The Academy's echoing halls had fallen quiet after the first day's test. Some students had made it out of the labyrinth, their minds worn and spirits broken, while others had been left behind, lost within the maze or simply unable to face its relentless traps. But Sora didn't dwell on them. The weak were simply part of the Academy's natural order.
In his dorm room, he observed the sparse, cold surroundings: a single bed, a metal desk, and the Academy's handbook resting on it. Sora picked up the book, flipping through its pristine pages. While most students would focus on the rules and disciplinary measures, Sora saw something else: loopholes, areas open to interpretation, and subtle hints that could be turned to his advantage.
The Academy's rules were its lifeblood, its veins of control. Breaking them recklessly would be foolish. But bending them? That was another game altogether, one he planned to master.
---
The next morning, students gathered in the main assembly hall. A somber hush fell over the crowd, anxiety thick in the air. On a raised platform, the same steely-eyed instructor from the orientation — Instructor Kuroda — stood watching them with an unreadable expression. Her gaze was like a hawk's, razor-sharp and unforgiving.
"As you now understand, this Academy will test not only your knowledge but your willpower, your discipline, and your adaptability," she began, her voice slicing through the silence. "Yesterday, some of you succeeded, while others… failed. Let this be a lesson: only the strong survive here. Those who make it to the end will be among the elite."
The students shifted uncomfortably, whispers running through the crowd. Sora's lips twisted into a faint smile. Her speech was a calculated tactic to inspire fear and control. She wanted to establish dominance, to create a sense of isolation among them. Divide and conquer — a classic psychological play.
Kuroda's gaze stopped on Sora, a glint of curiosity flashing in her cold eyes. She likely hadn't expected him to pass the labyrinth so flawlessly, but he had, and now she was curious. He could see it.
"Today's lesson will be your introduction to alliances," she continued. "You will be divided into groups and assigned tasks that will require cooperation and trust. Remember, alliances can be powerful—yet fragile."
Sora barely suppressed a smirk. This was where it would get interesting. The Academy wanted to test them, to see how they interacted under pressure. Trust was nothing but a weapon. And he intended to wield it.
---
They were led to a vast, open courtyard that had been transformed into a mock battlefield. Several obstacles lay scattered around — towering walls, narrow passageways, and hidden pits designed to catch the unwary. Each student received a wristband with a small screen displaying a list of their group members.
Sora glanced down and noted the names: Akira, Mai, and Takeshi. He studied each of them quickly as they gathered. Akira had a determined look, radiating a fierce confidence. Mai seemed quieter, her eyes darting nervously between her teammates. Takeshi, the tallest of the group, had a boisterous grin that seemed to hide a nervous energy.
"The task is simple," Instructor Kuroda's voice called out over the courtyard. "Work together to retrieve the flag from the center of the field. The first group to capture the flag will earn immunity from tomorrow's test. Failure may have… consequences."
As the signal to start rang out, Akira immediately took charge, barking out orders. "Sora, you're the fastest here. Head toward the flag. Mai, Takeshi, stay close behind to cover him!"
Sora nodded, appearing to agree, but inside, he was already forming his own plan. Following Akira's commands would be foolish; he'd simply be a pawn, exposed to the enemy and expendable.
As they advanced through the battlefield, Sora noticed that Mai kept glancing over at him with uncertain eyes. She was a weak link — easily manipulated, easily scared. Sora could work with that.
As they neared the center, Sora called out, "Wait! We need to split up. Akira, Takeshi, cover the left flank. Mai and I will move around from the right and flank the flag."
Akira hesitated but nodded. "Fine. Just don't slow us down."
The teams split, and as soon as they were out of sight, Sora leaned close to Mai, lowering his voice. "Listen, Akira only cares about himself. He's using us as bait. He want glory for himself. His strategy has many flaws. We need to grab the flag ourselves, we can earn the immunity if you are with me."
Mai's eyes widened, a flicker of doubt in her gaze. "Are you… are you sure?"
He gave her a cool, reassuring look. "Trust me. In this Academy, you have to look out for yourself. We can work together… or be left behind."
Mai swallowed, the uncertainty breaking. She nodded.
They continued toward the flag, moving faster now. Sora led the way, deftly avoiding hidden pitfalls and traps that he anticipated long before they reached them. Mai followed, staying close, her trust beginning to build.
As they reached the final stretch, Sora saw Akira and Takeshi approaching from the other side. He met Akira's gaze, and for a split second, he let his expression show what he truly felt: control. Akira faltered, realizing that Sora had outmaneuvered him. But it was too late.
Without hesitation, Sora snatched the flag from its post. He turned to Mai and handed it to her, a cunning smile on his face. "Go," he said. "You earned it."
Mai took the flag, her face alight with a mixture of gratitude and admiration. She sprinted back toward the starting line as Sora watched her disappear into the distance. Behind him, he could feel Akira's glare, seething with anger and frustration.
Sora didn't care. He'd succeeded, not by brute force or blind loyalty, but by planting a simple seed of doubt. Now, he had an ally in Mai — and an enemy in Akira. Exactly as he'd planned.
---
Back in his dorm room that night, Sora smirked as he replayed the day's events in his mind. He had won without lifting a finger, without risking anything of value. And now, he'd established himself as a force to be reckoned with.
This Academy thought it could control him. But Sora would prove that he was the one pulling the strings.