We walked through the corridors of the third floor, where the panoramic view of the campus unfolded before us. The division between the reds and the blues was evident, and the intrinsic hierarchy among the blues themselves piqued my curiosity. Valentina, noticing my intrigued gaze, gently placed her hand on my head, sporting a mischievous smile as she shared her observations about the golden blues. "Those are the children of New Eden's representatives. Their lives are already secured, so better not mess with them," she said, her voice laden with wisdom and a hint of distrust.
Ethan, previously silent, broke the silence to add his own insights. "The White Blues are the real headache. They sit at the top of the council, and that's where the real trouble lies," he warned, casting a sidelong glance as he shared his words of caution.
As our steps echoed through the hallways, the campus view unfolded before our curious eyes. The shades of blue in the blue uniforms stood out, revealing a complex hierarchy among the blues themselves. The elite among them seemed to occupy a high echelon, an inaccessible and enigmatic sphere of influence for a newcomer like me.
My question about the distinctive color of our uniforms came naturally, exposing my lack of knowledge about the academy's details. Gabriela, with her impeccable and authoritative voice, responded firmly and directly. "Red is to conceal the blood, ours and others'," she explained, reinforcing the secretary's warning about the absence of medical care in the institution.
The staff headquarters of the Academy proved to be a bustling complex, where the frenetic pace of preparation for training echoed through the walls. Groups of reds, each identified by their distinct uniform combinations, flowed like well-coordinated units within the busy panorama.
My group, standing out in red and black, marched in harmony with the other color variations dotting the scene. Valentina, imbued with confidence, wielded an imposing staff, indicating her proficiency in close-quarters combat. Gabriela, shimmering with pulsating energy spheres on her belt, exuded a controlled aura. Albert, with his serious expression, carried an imposing spear coiled on his back. Ethan, the team's marksman, brought with him a rifle skillfully attached to his back. Meanwhile, I held the staff that once belonged to my mother, a symbolic connection with her.
Albert led the group to the checkpoint, where he presented his identification card to the responsible guard. We followed the protocol, each of us providing the necessary credentials before entering the headquarters. The interior of the place exhibited remarkable technological sophistication, with giant displays transmitting camera feeds monitoring every corner of the academy. However, my attention didn't linger on these details for long as I continued to follow my group toward our destination.
Albert took on the role of the squad's spokesperson as he approached a man who seemed in charge of coordination. His deep voice resonated in the vicinity as he inquired about the day's objectives. After a brief examination, the person in charge revealed our mission: we would be responsible for combat classes for the E4 class. A file with the schedule blinked before our eyes, indicating the details of what was to come.
"Newbie in the group, huh?" remarked the man behind the counter, his eyes radiating turquoise blue as he sent the files. "You'll be in charge of combat classes for the E4 class. They'll be waiting for you in the inner courtyard."
"Received," replied Albert, with all eyes turning to him.
As we advanced through the inner courtyard, murmurs about our squad echoed around us. Comments about previous newcomers who had supposedly met a tragic end reverberated among the others. However, as Gabriela reached my side, she gently placed her hand on my shoulder, offering comfort in the face of the malicious comments. "Don't worry about what they say, okay?" were her words, accompanied by a warm smile attempting to calm my anxieties.
We headed toward the inner courtyard, where the grandeur of the place unfolded. Upon reaching the designated spot, we encountered a group of sky-blue individuals, all wearing uniforms denoting their position. In the background, I waited alongside Gabriela, Valentina, and Ethan, while Albert assumed the instructor's position.
"Welcome to the Advanced Combat Class of the New Eden School and Academy of Artillery. I am Albert Hayes, your instructor for today," proclaimed Albert with authority, his voice seeking the attention of the sky-blue individuals gathered. However, a small group remained indifferent, engaged in conversations as if the class wasn't of their interest.
Albert continued his instruction, giving them five minutes to prepare. Meanwhile, I observed closely the small group that seemed uninterested. There were four of them, standing out from the rest of the group. They presented a peculiar image, as if sharing a unique connection that set them apart from the others.
They exuded confidence, their sky-blue uniforms adorned with personalized details, suggesting a peculiar history. The group's leader displayed a challenging expression, his blue hair emphasizing his aura of audacity. Beside him, a more reserved figure, but with a penetrating gaze, seemed to analyze every movement around. The other two members, in a more relaxed manner, exchanged laughter, revealing an unwavering camaraderie.
The five minutes passed swiftly, and soon I saw Gabriela walking decisively towards the center of the courtyard. Her holocube activated, displaying the list of student names. As she checked each one, I observed the students grabbing their weapons. Most of them seemed to be around my age, which stirred a peculiar feeling within me.
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As Valentina crouched down to whisper in my ear, a strange laugh emerged amidst the tension. "You were supposed to be a little blue, but here you are in red, ready to either beat or get beaten by a little blue." Her accurate observation brought the reality of the situation to the forefront. I should have been on the other side of the field, but there I was, prepared to face unexpected challenges.
My reverie was interrupted when I heard one of the blues express his disbelief defiantly. "No offense, Mr. Hayes, but how do you expect me to take instructions from someone the same age as me?" The young man with blue hair stared at me, while Ethan, beside me, whispered sibilantly, "Here we go."
Albert, impassive, faced the guy, and I could feel the tension in the air. "Mr. Marco, Mr. Winters is on the squad because he is qualified enough by the Artillery Academy. If you have any complaints, take it up with the secretary," replied Albert, maintaining his authoritative posture. "But I have none; I just want to test these skills for myself. May I?" The cynical tone of the young blue, Marco, reverberated across the courtyard.
