Tyrin's arrival at the preparatory school was far from conventional. Without a wolf companion, as would be expected of someone from his planet, no one really paid him much attention. Exotic animal companions were not uncommon among the nobles, who could afford rare and impressive beasts. However, one truth held across the universe: a weak person creates a weak creature. The notion that having a different kind of companion was a sign of something special for the commoners was, at best, a naïve illusion.
Still, Tyrin was not someone who blended into the background. Even among the other students, his posture and attitude made him stand out, though he himself seemed unaware of it.
"You have ten minutes to get to your dorms and return here. We will depart on time," said the authoritative, booming voice of the giant supervising the group, his tone echoing through the room.
There was no need to repeat the order. Before he had even finished speaking, the students were already rushing down the corridors. The consequences of being late were well understood by all.
"See you soon, guys. Good luck!" Cassandra said, heading in the opposite direction from Tyrin and Damian.
The two friends stuck together, navigating the mass of bodies squeezing through the narrow hallway.
"Follow me, Damian. I know a shortcut," Tyrin said confidently.
After almost a year in that environment, Tyrin had explored enough to know even the most hidden pathways in the school. The shortcut brought them to the dormitory in three minutes. Naturally, other students who were aware of his "peculiarity" followed them, taking advantage of his precise navigation skills.
Damian huffed, visibly annoyed.
"These parasites only know how to benefit from what you know. They're worthless."
Tyrin shrugged, his voice as calm as always.
"We're all stuck in the same shit, Damian. Flies don't fight over scraps of dung."
Damian laughed, though there was a resigned tone in his response.
"Got it… Sorry."
"Relax. I've got everything I need. Let's head back. Hey, are you guys leaving?" Tyrin called to the others in the dormitory.
Everyone there saw Tyrin as a leader. He didn't give orders or try to take charge, but his ability to solve problems quickly and make precise decisions made him someone they trusted. After nearly a year, following Tyrin had become synonymous with safety and survival.
When the group reached the meeting point, the giant greeted them with a scrutinizing look.
"Well done. You were the first group to arrive. Congratulations. Board the ship and be prepared."
The giant found himself intrigued by that group. When he had been assigned to oversee that quadrant, he had felt disrespected. Looking after "flies," as he called the ordinary students, seemed like a task beneath his abilities. But there was something different about this group. They weren't nobles, alphas, or even possessed essences, yet there was a peculiar strength about them—an incongruity he couldn't quite explain.
The second-largest planet in the known galaxy was so colossal that it took three uninterrupted days of travel to reach the location of the preparatory school. For the students, accustomed to extreme training like starvation, those days were just another test.
"Damn, I'm starving. I'd eat anything," Damian complained, exhausted.
Tyrin remained calm, though he, too, felt the effects of the journey.
"Save your energy, Damian. We're almost there. We don't know what awaits us when we arrive."
Finally, after two more hours, the ship began to decelerate. The metallic sound of landing brought a mixture of relief and tension, quickly broken by the sergeant's shout.
"Out, now!"
As they exited the ship, the students were met with something none of them had been prepared to see: a clear, blue sky, free of pollution, smoke, or snow. It was a surreal sight, though they knew it was merely a projection generated by an illusion machine.
"Welcome to the preparatory school. Consider yourselves privileged. This environment was recreated to mimic our home planet. Now, line up and don't screw around."
The fascination with the sky lingered as the group marched toward a massive castle of impressive proportions. The structure seemed both ancient and modern, like a monument to both the past and the future.
"Students, my name is Professor Santos. Before you stands our school. Here, you will spend, if you're lucky, the next four years." The professor spoke in a calm but firm tone. "You will have the freedom to choose your classes. Choose wisely. You may select up to three courses, and I strongly recommend you have options."
The warning was clear. Many made their choices quickly and left the initial group, which dwindled to only a few in a matter of hours. Tyrin, however, took his time considering his options.
"Well, I've already chosen to be a pilot and a scout. But what should the third option be?"
For most, choosing three courses was imprudent. Excelling in even one was a monumental challenge. But for Tyrin, knowledge was power. The more options, the better. Then he found something that caught his attention.
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"Study of the Art of War."
It was a course with few participants, without any direct practical application, and more of a complement to other courses. But for Tyrin, it was perfect—a space to study strategies and refine his skills without distractions.
After registering his choices, he followed the map generated by the machine to what would be his dormitory. He arrived almost at dusk, finding an old and decrepit structure. The wooden door gave way under his touch.
"Did I make a stupid choice?"
Inside, a heavyset woman with a sour expression looked around with clear dissatisfaction.
"Another year without students. Damn it. I'm going to end up abandoning this place."
Hearing knocks at the door, her expression changed. She quickly composed herself, trying to look professional.
When she opened the door, she found Tyrin, a tall young man but still insignificant compared to the nearly three-meter-tall giant that was Gertrudes.
"Pleasure to meet you. My name is Gertrudes. You must be my new student."
"Yes, ma'am. I'm Tyrin. The map directed me here."
"You can call me Miss. What's your affiliation? You don't look like an Essential, Alpha, or Beta."
— Not at all, Miss. I'm from Helheim 74B, a planet on the outskirts of the Federation.
