Welcome to Hell

The American Military Academy was more than a prestigious institution, it was the heart of the nation's future military power. Built on a foundation of discipline, strategy, and relentless innovation, it had produced generations of officers, intelligence experts, and defense pioneers. More than a training ground, it was a proving ground, a crucible where only the best survived.

Unlike traditional academies that focused solely on either endurance or theory, the Military Academy demanded both. Cadets had to master intellectual agility and operational prowess, ensuring they could lead not only on the battlefield but also in the evolving landscape of technological warfare. Here, the brightest minds shaped the future of combat, designing weapons, tactics, and strategies far beyond modern convention.

But Elias was different. Exceptionally different.

In a past life, he had fought wars for his alien overlords. He had been a slave to the Hearos, humanity's conquerors, bound by an explosive compliance chip lodged in his brainstem. He had waged battle among the stars, dying a tragic death aboard Orbital Platform Xyphos, ensuring his enemies perished with him. And then—

He had awakened.

Reborn. Reincarnated. With all his knowledge intact.

The Prometheus System, the hidden force that had granted him extraordinary cognitive abilities, remained with him. He could recall every battle, every technological marvel of the past, every hard-won lesson of survival. His mind functioned at an impossible level, absorbing information like a supercomputer, designing theoretical frameworks for weapons that had not yet been conceived.

He could have chosen an elite university, a government lab, or even the private sector, where his talents would grant him unlimited power. But power meant nothing if humanity was destined to remain weak. His purpose was singular: prepare humanity for war.

And that meant starting from the ground up.

On the first day of the semester, cadets stood in formation on the academy's training grounds. The early morning sun cast long shadows over the field, their crisp uniforms stiff against the chill breeze. Tension hung in the air, anticipation, uncertainty. The scent of dew mixed with lingering traces of gunpowder from the nearby weapons range.

Overseeing the recruits was Instructor William "Billy" Graves, a seasoned tactician with over two decades of military service. His face, a roadmap of old scars, was a silent testament to the wars he had survived. He studied the cadets, not merely evaluating their strength, but their resilience.

"You were not chosen for your potential alone," Graves began, his voice steady and commanding. "You were chosen because you have the ability to evolve into strategic assets. This academy is not a school of theory—it is a crucible. A place where intellect and discipline must merge. You will be tested. You will be pushed beyond your limits. Only those who embrace this reality will endure."

A few cadets subtly straightened their posture, sensing the weight of his words.

"I've seen many who believed intelligence alone would make them great soldiers." Graves' gaze hardened. "They were wrong. Intelligence without discipline is useless. Complacency has no place here. If you are not prepared to make sacrifices, reconsider your decision now."

Silence followed. No one moved. No one spoke.

Graves let the moment settle before delivering his final words. "Welcome to Hell."

Cadets were assigned to their training regimens—endurance tests, tactical simulations, and weapons proficiency drills. But a select few were directed toward specialized research sectors, where only the most promising minds were cultivated.

Elias had no interest in attention, but his abilities made it impossible to stay invisible. He was too precise in combat simulations. Too fast at solving advanced engineering problems. His grasp of military logistics, physics, and next-generation weaponry surpassed even the academy's highest-ranking professors.

They noticed.

That evening, as training concluded, a senior officer approached him.

"Cadet Elias." The officer's voice was neutral but firm. "Come with me."

Elias expected this. He followed without hesitation, his heart steady. He was led through a series of secure corridors until they arrived at a briefing room. Inside, seated in quiet authority, was Instructor Graves.

Unlike before, his presence was not one of intimidation, but of calculated analysis.

"Sit," Graves instructed.

Elias complied, his expression unreadable.

Graves wasted no time. "Your evaluation scores are… unusual." His tone was measured. "Your understanding of advanced military engineering is far beyond what should be possible at your level. That requires an explanation."

Elias remained calm. "Sir?"

Graves leaned forward slightly. "No one develops such knowledge in isolation. Your skills suggest access to classified-level expertise. The question isn't what you know, it's how you know it."

Elias considered his response. The truth would never be believed. But a fragment of it? A controlled revelation? That, he could use.

"Sir, I've developed theoretical frameworks for electromagnetic propulsion systems entirely on my own," he said, voice steady. "With the proper resources, I believe I can construct a fully functional electromagnetic rifle. I synthesized existing knowledge with my own insights."

Graves studied him for a long moment. "That's a bold claim," he said finally. "And bold claims require proof."

Elias gave a small nod. "Understood, sir."

Graves exhaled, decision made. "Tomorrow, you'll be escorted to a secured research facility. There, your assertions will be tested. If you succeed, your role in this academy will change significantly. But be warned" his gaze locked onto Elias, "we do not take jokes lightly."

"Yes, sir."

As Elias left the room, his mind was already working.

This was only the beginning. The academy thought they were testing him, but in truth, he was testing them. Probing the limits of their knowledge. He had no interest in personal glory, only preparation.

Because wars were coming.

And this time, humanity would not fight with chains around its neck.