Changes[1]

Artic stepped into his dorm room, the faint scent of fresh paint lingering in the air. The space was larger than his previous shelter—clean, structured, and far from the cramped, suffocating quarters he'd endured.

The walls were painted in a muted shade of gray, blending seamlessly with the wooden flooring. A single bed, neatly tucked against the left wall, had crisp white sheets and a dark headboard. To its right, a small study desk sat near the window, accompanied by a simple chair. A closet was positioned at the far end, its doors slightly ajar, revealing a set of standard-issue uniforms.

A bedside table held a sleek black device, most likely the communication tablet issued by the government. On the opposite side of the room, a small kitchenette provided the essentials: a stove, a sink, and a compact fridge stocked with ready-made meals. This was more than a mere dorm—it was a self-sustaining unit.

But something else caught Artic's eye. A door he hadn't noticed before.

Curious, he turned the handle and stepped inside.

The room beyond was vast—far larger than he expected. Artificial lights flickered on as he entered, revealing a fully-equipped training facility. The floors were reinforced with impact-absorbing material, and along the walls, an array of training dummies stood, some shaped like human figures, others resembling monstrous creatures he had only seen in briefings.

To the right, a set of mechanical weights and resistance machines glowed with holographic interfaces, adjusting automatically based on the user's strength. A combat ring sat at the center, its metallic edges embedded with energy receptors, most likely for simulated combat training.

"This is insane," Artic muttered under his breath.

Whoever designed this place wanted them to become warriors.

For the next two weeks, life settled into a rhythm. He trained in the mornings, tested his body's limits in the facility, and spent his evenings studying the few documents available on his device. They covered a mix of survival strategies, energy theories, and basic combat techniques.

Then, one morning, his device buzzed with an urgent notification.

"All students are to report to the dorm hall immediately."

Artic exhaled sharply, grabbed a jacket, and made his way downstairs. The hall was already filled with students, their expressions ranging from nervous to curious.

At the front of the hall, the principal stood silently, his piercing blue eyes scanning the crowd. Unlike their last meeting, he said nothing this time. Instead, another figure stepped forward—an older man, dressed in a sharp black suit with golden embroidery. His aura alone commanded respect.

"Welcome, survivors," the man spoke, his voice steady and authoritative. "I am Minister Alden, head of the newly formed Department of Education."

The room fell into complete silence.

"From today onward, your lives will change. You are the future of humanity. The apocalypse did not end the world, but it reshaped it. Monsters roam freely. Cities are in ruins. The government is rebuilding, but we need strong individuals to ensure our survival."

He took a step forward, scanning the young faces before him.

"For the next two years, your education will take place within your dorms. It is too dangerous for you to move freely. Every room is equipped with a specialized learning system. Your lessons will cover energy manipulation, combat theory, and the sciences needed to understand the new world. The old education system is obsolete. The world does not need mathematicians—it needs warriors."

Artic absorbed every word.

"Every month, you will undergo an evaluation. Your progress will determine your place in the new hierarchy. After two years, you will be given a rank based on your abilities. The stronger you become, the higher your rank."

Murmurs filled the room. Artic clenched his fists. Two years of isolation and training. And then… rankings?

Alden raised a hand, silencing the crowd.

"Your devices will serve as your instructors, mentors, and examiners. Instructions will be sent daily. You will be divided into different classes once your rank is determined. The higher your rank, the better your future. Only the strongest will rise above."

His gaze hardened.

Weakness is no longer tolerated in this era.

Artic felt a shiver run down his spine. This wasn't just education. This was survival.

With that, Alden turned and left, his footsteps echoing through the silent hall.

The moment the doors closed behind him, the room erupted into whispers. Artic, however, stood still, his mind racing.