Aeskrow Citadel

ad 9 halted, their eyes fixed on the awe-inspiring citadel that loomed before them, a striking blend of classic world architecture and the cutting-edge advancements of the 26th century. In front of the citadel, the four other squads assembled, made up of children from tier-I cities. They stood fully armored and armed, a far cry from Squad 9, who looked less battle-ready. The other squads appeared unruffled as if they had just enjoyed a stroll, except for one squad that was notably one member short. Suddenly, one of the squad rs broke away from his group, removed his helmet, and approached Chen Mei directly, completely disregarding the rest of his squad.

"Pardon me, but might I inquire if you are from the esteemed Lotus Chen Family of Beijing?" the boy of German descent asked, his blue eyes sparkling and blond hair neatly styled as he offered a respectful bow. "I am Alexander Gallifrey from Prague, representing Squad 5. It would be an honor if you would consider requesting a transfer to my squad in the future." His confident tone seemed to overshadow the rest of the team, leaving Chen Mei feeling uncertain as she processed his request.

"I'm going to have to say no," Kean declared firmly as he hobbled in front of Mei.

"Who gave you the right to speak to me hick?" he demanded, staring at him with clear disdain.

"He may not, but I need to know how my friend died," William stated firmly. Alexander met his gaze, sizing him up before responding.

"You may be better off than that ignorant fool, but you're still not welcome in my presence," he said, irritation lacing his voice. "As for that peasant from earlier, he was a burden, unable to keep up with our pace, and we decided it was best to leave him behind." With that, William squared his shoulders and stepped forward, a determined glare in his eyes as he faced his opponent.

" You let him die!" William shouted as Wolfgang drew his shotgun. Tensions rose as the rest of Squad 5 arrived, weapons drawn, along with Squad 9, except for Gilbert and Adam.

"You lowly peasants and hicks should learn to show respect to your betters," said Alexander putting his pistol on William's chin, suddenly he felt the cold touch of metal on his neck looking to his right he saw Gilbert standing there sword in hand with his rifle aiming at rest of his squad meanwhile at the back Adam was aiming his sniper at them as well.

"Well then looks like the commoners are rebelling," said a young girl with red hair and green eyes, with the rest of her squad behind her. They were followed by the other tier I squads.

"Looks like you are outnumbered and outclassed," said Alexander staring William in the eye

"You people of higher tier cities sure have your heads up your asses," said Gilbert pointing the tip of his sword at his chin.

Other squads started arriving with only the five squads making it in time, each squad had injured members some missing but the later the squads arrived the fewer members they had, less equipment, and more injuries. They did not even have time to process their results as they all joined the guards in spectating what was transpiring

Atop the wall outside of view of everyone stood General Beckett and the instructors

"Can you give me a rundown of the squads that made it?" Beckett asked not even phased by the altercation below. Colonel Z'yna step forward handing him a terminal tablet

"Squad 3 demonstrated impressive efficiency, with their leader Aisling O'Neill from tier I city London guiding her team to arrive in just 1 hour and 40 minutes. Following closely, Squad 11, led by Sohan Agustin-Dubois, who has a unique background as an adopted member of the noble Dubois family from Prague, reached the location in 2 hours flat.

In third place, Squad 1, under the leadership of Aksel Astason from London, completed the task in 2 hours and 10 minutes. Notably, Aksel is the son of Asta Alfson, a respected dread marine and lieutenant general of the Dragon Legion, which adds an interesting dynamic to his leadership.

Squad 5, led by Alexander Gallifrey from the tier I city of Rome, finished fourth with a time of 2 hours and 30 minutes, though they faced challenges, including the unfortunate loss of one of their members.

Lastly, Squad 9, led by Gilbert Kruger, surprised many by arriving on time with a completion time of 2 hours and 47 minutes, despite being from the tier III Drum Tower City. They were the final squad to meet the deadline.

After sharing these updates, Z'yna stepped back, allowing for some contemplation before the conversation continued.

