SCHOOL OF LOCK

Okay, everyone.

We're gonna be taking a group photo for Class P.

Hmm? It's our turn?

About time. I was starting to get bored with all the waiting.

Everyone, stand up straight and look at the camera.

You can stand on this if you want, Rei.

Awesome, thanks!

Wow, I can see a lot better now!

All right, everyone, I'm going to take the photo now.

...

Um, excuse me miss, but could you maybe... lighten up a bit?

!!

Sorry.

You okay, Miss Marciana?

You're not nervous, are you?

Do you want some chocolate?

No, I'm okay.

Sorry for holding everyone up. Let's do it again.

Okay, on three, everyone.

*Sigh*

One.

Two.

Three!

...

Sincerely, M.M.R. Vocational School.

*Sigh*

Will this be enough?

...

I hope he comes.

He has to.

An invitation?

From the M.M.R. Vocational School?

M.M.R. Vocational School...

Is it the Nikke training school

sponsored by M.M.R.?

You mean you didn't know?

Syuen is the director there.

It's lauded as this unrivaled educational environment, all specially designed by researchers from M.M.R.

You knew?

Then I assume you also know Syuen is the director of the school.

It might be a bit awkward going to a school where Syuen is in charge.

Still, they're asking you to be an invigilator.

I don't think it'd hurt to check it out.

Right!

They've recognized your talent.

Why else would they invite you to take up such a prestigious position?

What's not to like?

Exactly.

This is a prime opportunity to gloat at the students.

You can go over and brag about how many operations you've conducted up on the surface.

If you're intended to act as an examiner,

it's important that you know what the test will comprise.

What's there to know? It's just a regular exam like any other.

Probably on theory or physical education. You know, stuff like that.

This isn't your ordinary run-of-the-mill school.

There's been a dearth of information regarding

what kind of tests are being done in there.

Come to think of it...

You're right!

I don't know the first thing about their curriculum.

No one does, actually.

I guess you're right.

And there aren't many graduates from that place either.

What did Missilis say last time?

Something about they were sending a few people there

to whip them into shape and become a second Matis Squad.

Have you heard anything to that effect, Rapi?

Nothing definitive,

but I also heard that a few graduates from the school had been picked

to form the next flagship squad for Missilis.

I haven't heard of any other graduates going to different companies.

!!

Must be one heck of a tough place to graduate from.

The exam must be brutal.

Maybe they've only got an hour

to memorize all of the Ark's jurisprudence material.

Ugh.

That'd be the worst.

How could you possibly memorize all that crap? Not everyone is Enikk.

Oooh! Or!

Maybe they try and see who can unleash their firepower the fastest.

Since it's a Nikke-based school, I would assume they all know how to handle firearms.

Hmm... Maybe they test how quickly they can complete a conducted simulation.

Darn, now I'm more curious than ever.

Commander.

Given that available information is scant, we're unsure what your tenure there will entail.

Are you still planning on going?

Understood.

The security management there is quite strict, so we won't be able to go there with you.

Come back safe!

Don't forget to bring back some souvenirs.

Neon, it's a school, not a tourist attraction.

You never know!

They might have something.

Be careful, Commander.

You're finally here!

I see you've used your right foot to cross over the threshold.

Oh my gosh, is this really happening?

To think that such a famous personality would visit our school!

This must be a sign from the gods that we'll do well on the exam.

Our faith has paid us dividends.

A great being has appeared before us.

A holy messenger prophesizing the end of the exam!

I ask the congregation, do you believe?

Ooooh yes, I believe!

Do you believe that our exams will be a rapturous success?

I believe!!

Do you believe in nobility?

I believe!

Oh my goodness, it's you!

Hi, Teacher!

Boy, am I happy to see you!

Teacher?

It's actually you.

I told you he was here.

It just sounded so unbelievable, I wasn't sure whether to trust you.

At any rate, what brings you here, Teacher?

We're in the middle of exams right now,

so nobody will have much spare time to spend with you.

Unless you're here to see one of the faculty?

An examiner?

You?

You're kidding.

No, it's not that...

It's just... unexpected.

Totally unexpected.

Commander?

So this is where you were.

