"Cadets, settle down."
Leon stepped to the front, commanding immediate attention. A holographic interface flickered to life behind him, displaying their training itinerary.
"Let me formally begin you to your training," he began, his voice sharp and no-nonsense. "Over the next month, you will undergo an intensive training program designed to prepare you for your journey as a super ahead. While you are aboard this ship, you are passengers first, cadets second. Understood?"
A murmur of "Yes sir" rippled through the group.
Leon continued, gesturing to the sim cabins. "These will be your primary training tools. Full-dive simulations allow us to push your limits in controlled environments. It will be an exact replica of your body, and you will even retain the muscle memory you gain in the pod, aswell as that it trains your muscles in the most optimal way possible whilst providing you with energy from the crystals you will receive. You'll face combat scenarios, tactical puzzles, and team challenges designed to enhance your abilities."
The cadets leaned forward, their interest piqued.
"Your first week will focus on raising your ascension level from initial soldier to early soldier. To help with this, the first batch of energy crystals from your sponsorships, meant to last you two months or less depending on your contract, will be provided up front. This will accelerate your progress and ensure you're ready for what comes next."
Leon's eyes scanned the room, his tone firm. "This leads into week two, where the focus shifts to individual power assessment and development. At the early soldier stage, you'll finally have enough energy to start using your abilities without passing out from energy drain. For many of you, this will be your first chance to truly explore your potential. Supers are rare, but discipline is what separates you from becoming an overpowered liability."
Talon exchanged a glance with Jason, who smirked. "Sounds fun."
Leon's gaze swept across the room. "The second half of your time aboard will be dedicated to team-based training. You will be assigned to squads of four, led by team captains chosen based on your acadamy scores and profile assesment. These squads will compete in a tournament, determining your entry into the rankings before we arrive at the academy."
Jason perked up, nudging Talon. "Tournament? Now we're talking."
Someone raised their hands, "what exactly does the ranking do?"
Leon's gaze sharpened as he addressed the cadet's question, his tone carrying the weight of experience and something else. "Good question. Rankings are more than just bragging rights, they directly influence your future. Here's how it works:"
He began to pace, the cadets following his every word.
"First, your squad ranking will determine access to resources and privileges at the academy. Higher-ranked squads receive priority access to advanced training modules, higher-quality equipment, and mentorship from senior officers. If you think your sponsorships are generous now, imagine having access to even better energy crystals, more refined weapons, and exclusive simulations designed to give you an edge."
Leon paused for effect, letting the implications sink in.
"Second, your rank affects deployment opportunities. High-ranking squads are offered more specialized missions and assignments, fast-tracking you toward leadership positions or elite units. The difference between success and mediocrity often lies in the opportunities you seize. A good rank ensures those opportunities come to you."
The room grew quieter, the weight of Leon's words settling over the cadets.
"And finally," he continued, his voice dropping slightly, "your rank influences how your squadmates and instructors perceive you. A higher rank earns respect, while a lower one... Well, let's just say it can take years to shake off the label of underperforming."
Talon and Jason exchanged glances, the competitive glint in Jason's eye unmistakable. Talon could already feel the shift in the room as the stakes became clear.
"So," Leon concluded, his tone lighter but still serious, "if you think this tournament is just for fun, think again. Your performance here could set the trajectory for your entire military career, even your life. Show us what you've got."
Everyone sat up straighter, this wasn't just a game. This tournament would set the tone for their future careers, and perhaps much more.
As Leon finished his last words, Talon noticed something unusual. There was a slight pause in his movements, a subtle hesitation in his tone. His sharp gaze flickered, as though he wanted to say more but held himself back.
Talon frowned, the hairs on the back of his neck prickling, he had an ominous feeling and did not know why.
'What aren't you telling us?'
Leon's gaze swept across the room, lingering briefly before locking onto Talon. His expression was a mask of neutrality, but there was something beneath it, something that made Talon uneasy and he did not know why.
'Concern? Regret?'
Someone else asked a question, Talon did not hear or think about it, he could not let go of the train of thought he was going down.
The emotions were faint, subtle, but undeniably there. Hesitation that hinted at more than he was letting on.
'Why would Leon hold back? Is there more to this ranking than just privileges and assignments?'
A sinking thought crept into Talon's mind. He remembered Cain's statistic that morning, the chilling survival rate of Supers.
And then, the destruction he had seen in his previous life, the sheer devastation humans inflicted on one another, caused by the truth of his mythical rank.
Billions. Dead.
'Maybe... Maybe the lower-ranked squads aren't just at the bottom of the list. Maybe they're more expendable in the war effort.'
The idea turned his stomach, cold dread curling in his chest. But he kept his expression steady, choosing to stay quiet.
He filed the thought away, unwilling to give it weight just yet. 'Focus on what's in front of you. That can't be right.'
Even so, he couldn't shake the feeling that there was more.
The holographic display shifted, interrupting his thoughts, now projecting a list of names. Leon's voice broke through the murmurs in the room. "Team captains will be notified individually. Your squads will begin forming tommorow. For now, familiarize yourselves with the common areas and prepare for your first session in the sim cabins."
The cadets began to file out, conversations with speculation about their placements and who would be the squad captains.
But Talon stayed silent, his mind lingering on the hint of a truth that refused to let go.