Chapter 19

Desi absorbed this information, noting the strict and somewhat militaristic rules. The term "higher rank" intrigued him, suggesting a hierarchy within the school's structure.

A brave student stood up. "But Ms. Hawthorne, if patience is so valued, shouldn't there be a penalty for the teacher being late?"

A brave student stood up. "But Ms. Hawthorne, if patience is so valued, shouldn't there be a penalty for the teacher being late?"

Ms. Hawthorne's gaze turned icy. "You just lost 2 points for speaking without permission," she said, and the boy's watch displayed 98 instead of 100. "To answer your question, I have been outside listening to your conversations the entire time."

Desi was shocked, realizing her lateness was a deliberate test. He began to understand the unconventional and challenging environment they were in.

The bell rang, signaling the end of the homeroom lesson. "Class is over. Head to your next class immediately," Ms. Hawthorne instructed. "You have 2 minutes to get there. Failure to arrive on time will result in a 5-point deduction."

The students quickly dashed out of the room, and Desi could see other students from different classes also running. Some were already struggling and falling behind. Desi's regular morning exercises made this run easy for him. He glanced to his right and saw Gazi keeping pace, which was no surprise given his football training. On his left, Liam was running smoothly and even gave Desi a thumbs up. Slightly behind them, Princess Leonor was maintaining a steady pace, surprising Desi given that most of the other girls had already stopped running or were being helped by boys eager to gain their message contacts.

They reached the gym, where a standard race track and football pitch awaited them. An energetic man in a tracksuit stood at the front, their fitness teacher. As students arrived, trying to catch their breath, the teacher surveyed them with a look of disdain.

"Pathetic," he declared. "You can't even handle a 2-minute run. Today, we're burning off all that excess fat. Run around the track until I say stop."

Desi, Gazi, Liam, and Leonor started running immediately, followed by a few other students. The teacher increased his pace, and Desi decided to match him. The teacher was surprised to see Desi keeping up, with Gazi, Liam, and Leonor close behind.

Most students dropped out quickly, collapsing on the football pitch. The teacher finally stopped and looked at the remaining four.

"Impressive," he said. "You four will receive a bonus of 50 points."

The students' eyes widened in surprise. They didn't know points could be gained for exceptional performance. Desi, Gazi, Liam, and Leonor thanked the teacher, who gave them a rare thumbs up.

The other students, seeing the rewards for hard work, began to understand the true nature of St. Edward's Academy. It was not just a school, but a crucible designed to forge them into something greater. Desi felt a mixture of excitement and apprehension for what lay ahead.

After their exhausting gym session, Desi, Gazi, Liam, and the other students headed to the dining hall for lunch. The hall was buzzing with chatter and the clatter of cutlery, a stark contrast to the tense atmosphere of the gym.

Desi piled his plate with a balanced meal, mindful of the school's emphasis on health and fitness. As they ate, Liam observed, "I heard our next session is individual counseling. I wonder what that's about."

Gazi shrugged. "Probably just checking in on how we're coping. This place is intense."

Desi nodded, though he felt a twinge of apprehension. He had a feeling there was more to these sessions than just a friendly check-in.

After lunch, the students were directed to various counseling offices scattered throughout the building. Desi found himself in front of a door marked "Mr. Alexander Reynolds."

He knocked and entered, immediately struck by the calming ambiance of the office. Soft lighting, comfortable chairs, and a bookshelf filled with motivational books and plants made the space feel welcoming. Behind a sleek desk sat a young, calm, and handsome man with a reassuring look that made Desi feel at ease.

"Hello, Desi," the counselor greeted him with a warm smile. "Please, have a seat."

As Desi sat down, the system in his mind suddenly exclaimed, "I can't believe it's him!"

Desi furrowed his brow and whispered, "Do you know him?"

The system fell silent, which annoyed Desi. He was left with more questions than answers.

Mr. Reynolds, holding a file—presumably Desi's—called his name and asked, "How have you been coping with the school so far, Desi?"

Desi recounted his experiences, from the initial surprise at the academy's strictness to the recent physical challenges. Mr. Reynolds listened attentively, his eyes never leaving Desi's face.

"That's good to hear," Mr. Reynolds said, nodding. "Now, let's talk a bit about your background."

Desi hesitated but decided to be honest. "My father is dead, and my mother went missing three years ago."

Mr. Reynolds' expression softened with sympathy, but then he began asking a series of strange questions.

"Desi, what are your thoughts on loyalty?"

Desi was puzzled, but the system whispered a profound answer in his mind. "Loyalty is the foundation of trust and the bond that holds relationships together."

Mr. Reynolds nodded thoughtfully and continued, "And what about rules and commands?"

"Rules are guidelines that maintain order, but commands should be given with respect and received with understanding," Desi replied, again guided by the system.

The counselor's eyes narrowed slightly, as if he was trying to decipher something. "How do you view violence?"

"Violence is a last resort, a failure of dialogue and understanding," Desi answered, his voice steady.

Mr. Reynolds gave a nod of acknowledgment, his face revealing nothing. "You have some very insightful views, Desi. You're free to go."