Knowledge Class

The next day arrived, pulling Kai from a deep, uninterrupted sleep. He had spent the entire previous day resting—his body finally given a break after months of relentless training. But today was far from easy.

It was exam day.

The Knowledge Class, led by Professor Madya, was unlike any traditional academic setting. This wasn't just about memorization—it was about proving comprehension, critical thinking, and mental resilience under pressure. Five grueling papers awaited him: History, Geopolitics, Geography, Computer Science, and Language. From 8 AM to 8 PM, with only short 30-minute breaks in between, he would be tested on everything he had learned.

Kai sat alone at a sleek, minimalist desk, the room unnervingly silent. Professor Madya stood at the podium, watching him closely. There were no physical papers; everything was digital. Yet, security was tighter than any ordinary exam.

The Internet was cut off.

His neural implant was deactivated.

No external assistance. No shortcuts.

A single tablet lay before him, the first exam already loaded: History.

As soon as the timer started, Kai scanned the first page. Multiple choice, subjective responses, and a long-form essay question. His stylus tapped lightly against the screen as he began writing. The questions were challenging, yet something about them felt… familiar. His training, the lectures, the relentless studying—it all came together. He moved swiftly but carefully, ensuring every answer was precise.

From the podium, Professor Madya watched intently. Four high-resolution CCTV cameras, stationed in each corner of the room, monitored his every move. The AI proctor software analyzed his eye movement, body language, and typing patterns, scanning for even the slightest signs of dishonesty. Minutes turned into an hour. The only sounds were the faint hum of machinery and the rhythmic tapping of his stylus.

Finally, the two-hour session ended.

With a deep breath, Kai submitted his exam. A notification pinged on Professor Madya's device as she received his answers. She glanced at the screen, skimming through his responses—her eyes narrowing slightly in surprise.

So far… everything was correct.

But the day was far from over. Four more exams awaited him.

After submitting his History exam, Kai took advantage of the 30-minute break—a brief moment to stretch, drink water, and rest. He wasn't one to cram last-minute; he knew that conserving his energy was just as important as the knowledge itself.

Once the break ended, the Geography exam began. Like before, the questions challenged him, but his preparation paid off. He worked through them with careful precision, ensuring every answer was as accurate as possible. Two hours passed. Another exam submitted.

Another 30-minute break.

The cycle repeated—exam, break, exam, break—until the final subject of the day: Language. This one tested his fluency, comprehension, and articulation. Despite the exhaustion creeping in, he pushed through, answering every question until, at last, he submitted his final paper.

With the weight of the day's exams lifted, Kai was ready to head back to his apartment for some much-needed rest. But just as he was about to leave, Professor Madya called him to the podium.

She studied him for a moment before speaking. "Kid, I've taken a quick look at your exams, and I must say… you've impressed me so far. Keep up the good work tomorrow."

Kai gave a respectful nod. "Thank you, Prof. See you tomorrow."

With that, he left the classroom, stepping out into the evening air—one day down, one more to go.

The final exam day had arrived.

At exactly 8 AM, Kai sat at his desk, tablet in hand, ready to face the last challenge.

The first paper of the morning: Chemistry. Just like yesterday, he worked through the questions with confidence, answering them efficiently. The familiar cycle repeated—exam, 30-minute break, then another exam. Hours passed, the weight of each subject pressing on his mind.

Then, at last, the final paper: Biology.

Outside, the sun had already set, casting long shadows across the campus. The only sound in the exam hall was the steady ticking of the clock and the rhythmic tapping of styluses against tablets.

Kai's focus never wavered. The questions were challenging but nothing beyond his knowledge. Yet, all he could think about was finishing. His mind, exhausted from two grueling days of exams, longed for the moment he could finally leave and rest.

Then, at 8 PM sharp, the time was up. He submitted his last paper to Professor Madya.

As he rose from his seat, she approached him.

"I've received your paper, kid," she said, her tone unusually warm. "I'll begin checking them tonight. It won't take long before we get your results." Then, after a brief pause, she added,

"It's been a great few months teaching you."

Kai expected a handshake. Instead, she hugged him.

A bit surprised, he returned the gesture. When she pulled away, she offered a small smile.

"Good luck tomorrow."

He nodded. "Thank you, Prof."

With that, Kai left the classroom, stepping into the cool night air.

Tomorrow would be the true final day of his six-month training. Coach Leo never told him what he needed to do to pass. But soon, Kai would have his answer.

Meanwhile...

In a dimly lit laboratory, Coach Armstrong lay strapped to a medical bed, unable to move. His muscular frame had returned to normal, yet the thick restraints remained. Around him, a group of scientists in white lab coats moved methodically—scanning his vitals, taking notes on their tablets, muttering observations to each other.

Then, the lab door hissed open.

The scientists immediately stepped aside as General Hackett entered. His boots echoed against the floor, his gaze sharp as he stopped beside the bed.

Coach Armstrong slowly turned his head toward him. "Oh… You've come." His voice was weak, barely audible.

The General looked down at him, arms crossed. "You were reckless that day, Armstrong. What were you thinking?" His tone was cold, more of a reprimand than a question.

Coach was silent for a moment before exhaling a strained sigh. "I apologize. When I realized I was about to lose… my neural system started acting up. I couldn't accept it. I couldn't think properly."

There was genuine shame in his voice.

The General studied him carefully. "I certainly didn't expect you to use it against that boy. Tell me… did he overwhelm you so much that you became desperate?"

Coach didn't respond immediately. This time, his silence was different—he was thinking, replaying the fight in his mind.

Then, in a hushed but firm tone, he finally spoke.

"…That boy is not a normal human, General."

The room grew still.

"You know why I was given the title 'strongest in the nation,' right?" Armstrong continued. "It's not just natural strength—I had an exoskeleton installed inside of me and have been using steroids to become what I am now." His gaze darkened. "But that boy… had nothing. No enhancements. No boosters. And yet, he still defeated me."

A heavy silence fell over the lab. The scientists, the General—everyone was now fully aware.

Kai Izanagi was more than just a skilled fighter. He was something else entirely.