Sorry for keeping you waiting.

Everything's a bit more chaotic than usual around here thanks to the exams.

That we are.

I don't think this is a very ideal place for a conversation.

Here, let me take you to one of the meeting rooms.

Aww, you're leaving already?

I wanted to spend more time with you.

He needs to work, Tia.

We can hang out once we're done with our exams.

Fine, I guess.

See you later, Teacher.

Bye bye.

Bye Miss Marciana.

Here, follow me.

I'm sorry.

I should have met you in front ahead of time.

It's just that the campus gets into a bit of a frenzy before the exams, so it was hard to find you.

Thank you for understanding.

I assume you received the invitation I sent you?

Correct.

You will be staying here for 5 days,

during which, you will be serving as an examiner during the end-of-semester evaluation.

The exams are divided into two major parts.

First, the written exam,

which will assess whether they have the mental capacity to assist their commander while on the field.

Then there is the practical exam,

which determines how well they fare against Raptures in a combat environment.

You will be monitoring and supervising the students

to ensure they don't engage in any misconduct during the written exams.

For the practical exam, you will be accompanying them as sort of a simulated commander.

to assess whether they have what it takes to become an active duty Nikke.

The written exam starts tomorrow and runs from 9 in the morning until 6 in the evening.

The practical exam will take place the following day.

After both portions are completed, there will be a graduation ceremony slash celebratory event.

Neither of these are mandatory.

You're free to skip the graduation ceremony and return to your accommodation.

Those, in a nutshell, are your primary responsibilities as an examiner.

Do you have any questions?

No.

You're free to enjoy the on-campus accommodation that we'll be providing you,

and take this time to have a good rest.

Of course, you may also socialize with the students if you wish.

However, as you saw earlier, things are a bit chaotic at the moment.

I personally recommend you take a breather and remain inside your accommodation for today.

And...

It would be wise of you to assume that certain students you are familiar with

will not be acting like their usual selves.

I'm sure you will end up

running into them on your way to the dorm.

You'll be able to see for yourself.

Allow me to show you to your room.

Teacher!

I've been wondering about something.

Why do we need to do exams?

Nikkes should be able to hold their own against Raptures,

so I get the point of the practical exam.

But what's the deal with the written exam?

I've asked Narus a bunch of times, but I still don't get it.

Commander!

Rei.

I've already told you this several times.

The smarter a Nikke is, the more efficiently they can fight Raptures.

Correct.

Psssh.

That's not true.

I know a lot of Nikkes that are dumb as rocks

but are super strong.

Hmm...

There are plenty!

So can I sit out the written exam?

Narus are all I need.

I think it's okay even if I fail the written exam.

No.

Why not?

I'm strong.

That may be true, but you need your mind to be strong as well.

But I'm already a senior!

Exactly, so there's still time left for you to improve.

But whyyyyyy?

Because it's a student's duty to constantly improve.

What's "duty"?

Something you must do.

You see?

You don't even know the word "duty".

Unless you improve, you'll end up becoming a foolish Nikke who can't understand basic commands or debriefings.

!!

Is that what you want?

Uh...

No!

I can understand debriefings just fine!

I know you can, but if you neglect your studies, you'll end up falling behind and being considered as a stupid Nikke.

I'm not stupid!

Why are you so mean?!

Waaaahhhh!

This is just the beginning.

That's true, but believe me.

We're just getting started.

Let's continue.

Teacher.

You stepped on the line.

You stepped on the center line of the hallway.

When exams are in session, you should only walk on the right side.

That way you'll have good luck.

So, trust me.

Stick to the right side

and avoid the middle line.

Teach!

What are you doing here?

Really?

Sooo...

Any chance you give me some of the answers later?

... Ein.

Everyone gets a bit loopy, don't you think?

Rei lobbing questions at you.

Zwei telling you to walk on the right.

They always act like this whenever it's close to exams.

Ein. You're still shaking your leg whenever you're anxious?

!!

Wh-what are you talking about?

I feel fine.

Erm... anyway, I'm leaving.

This is your fault, Miss Marciana. You keep saying weird stuff to us.

I'm gonna pass...

I'm gonna fail.

