That night, after Bai Yu returned to the temporary dormitory, the attitudes of his three roommates still seemed somewhat strange.
Clearly, at the moment Bai Yu opened the door, they were seen half-naked, even picking their feet. But after seeing him, everyone instantly put on their clothes, sitting up straight as if they were in a formal setting.
Bai Yu: "..."
Anyway, this night passed safely.
The next day, when Bai Yu left, the three temporary roommates exchanged a glance, each sporting dark circles under their eyes, and sighed simultaneously. Though they had only recently met, they seemed like brothers in distress, patting each other on the shoulder to show respect.
The next day's exam was arranged in an internal classroom of Emperor One. Under the guidance of senior students, they were finally able to enter the gates they couldn't breach the night before, stepping into Emperor One for the first time.
Although they couldn't freely roam around, just looking at everything from a distance filled them with envy.
The teaching buildings of Emperor One Comprehensive Military Academy were meticulously designed, tall and beautiful. Students hurried past, carrying their military equipment, swiftly moving among the crowd like the wind.
"Woah, I also really want to have my own military equipment."
As they went deeper, the attention of the examinees was drawn to the buildings.
"Oh my god, that 'giant egg,' I've seen it on TV!"
A huge half-circle lay inverted on the ground. This was the exclusive arena of Emperor One Comprehensive Military Academy, only open during competitions. It was one of Emperor One's landmarks.
"The shooting range! Wow, so cool!"
At this moment, a group of students in uniforms were having class inside. The shooting range was semi-exposed to the elements, simulating various weather conditions to train the students in adverse situations.
As they passed through each area, the examinees couldn't help but exclaim, unable to calm down for a moment. This brief tour strengthened their determination to enter the military academy.
Meanwhile, the "non-Emperor One" students admitted through recommendation could only watch, drooling with envy, silently praying that their school's environment wouldn't be too bad.
Leading everyone to a building, the senior student stopped and turned around, saying:
"Here's the exam venue. You can't bring anything except pen and paper inside. Have you all cleaned up?"
A student raised his hand voluntarily and handed over his phone.
"What do I do, what do I do?" Lu Ke stood beside Bai Yu, his legs trembling incessantly. "I'm getting more and more nervous now."
Bai Yu reassured him, "Don't worry, it's just a written test. Haven't you been reviewing well?"
Lu Ke nodded. Then, taking a deep breath, he suppressed his nervousness.
Seeing no more students coming forward, the senior student spoke up, "The exam will start in 20 minutes. Once you enter, find your seats and sit down quickly. Please note, no cheating is allowed."
"Once cheating is discovered, the exam qualification will be revoked, and the opportunity to apply to military school will be lost forever."
This punishment could be considered quite severe. All the examinees instinctively swallowed hard.
The senior student smiled slightly, "Well then, good luck with your exams."
The doors opened, and the examinees entered in an orderly manner. From the outside, this building didn't seem much different from a regular classroom building.
Bai Yu and Lu Ke were in different examination rooms and parted ways midway.
But when Bai Yu entered his own examination room, he couldn't help but pause.
Inside the classroom were divided into many small cubicles, each desk with its own separate space, perhaps to prevent cheating.
Names and examination numbers were posted outside each cubicle. Bai Yu found his place, but as soon as he entered, the cubicle seemed to sense it and the door behind him closed automatically. Even when he tried to open it again, it wouldn't budge.
After trying in vain, Bai Yu's gaze fell back to the desk.
Inside this small space, there was only one chair and one desk. On the desk lay a stack of exam papers, along with a piece of instruction paper - "Please start answering after the exam begins."
There were ten minutes left until the exam started.
The cubicle was completely enclosed, and nothing could be seen from the outside.
However, Bai Yu quickly spotted a surveillance camera on the ceiling.
He pulled out the chair and sat down.
Soon, the sound of doors closing came from the two cubicles beside him, indicating that other students had entered.
Time ticked away.
Suddenly, a hurried bell rang through the air - it was time to begin the exam!
Simultaneously, the sound of exam papers being opened echoed in the classroom.
Bai Yu looked at the paper, filled with densely packed words.
Without much thought, he began answering each question one by one. But after finishing one side of the paper, a strange feeling crept into his mind.
