Vol. 3 Ch. 2 Ep. 10: The Second Exam Part 1

I think we did exactly what we set out to do today!

Now we're all ready for the second exam tomorrow.

We've been at boot camp for a week now, and I know we have what it takes to pass with flying colors.

Fine...

That's right!

Of course!

And once we do, we'll all officially graduate from the Make-Up Work Club.

Let's not let all of that studying go to waste!

We're going to end our time together on a high note!

I hadn't thought about it, but you're right. We'll have to go our separate ways once we all pass.

Wh-Why are you getting so sentimental all of a sudden?!

We've had a lot of fun together. Are you sad to see it end, Azusa?

No. All things come to an end eventually. For every beginning, there is a conclusion.

You don't have to make it sound so definite. It isn't as though any of us are truly going anywhere even once the club dissolves.

We'll still be Trinity students, so we can spend time together whenever we want.

Y-Yeah! You can visit me at the Justice Task Force club room any time.

Oh.

It's not like we're living the end of a teen drama and never going to see each other again. And we can worry about hanging out again after we've passed our exams.

Anyway, why don't we turn in early tonight so that we're rested for tomorrow?

Where's the exam going to be held anyway? At the academy's main building?

Oh, right. I haven't read the announcement yet.

Let's see. I just need to check the academy noticeboard on my phone and...

Huh?

Wh-What?!

Is something wrong?

Wh-What's going on?!

Let me see... "Notice of changes made to the second Make-Up Work Club Evaluation Exam."

"The scope of the exam will be roughly triple that of the first exam."

What?! Why?!

"Additionally, the minimum score needed to receive a passing grade has been raised from a 60 to a 90."

E-Even I've never scored that high before...

What the heck is going on?!

It looks like this was posted late last night. Why would they make so many sudden changes the day before the exam?

...

Most likely. Nagisa must have learned how well we did on our recent mock exam somehow.

This is her sending a message. She's going to find grounds to expel us, no matter the cost.

Expel?

What's this about being expelled?! What are you talking about?!

Right. We can discuss that later, but there's still more to the notice they posted.

It also says the test location and time have been moved. The new location is..."Gehenna district, Zone 15-77. Abandoned building, first floor..."

Gehenna district?

Why are we taking the exam in Gehenna?!

That can't be right! Why would a Trinity club be sent there?!

And I can only assume we'll be failed automatically if we don't comply.

A-And we're gonna be expelled if that happens?! This is the first anyone's told me!

...

We'll be expelled if we fail three exams?

...I see.

I'm sorry we didn't tell you the truth sooner. I never thought things would become this dire...

B-But I'll never be able to return to the Justice Task Force if I'm expelled!

I'm so sorry, Koharu.

Thank you for clarifying. I think we should get moving.

Wh-Where? Why now?

The exam time has been changed. It's taking place at 3 AM. We'll have to leave now if we hope to make it in time.

It's at three in the MORNING?! Really?!

There's no time to be shocked or angry. We can save it for after the exam.

Complaining about the obstacles they've placed in our way won't accomplish anything. I still intend to fight until I can't fight anymore.

Oh...

Uh-oh...

She's right. We can't simply give up.

Think of it as another fun midnight stroll! I've never ventured all the way to Gehenna just to take an exam.

Have you two lost your minds? This is getting way too weird!

Let's depart immediately. Make sure to bring your weapons.

Are we going there to fight? I thought we were going to take the exam!

Gehenna's district is known to be much more dangerous than Trinity's, and the Prefect Team undoubtedly has its hands busy preparing for the treaty.

You have to be kidding... Why has it come to this?

Please give the order, Sensei.

We'll officially be in the heart of the Gehenna district just past here. Not exactly the friendliest neighborhood I've ever been in...

Looks like we have some fresh meat! I've never seen YOU around here before!

What's the rush? Why are you in such a hurry?

This is a little on the nose...

W-We're on our way to take an exam.

What are you talkin' about? What exam?

I-I know how it sounds...

You can't walk around our turf at night! Who do you think you are?!

Wait. Is that a Trinity uniform?

You mean that rich academy full of princesses? So we could kidnap 'em and hold 'em for ransom, then?

Now you're thinkin'!

I was afraid something like this would happen...

This is a waste of time.

Think fast.

Ahhhhhh!

Well, that was easy.

Let's keep moving.

W-Wait! Don't leave me behind!

S-Sorry about all this. We're just passing through.