I'll pass... I'll fail... I'll pass... I'll fail.

Agh! No! The last petal!

In order to do well on the exam, I need to run!

I need to run towards victory!

The final exams make everyone nervous.

They're desperate,

and willing to try anything to get a passing mark.

It is.

Exams are always intimidating.

Anyway, don't worry.

Once the written exam is over,

most students will calm down.

Here we are.

This is where your room is.

You rest here for today.

No problem.

See you tomorrow, Commander.

Hyah!

Whoa now, easy there.

I didn't scare you, did I?

What do you think?

Have you forgotten where I'm from?

This place is affiliated with our research institute,

so it's hardly surprising that I'd be here.

Besides, the final exams are tomorrow.

No.

Only commanders can be examiners, so that counts me out.

I'm one of the people creating the exam questions.

Why are you so surprised?

Everything in this facility is overseen by M.M.R.

Everything from the curriculum to the extracurricular activities.

What else?

They teach.

It's just done according

to the curriculum set by M.M.R.

How would I know what they do in their personal time?

Anyway,

I can see there's still a teacher and student

burning the midnight oil.

Oh, Zwei.

Having trouble sleeping again?

Yeah, Miss Marciana.

Haven't gotten a wink all night.

... I see.

...

...

You're probably wondering why I'm always like this.

After all, it's not like this is my first rodeo with exams.

The written exam is just...

... I obviously know all that, but I can't stop feeling anxious all the same. It's so stupid.

You're not stupid.

A written exam is still an exam.

It's perfectly reasonable to be nervous.

Honestly, Miss Marciana, you don't have to waste time cheering me up.

Everyone here knows that

the written exams are a walk in the park.

...

Everyone knows that, but they still get nervous, act strangely,

but we pray that we'll do well.

It helps keep our spirits up.

At one time, it all seemed so silly to me.

But before I knew it, I found myself doing the same thing.

When I see myself engaging in such nonsense, I feel so pathetic.

You're not pathetic.

No one would ever think that about you.

...

Thanks.

I'm sorry. I'm just being childish.

I better head back.

Let's go together.

I'll walk you back to your dorm.

Even at this hour, Marciana is still working hard.

I told her she should ease up.

Maybe it's because she was created to occupy the role of teacher.

Nothing. Just that her sheer diligence

is something you don't see in too many people nowadays.

Anyway.

You should follow her lead, and head back inside to get some shut-eye.

I'll see you around, No. 7.

Have fun being an examiner.

Hey, Teacher!

Are you gonna be monitoring us during the exam?

At least it's someone familiar.

Who said I was nervous?

I know it'll be fine... probably.

... Thanks, Teacher.

They are? That's a relief.

Since I've got Narus, I'll be super duper lucky.

Isn't that right, Naru?

Quiet down, everyone.

Everyone, turn on your tablets and prepare for the exam.

*Sigh*

Argh, why am I so nervous all of a sudden?

Naru, what should I do?

What's going on? I'm freaking out!

It's because you didn't eat any chocolate.

I knew it. Eating chocolate helps calm your nerves.

Mmm, delicious!

The first section will be on the subject of command.

Begin.

That concludes the exam.

Everyone press the submit button on your tablets.

You've done a good job supervising them in the written exam.

Next up, we have the practical exam.

As I mentioned previously,

you'll be participating as a sort of simulated commander.

The surface.

Mm-hm.

You will be proceeding to the surface.

The only thing you can do up on the surface.

You will be engaging with Raptures.

There's no need to worry.

A few members of our faculty will be your escort.

Well, it's not as if there are any fake Raptures on the surface, are there?

Then they will have to adapt and overcome.

Just like numerous Nikkes have done before them.

If they cannot do that, then they will die.

Commander.

Our exams are meant to serve a practical purpose.

Therefore, you must evaluate the students

as if they were active-duty Nikkes,

and you were their commander, participating in an actual reclamation mission on the surface.

That's right.

They are.

But they are also Nikkes.

This is what they were created for.

This school was created to see if it was possible to enhance Nikkes' battlefield acumen through higher education.

Students here learn how to become better Nikkes,

and how to use the specialized equipment

granted by M.M.R. more effectively.