They were all basic knowledge questions. It seemed... too simple.
In the regular college entrance examination, there might be one or two of these types of questions. Although this was a joint test, would Emperor One lower the difficulty of their exams just to accommodate students from other schools?
He turned to the next paper.
Blank.
Bai Yu paused, then continued flipping through.
Blank, blank, blank.
To his surprise, the remaining dozen or so papers were all completely empty.
The exam was supposed to last for four consecutive hours, so it couldn't possibly end with just one paper.
Was there a printing error?
He looked up, intending to report it to the invigilator. However, what met his eyes was the cold, dark blue wall.
In this narrow cubicle, hardly any light could penetrate. Only the tiny surveillance camera on the ceiling was there, staring at him.
In this exam, there wasn't a single invigilator on-site. Those people were observing them through these cold lenses, scrutinizing their every move.
Bai Yu lowered his head again and looked at the blank paper.
This seemed to imply a lack of communication. They were isolated in a narrow space, hoping to find the answers by themselves.
This exam was indeed not just a simple written test.
Bai Yu spread out each paper on the desk. Apart from the first one with text, the rest seemed like mere scraps of paper, no matter how he looked at them.
And now, the only clue was this common-sense question paper filled with answers.
Bai Yu's gaze fell on the paper.
[q: After reaching adulthood, what period will everyone experience?]
[q: What are the characteristics of alpha, beta, and omega pheromones, respectively?]
...
Questions like these, all about "pheromones." If this was meant to guide them to do something, then it wouldn't hurt to try.
Although he had reflected on the issue of releasing pheromones last time, if it was just for a moment, it shouldn't be a big problem.
Moreover, the exam room was deliberately set up with a closed space for each person, seemingly not just to prevent cheating.
Bai Yu closed his eyes.
When he opened them again, his S+ pheromones instantly exploded-!
At the same time, in the monitoring room.
Dozens of examiners were seated inside.
Four immensely large screens were set up in the north, south, east, and west directions, each divided into countless smaller screens. They were currently monitoring the movements of each examinee.
The content of the first paper was very simple. However, most examinees became puzzled upon finding the blank pages behind.
Some tried to communicate with the examiners through the surveillance cameras, asking for a change of paper, while others simply stared at the paper in confusion.
Examiner A shook his head while marking on the evaluation sheet: "The quality of these students is not good."
Examiner B: "Hasn't anyone noticed yet?"
The purpose of this written test was not only to assess students' knowledge but also to test their observation and concentration skills.
Firstly, they needed to find the breakthrough point to reveal the content of the exam paper - a method clearly stated on the paper itself.
Then came the main event.
These exam papers had a special material; the higher the concentration of pheromones, the more content would be displayed. In other words, even if you discovered this method, if your genetic level was low, you still wouldn't be able to answer many questions.
Moreover, releasing pheromones while concentrating on answering questions was also a big challenge for these inexperienced students.
However, as future soldiers of the empire, they would have more demands for using pheromones in combat in the future. Fighting, thinking, and cleverly controlling pheromones at the same time.
What the students were doing now was just the very basics. Yet, even so, the number of students who could score high was very few.
"This person has noticed."
Examiner A made a mark on the evaluation sheet, "Du Qin, A level?"
Someone next to him added, "This student's performance in the first exam was pretty good too."
As he spoke, seemingly noticing something, his gaze fell on a student with light gray short hair, "Another one..."
Before he could finish his sentence, it got stuck in his throat.
He stared dumbfoundedly at the scene on the screen.
In front of that student were spread out exam papers.
Suddenly, lines of text appeared on the paper, densely arranged from left to right.
Despite being in a closed space, the papers were trembling slightly, as if sensing a great shock.
Even the examiners behind the screen seemed to feel the immense pressure, freezing in place.
What, what was going on? All the questions from over twenty papers were appearing? Even he himself might not have this ability, who on earth was this student!
Then, he saw the young man on the screen open his eyes. After seeing the new questions appearing on the paper, he even glanced up at the surveillance camera.
The examiner locked eyes with those shallow gray orbs. Despite knowing that the other person shouldn't be able to see him, he couldn't help but swallow involuntarily.
However, the other seemed to have just glanced unconsciously. He quickly buried his head and started answering.
