Festival's Approach

The announcement of the Zenith Academy Festival - 'Bazooka' was met with an immediate buzz of excitement across the campus. The festival was an annual event, a grand tradition filled with student-led performances, innovative science exhibitions, and competitive sports. But more than anything, it was an excuse for students to step away from their demanding coursework and just enjoy themselves.

Orion scrolled through the latest announcement on his holo-tab as he walked to class.

[ACADEMY FESTIVAL – 5 DAYS AWAY!]

Get ready for a week of excitement!

Annual Ball – A formal evening where students could dress up, dance, and enjoy the best food the academy had to offer.

Live Skits & Performances – Student-organized skits, musical acts, and stand-up comedy routines.

Science & Innovation Display – A showcase of mind-blowing experiments, new technology, and research presentations.

Extreme Sports & Challenges – The Combat division was setting up an obstacle course, and there was even talk of a battle simulation event.

The G-Force Ride – A brand-new attraction designed by aspiring researchers. Rumored to be an intense, high-speed experience simulating freefall in a controlled environment.

Orion raised an eyebrow at the last one. A G-Force ride? That was new. And if it was anything like it sounded, it was probably the one thing Neil wouldn't go near.

The festival wasn't just about fun, though. It required massive preparation, which was why every student had been assigned a role to help conduct the event. Orion hadn't even checked his role yet, but he figured he'd get stuck doing something unremarkable—handing out flyers or managing guest entries.

When he arrived at the lecture hall, he saw Rin and Neil already seated.

"Check your assignments yet?" Rin asked as Orion sat down.

"Not yet. You?"

She smirked. "I'm on the security team. Basically means I get to walk around pretending I'm important."

Neil leaned back in his chair. "I got assigned to the Science & Innovation Display. Easy job—just gotta help set up some of the booths. And what about you, Orion?"

Orion finally opened his tab to check. Event Setup & Organization.

He shrugged. "Event setup. Nothing special."

Rin leaned in to see the rest of the message. Then she snorted. "Oh, that's rich."

"What?"

Neil grinned. "You're paired with Seth."

Orion stared at the screen. Setup & Organisation – Orion & Seth, Kirsten & Duke, Mary & Heath.

He groaned. "You've got to be kidding me."

"Hey, at least it's not security duty," Rin said.

Orion shook his head, already dreading the idea of working alongside Seth for hours. It wasn't that he had a problem with him exactly, but they weren't close. They were barely acquaintances. He didn't even know what Seth had chosen as his division.

The festival planning had already begun in full force by the time the day's lectures ended. Orion made his way to the outdoor area where the festival setup crew was gathering. Rows of booths were being assembled, temporary lights were being installed, and a massive stage was being constructed for the performances.

He spotted Seth standing near a stack of supplies, casually scrolling through his holo-tab.

"Yo," Orion greeted as he walked up.

Seth looked up and nodded. "You're on setup too?"

"Yeah. Looks like we're stuck together," Orion said.

Seth smirked. "Try to keep up, then."

Orion rolled his eyes. "Oh, please."

They got to work, moving equipment and assembling parts of the main stage. It was surprisingly smooth—Seth didn't waste time, and Orion appreciated that. After about half an hour, as they took a short break, Orion decided to ask something that had been on his mind.

"So," he started, "which division did you pick?"

Seth leaned against a crate, drinking from a water bottle. "Research."

Orion blinked. "Wait, seriously?"

Seth raised an eyebrow. "What, you thought I'd go Combat?"

"Kind of, yeah."

Seth smirked. "I get that a lot."

Orion shook his head. "Didn't see you as the researcher type."

Seth chuckled. "That's because people assume research is just sitting around reading theories all day. It's not. You ever think about who actually pushes the boundaries of lucid dreaming? Who tests the unknown? That's research. If anything, it's more intense than Combat. You're not just fighting opponents—you're fighting the unknown itself."

Orion considered that. He had never thought of it that way before.

"Huh," he muttered. "Interesting."

They went back to work, and the rest of the setup went smoother than Orion had expected. Maybe working with Seth wasn't going to be such a nightmare after all.

As the sun set, the festival grounds started to take shape. The booths were nearly ready, the stage was halfway complete, and the anticipation in the air was unmistakable. Orion wiped the sweat off his forehead and stretched his arms.

Five days until the festival.

And from the looks of it, it was going to be one hell of an event.