"Squad 5 will be punished alongside the rest and Squad 9 shall take the fourth place." Said Beckett

"I'm curious to see how things will unfold, right General? We all have our thoughts about which squad possesses more potential. It would be wise to ensure everyone is positioned in their rightful place. Perhaps we can consider bringing in more recruits from tier I cities, although I remain skeptical about how that might help replenish the dragon legion, especially since only about 200 managed to march out of the thousand. It'll be interesting to see how this develops," said Doctor Wolmer.

" Doctor don't you have some other child's future to be destroyed, right Wolmer last I checked the only reason you are here is because you have failed one or too many times hence here you proxy of the president," said Aniela smugly

"Says the waste of potential who decided to teach children." Wolmer quipped back, Aniela was about to reply but saw Beckett give the terminal back to Z'yna

"Well then the last group has arrived so it's time to break this up Z'yna they are yours from now on," he said turning around he started walking away "Wolmer, you are with me."

The conflict at the front of the gate continued to heat up

"Come on commoner take your best shot," said Alexander

"William if your manners make you too afraid to do it I will take a swing myself," said Kean

"I-" William's reply was interrupted by a punch to the gut meanwhile Gilbert's sword was taken from his hand and Alexander ended up on all fours with the 5'5" Colonel Z'yna sitting on his back as William landed kneeling she placed her feet on his left shoulder while using Gilbert's sword for balance.

"How dare you I shall have my- mhmm mhmm!" Alexander's exclamation was interrupted when Z'yna shoved his mouth into the dirt. This series of actions surprised the recruits, even Gilbert did not realized when his sword was taken he just felt an overwhelming force then it was gone.

"Well then welcome recruits to Aeskrow Citadel, You have all made it into the next few years you shall be the responsibility of mine. The first order of business Squad 5 failed and Squad 9 has moved to fourth position. Okay now follow me for the run down for your years here" she said standing up she started walking inside the citadel. Helping William up Gilbert and all the children followed behind her. As they walked behind her massive walls built from black rock meticulously chiseled with ornate reliefs of Roman, and Celtic design and draconian motifs, neo-classical edifices. Windows arched with intricate tracery and wrought iron balconies. Integrated into these olden designs is expensive glass with gleaming futuristic translucence. These panels each adjusted opaqueness with their access to sunlight, all around are holographic patterns that echo the academy's legacy - a living canvas of artistry and practicality. As they followed behind Z'yna she explained

"Those who have finished in the allotted time shall remain in their squads while the other squads will be reassigned appropriately-," she said

"Wait what?" Wolfgang interrupted "I thought we were only in these squads temporarily."

"All members of squad 9 are only allowed to hop along with the group from now on along with minus 3 merits each. Any more interruptions and the punishment will be worsened" said Colonel Z'yna

"Way to go numskull," whispered Kean into Wolfgang's ear as he and others in the squad start to hop following the group

"Now then where was I? Recruits from tier I cities may request once for a transference of squads but the squad they are transferring to has to accept it or the chance is wasted. You shall be split into four main departments Knight, Mechanic, Medic, and Coxswain only those who have taken the navigation exam are allowed into the Coxswain department so most of you do not have to worry about it. As for dormitories, all squads that finished on time shall share 3 bedroom quarter, with 3 bathrooms and a kitchen. The other squad will have their own 2 bedroom quarters as well but shall share a common bathroom and may eat their meals at the cafeteria. Oh, here we are welcome to Left Wing Tower recruits " As they traveled through the open courtyard passing by patrol squads in helmets chest pieces, and boots carrying rifles they arrived A towering structure looms midway between the main building and the castle wall, its once-majestic facade now marred by neglect. The stone walls are covered in a thick layer of dust and grime, giving the impression that they have not been tended to since the last occupants departed. Weeds and vines creep up the sides, further adding to the air of abandonment, while shattered windows hint at stories long forgotten. The contrast between this dilapidated tower and the otherwise pristine castle creates a haunting sense of history lost.

"Well then information about your assigned classes and room numbers shall be sent to your halo watches and two days from now shall be your first class so I expect this entire building cleaned for inspection," she said. A notification then arrived on all their watches as she finished speaking Gilbert then checked his 'Squire 141, your squad 9 has been assigned to floor 9, room 4. Currently, you are located in room 1. Please make your way to the assigned room at your earliest convenience.'