When we returned to the camp, we entered the classroom to find it already filled. The moment Andrew and I stepped in, every eye turned toward us. Following by a low murmur spread through the room.
Andrew, as always, remained composed, his expression unreadable. I didn't bother acknowledging the stares either—I had no interest in their silent assessments or in making friends. We had been through too much to care about trivial first impressions. Without hesitation, we made our way toward the front of the room and took seats near the wall. I sat by the edge, leaving an empty chair between myself and my brother.
As we settled in, the classroom door opened again. A girl entered, and immediately, she stood out. There was something sharp about her presence, her posture, her movements, the quiet intelligence in her gaze. She didn't hesitate, didn't even scan the room for options. Instead, she walked straight over and took the seat beside Andrew, as if she had already decided it belonged to her. Her expression remained neutral, uninterested in those around her. If she recognized us, she gave no indication.
I glanced at Andrew, expecting some reaction, but he remained unusually calm. He didn't acknowledge her, didn't even turn his head in her direction. That was unlike him. My brother wasn't easily rattled, but he was always aware of his surroundings. And yet, in that moment, he was acting as if she weren't even there.
The whispers in the room grew louder. Speculation filled the space, but before it could escalate, the door opened once more.
Silence fell.
A man stepped inside, his presence commanding every gaze in the room.
His tall, commanding body was the size of the room's door. His sharp suit highlighted broad shoulders and a strong, lean build that spoke of strength and precision. A scar ran across his cheek, a silent testament to the battles he had fought and survived. His dark hair, combed back, contrasted with his piercing black eyes that seemed to weigh down everything in the room. He moved with the confidence of someone who had seen too much life, and his presence was both dangerous and magnetic.
He raised his hand.
Instantly, the room obeyed.
His steady, clear voice filled the room.
"I will be your instructor for the next two months. And at the end of these two months, we will divide you into teams."
"My name is Yuri," he continued, his tone unwavering. "During this time, you will receive the training and knowledge required to earn the title of elites. Your performance will determine your standing. Your teams will be formed based on skill, capability, and potential. If you are here, it means someone believes you have what it takes. But belief means nothing without proof."
I leaned back slightly, listening.
Yuri continued speaking in a clear and methodical voice.
"Your daily schedule will be divided into phases." Then he was silent for a moment and added.
"In the morning, you will begin with two hours of classroom sessions. These will cover a range of subjects, including history and general medicine, knowledge that may one day save your life or the life of a comrade.
"After that, you will transition into four hours of physical training. This will include endurance runs, strength conditioning, combat drills, and more. Expect it to push you past your limits.
"You will then have an hour for lunch, time to recover and rest before the afternoon sessions begin."
An old woman who seemed to have a lot of experience entered, she just nodded to Yuri, and he nodded back then continued his words.
"Following this, you will enter a mandatory two-hour period where you will have a choice: continue training or focus on academic studies. I will personally oversee the training sessions. " Then he pointed with his hand to the woman. "Those who choose academics will be instructed by Lady Ishinese, she's a Skilled Doctor. and an expert in strategy and warfare."
I noted the structure, the balance between physical and intellectual development. It wasn't just about brute strength. They wanted soldiers who could think.
Yuri didn't stop. His words carried the weight of finality.
"After this, you will have free time. You may train, study, or rest as you see fit. However, by the night, all recruits are required to return to their quarters. You will be permitted to leave the camp only once per week during this initial phase."
His gaze swept over us, lingering for a moment longer before he continued.
"As you progress, things will change. Once teams are formed, this system will adapt. You will receive more specialized training based on your team's strengths and weaknesses. Strategy will become your priority. You will train as a unit, study as a unit, and be tested as a unit. Rivalries will form, and teams will compete against one another to refine their abilities. Every action you take will shape your position in this program."
The weight of his words settled in.
Andrew and I had fought in war. We had bled for the empire. Whatever challenges the others in this room had faced, I doubted many could compare them to what we had endured.
But this—this system intrigued me.
Not just because of the training.
Not just because of the discipline.
But because of the freedom.
A program like this wasn't just about obedience, it was about climbing higher. About mastering strength, intelligence, and strategy to rise above the rest. If handled correctly, it could be the perfect place to study potential allies, and potential threats.
Yuri's final words cut through my thoughts.
"I assume everything is clear."
His tone left no room for argument.
Then Yuri leaves the room, then Ishinese stood in her place and said with a smile, "Now that everything is clear, let's get started." I exhaled slowly, settling deeper into my chair.
For the first time in a long while, I was genuinely curious.
This was not an ordinary military system.
This was a battlefield of its own.