The Academy's courtyard pulsated with an atmosphere charged with rivalry and expectations. Marco, a presumptuous blue-haired blue, shot me a challenging look as I prepared to face him in training. His smile, more arrogant than confident, already anticipated a disrespectful stance.
Valentina, by my side, whispered with a cynical expression, "Welcome to the blue world, where every move is a chess game, and every word is a piece." Gabriela, attentive to the growing tensions, stayed focused on her task, while Albert remained unperturbed.
As we headed to the training arena, Marco continued his taunting. "Ready to face a real blue, newbie?" His tone, laden with contempt, echoed across the courtyard.
"I'm here to train, just like you," I replied, keeping calm in the face of his provocations. My goal was to show that determination and skill transcended the label of color.
The training arena featured a futuristic field with holograms simulating various scenarios. Albert's voice echoed through the environment, announcing the start of the duel. Marco wielded a spear, a bold choice for someone whose self-confidence bordered on arrogance.
The initial moves were cautious, with Marco trying to impose his dominant presence. However, he underestimated my abilities. I dodged his attacks with agility, using quick and evasive movements. An opportunity arose, and I countered, temporarily disarming him.
The courtyard erupted in surprised murmurs, but Marco recovered quickly, now sporting a more serious expression. The competition was far from over, and his disrespectful attitude only heightened the challenge.
The duel continued with increasing intensity. Every move was calculated, and our skills were put to the test. My staff, a link to my past, became a versatile tool, allowing me to adapt to Marco's attacks with agility.
As the battle unfolded, Marco launched a bold attack, capitalizing on his speed and dexterity. Even though I dodged most of the blows, one hit my shoulder, causing momentary pain. I maintained my composure, knowing that any sign of weakness could be exploited.
The training continued until, in a calculated move, I managed to disarm Marco of his spear. The courtyard erupted in surprised exclamations, and his expression changed from challenge to acceptance.
The coach declared the end of the duel, and Marco, despite his defeat, shot me a look filled with disdain. The tension in the air was palpable, but the victory was mine, and I had earned the respect necessary to belong to the Academy as a member of the Phantom Squadron.
In the background, Albert and Gabriela exchanged satisfied glances, while Valentina applauded enthusiastically.
The pain gradually surfaced, accompanied by a sense of disorientation. My body reacted to the energy discharge Marco had unleashed, and every muscle seemed to protest against the impact. My vision, initially blurred, began to clear slowly, revealing Ethan's concerned face hovering over me.
Albert, with his deep voice, shouted the word "Covenant" as he extended his hand, invoking some kind of protective shield. Marco, indifferent to the coach's reaction, displayed a victorious smile, as if the goal of harming me had been achieved.
With an effort, I tried to get up, but Ethan gently restrained me. His expression was a mix of relief and indignation. Gabriela, with unwavering authority, admonished Marco for the infraction.
"The duel had already ended, Marco, and the use of abilities wasn't authorized!" her voice echoed across the courtyard, challenging the reckless attitude of the blue. Gabriela's frustration was palpable.
"How was I supposed to know he's so weak he can't take a simple hit?" Marco retorted, adjusting his clothes as if the situation were a mere joke.
Ethan, visibly upset by the lack of fair play, expressed his displeasure. He looked at me with a sad gaze, examining my body for injuries. During the check, he muttered with contained anger, "I hate them, all of them."
"It's okay, Ethan. Don't let this get to you," I replied with a weak smile, trying to dissipate the building tension. I still felt the impact, but somehow, this situation strengthened my determination to prove my worth.
The courtyard resumed a constant murmur of conversations, while Albert's imposing presence and Gabriela's maintained authority minimized the tension in the air. Marco, despite his dubious victory, seemed unshaken in his arrogance, as if breaking the rules were a mere formality.
Albert, with his serious expression and concerned eyes, approached me. "Are you okay, newbie?" his deep voice sounded low. I nodded affirmatively, and Ethan offered me a hand, helping me up. Albert offered another smile before informing us that the class was about to begin.
Valentina, visibly irritated with the blues, approached me. Her stride on the ground indicated her frustration. I gave her a reassuring smile and a friendly pat on the shoulder. "Don't worry, forgot they're trouble?" I said, trying to lighten the tense atmosphere. "You're right, newbie. Looks like you've learned something, so you should learn more now." The anger in her voice dissipated, and she gestured for me to observe the next scene.
Albert and Gabriela summoned Marco and his group as the first to be trained. Albert set the goal of enduring 10 hits to pass the first class, without showing any emotion. He advanced, not even bothering to pick up his weapon.
Marco, with his mocking air, questioned Albert about the use of the weapon. "Don't need it," Albert replied curtly. Marco armed himself again and advanced toward Albert. Energy flowed from his chest, concentrating in his legs. Intrigued, I watched the scene and asked Ethan about that ability. "That's called Incarnation. Most blues have the Genesis Incarnation, implanted unnaturally by the Academy after initial training. That's why they can use these abilities." The information clarified my curiosity, revealing that this went beyond advanced technology.
Marco accelerated even more towards Albert, who remained immobile. In the inevitable direct confrontation, Marco was thrown backward, visibly injured. I couldn't discern exactly what had happened; the swiftness of the clash was impressive.
The scene elicited a mix of reactions from the audience. Marco's group, once confident, now displayed expressions of disbelief. Gabriela, impassive, ordered the next ones to prepare. Ethan whispered, "Albert is one of the best here. Most blues don't stand a chance against him."
The next group of blues advanced to face Albert, aware of the challenge awaiting them. The class continued, each confrontation revealing nuances of the special abilities the blues possessed. Observing closely, I knew that to stand out in that academy, I would need to surpass not only the expectations but also the enhanced abilities of the blues.