Chapter 15

A murmur of conversation rippled through the hall. Desi couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. The strict rules and the intense focus on real-life training were daunting, but he also felt a thrill at the challenge ahead.

Gazi, still eyeing Desi with suspicion, whispered to Ricardo, "This place is intense. But I guess that's what we signed up for."

Ricardo nodded, "Yeah, man. But it's also a huge opportunity. We just have to play by the rules and prove ourselves."

As the orientation wrapped up, the students were led out of the hall and towards their dormitories. Desi, lost in thought about the journey ahead, felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned to see Gazi, a determined look on his face.

"Hey, new guy. You better not be here just to show off your fancy car," Gazi said, a hint of challenge in his voice.

Desi smiled, recognizing the competitive spirit. "I'm here to prove myself, just like everyone else. The car's just a gift. What matters is what we do here."

Gazi studied him for a moment before nodding. "Alright, we'll see. Let's make this place our proving ground."

As they walked towards their new living quarters, Desi couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. The adventure at St. Edward's Academy was just beginning, and with its mix of strict rules, high expectations, and mysterious undertones, it promised to be a journey unlike any other.

The academy's iron grip on its students was clear, but Desi was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. Little did he know, the true test of his resolve and resourcefulness was only just beginning.

After collecting all his materials, Desi made his way to his assigned hostel room, 354. As he approached, he saw another boy standing at the door, looking equally puzzled. It was Gazi, and the moment their eyes met, a spark of rivalry ignited between them.

Desi sized Gazi up. "So, you're my roommate," he said, trying to sound casual but unable to hide the competitive edge in his voice.

Gazi crossed his arms, his expression mirroring Desi's. "Looks like it. Let's just make one thing clear—I'm here to be the best, and I won't let anyone stand in my way."

Before Desi could respond, another boy walked up, clutching his own set of materials and looking exasperated. "Are you two just going to stand there all day, or are we going in?" he asked, pushing his way between them.

Desi and Gazi snapped out of their stare-down and turned to the newcomer. He had a friendly, easygoing demeanor, with messy hair and a lopsided grin. "Name's Liam," he said, extending a hand. "Looks like I'm your third roommate."

Desi shook his hand, grateful for the interruption. "Desi."

Gazi followed suit, though his handshake was a bit firmer. "Gazi."

"Great," Liam said, pushing open the door to reveal their new living quarters. The room was surprisingly spacious, with three beds neatly made, desks for studying, and large windows that let in plenty of light. "This doesn't look too bad," Liam remarked, throwing his stuff on one of the beds. "Let's just hope the food's as good as the room."

Desi laughed. "We can dream, right?"

Gazi, still in competitive mode, dropped his bag on the bed farthest from the door and started unpacking. "So, what do you guys make of this schedule?" he asked, holding up his copy.

Desi glanced at it again, shaking his head. "It's the weirdest schedule I've ever seen. Homeroom for two hours, fitness training, and then compulsory counseling? And no academic classes?"

Liam shrugged. "Maybe they're trying to make us well-rounded or something. Or maybe they're just messing with us."

"Either way," Desi said, "it's going to be interesting."

As they finished unpacking, they heard a knock on the door. It was a school official, making sure all the new students were settled in. "Everything alright here, gentlemen?" the official asked.

"Yeah, we're good," Liam replied with a grin. "Just trying to figure out what kind of crazy place we've landed in."

The official chuckled. "You'll get used to it. Just remember, the first day is always the hardest. Good luck."

After the official left, the three boys sat on their beds, looking at each other.

"So," Liam said, breaking the silence, "anyone here know anything about our homeroom teacher, Ms. Hawthorne?"

Desi and Gazi exchanged glances. "She's strict," Desi said. "We had her for the orientation. Not exactly the warm and fuzzy type."

"Great," Liam groaned. "Just what we need."

As they continued to talk, getting to know each other and sharing their thoughts on the school, the atmosphere slowly shifted from one of rivalry to one of camaraderie. Despite their differences, they were all in the same boat, navigating the strange new world of St. Edward's Academy together.

Meanwhile, in the girls' hostel, Princess Leonor was settling into her room, 385, also trying to make sense of the bizarre schedule and strict rules. Little did she know, her path would soon cross with Desi's in ways neither of them could have anticipated.

Back in room 354, the boys were beginning to realize that, despite the challenges ahead, they had each other's backs. And with that, the stage was set for an unforgettable journey at the academy.