First Exploration

"So, how about it? Let's all work together to pass this test!"

"...No."

"...Sorry?"

With a smile still plastered on his face, Vale's eyes started to blink as he slowly turned his head towards the voice that refused his very friendly offer. And there, he could see the woman that could summon ice already walking away— not even glancing or looking back at him.

"W—"

"Leave her. If she doesn't want to join us, then that's on her, kiddo."

"...Kiddo?" This time, Vale's smile started to twitch as the youngest-looking examinee approached him; her long pink hair that was in a ponytail, bouncing along with her umbrella-like skirt.

"The name's Mavey," the girl winked, batting her long eyelashes that almost covered her blue eyes, "Nice to meet you, Valerion's spawn."

"...Nice to meet you too?" Vale could really only look at Mavey from head to toe, wondering how a small girl like her even managed to reach this far into the exam.

"Hoho. Then let me