Seven Sins System Chapter 505. Evaluation IV
I suppressed a yawn, crossing my arms as the assessors around me took notes and whispered to one another. The test had been as tedious as I'd expected.
Yes, they'd shown some improvement and managed to pull together, but watching Aria navigate her team through simulated obstacles and holographic monsters wasn't exactly thrilling.
I knew she was a goddess after all. Still, I could appreciate the effort she'd put into leading them without her angelic power, and even more, the energy it took her to hold her temper in check.
The final assessment ended.
Katrina stood up and faced Aria and her team. "You've all shown improvement," she began, her tone measured. "But today's judgment isn't on the team as a whole. This is about whether Aria is fit to lead you. As assessors, our job is to ensure that the leader of every team is competent and reliable."
I could see Aria's shoulders tense, her gaze trained on Katrina with an intensity that told me she was prepared for whatever might come.
Katrina turned to the other assessors, nodding for their feedback.
The first mentor leaned forward, his eyes scanning Aria. "I think she has potential. Her team listens to her, and she commands respect. She passed."
Aria's expression softened slightly, a spark of hope appearing in her eyes.
The second mentor, however, shook his head, a slight frown on his face. "I disagree. I believe she lacks the consistency and decisiveness needed in a true leader. She's capable, yes, but there's something missing." He gave a curt nod. "Sorry."
Aria's face fell slightly, but she kept her composure.
Katrina's twin, Penelope, leaned back with a shrug, her expression one of casual amusement. "Honestly, I'm not impressed," she said, her voice dripping with indifference. "She did alright, sure, but alright isn't enough for a leadership role. There's a spark missing, a drive to really stand out. It's a fail for me."
Aria's face tightened, frustration creeping into her eyes as her chances grew slimmer. Four assessors had spoken. The decision came down to me.
Her gaze flickered toward me. She clearly thought I was going to relish the opportunity to make her fail, to cut down her hopes after all the hard work she'd put in. And I had to admit, the thought was tempting. Watching her frustration was entertaining, and we had a history of getting under each other's skin.
But as much as I wanted to wipe that look off her face, I also had a practical reason for keeping her in this position. She could be useful in the mission ahead, and I needed her as part of the plan.
I met her gaze. She stared back, her eyes blazing with a mixture of determination and apprehension. I could see her mentally preparing herself for the worst, expecting me to be the one to deliver the final blow. Her fists clenched at her sides, her shoulders tense, and I could practically hear her thinking that I was going to let her down, that I would take this opportunity to watch her fall.
But I held her gaze, keeping my face impassive, and after a long moment, I spoke. "She passed," I said simply.
Aria's eyes widened in shock. She blinked, trying to process what I'd just said. For a brief moment, she looked almost vulnerable, as if she couldn't quite believe that I'd sided with her, of all people. Before she could say anything, I moved my lips silently, just enough for her to see. 'You better pay me for it.'
I caught the barest hint of a nod. She knew exactly what I meant. I hadn't given her this pass out of kindness or pity. There was a price, and she'd be wise to remember it.
"And what's the reason for that, Dr. Allen?" Penelope asked, raising an eyebrow with a smirk. The hint of surprise was evident, though she quickly masked it behind her usual cool demeanor.
I leaned back, casting a quick glance around the room. "It's simple," I replied, turning back to Penelope. "Aria kept her team together when things fell apart. It wasn't flawless, far from it, but it's in the moments when things go wrong that a leader shows their real strength. She held them together, even when they started to falter. That's a skill you can't teach, and it's a skill this team's going to need in the field."
The assessors exchanged glances, and I could see some nods of agreement. Katrina's gaze softened, and she gave a short nod. "Then it's decided. You've passed. But," she added, her tone turning firm, "you're on thin ice, Aria. This wasn't a flawless performance. If you want to continue leading this team, you'll need to show consistent improvement."
Aria nodded, quickly regaining her composure. "Understood. Thank you," she said, the relief evident in her voice despite her formal tone.
Katrina's gaze held a hint of encouragement. "You did well today. Keep pushing yourself. The mission ahead won't be as forgiving."
Aria gave a slight bow, her expression filled with determination. Her team gathered around her, their relief and quiet pride evident. They exchanged a few words, congratulating her in low voices.
The assessors began to stand, gathering their notes and exchanging murmurs as they headed toward the exit. Penelope shot me a wry smile as she walked past, clearly amused and maybe even a bit impressed by my decision. I returned the smile nonchalanty.
Once the others filed out, Aria approached me. "I didn't expect that," she admitted quietly.
I smirked, leaning back against the wall, arms folded. "Just because we have our… history doesn't mean I can't recognize when someone is useful," I replied, meeting her gaze steadily. "You proved something today. But don't get too comfortable," I added, my tone hardening slightly. "You've still got a lot to work on."
She nodded, her expression serious as she absorbed my words. "I know," she said, her voice soft but resolute. "And… Thank you. For giving me a chance."
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