Finally, it was the girls' turn to enter the bathhouse, and they were surprised to see the interior design. If the outside looked ancient, the inside looked like a futuristic oasis, with sleek lines, advanced technology, and a sense of cutting-edge innovation. The air was filled with the sweet scent of soap and the soft hum of heaters, and the sound of gentle chatter and soft laughter filled the air.
As they walked in, they noticed the rooms that contained hot tubs with built-in massage jets, rejuvenation baths with LED lights that pulsed with a soothing glow, and cold showers that seemed to invigorate the senses. There were also spa rooms with advanced equipment that looked like they belonged in a high-end wellness center. Each room had doors notifying which was elite and which was common, but even the common rooms looked like they were designed for luxury.
The girls were directed to a room that had a symbol of a commoner, but the inside looked like a high-tech facility. The room was filled with the warm glow of soft lights, and the sound of gentle water flowed from the hot tubs, which were equipped with advanced water purification systems and temperature control. There were many girls in the hot tub, all chatting casually with colleagues while hurriedly bathing. The water was crystal clear, and the air was filled with the scent of essential oils.
Wren, Ashley, and Kinrara quickly entered the bath, and the warm water enveloped them like a soothing blanket. The experience was unlike anything they had ever felt before. The water jets massaged their muscles, and the advanced filtration system made the water feel silky smooth. They bathed as fast as they could, not daring to anger the prefects outside.
Once they were done, they headed to the changing room, wrapped in towels that felt like plush velvet against their skin. The cool air hit their skin, making them shiver slightly.
"I don't like this outfit," Ashley complained, looking at her folded uniform. The outfit was a sleek black jumpsuit with a silver emblem on the chest, and it felt stiff and uncomfortable against her skin. "It feels so itchy," she added.
Kinara responded, staring at the body-length mirror as she changed into her suit. "Get used to it, Ash. Nothing here goes easy." The jumpsuit fit her perfectly, accentuating her athletic physique. She adjusted the emblem on her chest, which seemed to glow with a soft blue light.
Once Kinara was done, she wore her cap and faced the rest. "Tomorrow, we'll know which department we'll be in," she said. "The departments are divided into several categories, each with its own unique challenges and requirements."
"The Human Poison and Archery department is one of the most demanding," Kinara continued. "In this department, you'll be trained in the art of poison resistance and detoxification, as well as archery and marksmanship. You'll learn how to handle different types of poison, and how to develop your body's resistance to them. You'll also be trained in archery, learning how to use a bow and arrow with precision and accuracy."
"We'll be working with some of the most deadly poisons known to man," Kinara added, her voice calm and matter-of-fact. "Poisons like tetrodotoxin, which can paralyze the muscles and stop the heart. We'll also be working with ricin, which can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea, and even death. And then there's the infamous botulinum toxin, which can cause respiratory failure and paralysis."
Ashley's eyes widened in shock. "Human what?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Kinara's expression remained calm. "Yes, human poison class. We'll be tested to see if we can detoxify different types of poison in our body system. At some point, it'll feel normal for us to drink any type of poison without any drastic effect. But the first try, you may lose consciousness, lose your sight temporarily, go deaf and mute, or become paralyzed, depending on how strong your immune system is."
Wren's eyes were wide with fear, but Kinara's expression remained calm, as if she was discussing something mundane.
"You talk as if it's so casual," Ashley said, her voice laced with skepticism.
"If you had a brother like mine, you'd understand," Kinara replied, her voice even. "He went through the same training, and he's come out stronger because of it."
Ashley looked at Kinrara bewilderedly, wondering who Kinrara's brother was. To be able to survive and thrive in the academy and its cruel rules, he must have ended up becoming successful.
Then she thought of Kinrara, wondering if Kinrara was who she portrayed herself to be. With all the knowledge she knew of the school, it couldn't be that she was dragged or forced, but rather came out of her own will. Did she have an agenda for coming, Ashley inwardly questioned, and then locked eyes with Kinrara, confirming her suspicion. Kinrara was more than who she was.
For a moment, the two girls stared at each other, their eyes locked in a silent understanding. Ashley could sense that Kinrara was hiding something, that there was more to her than met the eye. Kinrara's expression remained calm and composed, but Ashley detected a hint of intensity in her gaze.
Ashley's mind was racing with questions and doubts. Who was Kinrara, really? What was her true purpose for being at the academy? And what secrets was she hiding? Ashley's eyes narrowed slightly as she continued to study Kinrara, trying to read between the lines.
Kinrara's gaze didn't waver, but Ashley could sense a subtle tension in her body language. It was as if Kinrara was waiting for Ashley to make a move, to reveal her true intentions. The air between them seemed to vibrate with unspoken words, unasked questions.
As the moment stretched out, Ashley felt a shiver run down her spine. She knew that she had to be careful around Kinrara, that she couldn't trust her completely. But she also knew that she had to try to understand her, to figure out what made her tick.