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Part Twenty-Six

Before he knew it, he was standing in the middle of a gymnasium. It was filled with students who were all freshman.

Up on the stage were five students, three of them had blue badges the other two had orange badges on their collar. Those badges were not the first thing you would notice about them. Instead, it was the bright golden badge that signified they were student council members.

A young woman with blonde hair and blue eyes stood at the podium as she adjusted the microphone.

Knocking on the microphone a few times to make sure it was working fine, she fixed her posture a bit.

“Hello, my name is Alicia Hill. I’m the president of the student council, and I would like to say…

Welcome and congratulations to each and every one of you. You’ve shown that you are one of the many elites we have on campus and we would like to encourage you all to continue working hard. Your campus life may have just begun, but just like us, it will come to an end before you know it.

All of us standing on this stage were in the same spots as you. I think I speak for us all when I say that standing there listening to us is boring, but in a few years you’ll look back and realize it still was. I’m not going to lie to you and tell you; you’ll learn something from listening to us. We are not here to teach you anything; we are just here to inform you of what the objective is for your class this year.

Unlike the previous years, we have implemented new ideas. One of them is a camp. You and your classmates will be sent to Mt. Hessian and live there for two weeks. None of the professors will be around to support you; you’ll have to fend for yourselves during that time.

With you guys, we want to take a different approach and improve your abilities not only through long lectures but actual experience. Our goal, your objective is to be combat ready by the time you all graduate.

The world is not as calm as it use to be.

Every year our academy’s ranking goes down, but the question is why? Are we not as good as the others? Do we not use enough resources? No! That is not the case; it is because our students lack live combat experience. We are sick and tired of being on the bottom, this year we shall become the black horse and rise in the ranks! This year marks the day of our comeback!”

Her voice was rejuvenating causing the students to cheer with joy. They’ve never felt so motivated before; it felt like they were immortal.

Nick had to compliment her; she had a way with words. Getting everyone here pumped up was not something just anyone could do.

Alicia continued to talk, but every word that slipped off her tongue made others feel empowered.

She informed them that the camp will start this Saturday and that every one of their classmates should be prepared. Mt. Hessian may be under their control, and everything inside of it would not pose that much of a problem for them. But it was best to be prepared for the worst than not be prepared at all.

They would also be going to different parts of Mt. Hessian throughout the year so they could continue to gain live combat skills. As going once would not prepare them much.

The board meeting ended as each of the students in the gym was given a folder that talked about what happened as well as what was going to happen. It was detailed and each activity built off of the previous one.

Matthew and Nick walked out of the gym with the folder in their hands.

“So that's the president huh. I was expecting… a little something more.”

“What were you expecting exactly?”

“Honestly… an overwhelming pressure. Something that would make me realize how far the distance is.”

“You wouldn’t be able to feel it from her; she was restraining herself. Not everyone will want to let others feel how strong they are. There are some that like to hide their own strength. Being underestimated has a few perks as well.”

Matthew sighed at Nick’s response.

“Man, I really hope our class does not run into Scarlet's class during the camp.”

“Well, that sucks for you.”

Nick pointed forward were the petite red ponytailed girl was standing with her arms crossed.

“Great!”

“Matthew… you just can’t stay away from me can you?.”

“What are you talking about? This is the only exit closest to our division if anything you can’t stay away from me! The offensive division is on the west side, so why are you over here?”

“Humph! Keep dreaming. I was just waiting here for Arthur and happened to see you looking in my direction not to mention you were walking over here.”

Matthew made a variety of hand motions, and he wanted to say something to her, but he didn’t. He knew it was best not to say anything and just move along.

“Let's go, Nick. I don’t have time for this; there are better things to do.”

Matthew went ahead of Nick. Nick felt like he should say something, but he did not understand exactly what happened between them.

He looked at Scarlet's face for a moment; he could see a complicated look in her eyes.

“You should try a different approach next time.”

Nick softly told her before he walked off.

Scarlet did not know what he was talking about.