บท 31: The Academy's Change
The atmosphere in the academy was incredibly tense. The sky was covered in rainy clouds. And the weather felt depressing.
"Young Alpha, we have arrived."
"Thanks!"
Kieiran had arrived early, as it became his habit, only to be met with an unexpected sight. He slowly got out of the car and waved back to the driver, signaling him to go back. And the driver nodded.
"What are those?" He murmured as he took his phone out, captured a picture, and sent it to Caelum.
[Do you have any news about what's up with the school? There's a red warning displayed, and the fences seem extended.]
A blazing red alert on the announcement screen and heightened security measures at the school's entrance made him dumbfounded.
[There were patrol officers in uniform and people in wolf forms, and they looked like they were discussing confidential things. There were personnel even carrying guns and highly advanced weapons.]
Guards in imposing uniforms supervised the students, one by one, letting them hand over their old identification cards in exchange for new ones.
Kieiran thought, 'It's not even the end of the semester. Why was it changed this early?'
"Mr. Bloodmoon," one of the guards addressed Kieiran with a tone of authority, "kindly hand over your old ID, and we'll replace it with a new one."
Without hesitation, Kieiran surrendered his old identification card. The guard handed him a sleek, technologically tracked card, but the process didn't stop there. A series of biometric scans were required to activate the new ID – an eye scan, a fingerprint scan, and even a blood drop.
It felt like a security protocol from a futuristic movie, and Kieiran couldn't help but feel a bit uneasy.
"Are we also upgrading the identification cards of the school?" Kieiran inquired, his curiosity piqued.
The guard nodded solemnly. "The deans of International Studies and Foreign Affairs have jointly decided to replace all identification cards throughout the academy. This is for the safety of everyone within these walls."
Kieiran's brow furrowed in concern. "What's going on? Is there a war brewing?"
Then, he remembered when his stepmother told him about his father having panda eyes, but he thought it was only normal since his father was a workaholic.
The guard's response was somber but measured. "Not yet, but we are preparing for any eventuality. After you enter, please remain inside your classroom and await further announcements. There will be a forum to discuss the changes that will be implemented within the school."
With a nod of gratitude, Kieiran proceeded onto the school grounds. As he made his way through the meticulously organized campus, he couldn't help but notice the unusual presence of military vehicles stationed around the academy.
'Something big must be happening,' he mused, his thoughts swirling with questions about the uncertain future that seemed to appear before them all.
As Kieiran entered the school building, he couldn't shake the feeling of unease that hung in the air.
'The wandering students were gone today. Even the bystanders can't be found on the stairs or hallways.'
The usually bustling hallways were eerily quiet, with students and teachers alike solemnly going about their business. The red alert on the announcement screen had set the tone for the day, and the increased security measures were impossible to ignore.
In his classroom, students were already seated, whispering in hushed tones about the unprecedented events unfolding around them. The atmosphere was tense as if a storm was brewing both outside and within the academy's walls.
Kieiran took his seat and glanced around the room. His classmates wore expressions of precariousness, their usual enthusiasm replaced with a sense of apprehension. The academy had always been a place of learning and camaraderie, but today, it felt more like a military outpost on high alert.
As the minutes ticked by, the anticipation in the classroom grew. The students waited for the academy's announcement, eager to gain some insight into the reasons behind the heightened security and the changes that were clearly underway. Speculation ran rampant, with theories ranging from external threats to internal conflicts.
Finally, the intercom crackled to life, and the voice of the academy's headmaster echoed through the classroom. "Dear students, faculty, and staff," he began, his tone grave. "I understand that you have many questions about the recent developments. Rest assured, your safety is our utmost priority."
The headmaster went on to explain that the changes in security and the new identification cards were precautionary measures. While there was no immediate danger, the academy had received information about potential threats to its community. These measures were being taken to ensure the well-being of everyone within its walls.
Kieiran listened intently, his earlier concerns beginning to ease slightly as the headmaster provided a sense of reassurance. Nevertheless, the unease still lingered, and he knew that the academy's troubles were far from over.
'I need to talk to my father when I return home!'
The headmaster concluded his announcement by calling for a virtual forum to discuss the changes in more detail and to address any questions or concerns. The students would have the opportunity to voice their thoughts and seek clarity on the situation.
As the intercom fell silent, Kieiran exchanged glances with his classmates. The journey ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear, they would face it together, united in their duty to protect their beloved academy and the lives it sheltered.
"The City of Tasar has fallen, and now the other cities are discussing plans on how we could cultivate our own supply of food. Agriculture is a must, and starting today, the school will be under two sectors."
"Training will be conducted and spearheaded by the military and the agriculturists. We aim to help you survive! The future is unpredictable." Dean Ellon spoke as he stood with a grave face in front of thousands of students.
Dean Ellon's words hung heavily in the air as the students absorbed the gravity of the situation.
The once-vibrant campus was now a place of riskiness, and the urgency of their predicament was impossible to ignore.
"Sir, what about the vampires? Will we have a war against them?" a student from the crowd mentioned bravely.
The question about the vampires loomed large in the minds of many. A brave student dared to voice it, and all ears turned toward Dean Ellon, waiting for his response. His expression remained serious as he addressed the concerns.
"The treaty between werewolves and vampires still holds, and there is no immediate threat of war between our races," he explained.
"However, we must acknowledge the unpredictable nature of these times. While conflict is not our goal, we cannot rule out the possibility of encountering hostilities as we all struggle to survive."
The dean's words sent a shiver through the crowd.
The alliance between the two supernatural races had kept peace for centuries, but the current crisis had disrupted the delicate balance of their worlds.
As another student inquired about the military training, Dean Ellon nodded in acknowledgment. "You have every right to know what lies ahead," he responded.
"Our military training will focus on self-defense, survival skills, and the protection of our community. You will be taught combat techniques, both magical and physical, to ensure your safety. Remember, the goal is not aggression but readiness."
The students exchanged glances, some relieved to receive clarity, while others still hesitated with the unsettling reality they now faced. The future had become unknown, and the academy, once a sanctuary of knowledge and growth, had transformed into a bastion of survival.
Dean Ellon continued, his voice unwavering. "Your education is still important, but it must now be combined with the skills required to navigate this new world. We will face these trials with courage and determination, and together, we shall prevail."
The students left the assembly with a sense of purpose, knowing that their journey at the academy had taken an unexpected turn.
Agriculture and military training had become essential parts of their curriculum, and the survival of their city depended on their collective efforts.
As they dispersed to their classes, the weight of their responsibilities settled upon their shoulders, and they steeled themselves for the uncertain path ahead.
When Kieiran got home, he decided to look for his father.
"Where is Dad, Aunt Mina?"
"Kieiran, you're here. Your father left early at dawn."
"He wasn't sleeping with his wife?"
"No, he rarely sleeps these days."
"Do you know where he went?"
"Your father must be in the council."
Kieiran hurriedly changed his clothes and looked for Seraphyne.
"Kid, your face looked bad!" Seraphyne exclaimed.
"Do you know what's happening?"
"About what?"
"The school was already on red alert! Aren't we fine after the council meeting? Why wasn't I informed that something bigger was happening around us?"
"This is your father's decision. I know you became one of those officers who will make plans for the development of our community, but times have changed. We're no longer facing global warming, but the fall of a city."
"But why did you keep this a secret from me?"
Seraphyne did not know how to respond to the question. Then she said, "I wasn't informed, too, but I have visions, and I'll be ahead of the news."
ของขวัญ
-- ได้รับของขวัญแล้ว สถานะพลังงานรายสัปดาห์
-- การจัดอันดับด้วยพลัง 
-- หินพลัง