ushernet Chapter 59: Perfect Score [1]
Chapter 59: Perfect Score [1]
"Ugh."
The groans came from the first group of students. It was impossible to figure out anything just by looking at the shapeless elements from a distance.
"Ma, may I touch it?" the team leader asked.
Professor Karen nodded.
"Then start. I'll start timing now."
"Understood, professor."
The first group of students quickly approached the seven elements to examine them, their movements calculated.
Considering the short time, it was a smart choice to decide in advance who would examine what.
They used all five senses: they looked, smelled, tasted, listened, and reached out to feel. A thorough investigation using all five senses. The students' expressions changed in real-time.
Their eyes shone with joy when they found a familiar sensation, and their pupils shook with anxiety in front of an unfamiliar one.
After a while, Professor Karen's voice cut off sharply, "Time's up."
"Oop...."
A sound of regret came from the first group of students. It seemed like they were about to find the answer, but they were cut off.
"Now, you have 30 seconds to discuss and then give your answer."
The students quickly huddled together to discuss.
"I think I know one, but one is ambiguous..."
"I'm sure about one, but the rest..."
"I only know one for sure."
Out of seven, they had figured out three. Considering it was their first time facing such a problem, it wasn't bad. And for the four they didn't know, if they guessed, statistically, one should be correct. That would mean they did more than half right.
Not quite satisfactory, but the first group of students didn't seem too disappointed with their performance. They decided how to guess the answers they didn't know.
Then time was up.
"Time's over. Now please tell me the answer," Professor Karen said.
The team leader organized his thoughts one last time and then spoke, "From the left, in order: Earth, Darkness, Wind, Fire, Light, Water, Electricity."
"Good. Now let's check the correct answers with your eyes."
Snap. Professor Karen flicked her finger.
Then, "Huh?" "Whoa, the elements?"
The students widened their eyes and murmured. The shapeless elements began to take form rapidly.
Fire, Water, Wind, Electricity, Earth, Light, Darkness. Soon, the forms of the seven clear elements were revealed.
And then—
"How can this be?"
"That's impossible..."
The easiest way to bring someone back to reality: I slapped his cheek with the palm of my hand, giving it some weight. Only then did Sunny's eyes start to return to reality.
"Uh...? Uh... Uh?"
Sunny muttered in a dazed voice.
"Stop dawdling, it's almost our turn."
"...Uh?"
"Ah, you're doing this on purpose, aren't you?"
Even I, who loves peace more than anyone, couldn't help but raise my hand against Sunny.
"No, no, it's not. I-I really didn't."
Sunny flinched and quickly shook his head from side to side. It was annoying, but his expression seemed genuine, so I decided to let it slide.
He was lucky to have a humane team leader like me.
"Hey, Sunny."
"Uh, yeah."
"What did I say I hate the most?"
"People who cause harm to others."
"Right. You remember well. That's exactly it."
"As a team member, you shouldn't cause harm to the other members, right?"
"That's right. I'll... I'll do better."
Sunny, seemingly stung by the comment, nodded several times and said so.
But kid, this isn't something you can handle. I'm the one who carries the team. You just need to not hold us back.
"Listen."
I leaned in close and said, "I'll take two, you take two, she takes three."
With only 30 seconds, dividing the tasks was essential.
"Why do I have three?"
Rivera, who had been rolling around doing nothing, suddenly popped her head in. Ah, you startled me. She came in without even signaling.
"If you have any conscience, you should earn your keep."
"Tch."
"Got it?"
She slipped away and rolled back without responding. But at least she seemed to accept it for now.
Well, I don't need to worry about her unnecessarily. I turned my attention back to Sunny.
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