“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
“Today being an introductory class, we will be discussing basic information about Explorers, who they are, why they are important to the Tower and what mindset to have as a candidate.”A middle aged man wearing a dirt brown suit with glasses and a weird moustache, stood at the podium, addressing us.He looked familiar with his slightly large build and chubby cheeks, maybe because I had seen him quite a few times in Dad’s lab.He was one of his fellow Explorer buddies that was more inclined to seeking knowledge than fighting monsters.Anyway, his name was Professor Charles Webber and he completely disappeared after my dad’s death.Just like several others that acted friendly when he was alive and left the moment his death was deemed as suicide.What Leila said was right that Dad’s death had something to do with the Twelve since no-one had the guts to step up to refute the claims of Dad committing suicide.The problem though was which of them did it?If I remembered correctly, most were
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
Darkness yet again… this should be my second time in this state.I feel the same thing… like I’m an extension of it.It’s weird to experience the same thing since last time was so random.This time, it wasn’t like I intended to come here again but I ended up here regardless.But the instructor said something about feeling peaceful.I followed the meditation technique to the letter so why am I here instead?Not a world of beautiful flowers or a world with a clear blue sky… just darkness.Was it a sign of something to come?... I’d rather not think too deeply about it.I should stay calm…there’s no reason why I should feel scared.The darkness might be suffocating, but that’s only because I’m not used to it.If I accept it as an extension, wouldn’t that mean that the discomfort would disappear as well?Take a deep breath… that’s better.Hmm, this meditation thing isn’t so bad after all.Just then, I felt a light tap on my shoulder, dragging me out from the reverie I felt.As I opened my
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
To understand the dilemma I’m currently in, here is a quick rundown of meditation techniques ranks.Platinum, Bronze, Silver and Gold.Platinum is the lowest rank which could substitute for beginners tier while Gold rank is the highest, substitute for expert tier.According to Robert, there are two methods to practicing meditation techniques.The easy route and the hard route.The easy route involves starting from the beginners tier and progressively making your way up the ladder the better you get at meditation.Now this part is considered easy because starting from the basics is the best way to build up a good foundation and then it becomes easier to build a defined structure.Of course, most people that follow this route end up spending the entire 3 year allowed period in the Academy.In case you’re wondering, yeah, each candidate is allowed only 3 years to graduate within the academy.Now I don’t really know what is the criteria for graduation but it’s possible to graduate within
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
How long has it been?...Ugh, I can’t remember anymore. After the sixth ‘try again’, honestly I’m better off practicing on my own. Also, why the hell is he doing this? It’s just a vertical slash?... So why do I have to repeat it like it’s some complex technique. I came to understand how to go about practicing the Festival of Blades technique and then this is happening. Why did Roberts have to do this to me? Couldn’t he have rejected? The fucker just had to drop me off with the captain and even had the audacity to leave while saying, “Have a fun time.” Fun time your head! I should use a vertical slash to open up his head and check what the hell he was thinking leaving me here. Fuck, my wrists are sore. I’m starting to regret taking the initiative. Maybe practicing solo won’t be so bad. “Again!” The Captain’s order came once again. The hell is this? I’m done! Clang The sword makes a dull sound as it fell to the ground. I turned to face the captain with the latter putting