Desi drove his sleek Toyota Mk4 Supra through the gates of St. Edward's Academy, the car's engine purring like a contented cat. As he pulled into the main courtyard, students and staff turned to gawk, their eyes wide with curiosity and envy. Desi, oblivious to the attention, parked his car and stepped out, taking a deep breath to steady his nerves.
Unbeknownst to him, Gazi stood among the crowd, his eyes narrowing as he observed Desi's arrival. Gazi's initial excitement about the school was now tinged with irritation. He assumed Desi was just another wealthy kid, here to flaunt his riches and coast through school on his parents' dime.
"Great, another spoiled rich kid," Gazi muttered under his breath, shaking his head in disapproval.
As Desi made his way towards the registration area, another luxury car pulled into the courtyard. This time, it was a sleek, black limousine. The door opened, and out stepped Princess Leonor, her regal presence commanding attention. She was immediately surrounded by curious onlookers and staff, but Desi, too focused on finding his way, didn't notice her arrival.
Desi approached the registration desk, where a cheerful woman handed him a packet and a map. "Welcome to St. Edward's Academy! Please fill out these forms and head to the orientation in the main hall."
Desi nodded, thanking the woman before finding a quiet spot to complete his paperwork. As he did, he couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. He glanced around and caught Gazi's disapproving glare, causing him to furrow his brow in confusion.
"What's his problem?" Desi muttered to himself.
Once the registration was complete, Desi and the other new students made their way to the main hall for orientation. The room was grand, with high ceilings, ornate chandeliers, and rows of plush chairs. Desi found a seat near the front, eager to learn more about his new school.
The room buzzed with chatter as the students settled in. Desi glanced around, taking in the diverse group of newcomers. He spotted Gazi sitting a few rows back, still eyeing him with suspicion. Desi sighed, wondering what he'd done to earn such hostility.
The murmurs quieted as a tall, distinguished-looking man stepped onto the stage. He adjusted his glasses and cleared his throat before speaking.
"Welcome, students, to St. Edward's Academy. I am Mr. Turner, the vice headmaster. You are about to embark on a unique journey, unlike any other educational experience."
Mr. Turner paused, allowing his words to sink in. The students leaned forward, their interest piqued.
"Here at St. Edward's," he continued, "we do not focus solely on traditional academics. Instead, we prioritize real-life training. Our goal is to prepare you for the challenges and complexities of the world beyond these walls."
Desi exchanged curious glances with the students around him, the excitement palpable. Gazi, despite his earlier misgivings, found himself intrigued by the vice headmaster's words.
Mr. Turner smiled, sensing the students' curiosity. "You will engage in a variety of activities designed to test your physical, mental, and emotional limits. From survival skills to leadership training, each experience will shape you into a well-rounded individual."
Desi's heart raced with anticipation. This was exactly the kind of adventure he had been craving. The thought of real-life training, of pushing himself beyond his limits, filled him with a sense of exhilaration.
Gazi, meanwhile, felt a flicker of grudging respect. Maybe this place wasn't just for the privileged elite. Maybe it was a place where he could prove himself, where he could rise above his circumstances.
As the orientation continued, Mr. Turner outlined the school's unique curriculum, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, resilience, and adaptability. Desi listened intently, his excitement growing with each passing moment.
As Mr. Turner concluded his address, a stern-looking woman with piercing blue eyes and a no-nonsense demeanor stepped up to the podium. Her presence commanded immediate attention, and the room fell silent.
"Good afternoon, students. I am Ms. Hawthorne, the head of student affairs," she began, her voice sharp and authoritative. "Welcome to St. Edward's Academy. Now, let me explain some of the rules and expectations that will govern your time here."
Desi shifted in his seat, curious and a little apprehensive about what was coming next.
"First and foremost," Ms. Hawthorne continued, "this is a boarding school. You will live on campus, in pairs, for the duration of your studies. This arrangement is designed to foster camaraderie and mutual support."
Gazi, sitting a few rows back, leaned over to his new friend, Ricardo, and whispered, "I just hope I don't get stuck with someone who snores."
Desi, overhearing, smirked to himself but quickly refocused as Ms. Hawthorne's next words caught his attention.
"All personal phones and electronic devices will be confiscated upon arrival. This is to ensure you are fully immersed in the experience and not distracted by outside influences. Any attempt to smuggle in devices will be met with strict disciplinary action."
Desi's heart sank. How was he supposed to stay in touch with Sam if they took his phone? Panic started to bubble up, but then the system's calm voice echoed in his mind.
"Don't worry, Desi. I have ways to communicate with you that don't require a phone."
Desi relaxed a bit, trusting the system's reassurance.
Ms. Hawthorne pressed on, "There will be a curfew imposed at 10 PM each night. All students must be in their respective dormitories by this time. The boys' hostel is strictly off-limits to girls, and the girls' hostel is off-limits to boys. Anyone caught violating this rule will face severe consequences."
Desi glanced around, noting the mix of reactions. Some students looked annoyed, others seemed indifferent, but a few, like him, appeared a bit nervous about the strict regulations.
"Furthermore," Ms. Hawthorne added, her tone growing even more severe, "you are the first cohort to be admitted to St. Edward's Academy. This means you will all be in the same grade level, designated as Class 1. However, to maintain order and manage your education effectively, you will be divided into subclasses: 1A, 1B, 1C, and so on, with approximately 50 students in each."
She paused, letting the information sink in before continuing. "Your subclass assignments will be given to you shortly. Remember, each class will undergo the same rigorous training and curriculum designed to prepare you for the real world."