<GEAS Base Part 3/>

Darren led us through the sleek, high-tech corridors of the Elite GEAS Base, his stride unhurried, like someone who had walked these halls countless times. 

The place felt alive—data screens displaying mission logs, recruits moving with a quiet sense of purpose, and the faint hum of automated systems operating in perfect sync.

Atlas took in the polished steel walls and embedded holographic displays. "Damn," he muttered, running a hand through his hair. "This place makes the Advanced Bases look like outdated training halls."

Darren smirked. "That's because they are. Every Elite GEAS Base is a cut above, designed for the best. The academy doesn't waste resources on mediocrity."

I studied the facility, noting the high-end security measures and streamlined structure. "How many Elite Bases are there in the academy?"

Darren glanced at me, as if pleased by the question. "Twenty. As I explained earlier, each one is named after a precious metal composite—this base is named after the Verantium core."

Atlas raised a brow. "Twenty? That's… less than I expected."

"Because only the top 100 S-rank awakeners qualify for Elite Bases," Darren explained. "And each base is managed by one of the Ranking Squads."

That caught my attention. "Ranking Squads?"

Darren nodded. "There are 100 Ranking Squads, each made up of a seven-member team. They're the backbone of the academy's base system. Every base—whether it's Standard, Advanced, or Elite—is run by one of these squads, based on their rank."

Atlas whistled. "Wow, I thought the academy managed the base. Now I know."

"The Elite GEAS Bases are overseen by Squads ranked 11 to 30." Darren smirked. "Have I already told you that V.E.B is managed by Nightfall Squad, ranked #12. My squad."

I raised a brow. "So each squad controls the facilities in their base?"

"Exactly," Darren confirmed. "We're responsible for training programs, security, mission coordination—everything. It's how the academy maintains order. If a squad can't handle the responsibility, they get demoted, and another takes their place."

I nodded. That explained why everything here felt so well-managed—this wasn't just a training facility. It was a test of leadership for the ranking squads themselves.

Atlas looked thoughtful. "So what about the other bases? How do they rank?"

Darren crossed his arms. "The Standard GEAS Bases house non-ranking trainees—there are 40 of those, mostly for foundation-level training. The Advanced GEAS Bases hold the top 100 A-rank awakeners, and there are 30 of them. Then, of course, the 10 Private GEAS Bases—reserved for special cases, usually academy-sanctioned projects or exclusive high-level awakeners."

Atlas muttered, "So Elite Bases are rare as hell…"

Darren grinned. "You're catching on."

********

We turned a corner, and a massive open hall came into view. My eyes narrowed slightly.

The Combat Simulation Hub.

The space was vast, multiple battle arenas spread across different sections, each equipped with either hard-light hologram opponents or advanced AI-driven drones.

Recruits sparred in enclosed rings, some locked in brutal melee combat, while others engaged in augmented reality simulations, their bodies still as their minds fought battles on a higher plane.

"This is where you'll be spending most of your time," Darren said.

Atlas scanned the room, eyes flicking between the high-speed duels and intense holographic fights. "You mean getting my ass kicked?"

"Only at first," Darren shot back smoothly. "The Combat Simulation Hub adapts to each fighter's weaknesses and strengths. The AI isn't here to beat you—it's here to teach you. But trust me, it won't go easy on you."

I took a step forward, watching a recruit dodge a drone's attack before countering with a precise energy blade strike, dispersing the hologram instantly. "What about the AI difficulty?"

Darren nodded approvingly. "Good question. There are ten combat levels. Levels one through four are designed for foundation building—reflex training, movement correction, proper battle awareness. Levels five through seven simulate real combat scenarios based on previous awakeners' fights. Level eight is where most recruits hit their limit. Level nine and ten…"

He exhaled sharply. "Well, let's just say even experienced awakeners struggle there."

Atlas scoffed. "And let me guess. The real monsters here are training at Level 10?"

Darren grinned. "Now you're catching on."

I glanced at him. "And where do you train?"

For the first time, Darren didn't answer immediately. He simply smiled and gestured for us to keep walking.

Figures.

********

After passing the training facilities, Darren led us through another set of corridors toward the living quarters.

"Elite squad members also have access to top-tier fitness centers, relaxation zones, and personal lodgings," he continued. "The academy spares no expense in ensuring our best recruits have everything they need."

Atlas glanced out a nearby floor-to-ceiling window, taking in the sheer scale of the base. Below, we could see the advanced medical facilities, a drone repair bay, and even what looked like a high-end dining district exclusive to Elite members.

"How do squads get assigned to bases?" I asked. "Do they apply, or are they chosen?"

Darren smirked. "You don't apply. You get chosen. And if you fail, you get replaced."

Atlas rolled his eyes. "Because that doesn't sound ominous at all."

Darren chuckled but didn't elaborate. Instead, he stopped in front of a reinforced metal door with a sleek console next to it. My name was displayed on the screen:

Noah Adler - Room 49 S

"This is your private lodging," Darren said. "Elite Base rooms aren't just dorms—they're personalized workspaces. Your rank here isn't just about training; it's about responsibility. This is where you plan, prepare, and refine yourself."

I stepped closer as the console scanned my biometric data. A soft chime confirmed my identity, and the door clicked open, revealing my new living quarters.

The moment I stepped inside, I paused.

The room was insane.

A massive bed sat at the center, opposite a high-tech workstation equipped with an interactive holo-terminal. A separate section housed a personal training area, complete with agility modules, resistance machines, and even a compact meditation chamber. The floor-to-ceiling window offered a panoramic view of the academy skyline.

Atlas let out a low whistle. "Damn, Noah. If this is your room, I'm afraid to ask what the captains get."

I smirked. "I was expecting something… smaller."

Darren leaned against the doorframe. "Consider this another test."

"This isn't just a reward—it's a way to see who gets complacent and who keeps pushing forward. Luxuries like this? They're distractions if you let them be. Some recruits get comfortable. Others see it as a tool to get even better." 

His gaze sharpened. "Which one are you?"

I met his eyes evenly. "The second one."

He held my gaze for a moment before nodding. "Good. Then you'll do just fine here."

Atlas, of course, wasted no time messing with everything in my room. Within minutes, he was flipping through the smart glass window settings, adjusting the climate control, and lounging on my bed like it was his own.

"Bro," he sighed dramatically, sinking into the mattress, "if I had this, I'd never leave my room."

I smirked. "This is how they weed out the weak-willed."

Atlas sat up. "Huh?"

"This place isn't designed to pamper us. It's testing us—to see who keeps pushing forward."

Atlas was quiet for a moment, then grinned. "Damn. That's deep."

I shrugged. "It's reality."