Finally, the three could see something out of the cargo plane through the truck's window. It was undoubtedly an impressive view, stretching to the horizon, an endless sea stretched, except for nine islands. Each one was more striking than the last. One had a dense forest, while another was filled with steel-and-glass buildings. Each island was composed of a completely different biome from the others.
Gradually, the trucks began approaching the landing area, a small clearing on one of the islands furthest to the right. Although they were on solid ground, the door remained locked. However, they could see something happening with the other transports.
"TIK TIK BLAM"
The door was finally opened. At the entrance stood a soldier who, after checking his floating screen, looked back at the trio.
"Alan, Isabela, and Oliver. Move to the center of the clearing and line up with the other recruits. You will receive more information shortly." The soldier explained.
After a second look at the screen, the soldier focused on Alan. "Oh, and avoid trying to escape. We've had to rescue dozens of citizens who got lost in the jungle and some who almost drowned in the sea."
Alan knew the warning was directed entirely at him. In a way, he was grateful to the soldier since he had indeed planned to run into one of the forests. However, he abandoned the plan after seeing that the island was completely isolated from the rest of the world.
As they exited the transport, the three got a sense of scale. There were hundreds of transports and thousands of students; clearly, theirs was one of the few with so few recruits.
In the center of the clearing, several lines of students faced a stage. Oliver was impressed by the sheer number of recruits and how they seemed to come from every corner of the earth. Many were chatting with those around them, discussing the adventure they had gone through to reach the Academy.
Dozens of people were above the stage, and judging by their uniforms and medals, they seemed to hold high ranks.
"ATTENTION!"
The conversations ceased immediately, and many were startled by the sudden noise. At the front of the stage was an officer, clearly experienced. His uniform was older than the others, and on his chest was a steel emblem with a sword in the center and two wings around it.
"Recruits, I am Major Five, responsible for this whole installation. This group of islands is Training Base 09 for the New Earth Army. Along with you, millions of young people from around the world and other planets in the empire will join the army to train over the next three months. During this period, we will make you capable of serving in the army and bringing glory to New Earth."
The Major took advantage of the moment to observe the recruits' reactions in the crowd. Typically, when the scale of the operation was mentioned, you could filter out those who came from a House by their facial expressions. Students unfamiliar with the workings of the Academy were easily impressed by everything it offered.
However, there are always exceptions to the rule. Oliver didn't know much about the Academy. Although the size was impressive, nothing there seemed to interest him. On the other hand, Isabella was impressed but even more excited that she would soon enter the Academy.
"To conclude, before you are taken to your quarters, you will undergo a selection process. It will determine your assignments and training. Finally, I would like to remind you that at the end of the three months, you will receive your citizen cards, but the top-performing students will also have the opportunity to enter the Ranger Academy. But don't be deluded; only 0.001% of you will have that chance."
His explanation elicited a variety of reactions among the recruits. Those more seasoned already counted on the near certainty that they would become Rangers. Others, like Oliver, only now realized this was also a possible path for them.
The Major gave one last look at the recruits before stepping off the stage, making room for another officer to take over.
"Each officer will create a line. Select one and follow the officer. You will be taken to the selection areas." The new officer explained.
Oliver, Allan, and Isabella ended up in the same line with dozens of recruits. The group was led by an officer who was noticeably older than the others. None of his limbs remained intact; all had been replaced with robotic prosthetics, which unsettled the recruits. As if that weren't enough, he was also the only officer with a beard, a well-groomed but strikingly white one.
After walking for a few minutes, the group arrived at a large warehouse.
Before entering the warehouse, the officer turned to the group.
"You will undergo four tests, each measuring a different stat: Strength, Resistance, Agility, or Energy. Based on these results, you will be divided into two battalions. Those with the best scores will go to First Battalion, while the bottom 50% will go to Second Battalion." The old officer explained.
The officer continued walking until they reached the door of an ante-room.
"For the first test, we will measure your agility. One by one, you will enter this room, and you must stay as long as possible without being hit by any of the projectiles. For every minute you survive, the speed of the projectiles will increase." The old officer explained.
The officer looked at the students, waiting for any questions. Seeing that no one spoke up, he proceeded with the test.
"The first in line, enter the room. The others must not interfere with the test." The old officer spoke
As soon as the first recruit stepped into the room, the others in line moved closer to the glass separating the testing arena from the corridor, eager to observe how the test would unfold. Oliver was no exception. He tried to get a clear view with his face pressed against the glass.
The recruits finally got a better look at the room. The testing arena was rectangular, with a few neon lights along the sides. At the center was a marked spot indicating where the recruit should position himself. Except for the glass window near the entrance, the rest of the room was made entirely of dark metal.
[First test starting in 3… 2… 1…]
[Level 1 started]
As soon as the start of the test was announced, a siren blared, signaling that the firing was about to begin. At the far end of the room, in front of the recruit, two machine guns emerged from within the wall. They began to move automatically, locking onto the boy.
"PUF! PUF! PUF!"
Each gun fired several black projectiles. The recruit had only a few seconds to dodge each one. But upon hitting the floor, the projectiles began to ricochet as if made of rubber. Considering the distance from the guns, it seemed simple to dodge the shots to those outside.
[Level 2 started]
However, the difficulty increased every second. Even without an increase in speed, new shots were fired while older ones continued to rebound.
[Level 3 started]
At the third level, the first recruit made a mistake. While dodging a ricocheting shot, he failed to notice two new, faster shots coming his way. Luckily, only one of them hit him in the stomach, but it was enough to knock the wind out of him and make him vomit in the arena.
[Test completed]
[Calculating …]
[Evaluated status: Agility]
[Grade: Pawn]
After a few seconds of catching his breath, the recruit tried to get up. With weak legs, he slowly walked toward the exit of the arena. His mouth and shirt were slightly stained from the vomit, but he didn't seem to have the energy to think about cleaning himself up.
"Quickly, recruit! We still have dozens of people waiting." The officer warned.
"This is to make it clear how difficult the challenges are. Advancing beyond level two shows you are above average. But just this will not guarantee your place in the First Battalion." The old officer explained.
The following recruits didn't fare much better. Some managed to get past level 3, while others faltered at the same spot. Fortunately for many, the projectiles mostly hit limbs. Though it caused serious pain, it wasn't enough to make them vomit in the arena.
As the line moved forward, it was finally Oliver's turn. He strolled to the center of the arena.
'It's darker than it looked outside,' he thought.
Oliver wasn't entirely sure why he was so nervous. It wasn't as if he wanted to be the top performer in the test. Still, a tiny spark of competitiveness burned in his chest, driving him to give his best.
The boy then waited for the dreaded announcement.
[First challenge starting in …]
[3…]
[2…]
[1…]
[Level 1 started]