Ethan and all the other students stood outside. They were all staring at the gigantic oval-shaped metal building.
The enormous size of the building made everyone there look like ants compared to it.
A man in a military uniform walked to the front. The man stretched his hands outward in a fist at a space, then with a stomp to the ground, a square-shaped metal platform could be seen protruding out from the ground.
The platform rose until it was high enough. It was now higher than everybody present. The man then proceeded to make a metal staircase leading all the way to the top of the platform.
It was logical to make the stairs because one would need to use them if he wanted to get to the top.
Sometime later, the soldier was finished with the platform design. Talking about the design, it was just a pulpit and a microphone stand.
The soldier's ability was called the metal ability. This ability was monopolized and controlled by the military.
Ethan made a mental note of everything since it would be crucial for his goal.
After a while, a tall, muscular man could be seen approaching the metal platform.
Immediately, the man came into view. He could see several drones flying, randomly capturing everything and everybody present, but they were mainly focused on the man who was now walking towards the metal platform.
The man reached the platform. Instead of using the stairs as intended, he made a lift instead. A long, flat, smaller platform came out beneath the man, lifting him all the way to the top, and he calmly walked onto the larger platform.
The small platform the man used retracted and merged with the ground like it used to be.
The entire crowd became silent like a graveyard immediately after the man came into view.
"Is he a big shot here?" Ethan asked inwardly. The effect the man had on the crowd just now piqued his interest.
The man soon started addressing the crowd. "Hello everyone, my name is Grand Commander Turo. I know many of you may already know me. Well, for those of you who are not aware of me, I am the current world leader. "
Ethan took a keen interest in what was said. The mission briefing did not include some information about Earth; only basic information was given, but still, it did not contain basic information like the world leader.
The whole information was just lackluster. Ethan knew it was still another strategy to make the mission tougher.
he still kept his gaze on the commander as he continued.
"The reason you are all gathered here today is for one course. It is for the sake of humanity. Most of you might not be aware, but something is coming, and it is great, greater than anything we have seen, "the commander paused and swept his gaze around the crowd.
The whole crowd was quiet, or more like terrified. Some even came up with a theory that it was the end of the world.
A few brilliant ones knew it was not the case, seeing their over-hyped commander behaving like this. They knew it was something much deeper than they thought.
The commander continued his speech,
"It is not what you are thinking. We fear a potential invasion of -- I'm sorry, but I won't disclose any more information. We don't know if they already have spies on earth. "
Ethan's heart throbbed loudly when he heard the last part of the speech. He thought they had already figured out his presence. He tried to convince himself that it was not the case, since Aldric said the humans had no clue about the dragon race.
Helen, standing beside him, noticed how nervous he suddenly became. She was about to ask him when the commander stated important details of their stay in the academy.
" you all will be attending the military academy for two years
You will all go through hardcore training during these two years, and you will have the option of becoming an explorer at the end of those two years."
"As I said, it's a choice, but it will save you the hassle. With that being said, I hereby declare the Academy open!!" commander Turo finally ended his speech.
After the speech, they were all led into the enormous building, which has now become the academy.
They were all given a flat metal handband that had a flat screen in the middle. And the students were also checked for any weapons. Although it was not necessary because it's a military academy and carrying weapons is natural.
However, since it was the first day, they had to put on this act just for their public image.
The media still plays a huge role even in this era. Naturally, humans believe what has been shown to them. It is not only the military that uses this strategy; the other factions use similar methods as well. It is the unknown war that has been going on between the factions, each side trying to win the public's favour.
This was the reason why the military invited the famous news reporters, Lan and Lisa, for this special occasion.
Several drones could be seen navigating through the crowd. All the drones were controlled by Lan, who also held a camera in his hands.
Thanks to his ability, he could control drones with his mind and also take videos with the camera.
Lisa, on the other hand, is the reporter and the dream girl of many of her male viewers. This is what they chose to do in an era where most people have now become explorers, but still, the majority of people lived normal life.
"Thank you for staying with us on this historical occasion. See you next time."
A lady in her 20s with a model-like face said in front of a camera.
"Lan! Did you get that? " Lisa said, approaching the shorter male, whose name is Lan.
"Yep, all captured," Lan answered back.
They knew today's news would cause a ruckus and panic all over the world. Since the invasion information was given by the world's leaders, they knew it was a big deal. Some weak-hearted people even started praying to all the gods they knew, asking for mercy.
A single speech had caused discomfort all over the world, and the fact that the military seemed more active and busy proved their point.
Back at the academy, Ethan and Helen were also given a metal handband. The duo looked closely together. It's probably because they were not familiar with the people; that's why they stuck together.
The students were told that the metal handband would be able to determine their power level or ability level, and it can also be used as cellphones.
[AN. The ability level starts from 1 to 10, with the strongest being level 10. Level 10 ability users are usually the most powerful. One could increase his or her ability level with practice, but it usually takes time]
Ethan saw the number 2 boldly shown on Helen's handband. He was anxious about what his ability level might be. He looked around and saw students jumping up and hugging each other because their ability level was modest enough.
Ethan knew if his ability level fell under 2, he would surely be the target of ridicule.
After a while, He took a deep breath and activated his handband.
***