The sun had just risen when Linda arrived at school. The air felt cool and tense, filled with quiet excitement. Whispers spread quickly through the halls. A group of officials in military uniforms stood near the gym, their sharp eyes watching everyone. A few black vehicles were parked nearby, making the place feel even more unusual.
When the first paper ended, the principal's voice echoed through the intercom.
"All students are to report immediately to the school gymnasium. Teachers, please guide your students accordingly."
Students glanced at each other, confused. The exam papers were barely out of their hands before they were ushered out of the classrooms. Linda, Sofia, Alex, and Jae Min exchanged looks, picked up their belongings, and joined the stream of students heading to the gym.
Inside, the bleachers filled up fast. At the center stood several men and women in dark uniforms with badges on their jackets. One tall man with a buzz cut and a scar on his cheek stood at the front, his hands clasped behind his back. His calm but sharp gaze swept over the students, making everyone quiet.
The principal stepped forward and spoke into the microphone.
"As you all know, our school has a training center for students with special skills," he began. "Mr. Kwon and a few other teachers were personally selected and trained by the government to prepare students for the military academy.
"Today, we have a rare opportunity. Our college is one of the few selected to present students who have been trained for this purpose. These officers you see here are from a national training initiative under the Defense Force. They're looking for talented young people who may one day serve their country.
"This doesn't mean compulsory enlistment," he added quickly. "They simply wish to observe and, perhaps, invite a few of you to join a prestigious military training academy."
Then, the gym was filled with murmurs. Some students looked excited; others looked nervous.
Then the tall officer stepped forward. His voice was deep and steady.
We'll be conducting a basic strength and skill test," he said. "Only trained students are allowed to participate. We want to see who among you has the instinct and discipline to defend the country in the future. It's not about brute strength, it's about control, speed, and focus."
A large steel container was rolled to the center of the gym. When opened, it revealed a platform covered in protective padding. Instructors walked around it, checking equipment and giving the signal to begin.
Names were called one after another. The matches were fast and intense. Some students were knocked out quickly, while others impressed everyone with their speed and skill. The crowd cheered loudly with each round.
Then came the name, Linda lee from Grade Eleven."
Linda hesitated for a moment, then stood up and walked to the platform. The noise died down. Her opponent was a tall, muscular boy from another class, smirking as he cracked his knuckles. Master Kwon stood at the side, watching her calmly.
Linda took her stance while her eyes remain focused.
Then, the whistle blew.
The boy charged, trying to grab her from the side. Linda moved fast, pivoting, ducking low, and sweeping his legs in one smooth motion. He hit the mat with a heavy thud and groaned.
For a moment, the gym went silent. Then cheers exploded everywhere.
The officer raised an eyebrow. "Interesting," he muttered.
Another student was called up. Linda won again. Then another. And another. Each time, she stayed calm and precise, barely breaking a sweat.
By the fifth opponent, the entire gym was standing, shouting her name. Linda stood at the center, steady and composed.
The officer finally raised his hand. "That's enough," he said. "You, come here."
Linda stepped forward, meeting his eyes without fear.
"Who trained you?" he asked, studying her.
"Master Kwon," Linda replied simply.
The officer nodded slowly. "You're impressive. You could be great in our academy. We'll offer you top training and a full scholarship."
But Linda shook her head. "Thank you, sir, but I have my own goals. I can't abandon them now."
His expression hardened slightly. "Are you sure?"
"I'm sure," she said firmly.
Just then, Sofia's name was called. She took a deep breath, stepped into the ring, and faced her opponent. The crowd grew quiet as the two circled each other. Her opponent, a taller girl with a strong build, made the first move, aiming a quick strike. But Sofia dodged smoothly, her eyes sharp and focused.
She countered with a precise kick to the side, then moved back lightly on her feet. The girl came at her again, but Sofia caught her arm, twisted, and pushed her down to the mat.
The students gasped, then cheered loudly. Sofia straightened up, brushing her hair from her face, calm and confident.
The officer watching gave a small nod of approval. "Not bad," he said quietly.
Then Alex joined next. His moves were smart and unpredictable, almost playful. He used clever footwork and surprise attacks, winning the match with ease.
At the corner, Jae Min stood with his arms crossed, watching quietly. His expression didn't change, only his eyes followed every move closely.
When the tests ended, the officer looked at the small group who had performed the best Linda, Sofia, Alex, and a few others. He was clearly impressed.
"You've shown real skill and discipline," he said. "Those interested will be invited to join our academy. We'll contact your parents soon."
He then turned to the principal.
"These students are rare. Convince them if you can. The academy will always be open to them."
The principal nodded, feeling proud.
After the officers left with the other selected students, the gym slowly emptied. The excitement faded as everyone returned to their classrooms or left for home.
Outside, Linda, Sofia, Alex, and Jae Min gathered under the big oak tree behind the school. The air was warm, and the sky was turning gold with sunset.
"You were amazing, Linda!" Sofia said, grinning. "Five wins in a row? That's crazy!"
Linda smiled. "I think I just got lucky. And you, Alex, I didn't know you could fight like that."
Alex gave a small smile but stayed quiet, his eyes drifting toward Jae Min.
Jae Min leaned against the tree, arms crossed. "You could've joined them, Linda. You were the best one there. Why didn't you?"
Linda's smile faded a little. She looked away, her eyes distant.
"Because my fight isn't with them," she said softly. "I have another destiny to follow."
Her words hung in the air for a moment. Jae Min looked at her quietly, then gave a faint smile.
The four of them began walking away together, their shadows stretching long across the fading sunlight.