"These are a few questions from each of our subject teachers,” the man in the gray shirt explained, handing over a short stack of papers. “They're all original, written by us. You won't find them in any prep books or past exams. Only we know the answers. Take your time—there's no time limit. We'll come by after class to grade your work. Once we've seen your results, we'll decide if you can be admitted."

Emily Blair nodded. "Alright."

He looked a little surprised, as if he hadn't expected her to agree so easily.

Before Emily arrived, he'd braced himself for a confrontation-prepared for her to argue or demand to know why they suspected her of cheating. After all, they had no concrete evidence. The principal had overseen the entire exam, and nothing had seemed amiss. Suspecting a student of cheating without proof was a risky move for a teacher's reputation, especially if word got out.

He'd even rehearsed what he would say, planning to drag the principal into it if Emily decided to make a scene—after all, she'd come to see the principal, not him.

But he hadn't expected her to comply so readily, without protest or even a hint of anger at being accused with no evidence.

He couldn't help but breathe a huge sigh of relief.

Once Emily accepted the test papers, he gave a quick nod and hurried out, muttering something about class starting soon.

The other teachers had mostly come to satisfy their curiosity.

This school wasn't exactly known for academic excellence. Fewer than five percent of their students managed to score high enough for a top-tier college each year. Their best student had even been recruited with financial incentives, and most of the rest just coasted through three years, barely caring about their studies. Only with the entrance exams looming did anyone start to take things seriously.

The teachers were used to these results and didn't expect much from their students. So when word spread that a new student had boldly claimed she'd take first place on the entrance exams, the faculty was abuzz. Nearly every teacher had gathered to watch as Emily's answers were graded.

The outcome left them all stunned.

Emily's results were nothing short of extraordinary.

While still reeling from surprise, they heard the principal recount the whole story, which only fueled their skepticism. That's why they'd all come-except for those still teaching or in meetings, nearly every teacher had crowded into the principal's office.

Each teacher had drawn on their expertise, crafting questions as challenging and logically rigorous as any mock exam. This time, there was no chance of answers leaking out, no way for Emily to have seen the questions in advance. If she could solve them, she'd prove her talent beyond doubt.

As the man in the gray shirt left, the other teachers filed out as well.

Maxwell Perez settled back into his office chair and looked up. "Go ahead. I'll watch while you work."

Emily didn't say anything more. She picked up her pen and began to write.

The test wasn't long-just a couple of questions per subject. In less than two songs' time, Emily finished.

Maxwell saw her put down her pen and reached out for her papers.

Emily flexed her wrist and asked, "Should I wait here while you grade them?"

Maxwell, engrossed in her math answers, didn't even seem to hear her. His expression grew more serious as he read, his attention fixed entirely on Emily's solutions, oblivious to anything else.