The first light of morning trickled through the blinds, stirring me awake. Today wasn't just another day of training—it was the sixth day, and tomorrow would be our first weekly assessment. It was hard to believe we were already nearly a week into this program. Time flew when every day was packed with drills, classes, and personal training.
By the sixth day of training, the dormitory had developed its own rhythm. I stretched, listening to the muffled activity outside the dorm room. The others were already up, their footsteps and voices a reminder of the another grueling day ahead.
I shuffled out of bed, running a hand through my hair. Darren, my ever-efficient roommate, was already dressed and fixing his boots with military precision. "Morning," I muttered.
"Morning," he replied without looking up. His focus was razor-sharp, like he was gearing up for war.
Gabriel's voice echoed from the hallway, as loud and energetic as ever. "Rise and shine, people! Last day before we prove who's top dog!"
I sighed, grabbing my gear. "Does he ever turn it off?"
Darren smirked faintly. "I think he's got a built-in megaphone. You'll get used to it."
By the time I stepped into the hallway, Gabriel was already leaning against the wall, grinning like he'd won something. "Morning, Zeus. Ready to crush it tomorrow?"
"Let's survive today first," I replied dryly, which earned a laugh.
---
The mess hall buzzed with energy, the sound of clinking utensils and animated conversation filling the air. Gabriel waved me over to a table near the corner, where Darren sat eating his meal with calm precision.
I grabbed a tray, loaded it with eggs, rice, and some mystery meat that smelled vaguely edible, and sat down.
"Alright," Gabriel began, shoving a forkful of food into his mouth. "Predictions: Who's going to blow it tomorrow?"
Darren didn't even look up. "Probably you."
"Hey!" Gabriel protested, pointing his fork dramatically. "I'm built for greatness, thank you very much."
I chuckled, taking a sip of my coffee. "Greatness, huh? Sure didn't look like it during conditioning yesterday."
Gabriel groaned. "Oh, come on. I slipped once! Remo's sadistic laps are not normal."
"You're right about that," I admitted. "But it's the price we pay, isn't it?"
Darren finally spoke up, his tone even. "Remo doesn't care who's fast or strong. He cares about who doesn't quit. That's what tomorrow's about—showing you've got the grit to keep going."
Gabriel raised an eyebrow. "Philosopher now, are we?"
"Just observant," Darren replied simply.
The rest of breakfast passed in lighter conversation, Gabriel's antics keeping the mood from getting too heavy. But beneath the jokes, there was an unspoken tension—we all knew what tomorrow meant.
---
The gym felt more oppressive than usual as we lined up for the morning's physical conditioning session. Coach Remo's sharp gaze swept over us like a predator assessing prey.
"Alright, listen up," he barked. "This is your last session before tomorrow. You know the drill. No excuses, no shortcuts. Show me what you've got."
As we began the grueling circuits, I couldn't help but notice a group of trainees clustered together, their movements just a little too synchronized. Leo, the leader of the so-called "Misfits," smirked as he exchanged glances with his group.
Leo's crew were the type who thrived on intimidation, targeting anyone they saw as vulnerable. They'd left me and Gabriel alone—Gabriel because of his connections, and me because, well, people noticed how the staff treated me.
Unfortunately, Darren wasn't so lucky.
During a weighted sprint, Leo "accidentally" dropped his sandbag in Darren's path, forcing him to trip and stumble.
"Watch it, Vargas," Leo sneered, his tone dripping with false concern. "You're gonna hurt someone."
Darren picked himself up silently, dusting off his uniform.
"Back off, Leo," I said sharply, stepping between them. "He doesn't need your help falling."
Leo's smirk faltered for a moment, but he recovered quickly. "Relax, Zeus. Just a little friendly banter."
I didn't reply, holding his gaze until he turned away with a huff.
As Leo and his gang walked away, their laughter fading into the distance, Darren leaned back against the wall, exhaling sharply.
"You okay?" I asked, noting the tension in his shoulders.
He nodded, but his jaw tightened. "They're just… loud."
I raised an eyebrow. "Loud doesn't usually get under your skin."
Darren hesitated, then sighed. "It's not them. It's me. They're right in a way—I've been skating by, keeping my head down. But that's not going to cut it anymore, is it?"
I studied him for a moment before replying. "You've been holding your own just fine. No shame in that."
"But it's not enough," he said, a flicker of determination in his eyes. "I need to step up. Otherwise, I'll just keep giving people like them an easy target."
"Then step up," I said simply, offering a faint grin. "And if they get in your way again, you know where to find me."
Darren chuckled softly, nodding. "Fair enough."
"Don't mention it," I replied. "But you've got to stand your ground, Darren. They only get to you if you let them."
Darren didn't reply, but I caught the flicker of determination in his expression.
---
Later that evening, after the main sessions ended, I headed to the dormitory gym for my usual routine. Gabriel joined me, grumbling about sore muscles but too stubborn to sit it out.
"You're seriously doing this every night?" he asked, watching as I started my Saitama Workout.
"Got to stick to the program," I replied, pushing through another set of push-ups.
Gabriel finished his last set of sit-ups and collapsed onto the mat beside me, grinning through labored breaths.
"Not bad for a guy with no muscle," he joked, flexing exaggeratedly.
I smirked, wiping sweat from my face. "You're getting there. Another week or two, and you might even keep up with me."
Gabriel laughed, his grin taking on a sharper edge. "Alright, Zeus. Let's make this interesting."
I raised an eyebrow. "Interesting how?"
"Tomorrow's assessment. Whoever scores lower has to follow the other's training routine for the next two weeks," Gabriel said, a glint of challenge in his eyes.
I leaned back, considering it. Two weeks was a long time, especially in a program like this. But the idea of pushing him—or being pushed myself—was intriguing.
"Deal," I said, extending a hand. "Just don't complain when my routine breaks you."
Gabriel shook my hand firmly, grinning. "Same to you."
As he walked away, I found myself smirking despite the stakes. Gabriel might have been overconfident, but his competitive edge was contagious. Still, I had no intention of losing.
---
By the time I returned to my room, exhaustion was setting in. Darren was already in bed, his back to me, but I could hear his steady breathing.
I opened my System, the soft glow illuminating the dim room.
New Side Quest Added: A Rival's Challenge
Objective: Win the upcoming assessment and outperform Gabriel Cruz.
Reward: 5,000 XP
I chuckled softly. "Well, System, you've got a sense of humor."
I glanced over the other quests, noting the steady progress on the Physical Conditioning Challenge and Saitama Workout. Five days down, plenty more to go.
Closing the interface, I leaned back on my bed, staring at the ceiling. Tomorrow wasn't just about scores—it was about proving something. To Darren, to Gabriel, and maybe even to myself.
---