BEEEEP! BEEEEP!
The same alarm that tortured everyone yesterday blared through the dorms again. Felix groaned instantly, throwing a pillow over his face.
"Not again…" he mumbled. "It's like these people enjoy watching us suffer."
Liam sat up slowly, his eyes half open. "I swear I just blinked and it's morning again."
Beatrix was already awake, buttoning her uniform calmly in front of the mirror. "Five minutes until roll call," she said, tightening her tie.
Raze swung his legs off the bed, stretching his arms. His body felt different, lighter, stronger. The effects of his stat upgrades from last night were clear. Every movement felt smoother.
'So the stats do make a difference,' he thought, cracking his neck.
Felix finally sat up, rubbing his eyes. "If this keeps up, I'm filing a complaint."
Beatrix didn't even look back. "To who? The gods?"
Felix blinked. "…You're scary in the morning."
Within minutes, the group was ready. The hallways outside were filled with noise, students rushing, instructors shouting, and boots hitting the floor.
They joined the stream of students heading toward the canteen. The smell of breakfast hit them immediately. Eggs, meat, and toasted bread mixed with something unfamiliar but delicious.
Felix's mood instantly lifted. "Now this is what I wake up for."
They grabbed their trays and sat at an open table near the window. Soldiers stood along the walls, watching silently, their presence enough to keep everyone quiet.
Felix grinned. "Nah, I think they're scared of me. I'd be too, if I saw a man this handsome."
Raze didn't even react. He was focused on eating, noticing again how his body seemed hungrier than normal. Even after clearing his plate, that faint empty feeling stayed in his stomach.
'Half-ling metabolism. I'll need more food from now on,' he thought.
Once everyone finished eating, a soldier's sharp whistle cut through the canteen noise.
"All students, line up outside! You'll be escorted to the combined training field!"
The entire hall filled with movement. Chairs scraping, trays clattering, and voices rising.
The group stood, joining the long lines forming by the exit. Outside, dozens of soldiers were already waiting, forming organized columns of students.
As they walked, Felix leaned closer to Raze. "It seems like it was true huh?"
"It is," Beatrix replied, her eyes looking forward. "Today's is where they evaluate how we fight together. You'll want to pay attention."
"Yeah, yeah," Felix said, smirking. "Just don't outshine me too much."
Raze glanced toward the horizon, where a massive arena came into view. Its walls glowed with faint energy, surrounded by towering drones and stationed guards. The scale of it made even him pause for a second
'So this is where the combined training will take place,' he thought.
The soldiers guided the students through the gates, their boots thudding in sync.
Ray stood at the center of the field, his arms crossed, expression cold but focused.
"Welcome to your first Combined Training," he called out, his voice echoing across the field. "Yesterday was a warm-up. Today, you'll fight as soldiers, not students. If you can't adapt… you'll be left behind."
The murmurs in the crowd died instantly.
Felix cracked a grin. "Finally… something fun."
Ray raised his hand and holographic panels appeared behind him, listing the different classes. "Step into the group that fits your awakening type. Fire, water, lightning, physical, weapon specialist, or hybrid. Once you choose, there's no switching."
The students began splitting into their categories, many whispering to each other.
Felix clapped Raze on the back with his usual grin. "See you after class,"
Raze nodded. "Yeah see ya."
Felix gave a wave before heading to his category along with Beatrix and Liam.
As they separated, Raze walked toward the weapon specialist. 'This is going to be hard. I don't have an awakening yet awakenings are allowed.'
The closer he got, the heavier the atmosphere became. Everyone in that section looked confident, dangerous, and proud.
Ray's voice echoed again. "Remember this! On the battlefield, hesitation gets you killed."
The students stood in their assigned sections across the massive training field, as the soldiers positioned themselves around the perimeter and began watching them.
Ray stood at the center, his arms behind his back, as his eyes scanned through the rows of students. His gaze swept across each group until it landed on Raze.
He remembered the spar that happened yesterday. The way Raze moved, the force behind that single punch. Beast weapons could indeed boost a person's physical capabilities, but only to a limited degree. And Raze's weapon had been basic tier at best.
There was no logical explanation for someone with no awakening to move with that kind of speed or hit with that kind of strength. For someone without an awakening… it was impossible.
'Let's see how you handle this, Raze.' Ray thought.
Alright, listen up!" Ray shouted, his voice easily going through the open field. "Today's training will focus on adaptability. I don't care what your awakening is. What matters is how fast you react, how well you read your opponent, and how long you can stay on your feet!"
A few students exchanged uneasy looks. The soldiers began activating the training platforms, which were large metallic circles that hummed with faint energy as they rose from the ground.
"Each platform adjusts its gravity, air pressure, and even reaction time," Ray continued. "Think of it as fighting in unpredictable terrain. You'll be paired off randomly."
One soldier stepped up beside him with a datapad. "Sir, pairings are ready."
Ray nodded, glancing at the list before giving a small smirk. "Perfect. First up, Raze Zaden."