July 6, 2071

1205 CDT

East Olympia, Olympus's Training Camp

Anna Robinson's Point of View

“Sonya, Teresa, meet the newcomer and elegantly fantastic Royal, Anna Robinson of the noble and prestigious Robinson family,” Luke introduces as we sit down.

This wooden picnic table is so uncomfortable! I swear if I get a splinter.

“Howdy,” Teresa says from the opposite direction from me.

Repulsive. She looks to be ten years old and appears to weigh forty-five kilograms. She’s probably what the other cadets call “zombie bait.” How could Olympus send a toothpick like her to battle?

“Hey,” Sonya greets, sitting next to Teresa as if she could care less about me.

This girl is a freak of nature! Unlike Teresa, she looks like she’s ready to kill someone. Her entire physique and demeanor screams, “Don’t fuck with me.” She’s obviously at the top of our class and could effortlessly become a squad leader in the Death Angels if she were a Royal. Teresa is clearly low class, and Luke is probably middle-upper class. I cannot tell just yet.

“Hello,” I say.

“I think you’ll like us. I’m like fifty percent sure,” Luke says with a grin. “Don’t mind Sonya, she always has a mean face,” Luke explains as he sits down next to me.

“I’m smiling on the inside,” Sonya responds with a glare to Luke.

“Someone’s in trouble,” Teresa snickers.

How odd.

“Are you guys in the same squad?” I ask.

“Indeed. You’re looking at 3/8th of the mighty Squad Zeus. Everyone does their own thing during lunch, so I have no idea where the others are,” Teresa discloses in great pride.

Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.

“In case you didn’t notice, we’re kind of the outcasts of this year’s cadets,” Luke shamelessly clarifies.

“Kind of? Be honest with the girl. Just tell her nobody likes us,” Teresa replies in disgust.

“Ok yeah. Nobody really likes us here,” Luke says in disappointment.

“But misery loves company. All of us are saaaaaaad, including you, so let’s be miserable together, amiga,” Teresa says with a smile.

They all seem pretty intelligent, even the weak Teresa. She called me her friend, but the feeling isn’t mutual. These three are very different than everyone else I’ve interacted with today. Hmph! It makes no difference. I am royalty and cannot associate myself with such brazen beings.

“Wait, I take back what I said,” Luke quickly declares. “Nobody likes Teresa and me, but people love Sonya Grey. My best friend and partner in crime has recently earned the nickname “Sonya the Invincible,” Luke informs with pride.

“Luke, you’re right and wrong, my guy. You’re correct that Sonya here is awesome, but people don’t love her. They fear her, big difference. She can kick everyone’s ass here without even breaking a sweat,” Teresa clarifies.

Wow, and no reaction from Sonya. She’s just humbly eating her food. Who is this girl? Is she some kind of martial arts master from cinema? No, no way. She’s something more. More deadly. Martial arts alone won’t cut it in The New World.

“They don’t call her invincible for nothing,” Luke says with a heartwarming smile.

Did Sonya just, blush?

“Don’t drool over her smooth guy,” Teresa says with a smirk.

“I’m not drooling, I’m chewing,” Luke embarrassingly denies as he chews on his sandwich.

“Heads up, Anna!” Teresa calls out.

“An apple?” I ask as I catch the apple she tossed.

“You looked like you were still hungry,” Teresa explains with a shrug.

You are made of glass and require this fruit more than me. Why would you do this?

“I bet Sonya would’ve been a professional martial artist. I would’ve been her coach, of course,” Luke boastfully announces.

Spitting out milk? How gross, Teresa. Milk is vital for your bones. You shouldn’t laugh.

“You’re funny, Luke. As if our Sonya needs a coach. And no offense buddy, but who’d want to be coached by the guy who’s in the bottom ten of hand-to-hand combat? It makes no sense. I’m in the bottom ten Luke. Me. That’s saying something,” Teresa laughs in disapproval.

“She has a point, Luke. We should practice on your strikes later,” Sonya supports with a soft grin.

That was a bit funny but still, do not laugh.

“Anyway, let’s give attention to our guest of honor. Anna, can you tell us what it’s like to be a Royal?” Luke quickly diverts the attention to me like a jerk.

A Royal?

“Well-,” I say.

“Hold that thought. I want to hear this too,” A gruff voice from behind me interrupts.

The person about to sit down beside me is my squad leader, Captain Rico Pero Desafortunado.