The examiner wiped his sweat and began searching for the name of this examinee based on the number. Before he could find it, he heard someone behind him say, "Oh, he truly lives up to his reputation, triggering all of them."
The examiner turned around to see a senior colleague with several years more experience than him.
Respectfully, he asked, "Who exactly is this student?"
The scarred man glanced at his young subordinate, "You didn't do your homework properly. He's the student our principal personally brought in from afar, an S+ level alpha, Bai Yu."
"What! It's him?!"
The examiner was greatly surprised.
Of course, he knew that their principal, disregarding even meetings, had traveled thousands of miles to another galaxy just to snatch this excellent student before others.
But although he knew the student's name and genetic level, he wasn't familiar with what he looked like.
That face seemed harmless, he would even believe if someone said he was an omega.
But such a person actually had such a terrifying pheromone level?
The examiner found it hard to believe.
But what was even more impressive was not just that.
The examiner's own genetic level was A grade. Under a momentary and powerful burst, he could trigger all the exam questions. However, he couldn't sustain it for long, and after a while, some of the words would disappear.
But this S+ student not only had a powerful genetic level but also remained remarkably stable. During the answering process, the displayed words hardly changed at all.
Releasing pheromones was a draining task. Yet, the student himself seemed unaffected, answering methodically.
The examiner couldn't help but feel that this student would achieve the highest score in history.
He sighed, "Truly, the Yangtze River's waves drive the waves ahead."
The scarred man stroked his chin, "He's still an unpolished gemstone. When he enters the school, I will train him well."
The examiner hesitated for a moment.
Noticing the strange attitude, the scarred man raised an eyebrow, "What's wrong?"
"It's nothing," the examiner scratched the back of his head, "It's just that yesterday, Miss Hua also said she wanted this child as her student. But you're not from the same department, how..."
Miss Hua was the alpha female who played the role of "female leader" that day.
"Hmph, what a joke," the scarred man sneered, "How could such a good seedling be allowed to enter that crappy academy. This student, I'm going to claim."
The examiner nodded awkwardly and didn't say anything more.
Anyway, he had long known that such words could only be said in front of him. Clearly, if Miss Hua were present, they wouldn't dare to provoke her at all.
Four hours passed quickly.
Maintaining the release of pheromones continuously, even Bai Yu couldn't help but feel exhausted. He had to take a break every half an hour.
When he finished answering the last major question, the urgent bell rang. The small door behind his compartment clicked open.
At the same time, the broadcast sounded, "The exam is over. Please turn your papers upside down and leave the venue. Ten seconds later, the compartment doors will close automatically."
With these words, even those who wanted to use the last bit of time to answer hurriedly put down their pens and left the compartments.
Students filed out of the classroom, some looking pale, while others had rosy cheeks with red marks, as if they had just woken up from a nap.
"Oh my, this written test was too easy. I was nervous for so long, but I finished it in twenty minutes. I just didn't sleep well yesterday, so I made up for it today," one of them said excitedly.
While his companion looked dejected, "What are you talking about? Answering questions while releasing pheromones, it's simply inhuman!"
"What? Pheromones?" The person looked bewildered.
As Bai Yu passed by, he saw the person with sleep marks on his face clinging to another person's thigh, crying bitterly.
He couldn't help but take a second look.
Coincidentally, at that moment, Lu Ke also came out of the exam room. The two of them met.
Lu Ke looked disheartened.
He only remembered to try using pheromones at the last moment, but he only answered a few questions and didn't know if he would pass.
Bai Yu reassured him.
Lu Ke glanced at him, not entirely believing, "I know you're a good person, no need to comfort me..."
Bai Yu pondered for a moment before asking, "Did you see the cameras in the compartments?"
"I did, they're probably to prevent cheating," Lu Ke shrugged, "They don't let us bring anything, and we're sitting alone in there, so we can't really do anything even if we wanted to."
Bai Yu shook his head, "Their main purpose isn't to prevent cheating."
He chuckled, "I think, just like the first test, the examiners are using the surveillance to grade us. Since you've discovered the use of pheromones to answer questions, you should have met the basic requirements."
Lu Ke was originally a bit anxious, but after hearing Bai Yu's explanation, he felt much relieved.
