บท 19: Chapter 19
The students realized that their actions and behaviors were unreasonable and immature after the sparring contest with John.
Many of them failed woefully, but there were a few students that performed beyond expectations. Nevertheless, the experience they had on that fateful day forced them to acknowledge their shortcomings in many areas.
Consequently, they become much more cooperative and diligent with their training, which is what John aimed for.
It has been two weeks since the students sparred with John. In spite of the fact that they still lacked, he was delighted to see that positive improvements had been made.
Moreover, the competitiveness among students got intense with each passing day. In these past couple of weeks, several official battles between students took place.
As students received points from instructors, they realized their ranking position grew with the number of points they possessed.
Vice-dean Galvin's premonition eventually came true, and every student finally understood the value of these points. If power level determined the rank assigned to a student when they graduated then the points determined your rank within the academy.
The higher rank you possess, the more privileges you receive from the academy. There are even possibilities that one could get sponsorship from a clan or guild that takes an interest in your talent even before graduation.
Hence, the academy became a jungle where the strong were at the top of the food chain while the weak became prey and victims of brutality.
Even most students that had claimed the position of dorm leader were defeated by another student and had that position taken away from them.
The day training session ended, John had an announcement to make so he called the students' attention before they all dispersed.
"Good job today everyone. You've all worked hard and I'm proud of your improvements." John said with sincere gratitude. "I'm informing you all that there will be no training or exercise for next ten days starting from tomorrow."
This new excited all the students causing many of them to scream in joy. The past couple of days had been exhausting for them because if the rigorous training they had to go through.
"Let me finish before you all start jubilanting." John yelled and they all went silent again. "The reason for this break isn't because the academy wants you rest. You're all going to be taking your first task as students of this academy, it will be a subjugation test and you all will be placed in groups. However, you get to pick your group members and the group leader will be given a tag that symbolizes your group."
"These ten days were given to you in order to train yourselves and formulate your group strategies. Those who passes these test shall be rewards with points including other special rewards, so it all depends to how each one of you make use of the given time." John finalized his speech and exited the gym.
As soon as John left, the students started picking themselves to be in the same group. Nobody wanted to miss out on joining a group that consisted of the most talented participants. This was the only way to ensure their success in completing this task.
While everyone was busy pulling their strings, Miles seemed unbothered and walked out of the gym. His two roommates followed him as usual.
It was as if they were Miles' subordinates. However, they weren't forced to act in this manner but it seemed natural to them. Miles had an aura that always made him seem authoritative, even his cold and stoic demeanor was domineering.
Brian and Shane hadn't really seen Miles using his ability before but they could tell that he was far more powerful than them. However, they both felt comfortable because of his humility.
"I guess I already know which group I will be joining for this task." Kevin remarked.
Kevin also hung out with Miles, Shane and Brian regularly ever since the day they met in the cafeteria. In fact, he was always with them except during times they had to be separated when going to their respective dorms.
"Miles, do you think it's alright for us to be leaving like this? I mean we will need more members in our group and now is the time to scout before the most suitable ones are taken."
The reason Shane voiced out was because he was afraid they were acting too confident about the situation. If they didn't act fast, most of the strongest participants would have been recruited and it might be very difficult for them to complete the task.
"Relax, we only need to recruit one more person." Miles responded calmly.
Shane, Brian and Kevin's eyes widened when they heard Miles simple response which sounded unreasonable.
"You're kidding us right? The majority of groups would consist of at least ten members or even more, and you think five in our group is enough?" Brian remarked in an unbelievable tone
"I'm very certain of what I'm saying," Miles said.
"You're crazy. Do you realize that Kevin isn't as strong as the rest of us?" Brian shifted his gaze to Kevin and apologized." No offense Kevin, but I'm only trying to state facts."
"No offense taken," Kevin nodded in understanding.
Miles, Brian is right, I think we should rethink our decision. All this could turn out badly if we make the wrong strategy." Shane tried to persuade.
Miles stopped walking and turned to face them. "I know my plan sounds overconfident but it's going to work out well. Besides, Kevin will be one of our super cards in this task." He revealed with a smirk as he took a quick glance at Kevin.
Kevin, Brian and Shane had the same surprising look on their faces.
"Wait...Me...I think you're getting it all wrong Miles." Kevin argued.
"He is right Miles, this dude is incapable of doing anything at all except teleporting himself all around. The only thing he can do in this test is act as a scout." Brian added in support of Kevin's argument.
Miles' grin widened. "Exactly, now you're getting the picture Brian." He remarked.
"What do you mean?" Brian asked in confusion.
"You'll see soon. However, at the moment we have to worry about picking our next super card."
"Even so Miles, I can't use my teleportation abilities more than ten times before I get exhausted. Also teleporting to a longer distance will drain my stamina much more quickly." Kevin explained.
Miles placed his hand on Kevin's shoulder. "In that case, I guess we will have to train you much harder than you ever did during the next ten days." He declared and turned around to walk away.
Shane who had patiently listened to the conversation asked. "Okay, let's assume this works. Are you going to tell us who the last member of the group is?"
However, before Miles could answer another familiar voice called out to them, which drew their attention.
They all turned towards the voice and saw an unfriendly figure approaching them.
"What the hell does he want now?" Brian murmured in disdain.
Blake furiously stride towards them and tried to push Miles backward when he got closer to them but it was evaded.
"You crazy bastard, what did you do to me?" Blake demanded an explanation.
"I don't understand what you're talking about," Miles said in response.
"Don't try to deny it. I know that it was your doing and because of that incident I was totally disgraced."
Blake had been hospitalized in the academy's clinic since the previous encounter with Miles in the cafeteria. He just got discharged today and when he finally got out, Blake discovered that his reputation had gone straight downhill because of that incident.
"And what has that got to do with me?" Miles asked.
"You will definitely take responsibility, that's what you are going to do."
"Hey Blake, you have to stop this madness? This won't end well if you keep dragging this on for long." Shane said.
"Yeah, you're right I shouldn't drag this anymore and finish it up once and for all. That's why I'm challenging you to a duel, Miles Castillo." Blake proudly declared.
"You know for a moment, I thought he finally came to his senses only to disappoint me seconds later." Brian whispered to Kevin.
"You're taking this too far, Blake. Just calm down and resolve it peacefully." Shane tried persuading Blake to cool his temper.
"I have enough of your bullshit, Shane. You keep acting like you are compassionate but we both know you're nothing different from me."
"I'm saying this for your good Blake. Don't even try to probe me."
"Why?! Is Shane Harrison planning to do something?! I know what you're hiding and it'sthat part of you that caused her death is still lingering somewhere inside you but I wouldn't blame you. It was her compassion that got her killed."
"Blake, I'm warning you." Shane stressed.
Suddenly, Shane's aura became stronger to the point that everyone nearby felt his bloodlust. Miles was also surprised by Shane's reaction.
"Stop running away from the truth, this isn't you. You think by acting like this, she would be at peace. In my opinion, your mother was dumb and crossed a line she shouldn't have."
Shane finally lost control. He his shone brightly in rage as he sretched his hands forward and a strong force pushed Blake about 200 meters away from him.
Blake also launched a fireball at Shane in midair. Shane mentally spiltted a portion of the ground and used it to block the fireball.
"You're will regret this."
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AUTHOR NOTE
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