Helena woke to the sharp sound of an alarm echoing through the corridors. The fluorescent light flickered above, making the room feel even colder and more impersonal. She sat up in bed, noticing Tessa struggling unsuccessfully to fight off sleep.
"Is this normal around here?" Helena asked, rubbing her eyes.
"If it is, I'm considering going back to the Sixth Caste," Tessa muttered, throwing a pillow toward the light.
Helena smirked slightly but didn't have time to respond before a knock sounded at the door. A tall young woman with short black hair and a resolute gaze stepped into the room, carrying a small backpack.
"I guess I'm your new roommate. I'm Alina, from the Fourth Caste," she announced, placing her bag on one of the empty beds.
Tessa looked at her curiously.
"Is this how they decide things here? No warning?"
Alina shrugged, sitting down.
"Probably. This place seems to thrive on surprises."
Helena observed Alina closely. There was something about her posture that suggested confidence, but also a subtle touch of unease.
"Well, I hope you enjoy sharing a room with two girls from the Fifth and Sixth Castes," Helena said sarcastically.
"As long as no one snores, we'll be fine," Alina replied with an ironic smile.
The three of them laughed, easing some of the tension.
At that moment, the alarm blared briefly again. The day before, they had been told what it meant: breakfast was available for one hour in the cafeteria. The trio began getting ready for the day. Helena opened the small metal locker next to her bed, where a simple uniform awaited: gray pants and a shirt made from a durable but uncomfortable fabric. As they dressed, the conversation remained light, though the nervousness was palpable.
"This place gives me chills. Feels like we're being watched all the time," Tessa commented, zipping up her jacket.
"We probably are," Alina replied, adjusting her short hair in the small mirror attached to the wall.
Helena finished dressing and looked at the others.
"Let's go. I don't think it's a good idea to be late on the first day."
The dormitory corridor was narrow, lit by harsh white light. The walls were uniformly gray, with no features to break the monotony. As they walked, the sound of footsteps echoed, mingling with the murmur of voices in the distance.
After a few minutes, they reached the training center's cafeteria. The space was large and utilitarian, with rows of metal tables glinting under the artificial light. The air was filled with the smell of coffee, fresh bread, and something Helena couldn't identify. Candidates from all castes moved through the room, forming small groups or keeping to themselves, each one carrying a mix of anxiety and anticipation.
Helena, Tessa, and Alina grabbed their trays and sat at a table near the wall. While nibbling on a piece of bread, Helena scanned the other candidates. Many were speaking in hushed tones, though some seemed to deliberately avoid interaction.
"There, that boy from the Fourth Caste. Marcus, right?" Tessa whispered, leaning toward Helena.
Helena followed Tessa's gaze to a young man with dark skin and curly hair, chatting animatedly with a group. He seemed comfortable, as if he already knew most of the people there.
"He looks popular," Alina commented, sipping her coffee.
"Or he just wants us to think so," Helena countered. "People like that are usually good at hiding their true intentions."
As if he had heard their conversation, Marcus turned and smiled at them, raising his mug in a friendly gesture. Tessa blushed slightly, but Helena kept her expression neutral. Before she could say anything, he stood up and walked over to their table.
"You seem new to the game of social analysis," Marcus said, setting his tray down uninvited. "I'm Marcus, Fourth Caste. And you are...?"
"Helena, Fifth Caste. This is Tessa, Sixth Caste, and Alina, also Fourth Caste," Helena replied, her tone more of a challenge than an introduction.
"Interesting. Seems like the Process is more diverse this year," Marcus remarked with a disarming smile. "What do you think of the center so far?"
"Functional," Alina replied curtly.
"A polite way of saying awful," Tessa added, drawing a laugh from Marcus.
"You'll get used to it. Or at least, that's what they tell us," he said, leaning slightly forward. "Just a warning: not everyone here is friendly. And some aren't what they seem."
Helena narrowed her eyes.
"Are you warning us or testing us?"
"Maybe both. But I think you have potential. Let's see how you do in the trials, shall we?"
Marcus stood, grabbed his tray, and returned to his table, leaving the three in silence for a moment.
"He's charming in an annoying way," Tessa said, crossing her arms.
"And dangerous if underestimated," Helena added. "We should keep an eye on him."
----
After breakfast, the candidates were gathered in the training center's auditorium, a cavernous room with tiered seating and a raised stage. In the center of the stage stood a tall man with gray hair and a pristine uniform. Beside him were two women: one with a stern expression and the other observing the candidates with curiosity.
"Welcome to the Training Center," the man began, his voice echoing off the stone walls. "I am Director August, and these are Evaluators Clara and Nadine. Over the next two months, you will be tested in ways you never imagined. The Process is not just a selection; it's a challenge that separates the worthy from the weak."
Helena felt a pang of discomfort at his words but kept her face expressionless.
"Every day, you will face trials of endurance, intelligence, and adaptability. But remember: this is not merely a competition. It's an opportunity to show what you're made of. Only the best will advance."
Clara, the stern evaluator, stepped forward.
"The rules are simple. Follow instructions, respect schedules, and do not question the evaluators. Disobedience will have consequences."
Nadine smiled slightly and added,
"But remember, each of you has something unique to offer. Show us who you are."
The speech concluded with the candidates being divided into groups by caste. Helena, Tessa, and Alina were assigned to Group Delta, which included Marcus and other candidates from various castes. The rest of the day was spent on guided tours of the center, including the library, training areas, and laboratories.
----
At dinner, the cafeteria was noisier than in the morning. Helena found herself at the same table as always, but now with Marcus as a permanent companion. He seemed to be integrating easily, while Tessa and Alina remained more reserved.
"So, any guesses about the first trial?" Marcus asked, chewing on a piece of meat.
"Something physical, maybe. They want to wear us down from the start," Helena replied.
"Agreed. But I bet there'll be something psychological too. They like testing all our limits," Marcus said, nodding toward the evaluators dining at a separate table.
"You seem to know a lot about the Process," Alina remarked, her tone bordering on challenging.
Marcus smiled but didn't reply immediately.
"Let's just say I did my homework. And you should too."
Helena changed the subject, ignoring him.
"What about you, Tessa? Any guesses?"
Tessa shook her head.
"I just hope it doesn't involve heights. I'm not a fan of falling."
The conversation continued, but Helena was more focused on observing the other candidates. Most seemed nervous, though some masked it with animated chatter or laughter. Others, like her, stayed alert.
When dinner ended, the candidates returned to their dormitories. The digital panel in Helena's room displayed a simple message:
"Prepare yourselves. The first trial begins tomorrow."
Helena glanced at the others, who seemed to be reading the same message on their own panels.
"I guess our real journey starts now," Alina said with a tense smile.
"And there's no turning back," Helena added, her expression resolute.
Tessa sighed, throwing herself onto the bed.
"May the gods be with us."
Helena didn't reply, but her mind was already working. She knew the Process would be merciless, and that trusting the right people would be crucial.