The testing ground was a huge space where one could unleash a variety of abilities inside, and it boasted a foundation that could withstand S-rank attacks.

On each side was a space where one could watch espers being tested on their abilities.

Rise was standing on it, looking down and watching Epsilon perform according to the examiner’s instructions. S-ranks were also divided into tiers; this test was exactly about that.

He stood on the other side, not where his father was. That side was where everyone’s attention was, the Union higher-ups.

Rise watched from above, eyes never leaving Epsilon’s figure. He was still the same; his image remained strange for Rise.

His purple pupils, though beautiful, seemed strange and out of place. Rise only thought of him as annoying before, not liking how he could be a center of attention without even doing anything.

They met when Rise was already settled in the Dark Crimson Guild; though people still knew him as the Union’s greatest troublemaker, he was already recognized as Kamille’s second in command by then.

He was not one to show off anymore, and so despite not liking how people tend to gravitate towards Epsilon, he did not do anything and let it be.

Until he joined the Guild.

Epsilon was an S-rank esper with a rare ability, and the title of Kamille’s second in command gradually leaned toward him. Rise did not mind at first.

The name was not what he aimed for; as long as he was still the only one on Kamille’s side, he did not mind if that title left him.

But of course, how could that be possible? That bit...

Rise narrowed his eyes and took a deep breath to calm himself down. He also suppressed his killing intent.

The examiner now made Epsilon move objects, the simple ones. They soon entered the middle stages. Rise’s lips twitched in irritation as the man acted as though it was hard for him to lift the massive constructs that they put in the testing ground.

What an actor.

Rise swept his eyes around and also looked across from him, where the higher-ups were; there was a spark in their eyes, and their lips curled into a wide smile.

Were they already satisfied with such tricks?

Honestly, Rise was the only one not amazed in this room. And for good reason. It was not just because he was antagonizing Epsilon, but because what he was doing was actually the bare minimum.

There was nothing to be amazed about.

Why was everyone acting as though he had done something so significant when he had only lifted objects, albeit with increasing weight...? But that was it.

So boring.

If Rise did not have an agenda, he would not even watch this shitshow.

Rise leaned on the railings, hands folded on his chest.

The final part of the test soon arrived. It was the focal point of this whole test. The examiner had already left the area, leaving Epsilon alone.

This was a combat test; though the monster was only a replica of an S-rank monster, the esper needed to defeat it or at least show his capability to do so.

Epsilon remained composed on the ground; he looked up and swept his eyes around. The higher-ups, the media, and the other staff... His eyes landed on someone, and he paused.

Rise locked eyes with Epsilon, and both stared at each other.

Epsilon’s expression did not change, but the glow of his pupils slowly darkened. Rise’s lips curled slightly and waved at Epsilon.

Welcome back, bitch.

Rise mouthed to him.

The smile on Epsilon’s lips faltered slightly, and he averted his gaze. Soon, his composed expression returned, and he began fighting the dummy.

Rise squinted his eyes further. He was not sure if Epsilon got offended because of what he said or because he could actually understand and recognize him.

His fingers tapped at the railings as he watched Epsilon fight it seriously; his graceful movements earned gasps and admiration from the audience.

At this part, Rise had to admit he was truly the protagonist. It was as though, like in the movies, flowers and sparkles surrounded him and made the whole scene more vibrant.

Of course, none of that exists here, but the impression was the same.

He... was different.

Rise wanted to confirm something, and he already did. But he wanted to be certain. His plans would have to rely on this. If Epsilon could not remember, he could toy with him as much as he wanted.

If he remembered... Well, Rise would still toy with him as much as he wanted. It was just that some things had to be flexible.

A protagonist not aware of his charm was one thing, but a protagonist aware of his halo... Then, it was another matter altogether. 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

So, Epsilon... Who were you between the two?

"Finished!"

A round of applause overwhelmed the room. As soon as the monster fell on the ground and Epsilon won, everyone’s enthusiasm seemed to be ignited.

They were all celebrating another higher-ranking S-rank esper!

The examiner returned to Epsilon’s side, and the higher-ups were already preparing to go down and meet the new S-rank.

However, everyone was put on hold when a voice echoed inside.

"Wait."

Everyone’s attention now gathered where the voice came from, to someone everyone knew... Rise Lee. The well-known troublemaker is also an ultimate weapon of the Union.

The higher-ups were confused as they exchanged glances; some even glanced at Niftan’s side, knowing the relationship between the two. Yet, they found him equally confused by the behavior of his son.

But it was common knowledge that he was often the one cleaning the mess of his son, though he was not really involved.

Soon, they focused on Rise again.

Even Epsilon looked at Rise.

Rise was only looking at him this whole time, and their eyes met again. The examiner at the side sweated. He did not know when this villain arrived here and why he was creating trouble again.

"Congratulations on being an S-rank... Epsilon." Rise smiled, not caring about the others’ gaze. "Now, I’m curious... of your ability. Do you dare fight me in a duel?"

His grin widened, and his eyes flickered in excitement.

To everyone looking at him, they only thought the battle maniac was triggered by the new S-rank and could not help but face-palm. Some were intrigued and seemed to agree.

In fact, whether everyone admitted it or not, Rise was the Union’s darling. His ability was truly top-tier. Though his mana density lacked the prerequisite to be an S-rank, his ability was even beyond what some S-ranks could compare to.

Only one person felt offended by this challenge.

The man being challenged himself, Epsilon.

His eyes flickered, and the muscles in his cheek twitched slightly, forcing his smile to remain steady.

The two gazes met; the invisible confrontation already began.