Training Camp

Nimin felt the account stick in his palm. Taking a breath he stepped off the plane. When you're personally invited by a Pro player things like traveling become trivial. Being a Pro player meant more than just being good at games.

It was a symbol of popularity. Slowly Pro players were reaching the realm of celebrities, and more investors were becoming interested in the scene. As more money flowed in, the more people realized just how important Pros were to the entertainment business. However one fatal flaw to Pros were more than blatant. Pros had a short career span.

Thus nurturing the next generation of Pros became top priority for many of the top teams. One fantastic example was the Sword Saint's debut, the explosive popularity made Team Heavenly Sword become the top ranked team on the continent. This opened the floodgates to talent scouting and nurturing, and sometimes if you were talented enough many people would bend over backwards for you.

This was one of such cases. After being recognized by a Pro, the process to joining the training camp take a mere two days to process. Traveling fees were handled by the agency, and within 16 hours Nimin was in a new area.

Someone held up a sign with his new name on it, Cole Sworn. Nimin's eye twitched, but he stepped towards the individual. Carrying few items with him Nimin only had a single luggage bag. Excluding the account stick he twirled between his fingers.

"Cole?"

"That's me."

"Right this way."

The VIP treatment! Nimin had sweet memories to his life as Pro. Such an abrupt end, yet such brilliant beginnings. Silently following the individual into a car Nimin continued to mindlessly twirl the account stick.

The driver attempted to make conversation, "You know it's not common to be recommended by a Pro."

"I got really lucky."

"That you did."

Nimin turned his attention to the window. He hadn't been to this area. The area was incredibly colorful from plant life. Compared to the city he was used to, this place seemed more like the country. A more accurate description would be exurban. It was pleasant to the eye, and felt like a fresh start.

The car continued to pass by several buildings before coming to a stop to a large building. The driver spoke, "We're here."

"I thought this was a camp, this place looks like an academy!"

"Did you think it was going to look like a boot camp?"

"Maybe? This just seems too grand."

In front of Nimin stood a large building, it looked like an old college. Different buildings for different facilities, students moving about, as if there was classes to attend. Nimin felt astonished by it all, how much had developing Pros progressed while he was busy improving?

"Here we study not only Fractured Worlds, but also typical topics you would find at an official college. It's important to not be illiterate when becoming a Pro, here you can also study Law, Math, Physics, and more. There's a list at your dorm room of classes you can attend."

"This. . . isn't this just school then?!"

"You would partially be correct. However you can't get a degree here. Everything you study is designed to help your career as a Pro. In order to stay in the camp you would need to take a certain number of classes, and do well in them to maintain your position. Else someone might take your slot in the camp."

"You guys created a competitive environment to nurture Pros. Madmen."

"The fact that you can recognize this proves that you aren't recommended for nothing. Come, meet the headmaster. He'll direct you to your dorms, any questions you have you can ask him. Since you're a bit late to start, you'll be behind a bit."

A curly haired individual adjusted a pair of glasses while talking to some students. Patting a back he gestured them to continue moving and turned his attention to the driver and Nimin. Spreading his hands out he greeted, "Cole! You're here."

"It was a speedy process.", Nimin extended a hand to shake.

Giving a hearty handshake the headmaster introduced himself, "I'm Steven. Currently I'm in charge of handling the facilities of this place. Making sure the students have a good environment to prosper."

"Or be cut down."

Steven laughed and turned to the driver, "My thanks for picking him up, you're free for today I will take him from here."

The driver nodded in acknowledgement and returned to the car. Steven placed a hand on Nimin's back and guided him forward, "First let me show you your dorm. Currently you have a roommate, but if any problems occur please tell me."

"A roommate?"

"I'm sure he'll introduce himself. A charismatic fellow in my opinion, if not a bit eccentric."

"I see. That's fine."

"I'm pleased to hear. Let me show you the way to your dorm room so you can drop off your luggage."

Gesturing to the left side Steven continued, "That there is the mess hall. Meals are served everyday, three times a day. Breakfast at six in the morning, lunch at twelve, dinner at eight. Curfew is at ten at night, and you'll be reprimanded if you're out past that time."

