I finished the exam in just under thirty minutes. Thirty minutes of intense, brain-bending questions that would have made even the most dedicated scholar cry for mercy. But for me? It was like playing one of those puzzle games I'd beaten a thousand times before. The hardest part was pretending to struggle long enough so I didn't stand out too much, but even then, I couldn't stretch it past half an hour.

So now, here I was, stuck in my seat, looking around the room while everyone else continued to wrestle with their papers. Some of them were sweating, some were biting their pencils, and one guy in the corner was muttering formulas under his breath like a spell. It was almost... sad.

Come on, guys.

 It's just a few questions. 

It's not like they're asking us to solve world hunger. 

Though... that would be an interesting bonus question.

I glanced over at the proctors—heroes, really—standing at the front of the room. They were supposed to be intimidating, with their perfect uniforms and serious expressions. But to me, they just looked bored. Like they were waiting for the bell to ring so they could go home and catch up on whatever reality show was trending this week.

 I wonder if they're impressed by any of this. 

Or are they just pretending to care because it's their job?

One of them, a tall guy with spiky  wild unruly and hobo like hair and a mask that covered most of his face or a scarf, was leaning against the wall, arms crossed, staring at us like we were the most fascinating thing he'd seen all day. I recognized him from one of Dad's rants—Eraser Head, I think. He had a reputation for being tough on students, which explained the death glare he was giving us.

Oh, scary hero man, please don't fail me.

 I might actually be forced to... do nothing, because I already am about to hack into your grading system and know I passed..... cause what else?

Eraser Head's eyes scanned the room, landing on me. For a moment, we just stared at each other, and I could tell he was sizing me up, probably wondering why I wasn't sweating like the rest of the applicants. I wasn't even pretending to write anymore, just sitting there, twirling my pencil and occasionally glancing at the clock.

He raised an eyebrow, clearly curious. When he finally decided to walk over, I stifled a groan. Great, just what I needed—attention.

Eraser Head: You're done?

No, I just filled in random bubbles and prayed for the best.

Me: Yeah, I'm done.

He looked at my paper, then back at me. I could practically hear him thinking, "There's no way you're done already." But instead of calling me out, he just asked the question I knew was coming.

Eraser Head: And? How do you think you did?

What do you want me to say? 

That it was hard? 

That I'm sweating bullets?

Me: I think I did fine. Not much to it, really.

I could see a hint of surprise in his eyes, though he quickly hid it behind his usual poker face. Maybe he wasn't used to students being so... confident. Or maybe he just didn't expect a quirkless kid to finish this fast without breaking a sweat.

Eraser Head: Most students find this exam challenging. You didn't.

Is this where I'm supposed to panic? 

Start crying and confess that I cheated?

Me: Look, I'm not like most students. I knew what to expect, so I finished. What else was I supposed to do? Start crying?

He blinked, clearly not expecting that response. Honestly, I didn't expect it either. But something about being questioned after I'd done everything right just rubbed me the wrong way. Was he hoping I'd crack under pressure? Not happening.

Eraser Head: You're confident. That's good. But UA isn't just about passing tests. You'll need more than brains to make it here.

Yeah, yeah. I've heard this lecture before. Brains, brawn, heart, whatever.

I got money!

MONEY!

And money rules the world!

Me: I know. But I've got what it takes, trust me.

He studied me for a moment longer, like he was trying to see through my words, figure out if I was bluffing. But I wasn't. Not really. I knew I wasn't the typical UA candidate, but that's exactly why I'd be a great hero. Because I wasn't like the others. I wasn't trying to be.

Eraser Head: We'll see. Just remember, it's not just about what you know. It's about what you do when it matters.

Thanks, Mr. Wisdom. Can I go now?

Me: I know. And I'll prove it.

He nodded, finally seeming satisfied, and walked away, leaving me to sit there for the remaining half-hour. I leaned back in my chair, stifling a yawn as I watched the others struggle through their questions.

Prove it? 

I already did. 

But sure, let's see what the practical exam has in store. 

Maybe I'll actually break a sweat.

UA was supposed to be the toughest school in the country, but I'd just breezed through their written exam and lets be honest, if I fail, I'll either hack in and change my grade or I will pay Nezu a fortune to get me. Nothing money can't solve after all..... And the best part? This was only the beginning.

A/N: I kinda forgot to publish TT.TT sorry for the wait