The orc commanded them to stop. Finn had long lost track of time and wasn't sure how long he had been running. Suddenly, people dressed in black sackcloth appeared out of nowhere. Mostly dark elves and humans, but there were some Ursox and Vorath among them as well—most appeared older, but some were middle-aged.
The orc looked at those in sackcloth with disdain. "The cowards you see in sackcloth are those who didn't choose a dungeon; instead, they are servants in the schools and orphanages filled with people from your universe."
The people in sackcloth didn't flinch. Finn had seen this look before; these people were broken, just like the servants at his family estate—they knew who held all the cards.
Finn was utterly exhausted. He had barely been moving, but apparently, punishment was about effort, not speed. His entire body ached, not just his back. The lashes were a reminder of the orc's meticulous cruelty—delivering just enough pain to ensure obedience without causing lasting damage.
The orc addressed those who remained. "Those who went to the infirmary will heal naturally and then be released. They shall have the same benefits, but the information I am about to tell you will not be revealed to them. Many will sit in the infirmary, where it is warm, and they are fed three meals a day until hell week is over and then be thrust into a battle where they will probably die."
The orc's eyes gleamed with a sinister light. "This will only be said once: you are always being watched. At the end of each term, you will be graded on your performance. You will not know your accumulated grade until the end of the three years when you will be able to choose one reward from the system based on your performance."
He continued, "Additionally, the better you do day-to-day and week-to-week will also mean a stronger medicinal bath available in your room, depending on the performance of the four people in the room. The medicinal bath will strengthen your efficiency and heal you. It's recommended you use it at every opportunity." The way the orc grinned made Finn feel there were hidden details about the baths he wasn't being told.
"Every term, you will have the option to choose new roommates with the stipulation that every race is represented. You are dismissed. You have four hours, and I expect you back here; there is food available and medicinal baths in your quarters." With that, the orc vanished.
Finn was beyond weary. This wasn't enough time. Mountain Ridge, whom he had lost when they first came in due to the mass of people and Finn's slightly faster run, was equally worn out. The Ursox, in Finn's opinion, were like defensive tackles with their heavy builds.
A servant led Finn and Mountain Ridge out of the training area to a pagoda with multiple entrances. It only had ten floors, and Finn didn't think there was enough room; it looked so small.
The servant, a man of African descent with graying hair and a slightly stooped posture, introduced himself calmly. "My name is Derek, and I shall be seeing to your quarters. If you need anything, please let me know."
Finn and Mountain Ridge exchanged curious glances before Mountain Ridge spoke up, "This place looks small."
Derek simply responded, "Do not take what you see at face value; we arrived a little before you and were taught some very basic things to answer any questions you have. The pagoda bends space and has over a million rooms; this whole school is a giant array, though I am not sure what that means."
Finn, having read wuxia novels, provided some insight. "In wuxia novels, an array is a formation or system that manipulates space, energy, or other elements. It's a concept used to explain how small spaces can hold vast areas, like a pocket dimension."
Mountain Ridge looked perplexed. "What is a wuxia novel?"
Finn explained, and Derek added, "Because of humanity's flexible culture, it's very common for the system to throw in tidbits to prepare for merging."
Finn remembered a video game that had become all the rage and seemed similar to what they were facing now, but he didn't game enough to be sure.
Their quarters had four beds, four large baths, a large table with four stools, and a toilet; only the toilet with a simple wash basin was in a separate room with a wooden door. Otherwise, there was no privacy.
Lyrian, the dark elf, and Zorak, the Vorath, entered the room, escorted by another servant—a female dark elf who promptly left upon seeing Derek.
Derek turned to Finn, Mountain Ridge, Lyrian, and Zorak. "The medallion on the room has three alerts: Clothes, Food, and Clean. I will provide a set of new clothes; a person is allowed only two new sets every 24 hours. 'Clean' means the room requires cleaning in addition to its daily visit, which will occur while you are at training. 'Food' means to deliver food. Food is whatever the cooks have prepared that day; otherwise, there are no other commands or functions of the medallion. I will only do what the masters instruct; I am not able to do anything else for students."
Derek added before leaving, "Quarters are your only safe spot; only you four may enter. Combat among students is allowed from this point forward, but remember your medicinal bath strength is dependent on the four of you. The baths are treasures connected to the pagoda and will self-fill daily."
Finn listened carefully, considering Derek's words.
The room was now filled with a mix of different races and backgrounds, all sharing the same space and facing the same challenges. It was clear that survival here would require cooperation and understanding, despite the inherent differences among them.
As Finn settled into one of the beds, he couldn't help but reflect on the day's events. The path ahead was uncertain and fraught with danger, but he was determined to make the most of the opportunities presented to him. He would grow stronger, adapt, and overcome whatever obstacles lay in his way.