The vast auditorium of Grimstone Academy shimmered like a polished gem, its vaulted ceiling lined with a constellation of soft blue lights. It was the first true assembly since the entrance trial — the mysterious test from which every student had recently awakened, blinking in confusion before slowly realizing that their shared ordeal had been part of their official evaluation.
Now, standing shoulder to shoulder among hundreds of others, Kai, Selena, Oliver, and Valerie gazed up at the hovering light display above the stage — a shifting projection of five interlocking emblems, each one glowing in a distinct hue.
Grimstone Academy Divisions:
Combat Mechanics
Energy Systems
Strategic Engineering
Field Operations
Apex Development Labs
"Feels like we're standing inside a starship," Oliver muttered, squinting at the floating emblems. The air shimmered faintly, charged with static — a side effect of the energy grid humming below the floor panels.
"Or a courtroom," Selena replied, her arms crossed. "You can almost taste the judgment in the air."
Valerie snorted. "That's because we are being judged. This is where they decide who gets into which division. And I don't think arguing our way out will help."
Kai, standing a step behind, tilted his head, observing the crowd. For the first time, they were surrounded by everyone — hundreds of other first-years, all whispering in different tones, some anxious, some excited. Faces they hadn't seen during the test. Potential allies. Potential rivals.
Above them, the academy seal glowed to life. A voice, aged and firm, resonated through the hall.
"Welcome, initiates of Grimstone Academy," the announcer intoned. "You have each been evaluated through the Trial of Core Potential — your reactions, your ethics, your adaptability. What you faced was not chance, but simulation. Your responses have been recorded, analyzed, and graded."
A ripple went through the hall. Some students gasped. Others looked down, realizing for the first time that their choices in the test — who they trusted, who they saved, who they sacrificed — had been measured.
"Simulation?" Oliver whispered. "So all that chaos was a… performance review?"
Kai gave a wry smile. "Looks like it. And I didn't even get paid for it."
A chuckle rippled around him — students were starting to loosen up.
The lights dimmed, and five beams shot upward, forming human figures — the Division Heads. Their holograms stood larger-than-life.
Combat Mechanics Division — Professor Ryker Dane
A tall, scarred man in a black coat appeared first. His voice boomed like grinding metal.
"Combat Mechanics is for those who master the battlefield through precision and adaptation. We craft, refine, and control the mechanical extensions of strength — from exosuits to reactive weaponry. You want to stand in the front lines? This is your forge."
Oliver leaned forward, eyes bright. "That's the one. Material science, adaptive frames — it's perfect."
Valerie nodded slightly. "You'd fit right in. You practically see metal in slow motion."
Energy Systems Division — Professor Liana Cortez
The next beam shimmered, forming a woman in sleek crimson attire. Her voice was smooth, electric, tinged with humor.
"Energy Systems is where power begins and balance is maintained. We engineer conduits, generators, fusion channels, and Cultech interfaces. If you can feel the hum of a reactor, if you dream in wavelengths — join us. We give the heart to every machine."
Selena's eyes gleamed. "Oh, I like her. Finally, someone who talks my language."
Kai smirked. "You mean 'overcharge and pray nothing explodes'?"
Selena elbowed him. "That's called experimentation."
Strategic Engineering Division — Professor Niles Renard
A scholar with half-silver hair and thin spectacles materialized next. His eyes were sharp, calculating.
"We are the architects of purpose. Strategic Engineering defines function, harmony, and design flow — the 'why' behind every component. You will learn to shape chaos into clarity. Build with reason. Innovate with precision."
Valerie exhaled softly. "Sounds artistic. And philosophical. I could actually like this."
Oliver teased, "You? Sitting still, thinking about harmony?"
Valerie smirked. "I'll harmonize you with the floor."
Field Operations Division — Commander Armin Holt
A broad-shouldered officer with a half-cybernetic arm projected next.
"You've learned theory. Now test it in the field. Field Operations is about application — real missions, tactical deployment, logistics. The suit's nothing if you can't survive the pressure."
Kai tilted his head. "That's the practical backbone. Logistics, adaptability. I respect it."
Selena shrugged. "Too much running for me."