Irregular testing administered throughout the semester helps them hone these skills,

which they then learn how to apply in practical situations.

With the final exam,

all of their accomplishments must be both showcased and put to the test.

It is for that reason that we choose to hold the exam up on the surface.

You're right. It is cruel.

I know.

But...

this time will be different.

They will not be proceeding to the surface.

Just this once,

we will be holding the exam in the school's training room.

We have received many requests from interested parties wishing to spectate.

Therefore, we are making an exception and changing the locale indoors

so that an audience will be able to observe the students' performances.

...

Correct.

This is a one-time exception.

No, none.

The curriculum is determined by M.M.R.

We are powerless to change it.

At least for the time being.

...

... No.

There is much about this school that I disapprove of.

More than you can possibly imagine.

I oppose almost everything here.

I've spoken enough. Let's go.

I will introduce you to the students who will be joining you.

Hey, Teacher!

Are you gonna be our commander?

You're gonna be in our squad?

Ahem.

Everyone, please be quiet and return to your seats.

Yes, Miss.

Wait.

Where is Tercera?

Not sure.

Haven't seen her since the written exam.

Has anyone else seen her?

No.

She seemed really depressed after the written exam.

So I gave her a chocolate.

Looks like it didn't work. She's not here.

Maybe she was depressed 'cause she felt she bombed the exam.

She's been stressing a whole lot about whether she'd do well or not.

... I see.

We'll pass on all the relevant information to her.

Right now, I think she wants to be left alone.

Very well.

Then let's begin.

As I'm sure you've gathered by now, Commander Commander,

will not only be your examiner, but your acting commander during the practical portion of the exam as well.

Wow!

I knew it!

I was stoked at the thought of having Teach come along, I didn't think it would actually happen.

Commander, you will be taking on the role of a commanding officer

for a total of four students:

including Tercera, a third-year student from Class P who isn't present right now.

It is worth noting that this year's exam

will not take place on the surface, but in the school's training room.

We're not going to the surface?

Not this time, no.

Phew, that's awesome!

Don't get too complacent.

Don't forget that although the exam will not be held on the surface,

the danger is still very real.

If you find yourself in a sticky situation, no one will lend assistance.

So, just like every other exam you've partaken in before this,

make sure you are well prepared.

Understood.

Got it. I'm good at making preparations.

Noted.

I'll see you all at the designated time.

You okay, Teach? You haven't said anything for a while.

Are you nervous?

What of it?

We're used to it by now.

This isn't the first time we've done an exam, after all.

Plus, this time we're not even going up to the surface.

It's way easier.

So don't be too nervous, Teach.

This is easy-peasy for us.

Totally.

I never expected someone famous like you to be our commander.

Usually it's someone who hasn't had any experience whatsoever.

Yeah, more often than not it's someone who hasn't even been up to the surface before.

The more competent the commander, the harder it is to assess the students' unique abilities.

If the commander is exceptional, it's difficult to tell whether the students are doing well,

or if it's a matter of the commander leading them exceptionally well.

Therefore, they mostly assign newcomers who have just become commanders, or those who haven't amounted to much.

There's also a fair chance of the commanders perishing during the exam.

Why would an accomplished commander put themselves in danger like that?

This begs the question... does someone at the school have a grudge against you or something?

Either way, I'm happy that you're here.

It's great that we'll be taking the exam together.

I'm happy that you're here too, Teach.

Same.

Don't you worry about a thing, Teacher.

I've got this in the bag.

I'm a senior, so I've done this plenty of times before.

All you need to do

is just trust me.

Narus and I will protect you.

Is everyone here?

Teacher!

Tercera isn't here yet.

Really? Still?

She wasn't at the dorm, so I thought she had come here early.

Apparently not.

Was she at the dorms yesterday?

Yeah. When I went to her room yesterday, she was asleep under her blanket.

I told her that the exam location had changed. I even left her a note and sent her a Bla message.

Did you actually see her face, or just a shape under the blanket?

Huh? I guess I didn't... why?

...

Is Tercera opting out?

You get a zero.

And you don't get a chance to take it again.

The fire alarm?

