Although official reports claimed that the threat of monsters and beasts—now collectively known as the Abyss—had significantly decreased, the reality painted a far grimmer picture. Their strength and numbers continued to escalate with each passing day, masked only by humanity's growing power that seemingly lessened their threat.
Increasingly frequent incidents of powerful beasts emerging to wreak havoc had become a grim reality. The truth behind these escalating attacks was finally revealed when top factions announced their encounter with abnormally intelligent beasts during an S-rank subjugation mission years prior. These creatures, whose cognitive abilities rivaled or even surpassed human intelligence, claimed to be mere scouts gauging humanity's strength.
Their parting message sent chills through the ranks: soon, this world would accumulate enough essence to be "ready" for them. They promised to return with a true army, and since that ominous day, massive beast tides appeared with alarming frequency. At times, these creatures would enter a frenzied state, their already formidable abilities amplified to terrifying levels. These developments prompted the TerraUnity Council to mandate special military training for all sixteen-year-olds, lasting three years.
"Open up, boy. It's time to go... to the Humanity Defense Military School."
The commanding voice jolted Roland from his thoughts, suddenly remembering today marked his departure for military school. Hastily gathering his meager possessions, he opened the door to find a well-built elderly man with white hair and penetrating eyes. Despite his average height, the man's military uniform adorned with numerous badges—including one reading 'Sergeant Witt'—lent him an imposing presence. His domineering expression carried a hint of annoyance that clearly asked, "What took you so long?"
"Let's go," the Sergeant ordered curtly, turning toward the building's exit. Roland followed him outside, where a military tactical vehicle—essentially an armored bus—awaited them.
Roland boarded through the rear entrance, finding himself forced to take an empty corner seat next to two of Tyson's friends—his former tormentors. Just as the Sergeant signaled the driver to depart, a student near the exit made a desperate break for freedom. His attempt proved futile; before he could cover ten meters, an earthen hand erupted from the ground, snatching him mid-stride and returning him to face the Sergeant's glacial stare.
The journey stretched on in uncomfortable silence. Any attempt at conversation or unnecessary movement was immediately quelled by the Sergeant's intimidating gaze. Roland surveyed his surroundings with growing unease: his former bullies to one side, the failed escapee to the other, and across the aisle, the Sergeant's fierce attention. Though Roland knew the threatening looks weren't meant for him, he couldn't shake the overwhelming sense of vulnerability.
After an hour's drive, they were directed into a seemingly abandoned building. As Roland began to mentally question whether this modest structure could really be the renowned HDMS, the door slammed shut behind them. He noticed the Sergeant and other military personnel donning masks, but before he could process why, purple gas began filling the room. Within seconds, drowsiness overcame him, and his strength ebbed away. As he collapsed alongside his fellow students, he heard a distant voice:
"Some have resisted the gas somewhat. You'll have to bag them."
The last sensation Roland registered was a rough sack being pulled over his head before consciousness slipped away entirely.
When awareness returned, it came with the shocking sensation of cold water splashing across his face. As his vision cleared, Roland found himself in a vast field surrounded by dense forest, accompanied by roughly a thousand other students in various states of consciousness. Nearby, mechs and robots busily assembled machinery while ability users demonstrated their powers, manipulating the environment with practiced ease.
Without warning, the earth itself rose to form a stage-like platform. Sergeant Witt took his position, his stern expression matched by his hoarse yet powerful voice: "Attention, students..." He waited for silence to fall before continuing, "From this moment forward, you will be known as cadets! Welcome to Humanity Defense Military School, where we forge protectors against the encroaching darkness..."
"Today marks the end of your life as civilians. Here, you will strip away that former skin and rise as defenders. Your purpose is singular: to harden yourselves and stand as humanity's shield against the monstrous tides. These creatures—scaled, fanged, or ghostly—are devoid of mercy. They crave our fear, our flesh, our world. But we shall not yield!" he thundered.
"Some among you carry unique gifts—abilities bestowed by fate. Some wield fire, others command shadows, and a select few may even bend time itself. These powers are your armor and your weapon. Master them well, for they will be your only lifeline."
He began pacing, his gaze sharp and unrelenting. "Look around. These faces will soon be more than classmates; they will be your comrades, your brothers and sisters in arms. In this place, we forsake all differences of race, creed, or past. Here, you are soldiers first, human second. Trust your fellow cadets, for their strength may save your life when death itself closes in."
"Before night falls, you will take the HDMS oath." He stood firmly, legs tight, his left arm by his side, and his right hand pressed firmly to his heart. "Repeat after me," he ordered, and every cadet followed his stance.
"I pledge my life to humanity's defense," he began, his voice a resonant command.
"I pledge my life to humanity's defense," the cadets repeated in unison, some with fiery conviction, others with quiet resolve.
"I shall wield my powers with honor, protect the innocent, and hold steadfast against the abyss. May my strength serve as a beacon of hope in this world of shadows."
The cadets echoed his words, their voices unified, solemn.
The general relaxed his stance, his voice a final edict. "Cadets, you are the last bastion, the sole hope for humanity's survival. The monsters will fear you, for you are the embodiment of defiance. Train relentlessly, fight without hesitation, and remember: the fate of our species rests upon your shoulders."
"Dismissed."
As the serious atmosphere dissolved into excited chatter following the Sergeant's departure, a sturdy man in his early thirties took the stage. The crowd fell silent, eager to hear the class assignments. Roland listened intently as names were called, finally hearing his own assigned to Class F: "B Dickson... Roland Kuiper... Palmer Ed... Cole Cindercrest... Eva Frost... Ava Frost..."
The announcement of the last two names sent ripples of excitement through the crowd. The Cindercrest family, heads of the "Infernos" faction, were renowned for their mastery of Flame abilities. The Frost family, though tragically decimated in a beast tide four years prior, were equally legendary for their Ice abilities.
Roland observed his new classmates carefully, a habit born from years of avoiding trouble. Ian, a nervous boy with glasses and scruffy brown hair, seemed perpetually anxious. Cole Cindercrest exuded confidence with his red hair and crimson eyes, exactly the type Roland typically avoided. He recognized Aria, a brunette from his previous school, and couldn't help but notice the Frost twins, whose striking beauty and cold demeanor immediately earned them the nickname "ice queens."
Their head teacher, James Well, a first-class private dressed in black, addressed the group: "I'll be checking your tiers before we head for the dorms."
Roland tensed. The prospect of revealing his status as a low-level F-tier with no abilities threatened to make his next three years a continuation of the torment he'd endured before. Here, where a certain level of bullying was tacitly accepted, it could be even worse.
James scrolled through his tablet, his expression shifting between approval and disappointment. 'Some really strong kids in this class,' he thought, 'and a lot of weak ones too. Oh well, time to manipulate them to join the Earthborne military... Let's start with this one.' A smirk played across his face as he called out:
"Roland Kuiper, step forward and test your abilities."