The Entrance Exam

Jade Graves stepped through the doors of the military testing facilities, her sharp eyes sweeping across the massive hall. The place was packed—hundreds of recruits, all here for the same reason. To earn a spot in the elite Snipe Squad.

The air was thick with tension, the sound of quiet conversations, the occasional laugh, and the unmistakable hum of competition. No one was here to make friends. They were here to gain a spot at the top.

Jade adjusted her gloves, rolling her shoulders as she scanned the room. Most were nervous. Some tried to mask it with confidence, others whispered among themselves.

A few stood out.

A tall guy leaned against the wall, arms crossed, watching the room like he was already above it all.

Another recruit, a smaller girl, fidgeted with her gloves, her eyes darting around as she bit on her bottom lip.

And then there were the cocky ones—the kind that liked to brag before even firing a shot.

Jade ignored them all. She wasn't here for them rather she was here to reach the top.

She took a deep breath, stretching her arms, loosening up. She needed her body sharp, her mind sharper. The test wouldn't be easy—only five would pass.

Her hands curled into fists.

Failure wasn't an option.

She had to live up to her name. Prove that she could be the best of the best, just like her father had.

She wasn't going to be a failure.

She had been waiting for this moment for nine years.

And now, it was time to prove her worth—to show the world what it truly meant to carry the Graves name.