When we returned to the camp, we entered the classroom to find it was already filled, then every eye turned toward us. Following by a low murmur spread through the room. Whispers of our past battles and victories reached my ears, though I tried to block them out.
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.
As we settled in, the classroom door opened again. A girl entered, and immediately, she walked straight over and took the seat beside Andrew, her expression remained neutral, uninterested in those around her.
I glanced at Andrew, expecting some reaction, but he remained unusually calm. That was unlike him. My brother wasn't easily rattled, but he was always aware of his surroundings.
The whispers in the room grew louder but before it could escalate, the door opened once more.
A man stepped inside. Silence fell.
His tall body was the size of the room's door. His sharp suit highlighted broad shoulders with a lean build. A scar ran across his cheek, a silent testament to the battles he had fought and survived. His dark hair combed back, piercing black eyes that seemed to weigh down everything in the room.
Yuri stood in front of us, his steady, clear voice filled the room. "I'll be your instructor for the next two months. After that, we'll divide you into teams. But know this... Your performance here will decide your place. If you're here, it means someone believes you have potential, but belief means nothing without proof."
He paused, letting the words sink in before continuing, "Every day will be divided into phases. In the mornings, you'll spend two hours in the classroom, covering subjects like history and medicine. It may not seem important now, but that knowledge could save your life or the life of a comrade."
Yuri's voice never wavered as he moved on, "Then, four hours of physical training. Expect to be pushed beyond your limits. Endurance runs, strength conditioning, and combat drills. It's going to be brutal, but it's necessary. You'll need every ounce of strength, mentally and physically."
An old woman who seemed to have a lot of experience entered, she just nodded to Yuri, and he nodded back, then added, "After lunch, you'll have a choice. Two hours. You can keep training, or you can focus on academics with Lady Ishinese here." He motioned to the woman who just entered. "She's an expert in strategy and warfare. If you choose academics, she'll be your guide."
I could feel the shift in the air as he laid out the rest. "After that, you'll have free time. You can study, train, or rest, but be back in your quarters by night. You'll only leave the camp once a week during the first phase. And remember, your actions will shape your position here. Once teams are formed, the training will change. But we will talk about this later."
Yuri started moving around the room while talking. "And know this—failure is not an option. The road ahead won't be easy, but if you have what it takes, you will earn your place. Prove yourselves."
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 and 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.