Nova Force Book 1

The final test of the examination was upon us—a culmination of months of rigorous training for most of the participants. We were tasked to form teams of four and take down monsters in a strategically curated arena. Our teams were assembled based on our performance thus far, and I found myself paired with two men and one woman.
The first to catch my eye was a girl adorned in a stunning blue and white dress, exuding an air of elegance and approach-ability. She smiled warmly as she introduced herself, "Hi, my name is Carissa. Nice to meet you."
I nodded, offering a small smile in return. "Hi, I'm Nova Zero, but you can call me Zero." My introduction seemed to draw mixed reactions from the rest of the team, their eyes reflecting skepticism and doubt.
The others exchanged nods with me, a silent acknowledgment of our shared purpose.
"So, what's your skill set?" she asked, her eyes keen with curiosity.
"I'm strong, and I wield the Flame Nova Force," I answered, keeping my tone steady.
Her eyes lit up with interest. "Nice. I'm a proficient healer, and I can manipulate plants—kind of like one of the Lieutenants. She's my idol."
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Your idol, huh?"
"Yeah, she's incredibly powerful. Oh, and just so you know, Markev over there controls Light Nova Force, and Brad's got Earth."
"Good to know. Thanks for the heads-up," I replied, appreciating the intel.
"Anytime," Carissa said with a friendly smile.
 
Miss Irene, our stern and ever-vigilant instructor, outlined the parameters of our final test. We were to confront and neutralize the monsters released into the arena. The first team to go was Laylah's, a group led by a prodigy who dispatched the creatures with breathtaking speed and precision.
Miss Irene intervened, her voice cutting through the excitement. "Miss Nova Dos, you must allow your teammates to participate. They need the experience as much as you."
Dos nodded, "Understood. My apologies. We'll try again."
Soon, it was our turn. We faced five basic-class monsters and one intermediate beast—a realistic simulation of the relentless challenges we would encounter in the real world. Experienced novaticians stood by, ready to intervene if the situation became too perilous.
As the battle commenced, I watched my team struggle against the ferocious creatures. I could have ended the skirmish swiftly, but I chose to observe their capabilities. Markev, one of my teammates, noticed my inaction and shouted, "You're just standing there doing nothing!" His temper flared, his frustration evident in his sharp features and the way he gripped his long sword and wooden shield.
"Yeah, do something, or was that display of power earlier just a glitch?" another teammate Brad jeered, his voice laced with sarcasm.
Ignoring their taunts, I focused on watching the battle. The lack of coordination and teamwork was disheartening, but I saw potential beneath the surface.
As the flame cat lunged toward Carissa, its fiery claws poised to strike, I moved without a second thought. In the blink of an eye, I sprang into action, my body a blur as I met the beast's attack with the back of my hand. The force of my strike was instantaneous and overwhelming. The flame cat didn't just recoil—it was sent hurtling through the air like a comet, its fiery form streaking across the arena.
The instant my hand struck the beast, the force unleashed a shockwave that tore through the air with a deafening roar. The impact was so powerful that the very ground beneath us shattered, splintering into a web of jagged cracks that spread out like lightning. Shards of stone erupted from the earth, propelled in every direction by the sheer, unstoppable force of the blow.
All eyes turned in astonishment as the flame cat crashed into the far side of the arena, the impact so powerful that it caved in the wall upon collision. Flames erupted from its body, engulfing the area in a fiery explosion that sent a plume of smoke and debris billowing into the sky. The once menacing creature was now a broken heap amidst the rubble, its fire dimming as it lay defeated.
The other fighters momentarily paused in their battle, their gazes locked on the devastation my simple strike had caused. Gasps of disbelief echoed around the arena, and even the most seasoned warriors couldn't hide their awe.
"Did you see that?" one of them murmured, eyes wide in shock. "He sent it flying with just a slap…"
"Unbelievable," another whispered, their voice tinged with both fear and admiration.
Carissa, who had been moments away from the flame cat's deadly grasp, looked up at me, her expression a mix of gratitude and astonishment. "Thank you," she breathed, her voice barely audible over the dying roar of the flames.
The others quickly regained their focus, determination rekindled by the sheer display of power they had just witnessed. They returned to fending off the remaining monsters, but there was a renewed energy in their movements—a silent acknowledgment that they were in the presence of someone truly formidable.
After that display, we all worked together to subdue the rest of the monsters. Carissa's agility complemented Markev's brute strength, while our other teammate, whose name was Brad, demonstrated remarkable precision with his ranged earth attacks. We fought as a unit, each of us at the last minute.
After the match, Markev approached me, his anger still palpable. "Are you stupid? Why didn't you try to help us at the start of the match?" he shouted.
"The match would have ended before you could draw your sword if I did," I replied calmly, my voice cold and indifferent.
"Oh, so you think you're all tough and cool because you took out that cat easily? I'll show you all!" he exclaimed, storming off with the other teammate who seemed to dislike me for no reason. Carissa, on the other hand, approached me with a grateful smile.
"Thank you for your help," she said softly before running after her friends. I supposed they were all friends.
As I watched them leave, I couldn't help but reflect on the importance of teamwork. Something that master Zonare had told us, which I try to remember, but they weren't part of my real team. I just had to make sure they stayed alive.
Although I couldn't help but feel a twinge of anger toward that boy who had shouted at me moments ago, I tried to calm myself. "Who did he think he was? I was doing him a favor by teaching him the harsh realities of this world, and this was how he repaid me," I muttered under my breath.
Lost in my thoughts, I didn't notice Miss Irene approaching until she spoke. "Hello there."
I turned to see one of the examiners standing behind me. "I saw what happened today, and I must say, I was impressed by you and your friends' strength. However, I must inform you that your ranks have already been decided. You will be an N2 and your friends will be N3. That's the highest rank you can achieve from this test. If you want to rank up, you'll have to do more than just be strong."
"I see," I replied, trying to keep my tone casual despite the pang of disappointment I felt. I didn't need to ask why I got the rank of N2; I already knew.
Trying to hide my frustration, I added, "I was just trying to help them. I could care less about ranks." I aimed for calm, but my words might have sounded a bit rude.
Miss Irene's gaze softened. "Time and place, my dear. And remember, with great nova force comes great duty."
As she walked away, I couldn't help but think, "Did she just quote a line from a superhero movie?"
Her words lingered in my mind, sparking a wave of introspection. Was she right? What if something had happened and I couldn't move fast enough to save them? I've always prided myself on being reflective, and that's what I did as we made our way back to the mansion.

I realized I needed to be more mindful of how I used my abilities and the responsibility that came with them. Yet, in the face of monsters, strength was essential.