Byron's Final Test, the Genius Who Played Dumb

Amid the lively discussion, Evan followed the students back to the classroom.

Morales walked beside him, regret on his face.

"Too bad I can't go with you this time."

Evan turned to him. "You didn't pass the screening!?"

Morales shook his head. "I checked with my father after I got home."

"Students who get in through the Medical School usually do indoor purification and testing. The work's relatively easy and respectable."

"Students who get in through the university usually have to do physical labor by the shore, or even in the water. It's hard work."

By then, Morales was grinning.

"My father even said I was lucky. From what he's heard, quite a few middle-class Families fought over these openings..."

"They got so heated at parties they nearly fell out with each other!"

Seeing how happy Morales was, Evan gave him a thumbs-up.

"Just what I'd expect from a rising star of medicine in the United States!"

"Doctor Morales, I hope you'll look out for me someday!"

Morales blushed and scratched the back of his head.

"Don't say that. I'm counting on sticking with you so I can graduate!"

They returned to the classroom as they spoke. Kars, their class advisor, entered with Professor Mons, the Science Department Head.

They announced the selection to the class.

The students from poorer backgrounds were thrilled to hear it.

Next came the submission of forms, physical fitness tests, family background checks, questions about their faith...

The screening was remarkably thorough.

It even covered personal tastes, fear of the Sea, whether they disliked creatures with scales, and more...

To the ordinary students, it was simply proof of how meticulous a major company could be.

But Evan could already imagine what these students might encounter.

Innsmouth... According to the Vampire's memories Eldin gave me...

*Pulis