Anyway, this final exam was over. According to the instructions, the results would be announced early. Whether to stay or leave, it would be clear by then.
Outside the exam room, the senior students were already waiting. After gathering all the examinees, they led them out of the school one by one, just like when they brought them in earlier.
Compared to the lively atmosphere in the morning, most of the examinees now wore gloomy expressions, seemingly not optimistic about the exam results.
As they walked out of the inner gate and arrived at the temporary dormitory, the leading senior sister stopped and turned to address everyone, "Once the results are out, they will be sent to your phones via email. Qualified examinees from other schools will be taken by your senior brothers and sisters. Our school's examinees can stay in the temporary dormitory, and arrangements will be made accordingly."
Someone raised their hand, "What about those who didn't pass?"
The senior sister's tone remained unchanged, "Those who didn't pass should go back as soon as possible to review and prepare for the college entrance examination."
So real, so merciless. Several students silently hung their heads, lamenting how they slept like pigs during the exam!
People dispersed one by one. After everyone had left, Bai Yu called out to the senior sister.
The senior sister turned around and found a handsome omega calling out to her, revealing a warm smile, "What's up?"
Bai Yu asked, "Are you a second-year student?"
The senior sister nodded, "Second-year students are in charge of this entrance exam."
After all, in another year, the third-year students wouldn't have as much energy to focus on school. They would need to spend a lot of time on internships in preparation for the upcoming enlistment.
Bai Yu inquired further, "May I ask, how long does the re-examination at Emperor One usually last? And during this time, are we not allowed to use our phones?"
The senior sister replied, "No, you can't bring your phone during the exam." She continued, "The re-exam usually lasts about a week."
Upon hearing this, Bai Yu fell into contemplation.
If that's the case, why hasn't Shang Yufei replied to his messages or answered his calls? Could something have happened?
Lost in thought, Bai Yu heard the senior sister asking, "Why are you asking this? Do you know someone who's taking the re-exam?"
Bai Yu hadn't planned on bringing it up, but since she asked, he said, "Do you know Shang Yufei from the Comprehensive Military Academy? He's also a second-year student."
As soon as she heard the name, the senior sister's expression changed immediately, "Ah, him..."
"I heard that the school required him to take the re-exam. But because he missed it, he was marked as having failed," Bai Yu recalled what Shang Yufei mentioned - "Getting caught for running away."
But at the time, he thought it was just missing a makeup class. So Shang Yufei didn't even take the exam? And it seems like the re-exam had already ended according to the senior sister's implication?
The senior sister looked at him strangely, "Is he your boyfriend?"
Bai Yu was about to confirm, but suddenly realized his identity as an alpha. It seemed the senior sister still misunderstood him as an omega.
Anyway, his purpose for entering the school was to earn military merit. It wasn't a good choice to expose this kind of unconventional relationship to the world prematurely.
He shook his head, "No, he's my senior from high school."
"I see," the senior sister seemed relieved. She patted his shoulder, speaking with a tone of advice, "I know you young omegas might be attracted by appearances for a moment, thinking these people are handsome and cool. But I must warn you, these people are not worthy of your admiration. Emperor One Military Academy has many outstanding alphas. I believe you will find a new dawn here."
What did Shang Yufei do?
Before Bai Yu could ask this question, the senior sister received a call and said she needed to help tally the scores, then left ahead of him.
Bai Yu stood still, took out his phone, and scrolled through the communication records from last night.
The last message was still the one he sent informing Shang Yufei that he had arrived at "Emperor One."
Having known Shang Yufei for so many years, Bai Yu was well aware of his character. Although he appeared arrogant and difficult to deal with, he was actually not a bad person.
He remembered when they were in high school, Shang Yufei entered Luo Hua Academy a year after him.
At that time, Shang Yufei was someone everyone tried to avoid.
He smoked, fought, formed gangs, and even fought with delinquent students from other schools.
But once Shang Yufei noticed that Bai Yu didn't like such things, he immediately dismissed his underlings and behaved - except for still not being able to improve his grades.
However, it was impossible for him to do something so absurd after not being together for a year.
Bai Yu pressed the back of his hand against his nose, his eyebrows barely creasing.
Absolutely impossible.