big.
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