The room erupted into a flurry of whispers, the students' faces etched with confusion. Hiruki's gaze locked onto the book, his fingers flipping through the pages with a soft rustling sound.

"Okay, everyone," he said, his voice rising above the whispers. "If I call your name, come to the front."

The room fell silent once more, the students watching with bated breath as Hiruki called out the first name. "Aya Suzuki."

The class turned as one, their eyes scanning the crowd until they landed on a girl with pink hair tied into two pigtails, her pink eyes sparkling with curiosity. She wore a short, long-sleeved jacket that left her belly exposed, paired with short black pants. Aya's face lit up with a bright smile as she emerged from the crowd, her feet carrying her swiftly to the front.

Hiruki's gaze locked onto her, a small smile playing on his lips. "Kinji Ishida," he called out, his voice ringing through the room.

A young man with short black hair and two earrings in both ears pushed his way through the crowd, his long black sleeveless coat billowing behind him. Kinji's face was set with determination, his eyes fixed intently on Hiruki.

Hiruki's gaze swept over the two students, a warm smile spreading across his face. "Well, then, you two will be partners for the hunter survival test."

Kinji and Aya exchanged a nod, their faces set with a newfound sense of purpose.

The next few minutes passed in a blur, Hiruki calling out names and grouping the students into pairs. The room was a flurry of movement, the students rushing to the front to claim their partners.

As the last pair was grouped, Hiruki's gaze swept over the remaining students. Crinix, Takahishi, and Niski stood out, their faces etched with a mixture of anxiety and anticipation.

Hiruki's eyes narrowed, his gaze dropping to the book in his hand. "This is going to be hard," he muttered, his voice barely audible. "Only three left, and I have to group two people."

His head lifted, his eyes locking onto the three students. "Here's what's going to happen, guys. Seeing that there's only three of you left, only two people will get grouped into a squad. The remaining one will not participate in the hunter survival test. They will have to try again next year."

The room fell silent, the weight of Hiruki's words hanging in the air like a challenge.

The three students exchanged disbelieving glances, their faces etched with shock. Takahishi's voice rose in protest. "You can't be serious, Teacher Hiruki!"

Crinix's eyes widened, his face pale. "Yeah, that's not fair."

Hiruki's expression remained calm, but his voice held a hint of resignation. "Come on, boys I have to make this decision because if I don't, you three will all have to try again next year."

Niski's voice cut through the tension, his tone surprisingly calm. "Do it, Hiruki."

Hiruki's gaze dropped to the book in his hand, his eyes scanning the pages. He let out a long sigh before calling out Crinix's name.

Crinix's movements were slow, his feet carrying him reluctantly to the front. Takahishi's eyes locked onto Niski, his mind racing with the implications. He knew that either he or Niski would be paired with Crinix, leaving the other to face the harsh reality of repeating the test next year.

Takahishi's thoughts swirled with anxiety, his gut twisting with unease. He felt like he was on the precipice, staring into the unknown.

Hiruki's voice cut through the silence, his words hanging in the air like a challenge. "The one that will get paired up with Crinix is..." He paused, his chest rising as he took a deep breath. "Takahishi."

Takahishi's face lit up with a mixture of shock and elation. "What!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the room. "That's me! I'm moving on to the hunter survival test!"

Niski's gaze dropped, his face hidden behind a mask of calmness. "Congratulations, Takahishi," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

Takahishi's feet carried him swiftly to the front, leaving Niski standing alone. Hiruki's expression turned somber, his eyes filled with a deep sadness. "Sorry, Niski. That leaves only you without a partner. You will have to try for the hunter survival test next year."

Hiruki's gaze shifted to Crinix and Takahishi, a warm smile spreading across his face. "Well done, you guys. You are moving on to the hunter survival test."

Crinix's gaze locked onto Niski, his eyes filled with a deep understanding. He could see the pain behind Niski's mask, the desperation in his eyes. Crinix knew how much Niski wanted to become a Grim Hunter, how much it meant to him.

Without hesitation, Crinix took a step forward, his voice ringing out across the room. "Teacher Hiruki."

Hiruki's gaze snapped onto Crinix, his expression curious. "Yes, Crinix?"

Crinix's voice was firm, his words filled with conviction. "Would it be okay if Niski and I exchanged places?"

The room fell silent, all eyes fixed on Crinix in amazement. Niski's face was a picture of shock, his eyes wide with incredulity. "Crinix, you don't have to do this," he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper.

Crinix's gaze locked onto Niski, a warm smile spreading across his face. "Niski, it's not a big deal. I know how much this means to you."

Hiruki's expression turned thoughtful, his eyes narrowing as he considered Crinix's request. "If that's what you want, it is possible to exchange places with Niski," he said slowly. "But you will have to retake the hunter survival test next year."

Hiruki's gaze locked onto Crinix, his eyes searching for any sign of hesitation. "Are you sure you want that, Crinix?"

Crinix's voice was firm, his words leaving no room for doubt. "Yes, this is what I want. "

Takahishi's face contorted in shock, his eyes wide with incredulity. He spun around, his expression deadpan. "Crinix, you can't be serious. Do you have to do this for Niski? Think about me, man. Why would you do this, Crinix?"

Crinix's hand closed around Takahishi's shoulder, his smile warm and reassuring. "Takahishi, Niski is my friend, and I would do anything for him."

The room fell silent, the weight of Crinix's words hanging in the air like a challenge. Takahishi's face was a picture of shock, his eyes wide with disbelief.

Hiruki's voice cut through the silence, his words measured. "Well, I guess Niski will have to take your place, Crinix."