The Academy Prolo' stood tall on the outskirts of the Western Kingdom, a beacon of hope for the commoners who had once been ignored by the elite. Built with the vision of giving the powerless a fighting chance, it had quickly gained popularity among the lower classes, but it had also caught the attention of those who preferred the status quo—particularly the nobles.
The nobles, led by Lord Dorian, were already murmuring in the shadows, wary of this new movement that dared to challenge their control. An institution like the Academy, teaching not only combat but also leadership and strategy to the masses, was a threat. And Lumumba, the founder of this dream, knew it.
Lumumba paced around the Academy courtyard, watching groups of trainees practice with wooden swords, their movements awkward but determined. There was a fire in their eyes that he recognized—the fire of people who were tired of being oppressed, who wanted to take control of their destinies.
"Impressive, isn't it?" a voice chimed in from behind.
Lumumba turned to see Koffi, his posture relaxed, hands behind his back. Koffi was new to the academy, one of its most promising recruits. A natural leader, elegant in every movement, and always wearing an air of calm confidence that Lumumba couldn't quite shake.
"Yeah," Lumumba nodded. "They've got the spirit, but they're rough around the edges. Need to toughen up if they want to be more than just cannon fodder."
Koffi raised an eyebrow, a small smile playing on his lips. "You underestimate them. With the right training, these students could surpass even the best of the noble-trained soldiers. They just need someone to lead them."
Lumumba couldn't argue with that. Koffi had a way of making things seem possible, no matter how tough the odds were. His ability to inspire those around him was uncanny, and that charisma had quickly made him a favorite among the other recruits. But something about Koffi's perfection bothered Lumumba. No one was this flawless. No one.
"You know, Koffi, you're annoyingly good at this," Lumumba said with a half-smile, crossing his arms. "You act like you've got all the answers. What's your secret? Some kind of hidden talent I should know about?"
Koffi laughed lightly. "No secrets, just years of learning how to handle people. When you grow up watching the world treat you like you're invisible, you learn quickly how to make yourself seen."
Lumumba nodded thoughtfully. "And what about you, Mamadou? Any advice for these new recruits?"
From the corner of the courtyard, Mamadou approached, his eyes gleaming with ambition. Mamadou was the opposite of Koffi—where Koffi was smooth and elegant, Mamadou was ruthless and calculating. He saw the Academy not as a place for empowerment, but as a stepping stone for something much bigger.
"Advice?" Mamadou said, smirking. "Yeah. Stop thinking so small. Training soldiers is great, but soldiers don't win wars. Strategy does. We need to think about the bigger picture—how to leverage this academy into real power. The nobles are already starting to move against us. If we don't act soon, they'll crush us before we can even get off the ground."
Lumumba narrowed his eyes. He knew Mamadou was right. The academy was already under scrutiny, and there were whispers of sabotage coming from the noble circles. But Lumumba had his own style—he wasn't about to rush headlong into a confrontation without being prepared.
"You're saying we should strike first?" Lumumba asked.
Mamadou shrugged. "I'm saying we can't afford to play defense. The nobles are scared of what we're building here. They know if we succeed, their grip on power will slip. We should start making alliances, expanding beyond just this kingdom. That way, when they come for us, we've got the numbers to fight back."
Lumumba considered this. He had been focused on making the academy a success in the Western Kingdom, but Mamadou's suggestion had merit. The Western nobles were powerful, but if the Academy Prolo' could form alliances with other regions, they could become a force that no one—noble or otherwise—could ignore.
"You're not wrong, Mamadou," Lumumba said finally. "But we need to be smart about this. If we start expanding too fast, we'll make enemies in every direction. The nobles will use that against us."
"I never said it would be easy," Mamadou replied, his grin widening. "But what's the point of playing the game if you're not aiming to win big?"
Koffi, who had been watching the conversation with quiet amusement, stepped forward. "Before we start thinking about expansion, we need to make sure the academy is solid from within. The students respect you, Lumumba. They're inspired by what you've built here. But there are cracks forming—rumors, whispers of nobles trying to undermine the academy from the inside."
Lumumba's eyes darkened. He had heard the whispers too—about students being paid off, teachers suddenly resigning, and supplies mysteriously going missing. The nobles weren't just watching—they were already trying to sabotage his dream.
"So, what do we do about it?" Lumumba asked, his voice edged with frustration.
Koffi's smile faded into a more serious expression. "We need to address this head-on. Gather the students. Let them know what's happening. If we don't bring them together now, we'll lose them to the nobles' lies."
"And after that?" Mamadou added. "Once we've got their loyalty, we start recruiting from the other kingdoms. We need numbers if we're going to take on the nobles. I've already made some contacts—there are people out there who believe in this cause, and they're willing to fight for it."
Lumumba nodded, feeling the weight of what they were about to do. The Academy Prolo' wasn't just a training ground anymore—it was becoming a symbol of resistance, a rallying point for those who had been ignored and oppressed for too long. But with that power came danger. The nobles wouldn't sit back and let them rise unchecked.
"Alright," Lumumba said, his voice firm. "We'll call a meeting. I want every student and teacher there. It's time they knew the truth. We're not just training soldiers anymore—we're building something bigger. Something that could change the world."
Koffi nodded, his eyes glinting with approval. "I'll make sure they're ready. This academy could be the start of a revolution."
"A revolution," Mamadou repeated, a dark grin spreading across his face. "I like the sound of that."
As the three of them stood in the courtyard, the sun setting behind the academy's towers, Lumumba couldn't shake the feeling that they were standing at the edge of something monumental. The Academy Prolo' was no longer just a school—it was becoming a battleground for the future of the kingdom.