Face Your Fear

Alvin briefly contemplated, his keen gaze scanning the classroom that bore a striking resemblance to their real-world school. However, the view from the window is markedly different from that of their school. Just a moment ago they were still in the Villa. Now, they were in a classroom that looked like the usual exams they faced in their classroom in the real world, a place where they had been imprisoned for the past three years.

He sat in the well-known wooden chair, positioned as the third one from the rear, next to the window that overlooked the school grounds. As he glanced back at his own chair, it seemed to confront him with a sense of defiance. Alvin's chest felt heavy, his mind oscillating between confidence and uncertainty about himself being able to get a score above the target. He looked around him, at the classmates who seemed so calm. An aura of calmness enveloped them as if they had been preparing for this exam for a long time.

"You can start now!" Mr. Pope said. Question papers, answer sheets, and stationery materialized on every table instantaneously.

Alvin remained overwhelmed by his terror. Alvin gazed skeptically at the test paper, observing the questions inscribed on each page. The questions seemed to be moving, playfully taunting Alvin, teasing Alvin who was still stuck freezing.

Alvin's body experienced rigidity, with his fingers firmly gripped. A refreshing gust of wind swept into the classroom. He remembered Mr. Pope's words, about how important each every participant's score was in this exam. A serious test, with real consequences for this class.

Alvin's mind was suddenly filled with vivid memories of schoolwork, class jokes, and enjoyable days spent at the Villa. All of that seemed to evaporate, replaced by this test that asked for merciless answers.

"Relax... Let's see where I start?" Where should I begin? Alvin whispered to himself, attempting to pacify his emotions. He touched the pencil case beside the response page, extracting the pen and pencil he had prepared. Alvin's gaze fixated on the test, and after taking a long breath, he made the decision to start.

His fingers moved over the paper, the pen and pencil dancing between his fingers as if to the rhythm he had created. Solutions materialized, transcending mere symbols or letters, and provided solutions to the tormenting inquiries that plagued his thoughts.

Despite the lingering tension, Alvin had a sense of resilience propelling him on. He was certain that his classmates were making a sincere attempt to reciprocate the hard work they had invested in the Villa.

Within the exam room, the only audible sounds were the movements of pens on paper and the rhythmic inhalations and exhalations of the test-takers. Sequentially, Alvin endeavored to respond to each inquiry with unwavering assurance, firmly believing that every obstacle was an opportunity for him to use the wisdom he had acquired from "their Queen".