Both the first-year and second-year students were gathered in the teleportation room. The second years consisted of six individuals, while the first years numbered nine. They stood in two opposing groups, facing each other, hands behind their backs, legs slightly apart. Each of them wore the same black military suit that covered every part of their bodies. Confidence was etched on the faces of the second-year students, while a mixture of fear and anticipation filled the expressions of the first years. This was their first mission, and the anxiety of venturing into the world was almost palpable.
"Stand ready, soldiers. This is your first mission—better get the hang of it. Am I clear?"
"Sir, yes, sir!" both groups responded in unison to their leader, none other than Brandon. A second-year student, he was in charge of this mission. His own military suit bore a noticeable difference—a crest on the left side of his chest, the symbol of the Cruz family.
With his hands clasped behind his back, Brandon walked between the two lines, his eyes scanning each soldier. He recognized most of the second years but wasn't as familiar with the first. That was when he realized someone was missing. The first-year group should have ten members, not nine.
Before he could raise the alarm, the sound of approaching footsteps caught his attention. A smirk spread across his face as he saw who it was.
"I thought you got lost," Brandon remarked, half-joking, causing a slight stir. Everyone knew who he was referring to, but Larry, unfazed, simply moved to stand beside the closest student, Eric, who smiled at him. Of course, Larry couldn't see the smile, his view obscured by the blindfold he always wore. Not that it mattered—his blindness remained regardless of whether or not he wore it.
Unlike the others, Larry wasn't wearing a military suit. He had on a white jacket and standard military trousers—a gift from Teacher Alex. Most students weren't bothered by this, except for Eric, who was concerned. The military suits were designed to provide protection in dangerous situations.
"Alright, soldiers. Form two lines and hold your neighbor's shoulder… We're moving out," Brandon announced, and the team complied swiftly.
"Eric, Larry—grab the supply bags. After all, you're both supporters." Brandon's tone dripped with condescension as he moved to the front of the teleporter, a bright orange device. The two boys in front placed their hands on his shoulders, and the group followed suit until they were all swallowed by the teleporter's light.
---
Somewhere on Earth, in a region littered with ruins, the landscape was a grim reminder of destruction. Buildings stood half-demolished, debris scattered across cracked streets. Burnt-out cars and the charred remains of animals lay strewn about. It was daytime, yet the world was dim—the sun was hidden, and the sky was an eerie, cloudless expanse.
In the middle of this desolate scene, a glowing circle of light appeared on the ground. Blue sparks flickered as the circle grew brighter. Within moments, a group of people materialized, causing the earth to tremble beneath their feet. Several first-year students lost their balance and stumbled to the ground, some even vomiting from the sudden disorientation.
"What's the matter, soldiers? This is just the beginning," Brandon sneered.
The first years inwardly cursed him, frustrated by his smugness. The second years, however, were unfazed, accustomed to the disorienting effects of teleportation.
Larry, meanwhile, struggled more than most. His body trembled as he knelt on the ground, his hands clutching the supply bag strapped to his back.
"You all look sick, but I'm afraid we need to move out now. The beasts will have been drawn by the noise and the light," announced Jim, one of the second-year students. While Brandon was officially in charge, all the second years had a say in the mission. The first years, however, had to follow their lead.
"No. I think we should stay here and assess our location. We can't just wander aimlessly," Eric suggested, his tone cautious.
"And what do you know about the outside world? Have you even seen a beast before?" Jim snapped, storming toward Eric, fists clenched. A fellow student intervened, whispering into Jim's ear.
"He's just stating his opinion."
"But he doesn't get a say, Martin. He's just a first year—he's never been out here before," Jim shot back, frustration evident.
"And what's wrong with being a first year? If you could handle this yourselves, why did you call for us?" Another first-year student spoke up, a Level 3 Gaia core user.
"This brat…" A second-year student couldn't hold back any longer. He activated his core, sending a wave of water toward the outspoken first year. The others quickly spread out as the first-year student backpedaled, activating his own core.
"Earth Wall!" he shouted, and the ground surged up, forming a solid barrier that blocked the wave of water. However, the force of the impact caused him to stumble slightly.
"You think you can take me on?" the second-year student growled, his fists now encased in water. He charged forward and, upon reaching the wall, delivered a punch. The wall cracked, and the first year braced for impact, contemplating his next move.
"Stone Skin," the first year chanted, and his skin hardened just in time. When the second-year's fist connected, a metallic clang echoed through the desolate streets.
"That's enough, David," Brandon intervened before the fight escalated. "Remember, I'm in charge here."
He turned to the first-year student, who was now visibly shaking. There was something about Brandon that instilled fear, likely the presence of the Cruz family crest on his chest. The students knew all too well that the Cruz family was one of the most powerful in the world.
"You did well, boy. What's your name?" Brandon asked.
"Michael," the student replied.
"Michael, make sure you improve. Perhaps one day, you'll join the Cruz family."
"Yes, sir! I'll cultivate harder and reach Level 10," Michael said, bowing repeatedly as Brandon turned to address the group, now formed in a circle around him.
"I think we should follow Jim's advice. Your seniors won't lead you astray. We should leave before—"
"That won't be necessary," a voice interrupted Brandon.
He immediately turned, frowning as his gaze landed on Larry, still kneeling on the ground.
"And why do you say that?" Eric asked, placing a hand on Larry's shoulder.
"Because they're coming. I can hear their footsteps," Larry replied.
At those words, everyone activated their cores. They quickly formed two concentric circles, their backs against each other, while Eric helped Larry to his feet.
Brandon scanned the surroundings but saw nothing. His frown deepened as he realized he had taken a blind man's word seriously. Frustrated, he approached Larry, grabbing his shoulder.
"You blind fool. I'll teach you a lesson for messing with me," Brandon threatened, his fist tightening.
"He's not lying, sir! The beasts—they're coming from above!" one of the first-year students, a Level 4 Aerial core user, called out. Despite her strength, fear was clear in her voice.
Brandon looked up, his eyes widening as he saw the beasts—dozens of them—flying toward their position. He immediately released his grip on Larry, the realization hitting him hard.
"How did he sense them before anyone else?" Brandon muttered, feeling a flicker of doubt.
"Sorry about that, Larry," he whispered before turning to the group.
'Are my ears paining? Did he just apologize to me?' Larry couldn't help but ask himself.
"Roger up, everyone… These are just small fries."