Arriving at the square, Kenneth could see a group of people already forming a crowd waiting to depart. Kenneth guessed these were the new recruits. It was now 8:45 and there was still 15 minutes left until they had to leave. Most people were chatting with friends or asking questions to the instructors that were still there.
Since Kenneth wasn't one who liked to mingle, she decided to walk around and get some steps in as part of her training. While she was walking, she also took the time to do some people watching.
It had become a habit of hers, one she had picked up and never quite managed to shake. Perhaps it was an occupational hazard of sorts, but she found herself unconsciously observing people, particularly their mannerisms and behavioural patterns.
Over time, she developed a keen interest in understanding human nature, which came in handy during her missions. Most people appeared cheerful overall. Without even needing to use her empathic senses, she could discern a few individuals who seemed reserved and kept to themselves. Other than that, everyone seemed content.
"Can I get everyone's attention please!" Alaric the administrator from earlier yelled, trying to get everyone's attention.
"Gather around. We will be boarding the shuttles soon, make sure you have all your belongings with you because we won't be coming back for them." He warned them.
The Cyborgs then guided them to the entrance of the shuttle, lining up and one by one each person entered the aircraft.
In her memories, shuttles were the fastest means of travel in Caüs, typically reserved for long distances. The one before her was notably large, nearly double the size of an airplane. Capable of seating up to a thousand passengers, its interior resembled a futuristic vehicle with seats divided by clear partitions and amenities accessible at the touch of a button.
It appeared to be self-driving, lacking a visible pilot—a feature not unfamiliar to Kenneth, given the importance of autonomous aircraft in her own world to conserve manpower during missions.
Choosing a seat towards the rear with fewer passengers , Kenneth settled in, as she tried to find a comfortable position. According to Alaric, the journey to the academy would span three hours, cutting down the typical six-hour trip across the country. With a moment to spare, she closed her eyes to meditate.
Moments later, loud gasps and excitement disrupted her concentration. Opening her eyes, Kenneth saw a group of tall, imposing men entering the shuttle. Their presence exuded power, and their striking appearances drew admiration from the female and some male recruits present. Despite their low whispers, Kenneth couldn't help but roll her eyes at their antics, struggling to focus amid the commotion.
Wishing for noise-canceling headphones, she suddenly remembered her virtual watch, equipped with various features including noise cancellation.
Quickly accessing the device, she adjusted it to the highest setting to drown out the surrounding noise. As she confirmed the settings, a young man with blond hair and big ruby-red eyes accidentally bumped into her, flashing an insincere smile as he apologized.
"Sorry, love, didn't see you there," he said casually.
Kenneth furrowed her brows but chose to ignore him, knowing his apology was insincere. With the noise now blocked out, she finally relaxed, closing her eyes once more.
The man who had bumped into her looked bewildered by her nonchalant reaction, clearly taken aback.
"Looks like you're being ignored," one of his companions joked.
It was true. Kenneth had completely disregarded his presence, as if he meant nothing to her—a response that left him dumbfounded. He was used to charming any woman with his smile, even the prickliest but this girl shut him down effortlessly. It was as if she saw right through him.
He furrowed his brows, lips pouting in discontentment."Did I suddenly lose my charm?" he wondered aloud, lost in thought.
His three companions exchanged bemused glances.
"Well, well," one remarked. "Looks like Eiden has finally met his match."
Shortly after, another man entered the shuttle and found his subordinates still standing in the aisle, goofing around.
Clearing his throat, he commanded, "What's the hold-up? Sit down already."
The four men hurriedly found seats at the rear, not wasting a single second.
Shaking his head in disapproval, the newcomer's gaze then fell upon the girl who had captured their attention. Something about her sparked a vague sense of familiarity, yet he couldn't place where he might have seen her before.
Deciding it was irrelevant, he took his seat. With all five men settled, the shuttle finally prepared to depart. Hovering briefly over the grassy fields, it swiftly ascended into the sky, accelerating at a breakneck speed.
Next stop: Toleran Academy.