Fire alarm. There is a fire inside the school.

All individuals inside the school, please evacuate and proceed outside.

... *Bzzz*

Hmm? Why'd they stop talking?

... Correction.

All students, please wait in the examination rooms.

Once again, I repeat.

Fire alarm. There is a fire inside the school.

All students, please wait in the examination rooms.

The standard procedure is to evacuate in the event of a fire...

The unexpected change in venue for the exam...

This fire... could it be?

Guess the exams are still going forward.

What about Tercera?

Is she still outside?

At this rate, Tercera might not even be able to participate in the exam.

But if that happens, she'll...

Don't worry.

I'll go and bring her.

We'll come with you!

No.

You all have to remain here and take the exam.

But...

Don't forget.

This exam is the real deal.

It's too late to turn back.

But we can't let you go out there alone!

Commander, take care of them for me, will you?

If I don't come back, be sure to take them into the examination room when it's time.

Yes. I'll be back.

Teacher!

I can't believe it... She's actually going alone.

Teacher, I'm sorry,

but can you follow after her?

I don't care what she says. It's dangerous for her to go out there on her own.

Thank you.

Yeah, don't worry about us.

I'll try to persuade the school officials to let us take the exam last.

We'll stall for time until you and Marciana get back.

I'm good at this sort of thing.

... Is that you, Rei?

Yeah, what's gotten into you?

I thought for sure you'd be throwing a temper tantrum right about now.

I almost can't believe what I'm hearing.

I've told you all before, I'm a senior!

You're all a grade below me, so maybe you don't get it.

But this is my third year here, and I've got to step up and be smart about this.

Miss Marciana told me so.

Teacher,

I'll lend you Naru 3.

He'll help you find where Miss Marciana and Tercera are.

Bring them back.

Okay?

Good.

We'll be waiting for you.

Be safe.

Commander?

What are you doing here?!

!!

So they chose to stay...

...

Then we don't have any time to waste.

Let's go.

There is a place that comes to mind.

Especially since she is the one who started this fire.

I believe so, yes.

She may have done it to put a stop to the exam

and have all the students evacuated.

You heard it yourself during the fire alarm.

Normally, the students would all have been forced to move to the evacuation site.

But since the exam location has been changed this year,

and many people have come to watch the performance, the exams have to go on.

If I'm reading this right,

she probably didn't want her friends to get implicated in what else she's about to do.

She is planning to do far worse things

than merely setting a single building on fire.

So, if I were to guess,

she's probably hiding out in the place that she's always hated most.

Where the elevator to the surface is located.

The one which the students take up to the surface for the exam.

Let's go.

...

Tercera.

Why are you disguised as a mass-produced Nikke?

Hehe.

No one recognized me the entire way over here.

I thought I might just get away with it,

but you saw through it right away.

Let's go.

Where?

You know where. You still have to do the practical exam.

We don't have much time.

We need to hurry.

You may not be aware of this, but the exam is being held in one of the training rooms.

If we run, we can still make it in time.

Ah. No wonder.

Usually, there'd at least be a few students here.

I was wondering why it was so empty.

It's not too late.

Your squadmates are waiting for you.

Teacher,

I should tell you something.

I failed the written exam.

The written exam is not imp...

I know.

The score doesn't matter.

It's just a failsafe.

It is available just for

the top three students when they fail the practical exam.

If you already knew that, then why...

There's a lot of things that I know.

I know what happens to us if we fail.

The school always tells us that we can have a chance to begin anew,

but they never told us exactly what that meant.

...

It appears the examiner is as in the dark as I used to be.

Not surprising, considering you're not part of the school.

Have you not noticed?

During the exams, everyone acts unlike themselves.

Didn't you find that strange?

We ourselves were unsure as to why we acted so different once exams came rolling around.

We began believing in superstitions.

Started looking over our shoulders.

Tercera.

If we fail the exam,

we're reset.

It doesn't matter which year you're in.

Everything is erased, and you start from the beginning.

A clean slate.

Your friends, teachers, every last memory is expunged, and you start off as a freshman once again.

Naturally, if your fellow students were to see a familiar face after you've been reset,

it could cause a Mind Switch.