"I heard there was classes?"

"Yes, if we let you study Fractured Worlds exclusively, then your future will be worrisome as a Pro. You must be familiar with how to handle yourself, how to properly develop a personality, how to deal with press, and more. All of which will be taught here."

"Here I thought this was just a place to find talents."

"No, this is where those found talents gather. Yourself included."

"How inspiring."

"I am glad you think so!"

Nimin eyed the massive building in the center, a gaze Steven did not fail to miss, "That is where the classes are held. Training, guidance, and more. Occasionally the Pros themselves will teach a class, if you're interested in that. Usually it's hard to get in due to their popularity."

"Quite large."

"It's an old college building we obtained. Saves quite a bit on construction costs."

"Ah, that would explain it."

"Now it's important to note that while you were given a personal invitation, you still have to abide by the rules of this place. There is the standard no brainers, no bullying, no physical fights, no cheating, you know the simple stuff. A list is at your designated desk at your dorm room, I implore you take a look at it. Additionally you must maintain a certain amount of credits at the end of the month to remain in this camp."

"Why do you call it a camp and not an academy?"

"Legal reasons, we're not an academy."

"I still feel like there's a better word than camp."

"We've gotten used to it. Come along now we've arrived at the dorm rooms. There's two, separated by gender. You're free to enter any of the rooms with an invitation, but not after curfew."

"Bold."

"It was a great battle we lost. No matter what people will dance around the rules, so we figured we should give some leeway. We're strict on the curfew however, the only room you should be in is yours."

"Don't worry."

"I sure hope I don't have to."

The dorm rooms were simple, it seemed more like a flat apartment building. Maybe akin to a motel than an apartment, but regardless it was dorm rooms. Steven guided Nimin to a door near the back of the hallway and pointed to a door, "Here it is. Simple room, nothing extravagant. You can decorate it how you like, but please be respectful to your roommate. If I have to deal with more drama I might lose my hair."

"You have quite a bit to spare."

Steven's eyes narrowed, "Don't pick a fight."

"Yessir!"

"These can be locked from the inside, if you ever accidently lock yourself out the guard at the front has a masterkey, ask them to unlock it for you. They're used to it."

"It's common to get locked out?"

"You'd be surprised.", Steven rolled his eyes as he opened the dorm room door.

Inside was ordinary like Steven said. Although a bit spacious, it was a room meant for two people. Twin sized beds on each end, with a desk against the wall next to the beds. It was almost identical to each side, except for the fact that the left half of the room had a few posters up.

A drawer was at the foot of the bed, Steven gestured towards that area and said, "You can place your bag there. Any laundry you need to do can be done at the basement of the dorm rooms, there washers and dryers are available. Don't break them our insurance company is very displeased with us right now."

"I would be. . . hard pressed to do that."

"Excellent. You will be given a laptop for your studies, and it's capable of running Fractured Worlds if you want some spare practice. I was told you had your own account?"

Nimin rose the account stick in his hand to show. Steven eyed it and nodded, "Then you won't need one. If you wish for it to be leveled you can apply at the leveling team. It won't be very fast, but it's better than letting it lie around."

"I'll see about that."

"No matter. As you can see on your desk there are two books. One is the rulebook, the other is the available classes. The ones highlighted are mandatory, the others give a various amount of credits, so take which ones you please. You don't need to excel, just prove you've been paying attention."

"I'm tempted to do the bare minimum."

"Feel free to. It's worth mentioning any extra credits you obtain can be exchanged. When you receive your laptop you'll find out what for exactly."

"This is all really fancy. I wasn't expecting it."

"Glad to surprise you. Now I can't give you a thorough tour, if you're ever lost, ask a student or your roommate. People here are usually willing to help. Currently Yuuno desires to meet you, since he recommended you and all."

"I'm meeting a Pro?"

"Don't get nervous, he wants to see you play in person."

Nimin's eyes began to shine. This was a grand opportunity!