Assessment

One by one, the people from the lobby stepped into the vast hall where their assessment would take place. The grand space revealed its scale to each of them as they arrived.

The Primary Assessment, a creation of Auralex's meticulous design, challenged contenders across three categorize which are physical prowess, intellectual sharpness, and their responses to hypothetical complex, life-like scenarios.

Case didn't have a problem regarding intellectual and hypothetical real-life situations. He could ace those two without a problem.

The only thing he was worried about was the physical tests.

He no longer carried the build he once held as the Tenth Commander.

Now, his physique sat just above the average, enough to pass unnoticed, but possibly a disadvantage if the physical test demanded more than he had expected.

After all, there are countless tests out there that can gauge one's physical traits.

Additionally, He hadn't taken the assessment in the past as well that fact alone made him quite unsure and slightly doubtful.

He'll be doing this with only the knowledge he currently has.

Unfortunately for him, his unease deepened the moment Velez stepped forward with the next announcement.

"Let's start right away. Today, we're going to test your physical prowess with the set of obstacles you'll have to challenge. Follow me."

Everyone followed step behind Velez, their eyes fixed ahead at the strange array of obstacles, each one placed disorderly as if to be make it that way.

Some of the obstacles were pretty distinctly Earth-made design, familiar and grounded.

But the majority were arranged so oddly that whispers of speculation began to occur through the group—each forming their own idea of what this evaluation was truly meant to test.

Case was the only exception.

After all, these obstacles were designed to mimic the terrain of various situations once encountered within Outer.

Whether the surface had jagged cracks, razor sharp wind pressure along the way, deathly and concealed traps that had been put, or there was too much gravitational pull in that area itself.

While a few common scenarios were included, most of the setup seemed deliberately structured to prepare someone for the unexpected—to train them in the event they ever faced such extreme conditions.

Through this evaluation, Velez aimed to observe how each individual navigated the trials before them, measuring not just skill, but the tenacity required to endure and adapt

Soon, they reached what seemed to be the starting line for the first assessment.

Velez made everyone gather around the segment before finally explaining the first task.

"As I have mentioned, this will test your physical capability. Each obstacle has its own situation, but you will have a clear goal in mind, and that is reaching the top of this building."

Case set his eyes forward and looked above, where he couldn't see the top through his normal line of sight.

It might take hours or even days to reach it with many obstacles on the way.

In fact, they might never ever reach it.

Case still couldn't figure out how he could pass this test that satisfies Velez's evaluation.

Velez then continued, "That's pretty much it. I don't care what you do. Use the building as you like."

"…"

Case was left dumbfounded about the fact that there are no further instructions aside from just really reaching the top of the building.

'That sucks…'

Case thought inwardly before he saw hundreds of men from the start of the obstacle dispersing into different obstacles where they deemed an easy pathway.

Soon, only a few people were left at the very start of it.

Case could feel Velez's gaze lingering on him likely observing, analyzing, waiting to see what choices he would make.

Yet all he could do was silently mock himself for how powerless he felt in that moment.

'If only I could use my eyes freely…'

Case could probably use Eternal Deceitful Eye if not for the fact that he'll be left vulnerable after being discovered that he held an Authority.

He continued remembering Dishonest One's warning regarding entities that might snatch his power, because that's just how it is.

Case is the perfect example of a perfect prey at this instant.

Until the time was right...until the perfect moment emerged...he would hide it from the eyes of those who would exploit or strike him if they knew what power he wielded.

'What should I do though…'

Looking around, Case saw a few stragglers still at the beginning. Some appeared to have already surrendered as if they were merely prying into what the obstacles are all about, while others remained clueless.

On the other hand, Case didn't move an inch and remained observing the situation.

He sat on the ground and began to unpack his things while the other people with him, even some observers, were bewildered at his actions.

In the meantime, Case knew this was what he had to do.

 'There isn't any time limit. If they were, Velez would've already added it to her instructions. Until I saw an answer, I should probably make some time to see how things would work out first,'

Within the first hour of the task, Case remained at the starting point. Most of the observers had already drifted away, their attention shifting to those who had managed to push past deeper the obstacles.

Weirdly enough, Velez was the one left watching over him.

On the first night in the Primary Assessment, Case slept on the floor after putting on a blanket and brought out a pillow.

He felt secure and relaxed, and he fell into a deep sleep.

…

"Uwah…"

Case let out a yawn as he slowly blinked his eyes.

The moment his gaze sharpened, he froze. Velez was there, beside his blanket, eyes locked on him with unreadable intent.

"You're a very interesting fellow."

Hearing her soothing voice that seemed to capture his primal instincts, Case instantly sat down, fearing that he had somehow gotten into Velez's nerves.

Unfortunately for Case, Velez was amused.

There are many reasons, but one that became prominent for her is Case's actions.

At first, it would appear that his actions don't make sense, but Velez could see the underlying motives.

That's why she couldn't help but ask.

"Have you found something?"

He tilted his head, the question throwing him for just a second—then something clicked, and he responded with quiet certainty.

"Not a damn thing."

Case paused. "For now, nothing yet. I hope I did, though. Unfortunately, nothing came to mind right now."

Velez looked at Case with blank eyes before standing up.

Soon, she went to her initial position, where Case saw her last standing and quietly continued observing as if nothing had happened.

Case simply returned to his spot, as if it were just another ordinary Tuesday, and resumed watching the ongoing assessment unfold around him.