So, after each reset, they alter our appearance.

It doesn't end there.

Even if our classmates are reset, they're still technically alive.

They're returned to us once again.

We could seek solace in that fact.

We could be kind to those who came back... bask in their presence and have fun together.

But there's a limit to the amount of resets you can have.

Once you've undergone 3 resets, you're taken to the research lab, and you never come back.

Do you know what that means?

Tercera, stop!

We become test subjects.

Our years of higher education make us superior guinea pigs.

We're imprisoned in their lab, neither truly alive nor dead.

We're either forced to take experimental medications that could treat infectious surface-based diseases, or test the body of new Nikkes for them.

We're used as lab rats until we eventually die.

...

I've already failed the written exam.

Practical exams have never been my strong suit. I always choke.

Passing the written exam was always my ace in the hole,

but now I don't even have that meager assurance.

How could I possibly subject myself to the practical exam now?

No matter how hard I try... I'll fail.

I'll never be able to perform better than the other students.

You'll never know unless you try.

Why are you giving up before you've even taken the exam?

Because this is my last chance.

If I fail this time,

I'll be sent to the research lab.

!!

Isn't that right?

That's all just speculation.

Don't lie. The faculty knows.

How many times we can be reset. How we end up in the research lab if one gets reset too many times. All of it.

That's why you feel bad for us.

You know that if I mess up here, it's the end of the line for me.

That's why I'm not going.

I don't want to languish in a hellish laboratory for the rest of my life.

I'd prefer a clean, quick death.

That's why I'm going to detonate this elevator, and me along with it.

Now, get out of here.

Just because I want to die doesn't mean I want to take either of you with me.

I just want to live in peace, in a place where exams don't exist.

...

I'm sorry, Miss Marciana.

You've always been in my corner, but I just can't take it anymore.

There's nothing you can do to help me now.

So please, just let me go.

Go help someone who has more of a chance.

I don't want to live in fear anymore.

...

What?

...

You're right.

I'm not here just to be a spectator.

Tercera.

I won't stand for this.

What?

You heard me.

Have you said everything you wanted to say?

Now it's my turn.

Agh!

Miss Marciana?!

You've expounded on what you think a teacher should do.

Well, being a teacher is my job.

Now it's my turn to tell you what I think a teacher's role should be.

When a student has started down the wrong path,

you tell them so, and help them course correct.

My explosives!

What are you doing?!

It's my responsibility to guide you back on the right path,

and help you lead a long and fulfilling life.

Ha!

You think robbing me of my final salvation will accomplish that?!

Do you want me to become a pin cushion for M.M.R.?

Salvation?

You call using a bomb to kill yourself salvation?

It's not.

If I let you do that, it'd be an unforgivable dereliction of duty.

You're right about a few things.

As a teacher at the school, my hands are tied.

I can't take the exam on behalf of students,

nor can I erase my own memories on behalf of the students who are about to go through a reset.

I lack the power and authority to be responsible for so many students.

All I can do is teach students according to the curriculum provided by others, support them in their darkest hour, and most painfully... watch.

That is the role M.M.R. has given me.

What else?

They teach.

It's just done according

to the curriculum set by M.M.R.

How would I know what they do in their personal time?

This is what a teacher should be.

Yes, that's how it is for most people.

At least not for me.

To be a teacher is to shoulder a heavy responsibility.

You ask if your life will be over if you're reset again.

I'm telling it won't.

!!

You seem to be convinced that you'll fail this exam.

I'm not convinced. I don't think you'll fail.

Even if you have to take more exams, you won't be going to the research lab.

You will eventually pass the exam,

receive your diploma,

and leave this place with your head held high.

...

I will make that happen.

Even if you don't believe in yourself, I believe in you.

You ask me to give up on you.

I can't do that.

You are my student.

No teacher could ever do such a thing.

I can't protect all the students,

but if I have a chance to reach out to someone and protect them, I will do so.

That is my sacred duty that I have willingly taken on as a teacher.

I'm not going to give up, and neither should you.

Choose life, Tercera.

Nothing is over.

Not the exam, and not your life.

Nothing!

So come back with me.

I... I can't.

I already set the school on fire.

