*******
Siege was jolted awake by the deafening roar of a siren... and a System notification.
[Congratulations]
[User Siege Damon has completed the Quest: Do not drink any liquid substances for the next twelve hours]
[Reward: 10 Experience Points]
Siege didn't know if it was his imagination, but he felt like the System was getting more informal by each new quest.
He had noticed that several other students had also fallen asleep the night before, and were in the process of waking up. The van was parked in the middle of nowhere. Siege got out of the van and stretched his legs.
Siege knew there was fifty students at the camp, all who will stop at nothing to complete the Training Camp.
"The place you are standing on is one of the largest naturally formed hillside in our nation" the woman explained. The driver stood next to her, growling when the students got too excited. "I know I haven't introduced myself, but you may call me Violet" she said.
Directly in front of him, the students were shocked to see a tall skyscraper-like building. The futuristic style completely contrasted the natural, green landscape. The ground surrounding the Training Centre seemed to be elevated to make it look more impressive.
"This is where you will be staying for the next five days" stated the woman. Siege couldn't stop gawking at the building. He had seen better and bigger buildings before on television, but the standing in front of one was a whole new experience...
"There are five stages to this building. Your goal is to reach the fifth floor by the end of the training session"
There was muttering and confusion between the students. But Siege was mentally prepared. He knew he was going to come out successful, even if it required killing...
"This building is designed to test all five areas that will be required to beat 'The Process' so don't expect this to be easy. It will be the hardest thing you will have ever done"
This caused even more nervous glances between the students. But Siege stood in the back of the group, emotionless. He had other plans for the Training Camp.
"Follow me" said Violet, walking towards the Training Centre.
As the students made their way towards the training centre, the driver, who had been watching the students leave, shouted something:
"Only half of you standing here may enter the Training Camp" he said with a twisted smile, "The other half will die in the hands of your comrades" he continued.
"So the 'Training Camp' is all a facade"Siege thought with a smile. "It's just trying to get rid of the physically weak and the emotionally weak. I will not be affected by this"
As he was walking, Siege overheard two students.
"What is he talking about?"
"I think it means some of us are going to die"
*******
As they neared the building, Violet instructed them to form a line. At the front of the building, the students lined up, following the orders of the driver. "You will be called forward in alphabetical order in pairs of two. Follow the driver to the Dual Ground"
Students were starting to panic. Violet watched as the students realized what was going to happen.
"Why are you making us do this?!" one boy shouted.
"This is illegal" shouted a girl.
"All procedures taking place at this five day training camp is made by trained individuals and accepted by the Divine Government" Violet said, unchanged by the students words.
She had been working at the training camp for five years, and she had experience with students who were surprised by the training camp procedures.
"If you wish to participate in the Training Camp, wait here until the driver calls you forward. And if you want to leave, make your way towards the van and we'll make preparations to escort you back..." she said.
"We know this is a tough decision for you, so I will be back in ten minutes. Anyone still standing here will continue to take part in the Training Camp"
And with that, she smiled at the students, turned around and walked into the Training Camp.
As soon as the the woman left, the whole training camp erupted.
"These guys are evil!" a girl shouted, tears rolling down her does.
"Her mind is weak" Siege whispered.
"There's no way I'm leaving now that I'm here!" shouted another.
But Siege hid himself away from everyone else. He had his arms crossed staring directly at the Training Camp. He had already made his decision...
[Has User: Siege Damon made his decision?]
The notification popped up on his screen, surprising him.
"The system knows I'm at the Training Camp" Siege whispered...
Siege watched as twelve students left, leaving thirty-eight students left in the training camp.
Before he could ask further questions, Violet came out of the camp:
"I see that many of your fellow comrades have left" she said.
Siege smiled when Violet said 'Comrades'
"How ironic!" he whispered. "The comrades we will be forced to kill.."
*******
The retired military soldier called the names one by one, checking them off as he did so. Siege felt extremely nervous as he watched the the soldier called the names.
"Siege Damon and Daniel War, please come forward" shouted the driver, his voice going hoarse from the endless shouting.
Siege took a deep breathe before heading towards the driver, who was standing on top of a raised platform.
Siege refused to look into Daniel's eyes. They both knew what they had to do.
Side by side, the two students stood in front of the driver.
"Remember: Do anything in your power to get through the beginning trial..." he whispered.
"You will both enter the Dual Chamber. Only one of you will come out of it. Kill your opponent to complete the challenge. And if you refuse to kill the other, you will BOTH die..."