The first lesson of the day wasn't about combat techniques, spaceship piloting, or even alien diplomacy—it was about survival. Not survival in the physical sense, but within the brutal social and academic structure of the Academy.
Jihu sat in the massive lecture hall alongside his roommates—Lucian, Kael, and Rael. They were still groggy from their disastrous morning, but all signs of exhaustion vanished when the instructor entered.
Professor Alden Graves was a man who commanded respect simply by existing. His silver-threaded uniform was crisp, his posture unwavering, and his eyes—sharp like a hawk's, scanning the students with an intensity that could break lesser wills.
"Welcome to the Academy," he began, his voice echoing through the hall. "For those of you who thought this was just another elite institution, allow me to correct that misconception immediately."
A large holographic display ignited behind him, revealing the Academy's rank system. The students leaned in, murmuring amongst themselves.
---
**RANKING SYSTEM:**
1. **Bronze** – The lowest tier. Fresh entrants with no achievements or reputation. Minimal privileges. Basic dorms, standard rations, and limited access to facilities.
2. **Silver** – Reserved for students who prove competence. Better dorms, enhanced training simulations, and access to introductory spaceship piloting.
3. **Gold** – The rank where true privileges begin. Personal spacecraft, access to classified missions, and the ability to form elite squads.
4. **Diamond** – Reserved for the exceptional. Special mentorships under top-tier instructors, early access to real-world missions, and diplomatic training.
5. **Mythic** – A realm few reach. These students are the Academy's pride, entrusted with high-stakes interstellar negotiations, prototype weapons, and command-level training.
6. **Legendary** – A rank achieved by only a handful in the Academy's history. Those who reach this status become de facto rulers of the student body, granted autonomy to operate at the highest levels of military and scientific research.
---
Professor Graves let the weight of the information settle before continuing.
"Most of you will never reach Diamond. The vast majority of you will be lucky to even touch Gold." His eyes swept the room. "And for the weak—there's only one outcome. Expulsion."
A cold silence blanketed the hall.
"Unlike your past schools, failure here does not result in repeating a grade. You fail an exam—midterm or final—you are expelled. No second chances."
Some students gasped. Others shifted uncomfortably. Jihu merely exhaled through his nose. *So they really don't babysit anyone here, huh?*
"The Academy has over 80,000 students and 20,000 instructors, all experts in their respective fields. That number is not a result of generosity—it is because we filter out the weak. Our students become the leaders of this galaxy. We will not tolerate incompetence."
A student in the front row hesitantly raised his hand. "Professor, what exactly are the missions we'll be taking?"
Graves smirked—an expression devoid of warmth. "Missions range from simple research assignments to warzone operations. You will be required to engage in combat against alien civilizations, reconstruct colonies on devastated planets, mine hazardous materials from asteroid belts, and solve real-world crises. Every mission contributes to your rank. Those who hesitate, those who complain, and those who seek comfort—fail."
Murmurs spread through the room. This wasn't an academy—it was a battlefield disguised as a school.
Jihu glanced around. Some students looked determined, others pale. A few were already mentally planning their exit strategies. *Smart choice. If you're not built for this, better to leave early.*
Professor Graves clasped his hands behind his back. "There is no safety net here. No parental influence. No bribery. You earn your place through merit and merit alone. Your only advantage is your own strength."
Jihu saw Lucian sitting straight-backed, his jaw set. The Vinteris twins exchanged glances, their usual smirks gone. Even the usually unbothered Jihu felt something stir inside him.
*This is serious.*
"Now," Graves continued, eyes scanning the room. "Tell me—who among you believes they will reach Mythic rank?"
Silence.
Then, a voice—confident, arrogant.
"I will."
Everyone turned. Aeris Valtis, the blue-haired heir of the 4th ruling family, met the professor's gaze with unwavering conviction.
Graves nodded. "Good. Anyone else?"
One by one, hands rose—Selene, Garron, Lucian. The best of the best.
Jihu remained still, watching.
Graves turned to him. "And you, Jihu Kang?"
The room stilled. Even the students who had ignored the conversation before were now paying attention.
Jihu leaned back lazily, arms behind his head. "Eh. I'm just here for the free food."
Laughter erupted. A few students even clapped.
Graves, however, was not amused. "Then you might as well leave now."
Jihu grinned. "Nah, I think I'll stick around. You know, for the entertainment."
Graves stared at him for a long moment before shaking his head. "We shall see. Class dismissed."
As the students left, Jihu felt a sharp jab to his ribs.
"You're insane," Kael whispered, eyes wide. "You just taunted the most terrifying professor on campus."
Rael snickered. "I give it a week before he tries to kill you."
Lucian sighed, rubbing his temples. "You're an anomaly, Jihu."
Jihu stretched, smirking. "Hey, if I'm going to be stuck in a war academy, I might as well enjoy myself."
The four walked out together, the weight of their futures pressing down on them.
But Jihu? He just wanted a snack.
---