Professor Hai went on to explain what their life would be like, and how they could rise through the ranks, be it in the form of passing the assessments, challenges, or through fighting against other students. He also explained how there would be teachers inside but no lessons, since those were there just to observe and nothing else. Still, they would have the facility to train as they wished, and higher numbers meant access to better facilities to train in order to encourage students to improve.
“You will be able to leave whenever you wish, but if you do choose to leave as someone outside the top 10, then that means you will forfeit your only chance to join the AFA. It’s in your own interest to do whatever it takes to reach the top positions, and hopefully, I will see you all at the real academy again. Once you enter, that will be the start of your next step.”
Before the adults left, Professor Humfree looked at Gary, and he had a few more words that were mainly directed at him.
“Although you’ve disrupted our assessment, your talent is undeniable. It’s hard to say how much you’ve yet to show us, but from what we’ve seen, we have a good idea of what you can do.
“Honestly, some teachers even suggested that it might be best if you just went and joined the academy immediately. Ultimately, however, we all agreed that this next part is also something that is akin to a rite of passive that everyone had to go through.
“That building is filled with students who have been scouted. Students that are just as talented as you, yet for one reason or another, they never got to rise to the top ten. There will be things you have never experienced, and because of your position, it might even affect matters in the outside world.
“Gary Dem, stay strong, and I hope you make it through this.”
With that said, the professors got on the bus, leaving the four students in front of the stadium-like building.
‘What did he mean by that? “The actions in here could affect outside”…’ Gary didn't know what to expect, but he did have one thought. Xin had only recently become an Altered, and according to Professor Hai, it wasn’t uncommon for the ones inside to stay there for months, if not years. As such, there was a very good chance he would meet her inside.
Looking forward to the possible reunion, Gary was the first to take a step forward, heading towards the door. The others, not wanting to be left behind, followed after him. Although they were still worried about the harshness of what awaited them, they knew that there was no way back now.
‘There might be groups, factions that have agreed to work together inside this place, so they can get into the top ten.’ Izzy realised. ‘And what the professor said. Are students using their connections on the outside to secure their positions inside this place? If that's the case, us non-scouted students might have the toughest time in securing higher positions.’
As soon as the four of them entered, everyone turned their heads their way. The students inside had already been informed that today would be the day that newcomers might arrive, so now was the time to size up their new competition.
Looking around the large room, Gary was unable to find Xin.
‘Is she perhaps training right now? I doubt it… I’m certain that Xin wouldn’t just give up, so it should mean that she has already passed on from this place. So much for surprising her… oh well, I bet she will be even more surprised once we meet inside the AFA.’ The Werewolf let out a depressed sigh.
Walking together as a group, the others continued to stare at them. None of them looked too friendly at the newcomers, and nobody introduced themselves either. Unsure what to do, Gary followed a sign which pointed to the personal rooms, until he arrived in front of his.
“They expect us to stay in this!” Izzy couldn't help but complain. “This is supposed to be one of the top academies in the world. They have money coming out of their backside, yet they expect some of the richest, most powerful people to stay in this type of shithole?! I’ve seen closet rooms with more class!!!”
Ian too was displeased about it, as he covered his nose with his shirt. There was a certain smell that seemed to emanate from the rooms. However, neither Gary nor Numba said a word about it. They simply put the belongings they brought inside, such as some change of clothes and a few personal items, down in their room. With no bed or drawers, they could only place it on the floor.
After everyone settled into their rooms a little, Izzy knocked on the boys’ doors, asking them to meet outside. They stood by the handrail, looking down at all the students.
“First, I just want to say that I'm sorry for what happened during the assessment. I’m not as good as any of you three, so I did whatever I had to do to make sure I might be able to get this spot.” Izzy began with an apology, looking straight at Gary since she had done him over the worst.
“I don’t expect you to forgive me outright, but I hope you can at least listen to what I have to say. Placing in the top 10 is the only way for us to move on to the real AFA, and from what we’ve been told, it seems nearly impossible to do that on our own. As such, I propose that we stick together as a group.
“We’re the new guys here, so there is a good chance there will be some people that will take advantage of that. Everyone else should already know that we’re the ones who weren’t scouted. They most likely see us as easy targets, the bottom of the barrel. So for now, why don’t we have a truce and try to help each other out in this place?”
Hearing this, almost immediately, Numba decided to walk away. “That’s a great speech and all, but this guy already knows that I don’t trust people.”
Ian just nodded. Unlike the others, he was already friends with Izzy, so he instantly agreed with her. Gary was still hesitating. Part of him was still pissed at her for what she had done, but another part also understood her reasoning, and now that they were all here together, it might not be the worst idea, but…
“I think it might be a better idea if you don’t team up with me. There is a good chance that I could cause some trouble here.” Gary smiled.
A buzzer went off while the group were in the middle of their discussion, and an announcement was made.
“Everyone, please head to the canteen for lunch. Newcomers, make sure to sit down according to the numbered seats!”
Over a hundred teenagers moved in one direction, so the four newcomers just followed behind them. Inside the canteen, Gary tried once more to find Xin, but once again she was nowhere to be found.
A delicious smell wafted into his nose, and his stomach let out a grumble. He could see that one of the tables was far more luxurious compared to the others. It was the one reserved for the top students, who were being served first. They had actual waiters dining them and the students were able to select whatever food they wished, which was cooked and delivered to them, most likely by professional chefs.
“Well, at least the food is good at this place,” Gary commented, though he soon realised that he had spoken too soon.
Just like other areas, the canteen had separate sections depending on one’s rank. The table for Gary and his group was all the way in the back, pretty much an old picnic table. Sitting down, the green haired teenager picked up the bowl of lukewarm chicken soup and took a sip.
[2 points of Energy have been restored]
[208/300 Energy]
‘This isn't good… if I don't get a decent meal, I won’t be able to fill up my Energy. The more I fight, the less Energy I will have at my disposal.’ Gary realised.
*****
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