The Dawn of Dystopia

As the students filed out of the combat training class, Aiden, Lena, and Mark gathered near the entrance, their energy still buzzing from the session.

"Hey, let's team up for the tournament," Lena suggested, glancing between Aiden and Mark with a determined look. "What do you think?"

"Hell yeah! Let's do it!" Mark exclaimed, his excitement evident in his wide grin.

"We need one more person. Do either of you have someone in mind?" Aiden asked, considering their team composition.

"Maybe we should invite Lila," Lena proposed. "She's not only strong but also ranks in the top three of her class." Lena nodded, thinking of how well she and Lila worked together in past exercises.

"Hmm… why not? She'd be a solid addition," Aiden agreed, nodding thoughtfully. "Besides, I've heard she's a team player."

"Our next class is History. I wonder why they added it this semester instead of earlier ones," Mark said, his brow furrowed with curiosity.

"I'm not sure," Aiden replied, pondering. "Maybe they wanted us to focus on survival skills first. History might be seen as supplementary."

"Maybe," Lena said, shrugging. "I guess we'll find out soon enough."

As they wrapped up their conversation, the trio made their way toward the bustling academy cafeteria. The corridors buzzed with students, some still energized from combat training and others chatting animatedly about upcoming classes.

The cafeteria was a large, open space filled with rows of tables and students gathered in clusters. The enticing aroma of various dishes hung in the air, drawing everyone toward the serving counters.

"I'm starving," Mark announced as they joined the line, his stomach growling in agreement. "Combat training always works up an appetite."

"I hear today's special is actually pretty good," Lena said, scanning the menu displayed above the counter. "They've got that roasted vegetable pasta everyone's been raving about."

"Sounds better than the mystery meat from last week," Aiden joked, nudging Mark with a grin.

They picked up their trays and began moving through the line, each selecting a hearty portion of the pasta along with a side of fresh salad. Aiden added a slice of bread and a fruit cup to his tray, ensuring he had enough fuel for the day.

Finding a spot near the window, they settled at a table and dug into their meals.

"So, what's the plan if Lila says no?" Mark asked between mouthfuls. "We should have a backup."

"I doubt she'll say no, but just in case, we could ask Sam or Ryker. They are not as strong as Lila, but they have good strength and can adapt well." Lena suggested.

"Good idea. Sam's tactical skills could come in handy," Aiden agreed, taking a sip of his drink. "We'll talk to Lila after History and see where we stand."

The conversation shifted as they ate, the camaraderie between them evident as they laughed and shared stories from their classes and training sessions. Amid the chatter and clinking of utensils, a commotion near the entrance of the cafeteria caught their attention.

Aiden's eyes narrowed as he recognized the scene unfolding. A small, wiry kid named Leo, a classmate known for his timid nature and perceived weakness, was backed against a wall by a group of larger students. His clothes were dishevelled, and his face was flushed with a mix of fear and humiliation.

"Look at him, still wearing that pathetic old uniform," one of the bullies sneered, shoving Leo roughly. "You think you belong here, weakling?"

Leo's eyes were wide, and he tried to shrink into himself, but the bullies weren't letting up. "Just leave me alone," he pleaded, his voice barely audible over the jeers.

Aiden's gaze shifted to Lena and Mark, who had also noticed the altercation. Lena's face tightened with concern, and Mark's expression hardened. Without a word, the three friends stood up, making their way toward the scene.

The leader of the bullies, Rex Sullivan, was known throughout the academy as one of Darius Kane's henchmen.

As one of the most formidable students ranking in the top 20 in first year, Rex wielded his strength and position as Darius's henchman to do what he wants, enforcing his rule over those he deemed weaker.

Rex's intimidating presence was a constant reminder of the power dynamics at play, and his behaviour only reinforced the hierarchy that marginalized students like Leo.

"Hey!" Mark's voice cut through the din, authoritative and firm. "Leave him alone."

The bullies turned, their sneers fading into surprise as they saw Aiden, Lena, and Mark approaching. "What's it to you?" Rex challenged, attempting to look unfazed.

Aiden stepped forward, his eyes cold. "You've had your fun. Now back off before I wipe the smugness of your face."

Seeing the determination in Aiden's eyes, Rex hesitated. he muttered something under his breath, but they eventually backed away, casting one last sneering look at Leo before retreating.

He knew that he wouldn't be able to match Aiden in a fight, specially with Mark and Lena being there too. Aiden was ranked in the top 5 of first year, known as one of the 5 uncrowned kings of the year, Lena and Mark were of similar rank to him too.

Leo slumped to the floor, his face buried in his hands. Mark knelt beside him, offering a comforting hand. "Are you okay, Leo?"

Leo looked up, his eyes red and brimming with unshed tears. "Thanks… I didn't know what to do. They are too strong"

Lena sat down next to him, her voice gentle. "Don't worry about them. They're just bullies looking for someone to push around. You're safe now."

Aiden, standing nearby, watched with empathy. He had been in Leo's shoes once, facing the same kind of cruelty when he first joined the orphanage. It was Lena and Mark who had stood by him then, just as they were now.

"Do you want to come sit with us?" Aiden offered, trying to reassure Leo. "We've got some extra food, and we'd be glad to have you."

Leo nodded gratefully, his gratitude clear despite his subdued demeanour. As he joined them at their table, the atmosphere lightened slightly. The three friends made sure he felt included, chatting with him about less stressful topics and offering support.

As they settled back into their conversation, Aiden couldn't help but reflect on how far he'd come, and how important it was to stand up for others who were in the same vulnerable position he once had been.

Lena and Mark exchanged knowing glances, silently acknowledging the impact their actions had on both Leo and themselves. They knew that in their world, compassion and camaraderie were as crucial as strength and skill.

As break time came to and end. Aiden and his group went to the History class, which was about 5 minutes away from the cafeteria by walking.

As they approached the history class building, Aiden, Lena, and Mark found themselves surrounded by a series of imposing statues. Each statue depicted a past warrior, frozen in dramatic poses of valour and strength. Their chiselled features and detailed armor stood in stark contrast to the modern academy's sleek architecture.

"These statues are quite something," Mark remarked, running a hand over the weathered stone of one figure. "I've heard different stories about them."

"Yeah, some people say they're just part of folklore," Lena said, studying the statues with a mix of curiosity and scepticism. "Legendary heroes from old tales, meant to inspire us."

Aiden nodded, his eyes scanning the faces carved in stone. "Others believe they were real warriors who protected us from ancient threats. It's said that they've been enchanted to watch over the academy and keep us safe."

The statues, though majestic, seemed to cast long shadows, their presence almost palpable. They were adorned with inscriptions in ancient script, recounting deeds of heroism and battles fought long ago. Some inscriptions were worn and nearly illegible, while others were still clear and vivid, depicting tales of bravery and sacrifice.

"They're definitely impressive," Aiden continued, his tone thoughtful. "But whether they're real or just symbols, they've become a part of our history and tradition."

As they entered the building, the statues seemed to follow them with their stone eyes, a silent reminder of the legacy they carried. The hallways inside were lined with historical artifacts and portraits of figures from the past, adding to the ambiance of reverence and mystery.

The trio found their way to the history classroom, where students were already taking their seats. The room was adorned with maps of ancient lands, diagrams of long-forgotten technologies, and displays of relics from bygone eras.

Students were chatting about what the teacher would be like, would she be beautiful or ugly. Old or young and whether they had a chance with her. They knew that she was a woman, because they saw it in the timetable that her name was Elara. Others were more focus on what the curriculum will be about, whether it will be boring or not. As students got into their groups an