The next few days were a never-ending nightmare for Kai. Miss Eris, though stern, made the right call by barring him from battle class until he received medical clearance from the school. Despite his vehement protests, the decision stood firm.
To make matters worse, Mr. Yu was nowhere to be found, putting their secret sparring sessions on hold indefinitely. Michael, once a beacon of energy and positivity, had grown distant and withdrawn. Azrael remained as silent as ever, leaving Kai to face his struggles alone.
With the special exam looming closer, Kai felt the weight of his circumstances bearing down on him. Everyone seemed to be moving forward, leaving him in the dust. Desperation crept in as he realized he needed to get stronger, and fast. Blur was his only technique, and he knew relying on it wouldn't be enough. He needed more, something unpredictable and powerful. he had to think outside the box
Running out of options and time, Kai began to concoct a risky plan. It was dangerous, reckless, and perhaps just crazy enough to work. After all, desperation can drive individuals to extreme measures...
********
At 10:00 AM sharp, a synchronized series of beeps echoed through the hallways as the school released the full details of the special exam. The students gathered in clusters, huddling over their devices, the murmurs of excitement and anxiety blending into a low hum. Whispers of speculation and strategy bounced off the walls, a palpable energy filling the air.
The rules were as follows:
* Teams: Students will be divided into two teams, each with a designated leader (King or Queen).
* Objective: The objective is to eliminate as many enemies as possible or capture the opposing team's King or Queen.
* Gameplay: The exam will take place virtually using V-pods, and students will be fully immersed in the simulation.
* Terrain: The game will be set in a medieval-style landscape divided by a river, with various buildings and strategic locations.
* Team Leaders (Kings/Queens):
- The highest-ranked student on each team will be chosen as the leader.
- Leaders have a special ability to teleport a team member to any location of their choice. This can only be used once
* Elimination:
- Students can be eliminated by being "killed" in the simulation.
- Eliminated students will be removed from the game and cannot rejoin.
* Points System:
- Points will be awarded for various achievements, such as:
- Eliminating enemies (1 point each)
- Demonstrating strategic prowess (2 points)
- Cooperating with teammates (1 point)
- Points will be deducted for failure to follow team leader's orders (1 point)
* Winning Conditions:
- The team that eliminates the opposing team's King or Queen wins.
- If all members of a team are eliminated, the opposing team wins.
* Time Limit: The game will have a set time limit of 48 hours
* Teamwork:
- Students can form alliances and work together to achieve objectives.
- Betrayal and sabotage are allowed,
* Penalties:
- Students who violate rules or engage in unsportsmanlike conduct will face penalties, such as point deductions
* Special Condition:
The school reserves the right to introduce unpredictable elements into the simulation
* Team Names and Leaders:
The teams shall be known as the Vanguard and Rebellion led by Isaiah Salvatore and Alexandria Morningstar respectively.
-----------
Kai slumped against the wall of his dorm room, staring at the list of rules glowing on his tablet screen. His eyes traced each line, trying to visualize the medieval landscape they would soon be immersed in. The vivid imagery described a world divided by a roaring river, flanked by towering castles, dense forests, and strategic fortresses. He could almost hear the clang of swords and the shouts of warriors echoing through the simulated air.
Arriving at school Walking through the school corridors. He kept observing his peers' reactions. He noticed Isaiah and Alexandria, the designated leaders, studying the rules intently. Isaiah's brows furrowed in concentration while Alexandria's eyes darted over the text, her mind already strategizing
Rebecca caught sight of Alexandria and approached her with a small smile. "Looks like you're their queen," she said, her tone carrying a mix of pride and concern.
"I suppose so," Alexandria replied, a hint of intrigue in her voice. She couldn't ignore the weight of her newfound responsibility. Leading a team in this high-stakes simulation was no small feat. The thought of teleporting a team member to any location of her choice during a critical moment lingered in her mind, a trump card that could change the course of the battle.
The school's intention behind the special exam became clear to everyone: a bold attempt to foster unity among the gifted and Cursed. By design, the teams were intentionally mixed, forcing students to set aside their differences. The rules emphasized cooperation, even allowing for betrayal and sabotage, ensuring that every student had to think several steps ahead.
The hallway buzzed with mixed reactions. Some students exchanged excited glances, eager to test their skills in the immersive V-pods. On the other hand, Damian simmered with resentment and skepticism.
"This is a joke, right?" Damian's voice cut through the noise, loud enough to attract the entire class's attention. "Alexandria was made a leader? Give me a fucking break."
The murmurs died down as all eyes turned to the unfolding confrontation. Alexandria's expression remained calm, her voice steady. "It seems like you have a problem with my appointment, Damian."
Damian's face reddened as he slammed his hands on a nearby desk, making the room fall silent. "You know damn well I do!" he exclaimed, glaring at her. "I'm stronger than you, and I outrank you. So how the hell were you made leader ahead of me?"
"Why don't you confront the school if you feel wronged, instead of acting like a child in front of everyone?" Alexandria replied, her composure unwavering.
Isaiah stepped in, trying to diffuse the tension. "She's right, Damian. This isn't the right place for this."
The situation grew more volatile, especially since Damian was placed in the Vanguard, meaning he had to serve under Isaiah's leadership. His frustration was evident as he tore his hands through his hair, the dim lights reflecting off his angry face.
"This entire exam doesn't make any sense! The leaders, the teams, all of it! Do you even realize what you're up against?" Damian's voice trembled with a mix of anger and desperation. "Isaiah and I could destroy you and your group of rebels. Step down, and maybe the school will come to their senses and make me the king I deserve to be."
Kai, who had been silently observing, saw his opportunity. "Then why don't we bet on it?" His voice cut through the tension, drawing everyone's attention.
"You..." Damian said, recognizing the voice of the person who had handed him his first defeat at the school.
Kai's bright smile contrasted with the room's tension. "Well, Damian, it seems like you've forgotten the rules. Mr. Yu stated that each team would be perfectly balanced. If you and Isaiah are on the same team, the other team will have members capable of taking you down."
"This doesn't concern you," Damian snapped, his annoyance palpable
"Oh, it's just a friendly reminder," Kai continued, his tone cheerful. "Besides, do you think I would just sit by and let you harass my queen?"
The implication sank in, and Alexandria's eyes widened in surprise. Kai was a member of Rebellion, and she was his queen.
Damian's face contorted with a mix of disbelief and amusement before he burst into laughter. "What? Hahahaha!! Finally, something good came out of this farce!" His laughter echoed through the room, a harsh, mocking sound that sent shivers down some students' spines.
His gaze locked onto Kai, a cold, menacing stare. "Nothing would give me more pleasure than eliminating you myself."
Kai's expression remained undeterred. "Those are bold words, Damian. How about a little friendly wager to make things interesting?" He suggested.
"If Rebellion wins, you have to fulfill any one request of my choosing," Kai continued, his eyes glinting with mischief.
Damian's gaze narrowed, his interest piqued. "And if you lose?" he asked.
Kai shrugged casually, his expression nonchalant. "Well, if Rebellion loses... I will leave school."