Challenge #4: Pillars of Nations

"Where the hell do you think you're going?" Rurki's voice was low and dangerous, a dark storm brewing behind his sharp blue eyes. His grip on Jaxon's arm tightened, pulling him back with a force that spoke of authority and command. "Don't tell me you're scared."

Jaxon froze, the words hitting him like a punch. His breath caught in his throat as his eyes locked with Rurki's, the intensity of the blue aura surrounding him unnerving. For a brief moment, Jaxon's confidence faltered—his legs felt weak, his heart skipped a beat. But then, he straightened his back, squared his shoulders, and the fight returned to his gaze.

"I'm not scared," Jaxon replied, though his voice wavered slightly. "I just didn't think it would be like this."

Rurki's blue aura flickered, its intensity dimming slightly as he released Jaxon's arm. His voice softened, but there was no mistaking the authority in it. "Good. Because if you're scared, you're already dead. You can't lead a country if you're afraid of the challenges ahead. You either step up, or you step out. That's the choice."

The students who had been eliminated began to shuffle towards the exits, casting one last glance at the remaining competitors. The air in the room grew thick with tension as those still standing faced the harsh reality of the competition.

Rurki muttered under his breath, watching the eliminated students file out. "Good. Seems like the ones complaining were the losers. How sad."

Dr. Calder, who had been silently overseeing the event, took the stage once more. With a dismissive flick of his hand, he addressed the remaining students. "Well, these are the future pillars of the nation. I bid you all goodbye." He turned and walked off the stage without another word.

The atmosphere shifted again as a new figure took the spotlight. A woman with striking features—black braids, sharp blue eyes, and light skin—stepped forward, microphone in hand. She wore stylish glasses, and her figure was accentuated by a red and white shirt paired with a matching skirt and red shoes. She exuded confidence and an air of authority, but there was something about her that made Rurki raise an eyebrow.

"Wow, thank you, Mr. President," she said, her voice smooth and seductive. "I see he gave you all a nickname—'Future Pillars of Nations.' I love that name. But you know what? I think I'll just call you all my babies, okay?"

Rurki, eyeing her with suspicion, leaned towards his friends. "This woman... she's different from that President guy."

Ramon chuckled, clearly more interested in her appearance than her words. "I'm just glad we got a pretty woman with a nice body to lead us."

"So true," Damian agreed with a grin.

The woman smirked and rolled her eyes, her posture straightening as she shifted into a more serious tone. "Let me introduce myself. I'm Jayda Queens, Vice Director of this organization and program. You'll be seeing me a lot, so pay attention, my babies. But, let me make this clear—I'm different. You don't mess with me. Give me a reason, and I'll personally eliminate you myself."

The room fell silent. Students exchanged confused glances, some murmuring quietly to one another.

"What the hell?" someone whispered.

"I thought she was nice," another muttered under their breath.

Jayda gave a sharp smile, letting the silence linger before continuing. "I will baby you, but don't forget that you are leaders now. Let me break it down for you." She paused dramatically, letting the weight of her words settle in the room. "As the President said, this program is designed to mold you into future leaders—not just of this country, but of others too. We'll rebuild you. We'll refine you. And the one standing at the end, the best leader—will become the Sovereign Leader. There are other high positions too, but for now, we'll focus on that." She gestured behind her, and a screen flickered to life.

A video began to play, showing a massive facility—classrooms, boarding rooms (or better yet, apartments), a supermarket, mall, fast food chains, a pool, football fields, bowling courts—everything a student could need, and then some. "This," Jayda said, pointing to the video, "is where you'll be for the next year. Everything you need is here, so make use of it. You'll have normal classes, special classes, and exams. Oh, and how could I forget? We also have the Calder Courthouse Chamber, where we'll hold our meetings."

The students exchanged nervous looks, their unease growing as they took in the reality of their situation.

"So, they're right. We aren't leaving," Rurki said, his voice laced with frustration.

"Hmm... what about our families?" another student asked, his voice tinged with worry.

"You can visit your families on the weekends," Jayda responded with a shrug. "But listen, there's more. There's a money system here. You'll each receive 5.5 million dollars in your bank accounts. Your goal is to increase that money. Spend it wisely. You can use it for anything—anything you want."

A murmur of disbelief rippled through the students.

"Wait, what?" someone asked, their voice filled with confusion. "We get that much money?"

Jayda flashed a grin, her eyes cold and calculating. "Yeah, and you better make the most of it. But let me remind you—this isn't a vacation. Before I send you off, my babies, don't let this program make you think you can just have fun and make friends. You're here to learn to lead. You're not here to party. But, yes—you should have fun, make friends with each other. However…" She leaned into the microphone, her voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "No sex. That's a no-no. If I catch you breaking that rule, you'll get eliminated if caught. Got it?"

A stunned silence swept the room.

"What the hell?" someone muttered.

"You heard me," Jayda said, straightening up again. "Tomorrow at 12, we meet in the Calder Courthouse Chamber to officially kick off the program. A map should be on your phones to guide you around. Good luck, my babies. And I'll see you tomorrow."