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Chapter 6 - Paths Of Anticipation

As the students listened, the air crackled with anticipation for the names to be called. Some shifted nervously, others stood tall, eager to learn their Military School fate.

Upon hearing their names announced, the students moved to their respective homeroom teachers in the training grounds. The teachers, exuding authority, stood prepared to welcome the new recruits to their classes.

General Sebas announced, in his commanding tone, that General Kyra, a veteran warrior famed for her elemental control and tactical genius, would head Class One. Students assigned to her class will learn the art of strategic combat and precision in battle."

A group of students moved towards General Kyra, drawn by the promise of honing their skills under her expert guidance. She nodded approvingly as they gathered around her, a flicker of pride in her eyes as she assessed the potential before her.

"Class Two will be under the tutelage of General Marcus, a master of telekinesis and telepathy. His class will focus on mental discipline and psychic abilities, honing the students' minds and their bodies for combat," General Sebas announced.

The students assigned to Class Two exchanged excited glances, eager to delve into the mysteries of the mind under General Marcus's guidance. They joined him with a sense of anticipation, ready to unlock the full potential of their psychic talents.

"General Liara, a skilled healer with restoration magic will lead class Three. Students in he r class will learn the art of healing and support, mastering the delicate balance between offense and defense," General Sebas continued.

A group of students gravitated towards General Liara, drawn by the promise of enhancing their restoration abilities and support, and they assembled before her with a sense of reverence, recognizing the importance of their role in bolstering their allies on the battlefield.

The assignments continued, and suddenly Cid's name was called out General Sebas locked eyes with Cid, a knowing glint in his gaze as he declared, "Cid, you will join Class Seven under the mentorship of General Oscar."

Cid's mind swirled with a mix of emotions at the mention of General Oscar, was a legendary figure known for his strength on the battlefield in the last war against the Xelthrans. Cid felt a mix of excitement and intimidation at the thought of being taught by such a respected leader, anticipating a difficult but rewarding experience.

Taking a deep breath, Cid approached General Oscar, ready to begin this new chapter.

Upon arrival at school, each student received a futuristic-looking, transparent, sleek bracelet. The bracelet displayed the time and date against a dynamic ocean and clouds backdrop that changed with the weather. The teachers explained to the students that the bracelet was essential and they would always need it at school. Cid stated that he had the ability to communicate with animals when questioned about his skills, which the watch also displayed.

In addition to its timekeeping function, the watch also functioned as currency, holding 20 credits that replenished every 24 hours, allowing students to purchase items like weapons and food on campus. Homeroom teachers gave the students their bracelets and then took them on a tour of the school to familiarize themselves with its layout. Once the tour was over, the homeroom teachers assigned them to dorm rooms, which were shown by their bracelets. Cid, in room 4B of the prestigious school, prepared to begin his new journey. 

As Cid settled into his dorm room, he couldn't shake off the mix of nerves and excitement bubbling within him. Two beds, a small desk by the window, and a wardrobe furnished the simple but comfortable room.

The first day at the Military School had been a whirlwind of introductions and information overload. Cid's mind raced with thoughts of the challenges that lay ahead and the mysteries waiting to be unraveled under General Oscar's mentorship. Renowned for his high expectations, General Oscar, the legendary leader, relentlessly pushed students to their peak performance in all aspects of their training.

The school grounds grew dark, and Cid felt the effects of a long day. One thing during the day made him curious: it was the opponent he met during the individual sparring test. he approached his bed, placed his sword by his side and as he drifted off to sleep; he recalled the fight with the girl's name Ruby.

For safety reasons, the organizers gave Cid a fake sword for the fight, and they prohibited all students from using armor or actual weapons to showcase their individual skills and abilities. The fight ended only when a fighter was knocked out, surrendered, or fled the ring.

The bell's echo announced the duel's commencement between Ruby and Cid. As they faced each other in the center of the arena, the tension crackled in the air like lightning. Ruby's fiery determination contrasted with Cid's calm focus as they circled each other, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

Ruby lunged forward with a burst of flames, aiming to catch Cid off guard. With swift reflexes, Cid sidestepped the attack, his movements fluid and precise. "Is that all you've got, Ruby?" he taunted, a smirk playing on his lips.

Undeterred, Ruby unleashed another wave of fire, its intense heat radiating through the arena. Cid danced nimbly around the flames, his agility unmatched. "You'll have to do better than that," he called out, his voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through his veins.

As the dance of combat continued, Ruby's attacks grew more intense, each flame hotter and more ferocious than the last. Cid met her onslaught with grace and skill, his sword slicing through the air with lethal precision. The clash of their weapons sent sparks flying in all directions, illuminating the arena with a flickering light.

With a sudden burst of speed, Cid closed the distance between them in a blur of motion. His blade flashed in the dim light as he launched a series of rapid strikes at Ruby, testing her defenses. With determination, she deflected every strike, her sword flashing in the firelight.

Swords clashed, a metallic symphony; each strike a battle cry. The audience held their breath as the combatants pushed themselves to their limits, locked in a deadly dance of skill and strategy.

Ruby's gaze never wavered as she countered Cid's attacks with calculated precision. "You're good, but not good enough," she retorted, her voice filled with confidence despite the sweat glistening on her brow.

Cid grinned in response, his eyes alight with a competitive spirit. "I'm just getting started," he replied cryptically, his movements becoming even swifter and more unpredictable.

The intensity of their duel reached its peak as Ruby summoned a blazing inferno around her, flames licking at the edges of her sword. Cid's focus sharpened as he prepared for her last assault.

As Ruby lunged forward with all her might, Cid met her head-on with unwavering resolve. The arena reverberated with the deafening sound of their clashing blades, a symphony of combat that reached far into the night.

