The afternoon sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the recruits gathered by the Academy doors. Sebastian, his imposing frame leaning against the wall, turned to Adrian with a casual air.
"So, Adrian, what are your thoughts on the Academy so far?" he inquired, a faint smile playing on his lips.
Adrian's response was tinged with anxiety but bore it with brute strength of mind. "It's... a lot to take in, honestly. But I suppose it's the same for everyone. Sucks that i got a power level of one though. I was kind of hoping to get a 1.5+or 2."
Scarlett, standing nearby, couldn't help but smirk. "You two seem to be hitting it off already."
Ryan, the air around him practically exuding an air of arrogance, rolled his eyes. "Let's not kid ourselves, pretending we're all best buddies here. Adrian's an ultimate disappointment, Scarlett has broken at leased 5 laws already on her first day and Seb- Well, you know what I mean!"
Sebastian, ever the mediator, chimed in with a teasing tone. "Come on, Ryan. We're a team now. It wouldn't hurt to get along."
"He isn't wrong.We're all in this together."
Scarlett observed the interaction keenly. "It's good to see camaraderie forming. Makes our chances of survival better, doesn't it?"
Ryan crossed his arms, a look of disgust in his eyes. "Survival? This is just an academy. I plan on being at the top when it's all said and done. This place is a stepping stone not a grave."
Sebastian's smile remained though slightly dissipated, a touch of dislike in his eyes. "Good luck with that, Ryan. But remember, we're stronger if we learn to work together instead of laying out idealistic and in your case highly optimistic views of future success. If we lose a member that's all our future expeditions out the window at this place, stepping stone or not you actually have to make sure you look before you leap."
Adrian nodded in agreement. "Sebastian's right. If we could do this solo I'm sure each of us would, but we can't and just to put it out there we still don't have a clue what all the available classes are, what if were required to have team sparring matches at the beginning of the year? Any team composed of teamwork and hard work will overpower us in this sorry state." Adrian had a hint of sarcasm in his voice which Scarlett observed while Sebastian silently approved. Ryan however had a sour expression on his face.
Scarlett, her gaze piercing and calculating, leaned in. "Wise words, boys. Let's keep them in mind when things get tough."
"Of course we will!" Adrian retorted, thinking her untrusting nature was slightly unwarranted.
"Thats funny coming from the weakest link. Your Level One, thats impressive for an original!" Ryan spat venomously.
"Hey!" Sebastian raised his voice slightly, starting to become agitated by the guys overwhelming superpower to piss people off. "If you don't like him then ask to change groups, myself and Scarlett here can carry the team ourselves until the end of the second year anyway, you hate us so badly why don't you shove it."
Sebastian didn't sound angry per say, but more agitated, like a parent telling their teenage kid where to get off after they had said one to many insults. Adrian initially felt scared about what Sebastian was like, but after hearing him defend him within the first ten minutes of knowing him he felt almost indebted. A small, insignificant smile crossed his face as he started at the ground, lost in thought. He was grateful to have been put with three powerhouses but he was even more grateful for being put with someone like Sebastian.
Scarlett, who had glimpsed Adrian's reaction after Sebastian's little dig at Ryan, had a curved smile spreading across her face at a rapid pace. 'Interesting' She thought to herself.
Seeing the turn of events Ryan shut up, huffing as if repressing a temper tantrum. Which of course garnered him a silent chuckle from Scarlett, who seemed to love the dissatisfaction he was facing with his team, which was of course permanent until the end of the second year. Changing teams was out of the question, what Sebastian said earlier, whether he knew at the time or not was not even allowed at Westcovern.
-
The rhythmic pounding of hearts echoed through the training grounds as Adrian, Sebastian, Scarlett and Ryan eagerly awaited the next addition to their team. A new energy hummed in the air, a blend of anticipation and curiosity.
"Elizabeth Waters!" Instructor Lyra called out, breaking the stillness.
A petite figure emerged from the crowd, her presence unassuming but her Blue and Green eyes shared an unknown glint of confidence. She approached Instructor Lyra, standing at attention.
"Elizabeth Waters, hailing from Lowell town, yes? Your ability?" Lyra inquired.
"Emotional Resonance, ma'am," Elizabeth replied, her voice steady.
Instructor Lyra nodded, acknowledging the introduction. "Very well, Elizabeth. Proceed to the targets and demonstrate your ability." Lyra was positive about this one, she knew about this Emotional Resonance ability well. When she was a child she had an older sister and an older brother, the former of the two had reached level eight with this girls ability. It was a rare one granted, but since its combat and utility uses were almost invaluable to a team of any status it was well sought out by rich families and of course, the military.
