Almond Eye's breathing quickened, her heart pounding like a little drum gone mad.
Not far away, a tall Horse Girl was chatting animatedly with her companions, her eyes filled with the gleam of certain victory.
Almond Eye heard her declare confidently, "I'm determined to win this exam. I'll definitely carve out a place for myself at Central Treisen Academy."
Elsewhere, a short-haired applicant was warming up on the spot, every movement smooth and powerful, as though proclaiming her strength to everyone around her.
Farther off, a burst of noise rose up. Almond Eye looked over and saw an agile Horse Girl surrounded by a crowd.
She stood tall and straight, her gaze sharp, every gesture brimming with confidence.
Someone nearby whispered, "That's Gaojie Baihe. I heard her training results are outstanding—she's one of the favorites in this exam."
Hearing that, Almond Eye suddenly did not feel quite so nervous.
She opened her hand and wiped the sweat from her palm on her tracksuit, looking at Gaojie Baihe as a trace of Fighting Spirit flashed through her eyes. She silently made up her mind:
"No matter who my opponent is, I won't shrink back. If I run into her in a test or the Simulation Race later... then I'll compete with her and see who comes out on top."
Slightly invigorated, she made her way to the registration checkpoint, where a long line had already formed.
Some applicants in the queue had their eyes closed, seemingly adjusting their condition; some spoke quietly with companions, sharing their nerves and anticipation; others bounced lightly in place to warm up their bodies.
Almond Eye took a deep breath, doing her best to calm herself as she silently thought, "I can do this. I'll show everyone what I'm capable of."
Almond Eye slowly moved forward