Initiation Day concluded with a resounding victory for Team Apex. We secured the top spot with the highest points, leading the ranks and solidifying our place as the number one team.
Our team name was proudly displayed on the main dashboard of GEA's Rookies Battle Arena, glowing for all to see. And for the Initiation Day Event, Apex scored as the top for all GAIA's Talent Academy standings.
The instructors gathered us in the arena, their voices amplified by the system.
"Congratulations, rookies," one of them announced. "From this day forward, the Rookies Battle Arena will serve as your primary interface for training. All Gaia Talent Academies utilize this system, though individual activities—missions and training sessions—will remain private to your Academy."
Atlas leaned over and whispered, "Private activities, huh? Makes me wonder what shady stuff the other Academies are doing."
I smirked but kept my focus on the announcement.
"However," the instructor continued, "rankings will be visible globally. Rookies, Seniors, and even Elites from all Talent Academies can view the leaderboards. Keep that in mind, as your performance here reflects not just on you, but on this Academy as a whole."
The instructor went on to explain the leaderboard structure. It was divided into three tiers:
- Rookies: First-year trainees like us.
- Seniors: Second and third-years.
- Elites: The top-tier trainees destined to lead.
Each tier had subcategories:
- Squad Rankings: Team-based scores.
- Event Rankings: Performance in specific events like Initiation Day.
- Individual Rankings: For those who shined brightest on their own.
When the final rankings appeared, Atlas's eyes practically lit up like fireworks. "Hah! Look at that, Noah! We're the Top Rookies!"
He grabbed my shoulder and shook me like he'd won the lottery. "Number one, baby! You see that? This is legendary!"
"Yeah, I see it, Atlas," I said, laughing. "Calm down before you pull something."
The perks were nothing short of incredible as the interface dashboard revealed them.
#1 Team Perks: Private single-room lodgings for each member, 5 Gacha Spins, 1000 TAP (Talent Academy Points), and first pick of Squad missions and team members during training.
Ranks 2nd-4th: Shared two-room private quarters, 3 Gacha Spins, 500 TAP.
Ranks 5th-10th: Shared two-room private quarters, 2 Gacha Spins, 250 TAP.
Atlas rubbed his hands together.
"Private rooms? Snacks safe from thieving hands? No random roommates snoring like chainsaws? I'm liking the perks already. This is living the dream."
I shook my head, unable to hide my grin. "You're really focused on the snacks, huh?"
"Hey," he said, feigning seriousness, "a man has priorities. And the Gacha Spins! I could land some insane gear or items with those."
"Or you could get duplicates," I pointed out.
"Why you gotta ruin the moment, man?" Atlas said, glaring at me. "Just let me have this."
Before I could respond, a familiar, booming laugh erupted from the stands. Cason, our loudest supporter, was back at it again.
"Number one!" he roared, standing up and pumping his fist. "That's what I'm talking about, Apex! You're making this Academy proud!"
His vice-captain, Conrad, tugged at his arm, trying to pull him back down. "Captain, please sit down. You're embarrassing yourself."
"Embarrassing? I'm celebrating!" he bellowed, ignoring him entirely.
Atlas chuckled. "You know, I kinda like that guy. He gets it."
I shook my head but smiled.
The instructor's voice echoed across the arena, pulling everyone's attention back. "For those of you ranked in the top ten teams, you will receive a message in your Rookies Battle Arena inbox. Your perks and rewards will be delivered directly through the interface."
As soon as the announcement ended, a soft chime rang in my ears—my notification alert. A small icon blinked in the corner of my vision, signaling a message in my RBA inbox.
"Already?" Atlas asked, leaning over to peek at my interface. "Man, they don't waste time, huh?"
I opened the inbox with a simple thought command, and sure enough, there it was:
Subject: Congratulations, Team Apex!
Message: "As the #1 ranked team of Initiation Day, your rewards have been transferred to your accounts. Thank you for your exceptional performance, and we look forward to seeing your progress in future events!"
Below the message, a list of rewards appeared:
- Private Single-Room Lodging Access: Granted
- 5 Gacha Spins: Added to inventory.
- 1000 TAP: Credited to account.
- Priority Mission Selection: Enabled.
As soon as I confirmed receipt, the rewards synced seamlessly with my account. My TAP balance updated, and a glowing notification for my Gacha Spins hovered at the edge of my interface, tempting me to try my luck.
"Well?" Atlas asked impatiently. "What'd you get?"
"Same as you," I replied. "Private room, TAP, spins—"
"Wait, wait, wait," he interrupted. "You're telling me I already have five Gacha Spins just sitting there, waiting for me?"
I nodded. "Yeah, that's how it works."
He threw his hands up in mock disbelief. "Noah, my guy, why are we standing here talking? I have a destiny with the Gacha terminal!"
I laughed as he rushed off, already hyping himself up for a legendary pull. "Don't come crying to me if you get a bunch of junk!" I called after him.
"Never!" he shouted back. "Today's my lucky day!"
I shook my head, watching him dash away. It was hard not to share his enthusiasm. As much as I tried to stay composed, I couldn't deny the thrill of seeing our hard work pay off.
The rankings were set, and the rewards were ours to enjoy. The next chapter of our journey at the GAIA Enforcer Academy was about to begin, and we were ready to face whatever challenges came next.
Team Apex wasn't just here to compete—we were here to dominate.
As I stood there, basking in the victory, a familiar chime resonated through my interface—Codebreaker Alert. I quickly shifted my focus to the translucent overlay that appeared before my eyes.
[CODEBREAKER]
[Hidden Mission Completed!]
[Objective: Rank first on GEA's Rookies Event Rankings.]
[Rewards:
Data Crystals x 20
5,000 GED
Random EX Sub-Skill x 1]
[Hidden Bonus Mission Completed!]
[Objective: Rank first on GTA Rookies Event Rankings.]
[Rewards:
Data Crystals x 50
10,000 GED
3,000 TAP
LCK +20
1 EX Skill]
A grin spread across my face as I read the list.
Sweet! Not only did I snag a Random EX Sub-Skill, but my luck stats also increased significantly. And with an additional EX Skill unlocked? The possibilities were endless.
Atlas's voice broke my concentration. "Yo, what's with that smug grin? You win another secret jackpot or something?"
"Something like that," I replied cryptically, the grin still lingering.