It was summer but gloomy...
They never experienced the true summer, all they knew was that every summer was an opportunity for them to join the Jakarta Legion Academy.
Legion Academy was a military academy specializing in the monster and demon soldier squad. It is the highest prestige achievement here if they enter this school. Aside will giving them the best status as a person, their future is also bright once they are part of this academy.
Every year the academy recruits the best human in the world.
The Legion is connected to the Vanguard Military Organization, it is a special military soldier from the United Nations. So, basically, every country has their Legion academies. The Legion Academy also connected to one another, in the world. Especially for the best students who are managed to show their talents as students.
Among the thousand students who were taking the test that Summer, Kai Ishikawa was anxious about the way he took the test. He walked slowly with an empty expression on his face. He felt he did not answer all the tests well enough.
"Am I going to pass this test?" he was asking himself as he imagined himself not in the academy. "I did not expect the test to be so hard."
As he walked away from the Legion Academy, he looked back at the entire academy building from the entrance gate. The futuristic military academy stands as a marvel of innovation and discipline. Its gleaming crystalline spires reach for the sky, intricately blending advanced nano-materials and augmented reality constructs.
"Thousand of people fight with their luck to be in this place," He realized. "There will be a small chance for me to pass the test."
"KAI!"
Someone was waving at him from afar, he recognized his face...
The man possessed a distinct and stylish appearance with his neatly maintained undercut hairstyle. The sides and back of his head showcase a sharp contrast, with closely cropped hair, while the top section is left longer, allowing him to experiment with various looks. His hairstyle perfectly complements his facial features, creating a balance between modern trends and traditional charm.
Standing at an impressive height of one-hundred and eighty-two centimeters (approximately 6 feet), he exudes a commanding presence wherever he goes. His well-proportioned body showcases a harmonious blend of strength and agility, indicative of a balanced and active lifestyle. He carries himself with confidence, his posture reflecting an inner sense of self-assuredness.
His wardrobe was a mix between casual and stylish. He effortlessly combines casual and sporty elements, often seen in a White T-shirt, well-fitted jogger pants, and stylish sneakers. This fusion of styles mirrors his ability to seamlessly blend aesthetics with the modern world.
His warm and friendly demeanor is highlighted by his engaging smile, which radiates genuine warmth and approachability. This man is not only a reflection of his Indonesian heritage but also a representation of the global outlook and adaptability that characterize the younger generation.
"Yo Rio," Kai greeted back. "How was it?"
"Man..." Rio seemed a bit frustrated with his performance a while ago. "I am not sure if I was doing it well Kai."
"I guess most of us will be reacting the same reaction as you." Kai felt his frustration.
"Yeah," Rio agreed. "Seems like everything with just a matter of luck eh?"
"Wanna grab some coffee?" Kai offered him.
"Yeah sure," Rio said. "Besides, I do not have much to do since we already graduated from the University."
Both of them off together.
-------------------------------
They decided to sip the coffee at the "Café Avant-Garde".
The aesthetic and futuristic French vibes converge to create a captivating and enchanting atmosphere. As they step through the café's glass doors, they're immediately transported into a realm where traditional Parisian charm melds seamlessly with cutting-edge design and technology.
The interior of Café Avant-Garde was a true masterpiece of design, featuring a harmonious blend of classic French elements and sleek, futuristic accents. The walls are adorned with elegant, ornate moldings that pay homage to the grandeur of French architecture, while LED strips subtly illuminate the space, casting a soft and otherworldly glow that dances across the surfaces.
The furniture was a delightful mix of vintage Parisian café chairs upholstered in rich velvet, with sleek, angular tables crafted from polished chrome and glass. Each seat was equipped with a discreet charging port, seamlessly integrating modern technology into the classic café experience.
Soft jazz and electronic fusion music wafted through the air, further enhancing the café's ambiance. The soundscape evolved, mirroring the transition between old and new, creating an auditory experience that is as captivating as the visual spectacle.
"So," Rio looked at Kai. "How did you do with the test?"
Kai paused a bit; trying to construct the proper words to describe it.
"I do not know," Kai answered him with a sad expression. "All I know is I am just hoping for the best and expecting the worst."
"I did not know if you were such a, not an overthinking person," Rio responded.
Kai was giving him a confused smile at him.
"You know all the soldiers that graduated from the Legion Academy will have a do-or-die duty." Rio continued.
"Yeah, that is the reason why a lot of people are actually hesitant to enter this academy." Kai agreed with him. "But then again... people have different perspectives about it."
"What do you mean?" Rio furrowed his brows.
"You know, for me, it's like one step closer to pursuing my dream to study at the Legion," Kai explained.
"I see," Rio understood. "I get it, maybe some people put it as a dream."
"What about you?" Kai asked him back.
"In my case, I just wanna get out from my family," Rio said. "I am tired of the pressure of my father."
"That such a complicated case eh?" Kai responded.
"You know my family already Kai," Rio tried to make Kai realize that they were close. "So you know that my dad is rich but putting so much expectation on me."
"Most people will follow their dad when it comes to money," Kai said. "People will find you stupid for that."
"Call me stupid or anything man..." Rio countered his opinion. "But some people are not interested in materials anymore."
"It is your choice man," Kai said. "I just couldn't understand how people wanted to be out of their comfort zone.
"So many people said that," Rio smiled at Kai. "Anyway, why is this thing is your dream?"
"As for me, I just wanna save my family or possibly people around the world," Kai said. "So many people suffer with this war."
"People are dying in every possible way," Kai continued. "Monster, demon, and even the worst is our own kind sacrifice the city that already destroyed by those creatures. Living the hopeless feeling for humanity."
"Depressing as it is," Rio nodded. "These creatures have been invading this Earth for more than 30 years."
"Yeah," Kai agreed. "We never experience what the true Earth looks like."
"Every day we are living in fear," Kai said. "We never know when these creatures attacked our place."
Both of them fell into deep thought about how messed up their environment actually was. They were thinking about when will be peace in the world would be established since the war felt like a never-ending journey.
A few seconds of silence happened...
"Welp, let's just forget about it and start to pray about our entry exam." Rio broke the silence. "Hopefully, I will see you again in a week, the test result will be out by then."
"Yeah," Kai nodded. "Hopefully..."
Rio took out some cash from his left pocket and put it on the table.
"My treat Kai," Rio smiled. "I have to go now, I will see you next week."
Kai was looking at Rio and smiled back at him.
"Thanks," Kai gave his thanks to Rio. "Take care buddy."
Kai stood up from the chair and left the table, Kai watched Rio go out of the cafe for a couple of seconds. Then, he looked out through the street enjoying the golden hour of the sky from his seat.