Apex Development Labs — Dr. Victor Zhao
The final figure appeared last — an elderly man with white-streaked hair, wearing an immaculate lab coat and monocle, a cane resting lightly at his side. His voice carried a measured calm — not loud, but sharp, each word cutting through the hall.
"Apex Development Labs stands above and around all divisions. We do not focus on a single branch — we weave them. We refine the apex — the synthesis of systems. Innovation, integration, elevation. Our creed is chaos refined into genius."
Kai blinked. "That's... different."
Dr. Zhao's holographic gaze seemed to pass right through him.
For a moment, Kai felt like the man could see him — every impulse, every reckless spark.
Selena whispered, "He looks ancient."
Oliver smirked. "And terrifying."
Valerie whispered, "So, Kai... your future boss?"
Kai exhaled. "Apparently."
The hall fell silent again as the voice returned.
"You will each be assigned to a division based on your aptitude from the Trial, but cross-collaboration is encouraged. However—"
A sudden pause.
"—Certain teams may appeal for Cooperative Design Banners, allowing multiple divisions to merge resources. These banners are rare, granted only to teams demonstrating cohesion across multiple disciplines."
A murmur rippled through the crowd.
Oliver turned. "That's it — that's how we work together. We each join our best-fit divisions, then form a banner."
Selena nodded. "Makes sense. But they'll want proof of collaboration. Meaning... no freeloading."
Valerie smirked. "Good thing Kai doesn't know how to rest."
Kai lifted a brow. "You say that like it's a flaw."
Soon, tablets projected from the floor, one for each student. Their division assessments blinked on-screen.
Kai glanced at his:
Division Recommendation: Apex Development Labs (99% suitability)
Secondary: Field Operations (70%)
Selena peeked at hers:
Energy Systems (95%), Strategic Engineering (73%)
Oliver pumped a fist — Combat Mechanics (92%).
Valerie exhaled — Strategic Engineering (94%).
They looked at one another. "Guess we're splitting up," Selena said softly.
"Not splitting," Kai corrected. "Branching."
From across the room, laughter echoed. Another group was celebrating. One team shouted, "Combat Division, all four! Let's go!" while another looked crushed, muttering about reassignment.
The moment felt real. The crowd's emotion — envy, joy, anxiety — filled the air.
As the ceremony closed, Dr. Zhao's hologram flickered again.
He raised his cane slightly, eyes scanning the hall.
"A final note," he said. "Division defines focus, not limit. The academy is not a cage. If you have the capacity to reach beyond your station, do so — or you'll remain ordinary."
His words hung heavy.
Kai smiled faintly. "Challenge accepted."
Later — Outside the Auditorium
Students poured into the sunlight, the white walkways of the academy stretching like veins across the hillside campus. Clusters formed — people comparing results, exchanging contacts.
Oliver stretched. "Feels weird, doesn't it? Knowing that the test was a lie, and now this is real?"
Selena shrugged. "Real is relative. But at least now we know where we stand."
Valerie glanced around. "We should start scouting potential banners. If we can merge divisions, we'll need at least one strong Field Ops or Energy reinforcement."
Kai nodded. "Agreed. But first, let's meet the division heads in person."
As they approached the registration wing, Dr. Zhao was there — in person this time. Not a projection. His white coat fluttered faintly in the breeze. He was speaking to an aide, tapping his cane rhythmically.
When Kai stepped closer, Zhao's sharp gaze met his.
"Kai Rendar," Zhao said calmly. "Interesting metrics. Highly adaptive. Reckless. Noncompliant."
Kai stiffened slightly. "...Thank you?"
Zhao's lips twitched. "Not a compliment. But useful traits, when tempered. Report to Apex Labs tomorrow at dawn. Bring your mind — not your ego."
Selena suppressed a grin. Valerie nearly snorted.
Oliver whispered, "I think he likes you."
Kai sighed. "That makes one of us."
The sun dipped toward the horizon, casting warm light across the courtyard. Around them, new friendships were forming — voices rising, laughter echoing. Students shook hands, argued, debated.
For the first time since arriving, the academy didn't feel like a mystery. It felt alive.
And somewhere deep inside, Kai felt the pull of excitement — the sense that something much greater was beginning.
Five divisions. One academy. A thousand possibilities.
And the first real step… toward becoming Apex.