And... The next day came.
Even after the incident, the evaluation continued.
Today...
Was the day.
The day Symboli Rudolf would personally interview each candidate, deciding who was fit to enter Tracen Academy.
And only those who had evaluated highly through the trials, whether through the race…
Or the academic exam.
They were selected to be part of this final assessment.
All...
Except Urara, of course.
Who had somehow failed both.
Yet still, she had been given a number.
A number that signaled her turn for the interview.
143.
The last.
Most likely...
...
...
...
And so, as morning broke, the school grounds filled once again. But reduced to only the potential candidates.
As the candidates gathered, waiting, some standing in silence while others whispered nervously.
Each one was waiting for their number to be called.
Each was eager for this final assessment to end...
...
...
...
Meanwhile...
Inside the student council room, the very place where the interview was held.
One presence stood tall amongst the atmosphere.
Symboli Rudolf.
Sat sternly in her office, composing while keeping herself focused on this lengthy process.
Beside her, two vice presidents stood as well, prepared to assist in the assessment, ensuring every judgment was nuanced without polarization and weighed carefully.
Then—
The clock ticked.
One after another, silence after silence.
Until—
*TICK*
It struck nine.
Instantly, Rudolf lifted her head and ordered.
"Let's commence."
In mere seconds, the first candidate was called in.
Then another.
And another.
One after another, they stepped into the room.
And without mercy, Symboli Rudolf observed them all thoroughly.
The way they sat, spoke, their composure, their reactions, and most importantly, their answers.
Nothing should escape her gaze.
Even the slightest tremble in their voice… the smallest shift in their stance…
All will be recorded and evaluated.
Some faltered under her scrutiny.
Their composure cracked the moment her remarks cut in, and that alone placed them at risk.
Others...
Collapsed before they could even begin.
Her presence alone was overwhelming; some barely could contain themselves merely meeting her.
An existence many admired, but few could withstand.
The one's presence alone could raise many doubts.
And the one at the very peak...
...
...
...
Hours passed.
One by one, candidates were dismissed.
Some left early, unable to continue.
Others stepped out in silence, awaiting their fate.
Eventually...
Narita Brian, without a word, excused herself, already set on returning to her training.
As usual, she never did favor participating in such a 'dilatory' undertaking.
And she had never spoken throughout the interviews, and even barely reacted.
Merely given that her role was simply to test their resolve through her menacing presence.
And with that, she left.
And the room was left to two.
Rudolf, and Air Groove...
...
...
Then—
As the clock drifted into the golden hours of evening, a figure finally arrived.
Stepping through the entrance with a bright grin, chest puffed with pride.
"Hm hm… I guess it's almost my turn to meet those big shots already!"
"I can't wait to see what they look like!"
As carefree as ever, Urara skipped forward, humming to herself as she made her way toward the reception.
But—
As she approached, a girl brushed past her, sobbing.
Urara blinked, turning her head, following the moving figure, tilting it in confusion.
"Why is she crying…? Did she stub her toe?" she pondered.
Then—
"Oh!"
She smacked her fist into her palm, as if she knew the answer.
"She must've been overwhelmed by good news! That's great!"
Her eyes sparkled.
"Now I can't wait even more for my turn!"
Suddenly, her gaze lowered slightly.
"If only Mary-chan could make it..." she uttered, "I wonder where she's been..."
Then, just as quickly, she pumped up.
"But! I know she's probably in a good place!"
"Just like how Urara is right now!"
"So, I totally shouldn't be worried too much!"
"And off I go!"
With that, she continued her steps, hopped up to the counter, and registered, just like before.
"There you go," the receptionist said.
"Your turn will be after two more candidates."
"And please wait patiently at the designated area. Just follow the sign, it will rightfully guide you to the designated area. Our academy looks forward to having you."
With that, Urara beamed.
"Whoa! Thank you!"
Swiftly, she turned and skipped away, waving enthusiastically at the receptionist.
"Bye bye!"
And in a mere second, she vanished...
...
...
...
A few moments later…
She arrived.
Spotting a bench not too far from the council room, she sat down instantly, swinging her legs back and forth as she hummed softly to herself.
With that, the time passed quietly, and Urara continued humming, swaying gently from side to side.
And for a while longer, she remained like that.
Until suddenly—
The door to the council room finally opened.
And a candidate stepped out.
Her shoulders slumped, eyes downcast.
As she walked past, she glanced at Urara.
That bright, eager face, so full of anticipation.
For a moment, pity crossed her expression.
As if she already knew what would happen once Urara stepped inside.
But—
She said nothing.
And walked away.
Leaving Urara to face the unknown herself.
Then—
"Number 143."
A voice called from outside the council room.
Urara's ears perked instantly.
She shot up from the bench.
"Finally!" she exclaimed, pumping her fist into the air, slightly startling the committee member.
Then—
Urara advanced, marching forward with her usual grin.
But just as Urara was about to reach the council room—
The door opened slightly, and a head peeked out.
"Ah—" Symboli Rudolf turned toward the committee member, "I think it's getting late. Since we're nearing the final candidate. You might as well head off first. And... Thank you for your hard work."
With that, the committee member bowed politely, slightly eagerly.
"Thank you, President."
And just like that, she stepped away, passing by Urara on her way out.
Urara watched her go—
Then continued forward.
Rudolf was about to step back inside, but paused in the middle.
Her eyes caught sight of a familiar, energetic figure approaching.
Haru Urara.
Instead of returning inside, Rudolf stepped out fully—
Holding the door open.
"Hello. You must be Urara," she greeted politely, "We've been expecting you."
"Whoa! You know my name?!" Urara gasped, throwing her hands up, "That's so cool!"
Rudolf let out a soft chuckle, "Sure..."
Then gestured inside.
"Please, come in."
Without hesitation, Urara dashed forward happily, "Yeah!"
And entered.
Smoothly, Rudolf followed and pulled the door alongside her.
*Thud*
With that, the door closed behind her.
Sealing the room with her within.
Now, Urara's fate lingered alongside her fading jollity.
Would she make it out… or succumb, as the others had?
Or would Rudolf be the one to fight to survive within?
To survive from this bubbly pink creature.