The auditorium was silent, with a heavy and tense silence that even the breaths seemed to hesitate to break. The two hundred freshmen sat with their eyes fixed on the stage where Director Kaelen, Master Rylan, and several other grave-faced instructors stood.
Kaelen stepped forward, her only hand clasped on the edge of the desk. His voice, hoarse and unartificed, filled the room.
"In forty-eight hours, you will cross the Wall."
The words, expected, fell like stones. Someone at the back of the room had a muffled sob.
"Your area of operation is the Delta-7 area, a former green belt partially taken over by the forest. The threat level is rated Yellow: confirmed presence of Laziness monsters from level 1 to 7. Lethargic goblins, corrosive slimes, and paralyzing fungus. Nothing you should not be able to handle."
He paused, leaving the information to be digested.
"The goal is simple: to survive 24 hours, but it is also an assessment. Your performance will be judged on several criteria: the number and level of monsters neutralized, your ability to move safely, your resource management, and your teamwork. Every action, every decision, earns or withdraws points."
A hologram lit up behind him, showing a topographical map of the area. Flashing symbols indicated water points, areas of high vegetation and the locations provided for supply drops.
"You will be divided into teams of four, predefined by us. These teams are non-negotiable."
A whisper ran through the audience. Hakime felt a pinch in his heart. He had hoped to stay with Arthur, Conor and Lyra.
"Each team will be equipped with a distress tracker. Its activation will result in the immediate intervention of a rescue team, but also the immediate disqualification of the team and a massive withdrawal of points. Only use it in case of imminent danger of death."
Kaelen's face hardens further.
Now, let's talk about the real risks. The area is "stabilized," but it is not safe. Monsters are unpredictable. The mist of laziness eats away at endurance faster than you think. Slime corrosion can dissolve your equipment. Fongus releases spores that paralyze muscles. One mistake, and you're dead."
There was a tremor in the crowd. The excitement of leaving was suddenly tinged with a cold, concrete fear.
"The instructors will be on the field, but at a distance. We will not intervene for a sprain or a panic fear. We will intervene if we judge that your life is in critical danger. But don't count on that. The answer may take minutes. In one fight, one second is enough."
Master Rylan spoke up. "Your basic equipment: a level 1 etheric weapon, an emergency ration, a water bottle, a first aid kit, and your watch. Nothing more. You will have to rely on your skill and intelligence. Supply drops will contain extras, but they will be rare and contested."
Kaelen went on. "The last thing. We detected slightly larger monster movements than usual in the area. Nothing alarming, but be vigilant. Laziness monsters are normally poorly organized, but they can be pushed by a stronger presence. Avoid unnecessary confrontations. Your goal is to demonstrate your competence, not your recklessness."
He swept the assembly with his eyes, his unique eye seeming to linger on every face.
"This expedition is your baptism of fire. That's when you'll understand the difference between training for war and doing it. Some of you may not come back. This is the reality of our world."
The silence that followed was absolute.
"Team lists are displayed at the exit. Study them. Get trained. Tomorrow, you will go to the armory to choose your equipment. And the day after tomorrow, at dawn, you will leave."
With these words, he left the stage, leaving behind a class of students transformed into potential soldiers, his belly tied by apprehension and defiance. The theory was over. The practice, deadly, was now beginning.