Eric Cope, a nineteen-year-old student of the prestigious Amazon Academy, bid farewell to his tearful parents in the quaint Marine Village of Muripe. The holiday season had come to a close, and the new semester beckoned.
As he loaded his luggage into the chariot, his parents showered him with parting gifts: a generous sum of money, freshly tailored clothes, and an assortment of ingredients from their family's own kitchen. Their wishes for his comfort and success in Amazon City, the vibrant metropolis that was his second home, were palpable.
"Be careful, Eric," his mother implored, her voice trembling. "Amazon City is a world away from Muripe." She pressed a small pouch of healing potions into his hand, her eyes brimming with concern.
His father, a stalwart man with a gentle smile, clasped Eric's shoulder. "You've grown into a fine young man. Make us proud."
With warm goodbyes still resonating in his heart, Eric settled into the chariot. The driver, a grizzled veteran of the Marines, cracked the reins, and the horses began their steady trot toward Amazon City.
As Muripe's thatched roofs disappeared into the distance, Eric's thoughts drifted to the semester ahead. Adventure awaited in the city's bustling streets, and he was eager to reunite with his comrades at Amazon Academy.
Days blended together as Eric settled back into his routine at Amazon Academy. He sat among his classmates, surrounded by the familiar scent of chalk and parchment, as Miss Pieck scribbled equations across the blackboard.
"Today's lesson concludes here," Miss Pieck announced, her stern gaze sweeping the room. "Your assignment is displayed on the board. I expect it completed by tomorrow."
Matthew, a classmate known for his quick wit, raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me, Miss Pieck, but question 1a alone has 37 parts. And there are ten sections in total... Isn't the deadline a bit—"
Miss Pieck's expression turned glacial. "I am the teacher, Mr. Matthew. I decide what is feasible. This assignment accounts for 20% of your mathematics grade. I will not entertain excuses."
The classroom fell silent, as if the students had been collectively doused with icy water. Shock and concern etched on their faces, they exchanged uneasy glances.
Miss Pieck gathered her belongings, a hint of sarcasm dancing on her lips. "Have a wonderful evening, students. I eagerly anticipate your submissions... or lack thereof."
With that, she swept out of the room, leaving the class to stew in anxiety.
Matthew rose from his seat, his voice ringing out across the silent classroom. "We can't do this alone. Let's work together to tackle the assignment."
The room hung in suspense, until Ashley, the blonde bombshell known for her sharp tongue and captivating smile, spoke up. "And how do you plan on making that work, Matthew?"
Matthew hesitated, his confidence wavering internally. But he pushed forward, driven by determination. "We'll hold a night class. We can gather here after dinner and work through it together."
To his surprise, the class erupted into nods and murmurs of agreement. Eric watched as Matthew's face lit up with relief.
"Brilliant idea, Matthew!" someone called out.
Ashley smiled, her eyes sparkling. "I never thought I'd say this, but you're actually pretty smart, Matthew."
Matthew's cheeks flushed as he acknowledged the praise. "Thanks, guys. Let's make this happen. Get blankets, snacks, and whatever you need. We'll reconvene here tonight, prepared to tackle this beast of an assignment."
As the class dispersed, Matthew sank back into his seat, a mix of excitement and trepidation swirling within.
Eric couldn't shake off the feeling of admiration for Matthew's bold initiative. He wondered if he could ever be as courageous, as heroic. Matthew's leadership had sparked something within him, a desire to step out of his comfort zone.
Max's jovial voice interrupted Eric's reverie. "Hey, Eric! You joining us for dinner or you gonna stare at Matthew all day?"
Grant and Jacky chuckled, drawing Eric back to reality. He apologized, shaking off the lingering thoughts, and joined his friends for dinner.
Hours passed, and the sun dipped below the horizon. Eric made his way to the designated classroom, now shrouded in darkness. He fumbled for the light switch, but decided against it, opting for the soft glow of the moon instead.
At the front, he deposited his stuffed backpack onto a chair, the weighty bundle threatening to spill its contents: books, textbooks, stationery, snacks, and a cozy blanket.
Eric then retreated to the back of the classroom, plugging his receiver into a socket. As he settled in, the silence enveloped him, punctuated only by the soft hum of the receiver.
Lost in thought, Eric waited for his classmates to arrive, his mind drifting back to Matthew's courageous moment. A spark within him stirred, fueling a quiet resolve.