By the time Wren and Diana were done browsing the library, it was already lunch time. Wren had received a notification from the academy that due to her successful practical test, she was allowed to enter the cafeteria. She was glad and happy that she would finally taste food after a day of going hungry. She couldn't survive on water alone, although she was doing great on it.
As expected,the cafeteria was a vast and modern space with sleek tables and chairs, designed to accommodate a large number of students.Students were already in line to get their food, which was displayed on long counters with various stations serving different types of cuisine.
The menu for the day included grilled chicken breast with roasted vegetables, pasta with marinara sauce, and a variety of salads and sandwiches.It also had a mix of comfort food and international dishes, with options such as burgers, pasta, salads, and stir-fries for the high ranking ranking students of the academy.
Some stations had live cooking, where chefs expertly prepared meals to order. The aroma of freshly cooked food wafted through the air, making everyone's mouth water.
Wren's eyes widened as she scanned the options, her stomach growling with anticipation. She joined the line and picked up a tray, utensils, and a plate. As she made her way through the line, she opted for the grilled chicken and a side salad.
After grabbing her food, Diana said her byes to Wren as she walked off to her block table. Heading towards block two, Wren saw new faces all from different dormitories in block two. The lunch tables were long and rectangular, made of a sleek, silver material that seemed to reflect the light. Each table had benches attached, with a few tables having chairs instead. The tables were arranged in sections, with each section designated for a specific block or group of students.
Ashley waved at Wren, pointing at an empty seat at her place, and Wren happily walked forward. But as she approached the seat, the red-haired girl slammed her body on the chair. "Oops, look for another seat," Elsa retorted smugly, making Wren roll her eyes at her. She didn't know why Elsa hated her and Ashley, but she didn't actually care. Luckily, there was another empty seat a few tables down, which she sat on. The seat was next to a quiet girl who was reading a book, and Wren was grateful for the peaceful atmosphere. She took a bite of her chicken, savoring the flavors and textures, and began to enjoy her meal.
...
Previously...
As Ashley walked to her new class that morning, she felt a mix of excitement and anticipation. The classroom was unlike any she had seen before - it resembled a large dojo with robots roaming freely and students lined up in blue uniforms at the far end. The teacher, or rather sensei, stood tall on the front stage, exuding an aura that commanded respect and intimidation.
As more students entered, a machine floating in the air counted the number of students, and Ashley took the opportunity to look around the classroom. The room was a unique blend of a dojo and a wrestling arena, with a large screen and various equipment scattered around. The doors, which resembled those of an elevator, closed with a loud thud, and the machine displayed the number "100" on its screen.
"Welcome, students," the sensei's husky voice boomed through the room. "I am your sensei, not teacher, for this class. Today's lesson will be about sparring with your opponents, but before we begin, I want to outline the dos and don'ts of this class." With a flick of his fingers, a large screen appeared in the air, displaying the rules.
"Firstly, in this class, there will be no use of weapons or faulty materials to enhance your stats. It will be natural and raw, relying solely on your strength and instincts to guide you. Anyone caught using weapons will be expelled and handed over to the authorities for proper handling."
The sensei paused, surveying the room before continuing. "Secondly, the student you defeat during sparring will earn you points and stats, depending on their level and ranking. If you defeat an S-ranked student, your rewards will be different from defeating an E-ranked student. However, if you are defeated, you will lose your stats and points, and your ranking will be reset to the beginning."
The students' faces fell, looking aggrieved and devastated by the prospect of losing everything if they were defeated. "That means we can't level up if we lose everything when defeated," one of them whispered.
The sensei's expression remained stern. "But points and stats can be earned from side tasks available through the system. So, while sparring is a crucial part of this class, it's not the only way to progress."
Ashley's face sank, she wasn't a fighter she was just a simple girl who knows how to clean after her siblings messes. But she was also scared of losing since she had never been called a loser. She was a brilliant little girl who won all the competition in her preschool. She was literally worshipped as the brain demi god, and she was not going to let that title slip. "Ashley Coner, step forward." Her body shook hearing her name, with wobbly feet she walked up to the sensei. He then mentioned an unfamiliar name on board, it was a boy who came forward.
:
The boy standing across from Ashley was handsome and towered over her, his tall frame and broad shoulders making him seem even more imposing. His brown eyes were warm and kind, with a hint of mischief that suggested he might be more than just a serious competitor. His dark hair was messy and unkempt, framing his chiseled features and giving him a ruggedly attractive look.
Despite his intimidating size, his eyes sparkled with a friendly glint, putting Ashley at ease and making her wonder if maybe this test wouldn't be so bad after all. His name was paired with hers for the practical test, and Ashley couldn't help but feel a sense of curiosity about this boy who seemed so different from the sensei's stern demeanor..
" This is a practical test, and if you lose or win you gain nothing. " As if reading Ashley's mind the sensei said firmly." But the winner moves one step on the leader board." He pointed at the large screen with everyone's name on it.
On the first list was a name, difficult to mention for Ashley yet beautifully written in elegant cursive script.
Alessandrina Filippa Bianchi.
***
***
The match began, and Ashley's lack of skill was immediately apparent. Mike Miley, her opponent, was a force to be reckoned with, his movements swift and precise. As a D leveler, he was significantly stronger than Ashley, and it showed in the way he effortlessly deflected her attacks. Each time she tried to strike back, Mike's fists connected with her body, sending her stumbling backward. Her nose began to bleed, and she could feel the warmth spreading down her face.
By the time the match finished, Ashley was on the floor, her body battered and bruised. She struggled to get to her feet, her vision blurring as she limped back to her spot. The pain was excruciating, and she could feel the weight of her own broken bones. Her ribs ached with every breath, and her arms throbbed with a dull, pulsing pain.
The minutes ticked by at a glacial pace, the silence in the room oppressive. Ashley's classmates stood frozen, their eyes fixed on the teacher as he lectured on, seemingly oblivious to the carnage around him. Finally, the words "Class is adjourned" brought a welcome relief. "Those of you who are injured, the robot will take you to the clinic." Ashley didn't hesitate, stumbling forward with the other wounded students.
As she followed the robot to the clinic, Ashley couldn't help but wonder how she would survive this class. The thought of facing Mike Miley again, or any of the other students, was daunting. She was grateful to learn that classes would change every three years, and she couldn't wait to be reassigned to a new group. For now, she just wanted to focus on healing and avoiding any more fists thrown at her face.
As she lay in the clinic, Ashley's thoughts turned to Wren, her dorm mate from another group. How was she faring in her own class? Was she too battered and bruised, or had she found a way to thrive in this unforgiving environment? Ashley's curiosity was piqued, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of solidarity with her fellow student. Maybe, just maybe, they could commiserate about their shared struggles and find a way to make it through this brutal academy together.