With a confident stride, Elizabeth made her way to the designated area. Her focus was palpable as she closed her eyes, centring herself. A subtle wave of energy emanated from her left hand, a gentle pulse that seemed to ripple through the air in a blue and green echo.
The targets, set at varying distances, began to bend in response. It was as if they had almost become flexible and were swaying in a different direction without snapping like they should have. They were swaying to an unseen rhythm. The regulars watched in awe as the targets moved with a grace that defied explanation. Adrian, Sebastian, Scarlett and Inspector Lyra however, thought that the rhythm was not so unseen. The pulsing rings emitting from her hand had a timing to it, and each time the pulse occurred it would change the direction of the targets sway.
Instructor Lyra's tablet illuminated with a number, and she nodded in approval. "Elizabeth Waters, 3.7. Impressive control. Join the others by the academy door."
With a satisfied smile, Elizabeth complied, finding her place among her newfound teammates. Their gazes met, and a silent understanding passed between them. They were a team now, whether they liked it or not.
As the last member settled in, Instructor Lyra approached, her presence commanding attention. "Congratulations on forming your team. You've demonstrated exceptional potential. Head inside the academy now. Your dorm numbers are on your watches. Boys, you're on the left; girls, on the right. Make the most of your rest. Tomorrow, your class selection is given and you start immediately after along with the opportunity to garner some credits."
With those words, the recruits dispersed, eager to explore their new living quarters. The boys and girls filed into their respective dormitories, excitement and trepidation mingling in the air.
Sebastian, Ryan and Adrian all made their way into the dorm one by one, Adrian who was trailing behind Ryan and Sebastian nooticed a commotion up ahead infront of the dorm door. Ryan was spitting venemous curses at sebastian, who was stopping Ryan from entering. Andrians eyebrows furrowed, what should he make of this?
When he arrived he looked at the situation before him and asked his questions.
"Whats the hold up? Aren't we going in?" Adrian said his curiosity and confusion evident on his face.
"I thought it would be nice for us to enter together, seeing as you trailed off in thought I took the liberty of stopping Ryan from entering until you arrived." Sebastian said his lips curled up into a smile that somehow didn't seem too friendly for once. Maybe he had more sides to him than what Adrian had first thought.
"Well we might as well go in, I don't know about you guys but after today I'm shattered. All I want to do is sleep... And find more ways to piss of this guy." Adrian jeered, gesturing a nod towards Ryan, who cursed in reply. Though it still held the same venomous tone to it it was spoken with little care or effort, Sebastian had clearly worn him out, resulting in half arsed comebacks and retorts.
Sebastian and Adrian chuckled before heading into the dorm for the first time, Ryan stuck coming in last.
Their dorm room number was 66, its number in italic and surrounded by a plate of metal which seemed to be made from a material resembling silver.
Inside there were three beds. One on the right side of the room, one on the left side and one in the middle beneath the only window in the room.
Adrian immediately dashed to the bed in the middle, pouncing onto its embrace and looking outside to see how good the view was, and to his surprise it wasn't too bad! Directly below the window was fresh green grass, a tree maybe ten meters from the building and then more grass until the fence marking the boundaries of the academy. In the distance there were mountains, plenty to keep one entertained with the view alone. With a setting sun and pink thin clouds it was defiantly a beautiful view.
"I could get used to this" Sebastian ushered through a pillow, he had settled for the left bed while Ryan had taken the right as it had a wall blocking the view of his bed from the door. He knew he wouldn't be able to hide from his new roommates but at leased if there was morning wake up calls at 6am he would be the one with the most time to wake up and react before he was discovered to be asleep, the other two could suffer! It wouldn't be his fault for not waking up in time. Not to the inspectors anyway. He inwardly chuckled a somewhat makeshift evil laugh before being panged on the head with a flying pillow, completely disharmonizing his inner thoughts.
"What was that for you overgrown beast!" Ryan roared, though compared to Sebastian's obnoxious laugh it sounded like a cubs roar against a lions in comparison.
Adrian made a stifled laugh at the scene, This year was sure to be incredibly fun, especially with Sebastian and Ryan winding each other up every night.
Tired after a long day of excitment and unknowns all three of them soon hit the hay, ready to spend their first night in the academy.
"Night guys." Adrian said.
"See you in the morn." Sebastian said through a prideful yawn.
"Tsk." Ryan Snarled and turned over to face the wall.
And just like that the three sleeping lions drifted into the abyss.