The moment his alarm went off, Il Ji threw himself out of bed. Today was the day.
Checking his holo, he confirmed it.
[Friday, the Thirteenth of May, in the year 425 BRE]
He rushed to get himself clean. The moment he finished, he walked out the door in large strides. Today was the day.
Barry was waiting for him. "Barry, I need transportation to the Chrono Federation Beast Tamer Association."
"Would you like some breakfast?"
"I'll take a water bottle, but food wil just slow me down."
"Yes, sir!"
Il Ji made his way to the front entrance. Rex, the driver, was waiting for him with a water bottle.
"Master Il Ji. For you." He held out the water bottle.
"Rex. How are you today?"
"Doing fairly well today sir."
"Glad to hear it." Il Ji stepped into the car, and the man shut the door behind him.
The driver walked around and started the car. With a lurch, he began the long drive back to the city.
Il Ji quietened his thoughts. Soon, they arrived at his destination.
He walked up the stairs. With a sweeping theow of his arms, he opened the double doors. It seemed fitting.
A curious sight greeted him. It was one of two things: either Orio was waiting for him, or he was using the pretense of such an act to flirt with Agnes. Il Ji assumed that it was, indeed, both- sinultaneously.
He was right.
As he approached the desk, he was calmly greeted by Agnes' somewhat raspy voice. "Welcome back, kid."
"I'm glad you could make it." Orio Santers added, extending his hand.
Il Ji shook it. 'He's more nervous than I am.' Il Ji thought.
"I haven't seen you for the last few weeks." Orio added. "Did something happen?"
"Ah yes, actually."
"I'm all ears."
"I fell into a coma about two weeks ago. As the result of my earlier preparations, I was only able to open the study materials last night. But don't worry, I've got this in the bag."
Orio blinked twice in confusion.
Il Ji slapped him on the shoulder. "So, where's the testing space?"
Orio turned around. "Agnes?"
"You can use the third door on the right. Go all the way down the hallway, then open the door at the end. We have a plethora of sensors to check for both mechanical and biological cheating. At the end, you will be asked if you cheated. Say, 'No,' or you will automatically fail the test."
"Test materials will be in the room. Once you complete a test, the next will be provided for you. At that time, you may exit the room for a break. When you return, the clock begins again."
"Each test has a maximum time of three hours. As for the Creation Master Tests, they also come with a written section. Please use short and concise phrases."
"That's it, right Orio?"
"You did perfect, Agnes."
"Good. With that, our bet is finished. Scram, kid."
Orio held up his hands. Turning to Il Ji, he casuallly spoke before walking back to his office. "See you on the other side, then."
Il Ji lifted his chin and walked proudly to the testing center. Opening the door on his right, he followed the hall until he reached the room at the end.
The door was locked.
"Please place your holo in the slot provided." A metallic voice spoke from a speaker above him.
Il Ji did as he was asked.
"Thank you." The voice continued. "No beasts or further mechanical devices detected. Keep in mind that, for the duration of the test, any summoned objects or beasts will immediately disqualify you, and you will fail the test. You may now proceed to the testing room."
Il Ji opened the door. Inside was a small desk. At the desk was a large, curved monitor. He sat down on the chair- unlike the testing centers he had been in the past, this
"Please state your name for the record."
"Il- Ji."
"Please scan your biometrics for identification."
Il Ji stuck his hand out and opened one of his eyes wide like a pirate.
"Biometrics confirmed. Welcome, Il Ji. You will now be taking the prestigious Tier 1 Creation Master Exam. Please select your answers as they are provided."
"For any written questions, use the holotablet on the desk. You have three hours to complete this test. At that time, all unanswered questions will be forfeit."
"To thank you for your interest in joining the Chrono Federations as a Creation Master, we have altered the time flow in this room so that when you return, it will be as if no time was spent. Your three hours start: now."