Attendance And Training

"Attention, everyone!" Applause rang out as Christine Sherwood, our homeroom teacher for the year, began her introduction on the first day of school. Her stern expression mirrored the seriousness of her words.

"I'm Christine Sherwood, holding an A+ rank. I expect dedication and a meaningful contribution to humanity from each of you."

The students, though initially excited, now listened with rapt attention. Christine Sherwood's reputation as a formidable teacher preceded her, and her words carried weight.

She continued, emphasizing the academy's results-driven culture. "Here, loafers aren't welcome. Everything hinges on results. Your skills and backgrounds are irrelevant; the academy values your achievements. Let's take attendance. Rank 1, Ambos Dilhadia."

"Ambos here," came the swift reply. Ambos Dilhadia, the top-ranked student, exuded an air of confidence. His presence was undeniable.

Christine consulted her student info book, verifying each student's presence. 

["Rank 2 Lix Arcadia" ]

[ "Present" ]

[ "Rank 3 Elon Slarov" ]

[ "Present" ]

[ "Rank 4 Anna Presley" ]

[ "Here! Here!" ]

["Rank 5 Evelyn Stoneheart" ]

[ "Present" ]

[ "Rank 8 Trisha Clarkson" ]

["Present"]

["Rank 12 Aeron Saath"]

["Present"]

["Rank 18 Rex Williamson"]

["Present"]...

["Rank 570 Alex Delius" ]

[ "Present" ]

'Oh, my rank is decent enough.'

["Rank 870 Alexander mayo " ]

["Present"]

["Rank 1000 Kal Marrison"]

["Present"]

She acknowledged their attendance. The names flowed smoothly, a testament to the disciplined atmosphere she fostered.

With attendance settled, Christine led the students to the training grounds, her message clear. "Since it's your first day, we'll keep it light. Choose a weapon from the selection, and afterwards, you can engage in some individual training."

Following her in an orderly line, we arrived at the expansive training grounds, large enough to accommodate thousands. The sight was awe-inspiring. Rows of weapons awaited, from swords to bows, each gleaming with potential.

"Pick your weapon from the variety available," Christine instructed. "These are academy training weapons. If you use others, be discreet."

With her departure, students eagerly selected their weapons. I opted for a shortsword, confident it would serve me well. I watched as others made their choices, some drawn to the finesse of rapiers, others to the raw power of war hammers.

The training facility was colossal, spanning an area equivalent to two football fields. To the top right lay a shooting range with three different distances, from 100 to 700 meters. The sharp cracks of gunfire soon filled the air as students tested their marksmanship.

At the bottom right, numerous tungsten practice dummies awaited close combat drills, virtually indestructible even against A-rank humans.

The clang of metal striking metal echoed as students practised their techniques, sweat mingling with determination.

On the left stood a well-equipped gym, and notably, a gravity room.

I recognized the significance of this room for my training. It allowed me to increase the gravitational force on my body, a crucial aspect of my development.

"Let's start with the gravity room," I decided. The gravity room held a mystique, rumoured to be the secret behind the academy's success. As I entered, the sensation of increased gravity pressed upon me, forcing my muscles to work harder, my movements more deliberate.

After an hour of rigorous training, Christine came back to the training field to wrap up the class. Her arrival brought a collective sigh of relief from the students, their bodies weary but spirits high.

Christine offered some final words of encouragement. "Great job today, everyone.

Remember, real sessions will commence in two days. Rest well and be ready to give it your all."

With those words, Christine left, and students dispersed, some heading back to their dorms, others staying behind for extra practice.

I determined to improve and made my way back to my dormitory. As I lay on my bed, I contemplated the day's training. "Today's session was only average," I thought. "I must do better, especially before the protagonist gains his cheat ability. I need to be strong enough to protect myself."

Determined, I formulated a plan. "While Ambos is still inexperienced, it's the ideal time to seize that item from him."

I recalled Ambos's devastation in volume 5, particularly in Alestra City, where millions had perished. Lux, the hero, had eventually defeated him, but Alestra City lay in ruins.

This city's significance had a broader impact, leading to humanity's severe loss in the First War against vampires. It had been a vital resource hub, housing an abundance of weapons and crafting materials that were crucial to humanity's defence.

Lost in thoughts of humanity's future, my screen suddenly drew my attention. A notification appeared, offering a golden opportunity.

{Rob the Opportunity of Ambos Dilhadia} (Sub Quest) [Accept or Reject].

I didn't hesitate; I accepted the quest, and a holographic screen presented the sub-quest details:

- Alex must steal Ambos Dilhadia's vital opportunity.

- Completion is mandatory within a specified timeframe.

- Reward: 200 Experience (Exp) points.

- Beware the penalty: death.

- The countdown clock displayed 23 hours, 59 minutes, and 54 seconds.

"This is the opportunity I've been waiting for," Alex exclaimed. "I can gain valuable experience points and retrieve that item from Ambos. Luck is on my side today."

Eager to begin, I prepared myself for the mission. Leaving the academy behind, I boarded a bus, embarking on a journey filled with intrigue and danger.

Hours passed, landscapes changed, and finally, I reached my destination. An unknown awaited me, and I was determined to make the most of this golden opportunity.

...