chapter 6

Ethin stepped out of the simulation pod, his heart still racing from the intense training exercise. He was greeted by the familiar sight of the training facility's lounge area, where Kyle was lounging on a nearby couch, reading a novel.

"Hey, man," Kyle said, setting his book aside. "Welcome back. How'd it go?"

Ethin shrugged, feeling a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration. "It was intense. I survived, though."

Kyle chuckled. "That's all that matters. You're done with the simulation. Now it's time to see how you rank."

Ethin's heart skipped a beat as Kyle stood up and walked over to a nearby console. Kyle tapped a few buttons, and a holographic display flickered to life.

"Alright, let's see...," Kyle said, scanning the display. "You're ranked... 987 out of 1,012."

Ethin's eyes widened in surprise. He had expected to rank lower, considering it was his first time in the simulation.

"Not bad," Kyle said, grinning. "You've got some potential. Here's your badge."

Kyle handed Ethin a small, sleek red badge with his ranking and name emblazoned on it. Ethin took the badge, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment.

As Ethin walked with Kyle to the hall, they were approached by a girl who seemed to be a friend of Kyle's.

"Hey, Kyle," she said, eyeing Ethin curiously. "What's going on?"

Kyle nodded at Ethin. "I'm helping him register. He's a new student."

The girl raised an eyebrow. "Registration was over three days ago. What's going on?"

Kyle shrugged. "The principal told me to help him out. Didn't give me the specifics, but I guess this guy needed some extra help."

At the registration desk, a woman handed Ethin a uniform and a small badge with his room number. "Here you are, Ethin. You're in room 314, east wing."

Ethin took the uniform and badge, feeling a sense of relief that the registration process was finally complete. Kyle grinned and nodded.

"Welcome to Clover Academy, Ethin," Kyle said, clapping him on the back

After getting his uniform and room assignment, Ethin asked for directions to his room. He made his way through the winding corridors of Clover Academy, finally arriving at room 314.

As Ethin entered room 314, he was immediately struck by the contrast between the different areas of the room. The space was divided into four distinct sections, each reflecting the personality of its occupant.

Ben's area was immaculately organized, with his datapad and books arranged in neat, precise stacks. His bunk was made with military precision, not a wrinkle in sight.

In contrast, Alex's section of the room was a chaotic mess, with clothes and gear scattered everywhere. His bunk was unmade, and his comms device lay on the floor, still buzzing with incoming messages.

Jake's area was a bit more relaxed, with his books and gear arranged in a comfortable, if slightly disorganized, manner. His bunk was made, but his pillow was slightly rumpled.

As Ethin took in the scene, his roommates looked up at him with varying expressions. Ben's eyes narrowed slightly, as if sizing him up. Alex grinned, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. Jake nodded in greeting, his expression friendly but reserved.

Ethin felt a slight sense of trepidation as he took in the scene. He wasn't sure where he fit in, or how he would mesh with his new roommates.