I brought the explosives here... and I'm already far too late for the exam.

What?

That...

That's not bad.

Now that you've got a solid alibi, there's no reason not to take the exam.

But...

Let's go.

Your squadmates are waiting.

Hold on, is that...

Tercera, is that you?

What's with that uniform?

Looks just like the real thing.

Huh? Oh, this...

Holy crap, it is you!

Hi, Rei.

Not yet.

We're going last.

Once this team finishes, we can go in.

Perfect.

Thank you everyone for waiting.

It wasn't easy, I'll tell ya that much.

I really had to plead my case for wanting to go last.

Yeah, she was like a toddler throwing a tantrum. Very unbecoming of a senior, really.

*Huff* *Puff* No! I didn't throw a tantrum!

I told you I was strong!

Tercera said it to me before.

Once the second semester starts, let's all get some parfait.

!!

That's okay with you, isn't it?

We're starting the second semester next week.

Of course we can go.

Perfect! We can go once the exams are over.

... Right.

Let's do that.

What's everyone standing around for?

The exam is going to start soon. Everyone make sure you've got everything that you need.

That includes you, Tercera.

The bombs I prepared are ruined, and I left my gun in my room...

Here you go.

How did you...

I had another teacher go fetch it when I went out looking for you.

I figured you might have left it behind.

!!

... Thank you, Miss Marciana.

Don't worry Tercera.

This exam is different than the others.

This man, who has played a pivotal role in the current campaign to reclaim the surface, will be your commander.

And you have the finest teammates around, who were unwilling to leave you behind.

!!

No matter how many times you slip and fall,

your squad, and your commander,

will pick you up, and lead you down the path to victory.

So don't be afraid of making mistakes.

... I understand. I'll see you soon, Miss Marciana.

Are you looking for someone, Teach?

Miss Marciana?

I saw her in the classroom a while ago.

Hey.

I'm sorry my message was so brief.

I'm glad you came.

You look like you have a lot of questions.

Ask away.

I'll answer anything you want.

I see.

That's right.

You shouldn't have.

Not unless someone intentionally wanted to invite you.

Yes.

You're right.

I altered the original invitation, which was meant for someone else,

and wrote your name on it instead.

I wanted you to be here for the final exams.

Tell me. After having experienced the exams here,

what was your impression?

Does this place still feel like an ordinary school to you?

... I think so too.

Yes, the students receive an education, and in that sense, it could be argued this place resembles a school.

But they are unnecessarily exposed to danger.

Right.

The students receive an education, and in that sense, it could be argued this place resembles a school.

But the resemblance ends there.

The students are unnecessarily exposed to danger.

Seeing if they can make it alive.

Gauging their reactions in extreme situations.

Determining the usefulness of the weaponry distributed to them.

Referring to Pilgrim weaponry, and if we manage to create new weapons,

can they be adapted for use by our current Nikkes?

It's as if we're conducting a massive experiment.

So, I've been thinking.

People need to know about this.

One day,

when everything about this school is revealed,

I hope that you can be a witness.

Yes.

To the injustice of what's happening here.

How the students are suffering.

If I were to...

disappear,

I need someone that could testify as to what's really going on behind closed doors here.

...

Not yet.

I don't have enough power to fight them yet.

That's why I involved you.

By roping you in as an examiner, I put you at risk.

You might have been sent up to the surface.

I can only apologize profusely for that.

But...

I don't regret anything.

If it weren't for you,

I might not have been able to have the courage

to talk Tercera off the edge.

I wouldn't have been able to tell her that it's okay to make mistakes.

I...

I didn't mean to offend you.

I'm sorry.

I won't hide anything from you going forward.

I understand. I'll be nothing but transparent with you in the future.

I promise.

Thank you.

!!

All right,

I promise.

I'll try and make sure that your faith in me won't be misplaced.

Hello, everyone at M.M.R. Vocational School,

this is M.M.R.'s chief Researcher, Ether.

Today, on behalf of the respected chairman,

and as the one who single-handedly planned your curriculum, I've come to officially announce the commencement of the new semester.

I hope that you are all in high spirits.

Keep studying hard,

and may you all go on to become great Nikkes.

