Selecting Leader

At exactly noon, Elijah, Kieran, and Visconti made their way to the main building.

The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement and nervous energy as cadets filled the room, whispering and speculating about what awaited them.

The trio found a spot near the back, leaning against the wall as they waited.

"Do you think it's about the sparring matches?" Kieran asked, bouncing slightly on his heels.

"Obviously," Visconti replied, arms crossed. "What else would it be?"

Before Kieran could retort, a voice boomed over the speakers. "Attention, cadets!"

The room immediately fell silent as a woman stepped onto the stage at the front.

She was petite with short, choppy hair and a soft smile that contrasted with the typical stern demeanor of their other instructors.

Despite her friendly appearance, there was a certain sharpness in her eyes that suggested she wasn't someone to be underestimated.

"I'm Instructor Lyra," she began, her voice clear and confident. "The reason you've been called here is to announce the details of your upcoming group sparring matches."

The room erupted into whispers again, but Lyra raised a hand, silencing them.

"The matches will last an hour and a half," she continued. "Each team will compete in one of three venues. The first venue is the Modern World—a simulated cityscape filled with buildings, alleys, and rooftops. The second venue is the Apocalyptic World, featuring ruins, debris, and hazards. And the final venue is the Forest, a sprawling wilderness with thick trees, uneven terrain, and natural hiding spots."

Kieran leaned over to whisper to Elijah. "I call dibs on Modern World. Way easier to navigate."

Elijah ignored him, his eyes fixed on Lyra as she continued.

"Your goal is to collect flags hidden throughout the venue. There are exactly 20 flags, each worth different points depending on their color. Red flags are worth the most, followed by blue, then yellow. Green flags are worth the least. The more points you collect, the higher your chances of winning. However…" She paused, letting her words sink in. "You can also gain an advantage by defeating members of opposing teams. It's up to you to decide your strategy."

"You are also free to engage with your opponents," she added. "Whether that means stealing their flags or… incapacitating them, that's entirely up to you. However, you must not cause permanent harm. Violate that rule, and you're out of the event—and possibly this program."

A murmur rippled through the cadets. Elijah crossed his arms, already mentally calculating different approaches.

"And now," Lyra said, stepping aside, "We'll reveal the matchups."

A large holographic screen flickered to life behind her, displaying a list of teams and their opponents.

The cadets craned their necks, searching for their names.

Elijah's sharp eyes scanned the list quickly, and when he found their team name, his brow furrowed.

Their opponents were a trio he didn't recognize—unfamiliar names that gave no hint of their abilities.

"Who are they?" Kieran asked, leaning over to look at the screen.

"No clue," Elijah replied.

Visconti raised an eyebrow. "Good. That means we won't underestimate them."

Lyra continued. "Your matches will take place at different times throughout the day. For your team," she gestured at the screen, "Your battle will be held from 8:00 A.M to 4:30 in the afternoon. Your venue assignment will be announced tomorrow morning."

Elijah exhaled, already thinking about how to prepare.

The screen updated, and Elijah quickly located their time: 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM.

"Afternoon match," Visconti noted. "At least we won't be running on an empty stomach."

Kieran smirked. "I'll be running on caffeine. I'm taking you both down if you don't let me nap before then."

"Good luck with that," Elijah muttered.

"Remember," Lyra said, her tone firm. "This is a test of not just your strength but your teamwork, strategy, and adaptability. Use these next few hours wisely."

With that, she dismissed the cadets.

The room buzzed with conversations as everyone speculated about their opponents and the venues.

Kieran was already strategizing aloud. "Okay, hear me out—if it's Modern World, I'm climbing every building. If it's the Forest, I'm hiding in a tree. And if it's Apocalyptic…well, I'll just wing it."

Visconti sighed. "Great strategy. Really inspires confidence."

When they got back to the dorm, the three of them barely took a moment to breathe before Elijah spoke up.

"So, who's going to be the group leader?" he asked, tossing his bag onto the couch and stretching his arms.

"Obviously me," Kieran said confidently, standing tall and puffing out his chest like he'd already been crowned the king of strategy.

The room was dead silent for about two seconds before both Elijah and Visconti burst into uncontrollable laughter.

"That's the funniest thing I've heard this year," Elijah said between chuckles, holding his stomach. "Damn. Joke of the year."

Visconti wiped an imaginary tear from his eye, smirking. "No offense, Kieran, but your idea of leadership is yelling 'charge' and hoping for the best."

"Excuse me," Kieran said, crossing his arms defensively. "I'll have you know I'm great at inspiring people."

"Inspiring them to question their life choices, maybe," Elijah deadpanned, earning another snicker from Visconti.

"Alright, alright," Kieran said, waving his hand dramatically. "If not me, then who? You?" He pointed at Elijah.

Elijah raised an eyebrow. "Why not?"

"Because you're too quiet to lead," Kieran retorted. "People would forget you were in charge."

"Sometimes, Kieran," Elijah said, his tone dry, "Being quiet is how you get things done."

"Yeah, like sneaking out of responsibilities," Kieran shot back, grinning.

"Alright, children," Visconti interjected, holding up his hands. "If we're going to make this decision, we might as well do it right."

"Alright, now," Elijah said after the laughter settled down. He leaned back against the couch, crossing his arms. "Who's in favor of letting Visconti be the group leader?"

Without hesitation, Elijah raised his hand. Kieran followed a moment later.

Visconti blinked, looking between them.

"Wait, hold on. You both agree?"

"I'm not insecure or anything," Kieran said, scratching the back of his neck, "But, uh… yeah, I voted for you. Didn't really expect that, huh?"

Visconti tilted his head. "Honestly, no. Why me?"

Kieran shrugged. "I don't know. I just… feel like you'd suit the role better. You're strategic, you keep a level head, and you don't make decisions based purely on impulse."

Elijah gave Kieran a look. "Wow. Did you just compliment someone without slipping in a joke? Are you feeling okay?"

"Don't make it weird," Kieran muttered, avoiding eye contact.

Elijah smirked before turning to Visconti. "He's right, though. You're a natural for this. You're decisive, but you don't rush into things. You're good at analyzing a situation and finding the best solution. And, most importantly, you actually listen to people's input, which is rare around here."

Kieran nodded. "Yeah, unlike some people—"

"I don't even want to know who you're shading," Elijah cut in, shaking his head. "Anyway, you've got leadership qualities, Visconti. It's obvious."

Visconti listened, his arms slowly crossing over his chest. A chuckle escaped him as he shook his head. "Man, this is a lot of pressure you're putting on me."

"You'll survive," Elijah said with a faint smirk.

"Will I, though?" Visconti teased, though there was an edge of sincerity in his voice. "I mean, you two really trust me to lead?"

Kieran gave him a reassuring slap on the shoulder. "Of course, we do! You're like the smartest guy here."

Visconti looked between the two of them, a small, genuine smile forming on his face. "Alright, fine. I'll take the role. But don't come crying to me if I mess up."

Kieran grinned. "Oh, don't worry. If you mess up, we'll just blame Elijah. That's the backup plan, right?"

"Sure," Elijah said dryly, rolling his eyes. "Blame the guy who didn't even want to be the leader."