Welcome to Maracas Island

'Tch…. Where are we headed anyways, Yakob??"

Sai asks with sudden interest.

"We are heading to Maracas, the island in which the twelfth faction of the D.O.D has its training ground situated as well as where all applicants for the defense exams will be participating in the activities that decide those that will become members of the D.O.D."

Yakob replies has he gazes over the deck.

"Oh wow, so that's our destination, ei….. I wonder what kind of people we'll meet there, well whomever we meet I'm gonna make sure that we get into the D.O.D ,no matter what it takes."

Sai remarks with determination resounding in his voice has he clenched his fist.

"That's some resolve you got there, how did that happen??... I thought you were skeptical about joining in at first."

Yakob questions with interest.

"Well, Ilara made me understand that she is someone that is willing to put her life on the line to help others, She feels that the D.O.D is a good place to be able to help several people and so she's going to do her best to get in and I've already promised to support her in her decision seeing that it's so naïve and compelling, anyways I have a feeling that this exams is gonna be the bedrock for something great in my life, I don't know why but I can feel it in my gut and one thing I've learnt during my days with the police force is to always trust my gut so that's what I'm going to do now."

Sai replies with a smile causing Yakob to smile back.

"That's good, your resolve is going to be an advantage for you during the exams, never let it go no matter what."

Yakob remarks as he puts his fist forward to which Sai puts out his own fist and both men collide fist softly with Sai nodding his head in the affirmative...….

TWO DAYS LATER

TIME : 5:15PM

LOCATION : MARACAS ISLAND

Sai, Ilara, Yakob and Dan get down from their ship with their luggage with them, they are greeted at the island shore by two D.O.D agents dressed in a rather corporate attire, Ilara looks round to see that the are not alone has they are joined by four other teams escorted by their scouts, Yakob leaves their side and walks up to the agents that stood in front of us, other scouts do same and after a flurry of greetings amongst the agents they turn their attention back to the participants that had gathered together to form a small gathering.

"Welcome everyone, this is Maracas island and it's where you all shall be staying for the duration of the exams, it is also where the defense exams will be taking place."

One of the agents speak up finally once there was silence.

"Are there any questions any of you would like to ask before we move to the hall, you'll still be having an orientation tomorrow regarding everything there is to know about the exams and more but we can still answer any question that would be bothering you greatly at the moment… so anyone??"

Another agent asks has a flurry of whispers begin to erupt amongst the candidates.

"Sir."

A hand goes up.

"Yes??"

The agents turn their attention to the upraised hand.

"I would like to know if all participants would be living under the same roof."

A voice rings out from the gathering.

"Well yes, as you have come as a group you all will stay as a group but you don't have to worry, males and females will not be staying together, the hostel has been split so has to avoid any inconveniences any one might face with a shared dormitory."

The agent replies.

"what about those that would rather not participate with teammates and would want to take the exams solo??"

A male voice questions.

"There was a reason we advised each one of you to form teams with individuals that you understand and are most likely friendly with you so as to avoid such petty things and also the D.O.D functions on a team based system so going solo is not an option. Anyways any other questions??"

The agent looks around for further questions.

"I would like to know if everyone standing here are the only people taking part in the exams."

Ilara asks in a meek voice.

"Not at all, there are six more teams participating to the best of my knowledge but they would be coming tomorrow due to bad weather and distance from their homes to this island."

Another agent replies.

"If there are no other questions, we would like you all to follow us calmly has we lead you to your living quarters while we await the arrival of other teams."

Yakob says has they prepare to leave the islands docking area…

The gathering of participants finally make it to their living quarters under the direction of the agents, the walk to their accommodation is quite eventful has the scenery of the island is quite breathtaking with its forestry and awe inspiring plant life, the more carefree participants took in the scenery with a smile on their faces has they try to learn more from about the island from the agents that lead them. On getting to their living quarters, the participants are all awed by the sheer size of the accommodation provided to them with their quarters being as large as a royal castle with enough space for a hundred people.

"I would really like to know how big this island is…"

Sai remarks in awe.

"I heard it's one of the largest islands in the twelfth realm."

Another voice whispers from the participants.

"well you heard right, Maracas island is one of the largest islands in our realm with a landmass of over five hundred and eighty seven thousand, forty one kilometers square."

An agent replies after overhearing the murmur from the gathering.

"I'm guessing all examination activities will be taking place here."

A female voice remarks.

"Yes of course, your accommodation and where you'll be receiving your orientation and subsequent missions during the exams are situated not too far from each other thus allowing participants to make full use of the expanse of the island to their advantage."

Another agent replies.

"Ladies and gentlemen this is where you all shall be staying for the duration of the exams, it's only participants that are allowed inside so we will have to let you go from here, so you guys should go in and register your teams with the receptionist who will then direct you to your rooms…. Also I will advice you rest up because has from tomorrow, you all will begin the examination processes, anyways that will be all."

Yakob announces after which he and his fellow agents leave the participants to their thoughts, they soon start to walk in to gain access to their living quarters.