Part-191

  The exams loomed closer, and with each passing day, James became more and more immersed in his textbooks. His mind was filled with formus, theories, and problem-solving teiques. At one point, he even began to dream about his study material. He could feel the pressure, but his determination was unshakable.

  Then, the day of the exams finally arrived. James sat at his desk, surrounded by other students, his heart pounding but his mind calm. He had prepared as much as he could. As the proctor distributed the exam papers, James took a deep breath, knowing that everything he had worked for was on the line.

  Hours passed, and when the exams were over, James left the room feeling cautiously optimistic. He knew he had done well, but whether it was enough to secure a top-three rank remaio be seen.

  As James stepped outside the exam hall, he spotted Emdad leaning against a tree, looking a bit worn out. Curious about how his friend had hahe exam after his time away, James approached him.

  "How'd it go?" James asked, pyfully nudging him on the arm.

  Emdad let out a long sigh, running a hand through his short, newly styled hair. "Holy, man? I think I bombed it. I spent so much time training in Thaind, I fot what studying even feels like. I bnked on half the questions in each exam."

  James chuckled. "e on, Emdad. You’ve always been a solid student. I’m sure your basics will carry you through. Besides, you’ve been through Muay Thai boot camp! If you survive that, you survive a little exam."

  Emdad grinned, his trademark fideurning. "I hope you’re right. I’d hate to expin to my parents why I came back all fit but failed my exams."

  They both ughed, sharing the kind of easy camaraderie that had been the foundation of their friendship for years. After a few more minutes of catg up, Emdad g his watch.

  "I’ve got to run—boxing club is calling. Good luck with the rest of your day, ma’s grab lunch ter."

  "Definitely. Catch you ter," James replied, watg Emdad jog off, his athletic frame cutting easily through the crowd.

  As he stood there, James's thoughts drifted to the events of the previous night. After pleting Mission 22, which had required him to study for twelve straight hours every day until the exam ends, he had received an ued reward. A simple oil mp had appeared on his desk—small and unassuming. The system had called it the **Lamp of Time**.

  At first, James had been puzzled. He’d received stat bonuses from the system before, but this was his first physical item. He hadn't tested it yet, too focused on the looming exams. Now, with the first exam behind him, he realized it might be time to figure out what the mp could do.

  James decided to head back to his house to iigate. Walking through the crowded campus, he kept thinking about the mp. Was it magical? Did it somehoute time? He had no idea, but the name hi something powerful.