“Keep running, you maggots. Any one of you stop and that’s three more laps, try me.” Captain Rodgers spoke authoritatively while sitting on a chair, enjoying a beverage.Ugh, what the hell is this?How could he subject us to such labor?... This wasn’t exercise, the bastard was being an asshole by punishing everyone for the mistakes of a few.As I dragged my legs across the track, I felt like dying.I was dehydrated, and worst of all… I was freaking tired!Shit, why didn’t I try to get some sleep last night?Hah, you might be wondering what’s going on right now. Well, to understand, I’d have to backtrack to just after we were ushered into the academy grounds by the captain.It was a pretty cool sight with dormitories set on the East side, separated into the male and female quarters and then the lecture halls as well as training ground, meditation center, clinic, cafeteria and weaponry hall on the West side.What divided both sides being the large track field that spanned several meters

I wasn’t comfortable eating in a crowded table so I looked around for a place to sit.As my search reached a climax, luck shone upon me as I find an empty table… that is if I don’t count the pale girl currently occupying it.Shit, how come she’s here?Wait, it’s lunchtime, stupid… as I tapped my head, she noticed my presence as she looked up and momentarily, our eyes met.Oh no… I instinctively gulped as I recalled the vomit incident.Sure she said it was okay but it’s not like that makes it okay, right?I mean that’s a terrible first impression.Hah, wait, she doesn’t seem disgusted to see me.I said this because her expression was quite normal. But what if that’s her angry face?Shit, now that eye contact has gone on for so long, do I have to say something?Ugh, I really don’t understand how this works.Don’t judge me for not knowing what to do!...it’s really hard to think right now.“Are you looking for a place to sit?” she suddenly asked.Do I respond with a yes or a no?... Would

Two weeks, ( 18 days ), have passed since the first weapon mastery class and I dare say that it would have been a reason to celebrate if I wasn’t currently standing in front of the Academy library or as some weirdos put it, the Hall of knowledge.Yeah, I know… cringe.Anyway, I would be happy to be here since it meant that I was ready to pick out a meditation technique and martial art to practice with.Unfortunately, the circumstances pertaining to how I ended up here… well, how do I put this?... It’s embarrassing.“So are you ready?” Leah asked while standing right next to me.In case you are wondering, yeah, the circumstances have to do with Leah.“Do we really have to do this?”“Of course. That was the bet.”“…”“Come along.” She said while walking up the stairs.I have half a mind to run but I am a man of my word… I can’t run away from my responsibilities.Now that I think back, what the hell was i thinking accepting the bet?Ugh, all because of Roberts, not only do I have to list

I couldn’t understand it. I know it was indeed good to challenge myself but I was worried. Worried about failure. Would I be able to handle it if I failed? But then again, how could I allow the thought of failure stop me from trying? Hadn’t I come to the Academy to challenge myself? To gain the strength required to finish Dad’s goal? Wasn’t that why I left an easygoing life with Leila? So what was the need to hesitate? Sure it wasn’t my plan to go the hard route but did I have a plan to begin with? Of course not! The only thing I knew as I stepped into the academy was that I had to become an Explorer to fulfill Dad’s wish. I don’t know why Leah picked out Gold rank martial arts but it did nothing to slow down my plans. If anything, it kept me on my toes and that was what I needed. Without knowing it, I had become a bit lax. Now was the time to step up. So as I made my way to the Weapon’s hall, I knew what had to be done. It hadn’t been long since Leah and I parted ways

Based on what I understood about the principles regarding meditation, a mental image was required, first and foremost.This image could be moving or stagnant but one needs to be able to focus on that image to truly enter into a meditative state.Of course to get this image, there are those that have it easy.With a simple breath, they could calm their nerves and enter a tranquil state both in body and mind.But with me… it’s a bit difficult.It’s not my fault though… okay, maybe it is.But ever since dad started telling me stories, my imagination was difficult to control.All it would take is a simple word and I would already be trying to figure out what it meant or end up at the very least, making an unnecessary comment.Obviously I didn’t come about this finding of my own Accord, Captain Rodgers was helpful in that regard.Hah, it’s annoying but I have a problem focusing.Sure I could tune out unnecessary sounds and just remain in a world of silence but that won’t work for meditatio