— The twin planet? I thought all of you were dead.
The surprise in Gertrudes' eyes contrasted with Tyrin's cautious enthusiasm. For him, this was the first time someone seemed to know anything about his origin. For her, he was just another student whose survival seemed uncertain.
As she reflected, a noise brought her back to reality. Another student appeared to be arriving.
— How lucky. Looks like this year will be more interesting than I expected. I hope they're better than the boy.
After a day of exploring, Tyrin already knew every corner of the facility he was in. He had a habit of mapping out his surroundings, which helped him feel more comfortable. However, to his surprise, the place had no hidden entrances or sealed doors, as he had expected. Everything was open and accessible—except for Gertrudes' room. And, naturally, Tyrin couldn't resist inspecting that door as well, though he hadn't yet tried to force it.
Another thing he discovered was that, apparently, he was the only student enrolled in that course. Except, of course, for a red-haired girl with a serious demeanor who chose to sleep elsewhere. When Tyrin asked why she didn't use the common dormitories, he was told that her noble caste was too high to mix with the others.
Despite these peculiarities, Tyrin was excited. Classes were about to begin, and he was eager to learn more.
In the first class, Gertrudes adopted a direct tone but gave Tyrin an unusual degree of freedom.
— Tyrin, I like to let my students choose what they want to learn. So, what would you like to know? — she asked, crossing her arms as she looked at him.
— Professor, if possible, I'd like to know about the Primordial and the first Astra.
Gertrudes raised an eyebrow, seemingly intrigued by his choice.
— Hmm, interesting. There are some things about that I'm forbidden to talk about, but they're few. Sit down, and we'll begin.
The classroom was modest, almost neglected. It didn't seem to be cleaned regularly, but the absence of other people gave Tyrin the chance to focus entirely on what was being said.
— Excuse me, Professor. Have you already started? — a feminine voice interrupted from the doorway.
Tyrin turned around and saw the red-haired girl he had noticed earlier. Her attitude surprised him: she entered without introducing herself, something that, to him, was unusual and even dangerous. On his planet, he had seen people die for less. To his surprise, Gertrudes simply smiled.
— Luci Lizzard. I didn't think you'd attend class. Looks like I'll have all my students together.
— Apologies, Professor. My other class was canceled, so I decided to take advantage of your knowledge.
— Feel free, dear. We were just beginning. I'm recounting a distant past for my student. Would you like to join us?
The interaction between Gertrudes and Luci left Tyrin intrigued. Despite the immense physical difference—Gertrudes was a giant compared to the slender Luci—there seemed to be mutual respect between them.
— Professor, feel free to answer this gentleman... — Luci began, turning to Tyrin.
— Tyrin. Just Tyrin, please.
— Tyrin... I don't recall any noble house with that name. Which lineage are you from?
Before Tyrin could respond, Gertrudes intervened.
— He doesn't have a house, Miss. It's something simpler.
— Yes, I'm just a simple man, — Tyrin confirmed.
— I see, — Luci replied, quickly losing interest. — I'll sit back here and read. When you're ready to answer me, I'll be available.
Tyrin found Luci intriguing. She was, without a doubt, the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, but her cold and distant demeanor left him unsettled.
— Well then, where was I... Oh, yes, I remember now, — Gertrudes resumed.
The story Gertrudes told was fascinating, at least for Tyrin. She spoke of an ancient time when humanity considered itself the center of the universe. Humans were arrogant, lazy, and blind to their own weaknesses. They had nearly gone extinct countless times but always persisted, guided by visionary leaders.
— We were weak, lacking willpower, and corrupted by desires, — Gertrudes said, her tone almost accusatory. — I don't even know how we were lucky enough to become what we are today. Actually, I do. The Emperor was the solution.
The hours flew by as Gertrudes detailed the victories and insurrections that shaped humanity. For Luci, however, the narrative was monotonous.
— Professor, forgive me, but this is obvious. Details that even a child in my kingdom would know.
Gertrudes ignored the interruption with a smile. What Luci didn't know was that, for Tyrin, everything was new. Every piece of history was a revelation, and he absorbed every word with rapt attention.
At the end of the class, Gertrudes looked directly at Tyrin.
— Tyrin, that's all for today. I noticed you didn't write anything down. Be aware that I'll expect you to remember every detail.
— No problem. I have a good memory.
— Fine. You can go.
Although curious about what Luci wanted to know, the clear tone of Gertrudes' dismissal made it evident that the invitation to leave wasn't negotiable.
Two days later, the moment Tyrin had been waiting for arrived: the pilot course. When he got to the location, he was met by a loud, no-nonsense instructor.
— Do you think you deserve to be pilots? Go to hell! I only have 300 seats, and we have more than 5,000 candidates. I'll give you a test, and only the best will make it. Now stay out here and prepare yourselves!
Tyrin arrived just in time to hear the announcement and decided to wait. A few minutes later, the instructor and some assistants began handing out test papers to the crowd.
— Alright, you sons of bitches. Open this crap and answer as many questions as you can. Don't worry; I only put in easy ones. HAHAHAHAHA!
The tension was palpable as the students began opening their tests. Tyrin, curious, did the same. When he saw the questions, he was shocked by the content. The test was far more challenging than he had ever imagined.