That concludes our ceremony.

Best of luck to you all.

...

"Great" Nikkes...

Ein!

Good to see you again.

You're looking as cute as always.

Is Zwei around?

She should be here soon.

There's no way she could have failed the written exam.

Of course I could.

Fortunately, that wasn't the case this time around.

Hey, Zwei!

So, the only one left is...

...

Has Tercera not arrived yet?

... No.

Could she have flunked her written exam?

That can't be it.

If she doesn't come... it would have to be because of what happened during the practical exam.

But I thought Miss Marciana said she would handle that?

Teachers aren't omnipotent.

But... we were supposed to eat parfait together...

!!

!!

Tercera!

Sorry I'm late.

!!

Tercera!

It's really you!

Like you said, Rei.

We promised to have parfait today.

We sure did!

Rei... Zwei...

Ein...

Karhi...

Tercera...

... Pass.

... Uno.

Beni...

Fail. Reset.

Tracy...

Dias...

...

Permanently expelled...!

I'm sorry...

I'm so sorry...

Ether...

Why are you helping me?

Hmm?

How did I help, exactly?

Are you really going to play dumb with me?

You don't have to give me the death stare.

Relax.

You're gonna give yourself stress lines.

...

I'm not in a joking mood.

Fine. Pray tell, what is it that you're not satisfied with?

Everything transpired exactly as you wanted.

You even saved a student who nearly failed.

No. 7 was able to come to the school.

So what's the problem?

The school board would never have been willing to overlook Tercera's act of arson.

Not when it occurred during the exam, with all those additional spectators around.

Despite that, me, the Commander,

and Tercera didn't get so much as a slap on the wrist.

What's your game here?

Nothing so insidious as you seem to think.

A student who wasn't thinking straight accidently caused a fire.

These things happen when people are under a lot of stress.

Stop screwing with me!

What are you so mad about? I'm only trying to resolve the issue.

I'm not a petty person.

Is it because I come here more often than the other researchers?

Perhaps that's why you're so cagey around me.

I know what you told Tercera.

... What?

There's a limit to the resets.

After the third time, you're sent to the research lab.

Isn't that what you told her?

What of it?

She was a student who had a question.

Am I not duty-bound as a researcher to answer?

How can you say that?!

Whoa now. Calm down.

What did I do wrong?

Besides, it's all over now.

Isn't that enough?

This incident will boost her confidence in the practical exams to follow.

In fact, I think she'll be able to graduate without any issues.

I fail to see the problem here.

The students aren't your playthings.

Please.

I'm nothing if not sincere.

I'm merely attempting to run the school as M.M.R. sees fit.

They want to know whether Nikkes can be taught to be exemplary.

Can the curriculum we create have a meaningful impact on their performance?

My role here is to observe, nothing more.

...

The results never lie. We've made some modifications, and there has been an undeniable increase in the number of graduates.

In fact, let's see how many we had this year.

Naga... Tia... Quite a few.

That's no justification for what you're doing here.

I never pegged you as someone so driven by their emotions.

Please, try to think about this rationally.

Marciana.

Those students,

all the teachers, yourself included,

and even researchers like myself,

are just Nikkes.

Do you think I designed the exam this way because I derive pleasure from torturing the students?

We may not be friends, but I'm not your enemy either.

...

So try and not to make it so obvious.

If you go walking around with a face like a slapped ass, everyone will find out.

I know what you're up to.

You want to expose what's going on here to everyone in the Ark.

...!

If you end up attracting the attention of the higher-ups, then we're all finished. Including your precious students.

And the salvation you wished will also be ruined.

Everything will end.

Despite all of that, you still helped me...

...

Why?

What kind of question is that?

I'm a researcher. Nikkes are my subject of interest,

and you're a Nikke.

I already told you.

I wanted to see your potential.

You were created expressly to be a teacher.

I wanted to see how far you would go to protect your students.

...

Yes. I'm a Nikke.

A Nikke designed to be a teacher.

I will fulfill those expectations accordingly.

One day, I will break this place wide open and expose all of you.

I will liberate this school, and everyone in it.

Very well.

I'm looking forward to your performance.