After the long introduction and tour around the facility, the students were finally given some time to rest before their evaluations began in the afternoon. The assistant guides led them to a large dormitory building near the main complex.
The dormitory was simple but well-equipped, with long hallways lined with rooms on either side. Each room had two bunk beds, a small desk, and a closet for personal belongings. The walls were painted a plain white, and the floor was a polished wood, giving the space a clean and organized feel. The students were told they could pick their roommates, and many quickly grouped up with their friends.
Caius ended up in a room with Aiden, Derek, and another boy named Tyler, who was from a different class. Tyler was a tall guy with glasses, looking a bit nervous but trying to keep to himself. Caius didn't care much about who he was sharing the room with.
As they settled in, Aiden leaned against the wall with a grin. "Looks like we're rooming together, huh?" he said, eyeing Caius.
Caius gave him a sideways glance but didn't respond. He dropped his bag on one of the lower bunks and sat down. Aiden was always trying to act friendly now, but Caius hadn't forgotten how he used to bully him in the past. Derek, meanwhile, sat on the top bunk, leaning back with a smug expression, like he owned the place.
"Man, I'm starving," Derek complained, breaking the silence. "When's lunch?"
Tyler glanced up from his bed, his voice quiet. "I think they said it's in about thirty minutes. The cafeteria's down the hall."
"Good," Derek replied. "I don't wanna be running around on an empty stomach."
There was a brief pause before Derek's eyes landed on Caius. "Hey, pretty boy," he sneered, his voice dripping with mockery. "Hope you're not planning on crying during the evaluations. Wouldn't want the teachers to think you're too soft."
Caius didn't bother to look up. "Don't worry, Derek. I save my tears for moments that matter," he shot back, his tone calm but edged with irritation. "Like when I have to listen to your nonsense."
Derek's smirk widened, and he leaned forward, his gaze sharp. "You know, Caius, I remember how you used to be. All that cross-dressing and prancing around in wigs and makeup. I guess you're still just as soft as ever."
Caius's eyes narrowed slightly. "And I remember you always looking for someone to pick on because you've got nothing better going on in your life," he said coolly. "Still trying to prove something, huh?"
Derek's face reddened with anger. "Oh, is that so? At least I don't hide behind makeup and act like someone I'm not. You think wearing a wig makes you special or something?"
Caius looked Derek squarely in the eyes, unflinching. "It's called self-expression, something you wouldn't understand. But if you want to keep bringing up the past to make yourself feel better, go ahead. It just makes you look pathetic."
Derek's face twisted into a scowl. Aiden chuckled nervously, sensing the tension. "Come on, guys, let's not start this again," he tried to diffuse.
Derek, however, wasn't done. "I mean, you could always quit the whole thing, Caius. Find a nice little corner to curl up and cry," he continued with a smirk. "Might suit you better."
Caius finally looked at him, his expression flat. "Thanks for the suggestion, Derek. But I think I'll pass. You should consider taking your own advice. I'm sure the teachers could use a laugh."
Aiden chuckled louder this time, and even Tyler's lips twitched in amusement. Derek glared but chose not to push further, muttering something under his breath and turning away.
Aiden, trying to lighten the mood further, said, "So, any of you guys know what kind of tests we're gonna have later?"
Tyler shrugged. "They mentioned some kind of physical and simulation tests. I guess it's like a game, but in real life?"
"A game?" Derek laughed, trying to mask his earlier embarrassment. "If it's a game, then I'm gonna be the one who wins it. Just watch."
Caius rolled his eyes slightly. When it was time for lunch, they all headed to the cafeteria, which was a large, open room with rows of tables and chairs. The food was laid out buffet-style, and the students lined up to fill their plates. Caius grabbed some simple dishes—rice, vegetables, and some chicken—and found a quiet spot to sit. Aiden, Derek, and Tyler joined him at the table.
As they ate, the chatter around them grew louder. Everyone was talking about the upcoming evaluations, speculating on what they might involve and what sort of abilities they could gain. Caius listened quietly, focusing on his food.
"I heard we can get points for things like speed, strength, and even intelligence," Aiden said, taking a big bite of his sandwich. "I wonder what kind of classes will be available."
Tyler nodded, looking thoughtful. "Yeah, like in those online VR games... Maybe there'll be rare classes or something."
Derek snorted. "Who cares about rare classes? As long as I get something that makes me stronger than everyone else, that's all that matters."
Caius tuned out their conversation. He was more interested in figuring out how to increase his level and why it's still zero.
After lunch, they returned to their dorms for a short break before the evaluations were set to begin. Caius stayed quiet, keeping to himself as the others chatted about their expectations.
Soon, the loudspeakers in the dorm announced that it was time for the evaluations. Students began filing out of their rooms, excitement and nerves clear on their faces. Caius, Aiden, Derek, and Tyler made their way to the training grounds along with the rest of the students.
The large open field where the evaluations would take place was bustling with activity. Assistants were setting up different equipment, and a few teachers and officials were already waiting at various stations. Director Alaric Thornfield stood in the center, his commanding presence drawing everyone's attention.
"Alright, everyone!" he called out. "Line up according to your groups! We're about to start!"