A fierce clash of swords ensued; neither opponent would give ground. Their faces were beaded with sweat as they unleashed every bit of strength in their attacks and defenses.

Bursting with unexpected energy, Cid broke free from Ruby, striking her with such force that she stumbled backward, losing the match. Victorious in the arena's center, Cid's chest heaved as the crowd erupted in cheers.

Composing herself, Ruby offered Cid a wry smile. Despite her loss, she conceded, "Not bad," her eyes gleaming with admiration.

Offering a hand, Cid respectfully helped her up. "You put up a good fight," he acknowledged warmly.

For a brief moment, Ruby and Cid forgot their rivalry, sharing a respectful nod before separating, watched by amazed friends and foes. Cid had never crossed swords with anyone before, and he was filled with excitement. However, what worried him was a message that popped up on the system during their fight: "Defeat the strong opponent before you." After Cid emerged victorious, he couldn't shake off the feeling that Ruby had gone easy on him.

The next morning brought a sudden awakening for Cid, who reached for his sword as he got out of bed. The air was filled with a curious odor. His heightened vampire senses immediately picked up another presence in the room. A determined young man with spiky white hair and dark skin emerged from the bathroom, his intense gaze fixed as the other man looked around. Clad in dark tactical gear, he seemed strong and stealthy. Interlaced straps and armor-like details implied a battle-ready state. His arms were decorated with various accessories, such as a wristband and chain, giving him a unique style.

Noticing Cid, the man confidently strode over, hand outstretched. "Hey, I'm Cayden." We're roommates. I arrived late last night because I had trouble finding the place. "I hope we can be friends," he said, smiling warmly.

Rising to his feet, Cid gave him a firm handshake. "My name is Cid. Nice to meet you."

"Oh, and my ability is water; I believe yours is somehow related to the crow near the window," Cayden commented, nodding toward Nyx, elegantly perched on the windowsill.

Glancing at Nyx, Cid responded, "Oh, that's right! I have the power to communicate with animals. I have the ability to speak with any creature that isn't human. Are you wearing your military outfit? The General was wearing something like that, I saw."

A chuckle escaped Cayden's lips. "Right, it's the uniform of our military." Yours is by the door," he replied, nodding towards the entrance as they bonded over their shared experiences.

Following a short conversation, Cid went to the door to get his military uniform. The uniform was a deep navy blue, embellished with intricate gold trim and adorned with various insignias denoting his rank and affiliation with the elite Military Defense Unit.

Quickly showering and dressing in his uniform, a wave of pride and responsibility washed over him. This was no ordinary attire; it symbolized his dedication to protecting his earth against any threats that loomed on the horizon. The weight of the duty he carried settled on his shoulders, but Cid stood tall, ready to face whatever challenges came his way.

With practiced ease, Cayden adjusted his uniform, the fabric fitting him like a second skin. Together, they looked like a powerful duo, brimming with determination and prepared for whatever the day might bring.

Why don't we grab breakfast at the canteen before homeroom?" Cayden suggested

With a nod, Cid indicated his agreement. "Absolutely." I'm famished."

While walking through the halls of the Military School, Cid was awestruck by its size and grandeur, the white walls and floors contrasting sharply with their navy uniforms. Students of different ages and skill levels gathered, their bracelets sparkling under the artificial lights, a constant reminder of their inner power.

The bustling canteen featured long tables running its length. The aroma of freshly cooked food wafted through the air, enticing the hungry students. Trays in hand, Cid and Cayden joined the line, studying the available choices before them.

What's your opinion of school so far?"Cayden inquired, adding a large serving of scrambled eggs to his plate.

Cid pondered the question briefly. "It's intense, but in a good way. I'm already feeling pushed to my limit, and it's only day one."

Cayden emitted a chuckle. The Military School is tough on everyone; that's just how it is. That's how we rise to the top."

Settling at an empty table with trays full of a hearty breakfast, Cid found his thoughts returning to his duel with Ruby. The mysterious message that had appeared in the system during their fight.

A nagging feeling that the cryptic message was more significant than it seemed persisted in Cid's mind. "Defeat the strong opponent before you."

The words echoed in his mind as he absently picked at his breakfast. Ruby, a powerful opponent whose fire magic seemed weaker than the strong presence she exuded, fought with deliberate restraint, suggesting she wasn't using her full power.

Cayden noticed Cid's pensive expression and raised an eyebrow. "You okay there, buddy? You look like you've got something on your mind."

Cid's reverie ended as he made eye contact with Cayden. I was just reflecting on my duel from yesterday." he said Thinking that he couldn't tell or say anything about the system since he was pretty sure that having a system wasn't something that was normal, he decided to make up something to tell Cayden.

Hesitant, Cid wondered if he ought to confide in Cayden. After a brief hesitation, he resolved to keep his interpretation of the cryptic message private. It's not a big deal, honestly. "I'm reviewing the duel mentally to improve next time," he said with a reassuring smile.

Understanding the drive for self-improvement, Cayden nodded. "I get that! We're all here to push ourselves and become stronger. But hey, enjoy the process too!"

A chuckle escaped Cid's lips as he considered Cayden's point of view. "You're right. I'll try to keep that in mind."

As they finished their breakfast, their bracelets vibrated, signaling that it was time for their first class of the day. "Time for homeroom," he said, gathering his tray and disposing of it.

Cayden did the same, and they walked together to General Oscar's classroom. A sense of anticipation filled the room as Class Seven students settled into their seats.

General Oscar's presence commanded attention as he stood at the head of the room. He looked intensely at each student, assessing them with a calculating gaze. "Training starts now," he announced, his voice booming across the room. You will learn to use your skills to their fullest, overcome your limitations, and become the elite soldiers our world requires to combat the Xeltharans in this class.

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