The sunlight filtered through the dense canopy of the huge trees, illuminating the grassland's edge. Tents dotted the clearing, their colorful fabric flapping in the gentle morning breeze. Students milled about, their faces a mix of nervous excitement and dread, as Emilia stood before them, addressing the crowd with a firm voice.
"Remember," she began, her gaze sharp as it swept over us. "This isn't a joke. Your lives are at serious risk here, and no one is coming to save you. That's why you'll be working in teams. Lose your teammates, and you're on your own."
Her words were cold but fair—a reminder that this wasn't just another school exercise. This was a test of survival.
I stood off to the side, arms folded, observing the scene with detached calm. The way some of the students were fidgeting, they wouldn't last a day out here.
"Lukas!"
I turned my head slightly to see Ashton jogging toward me, his usual grin plastered on his face.