Chapter 28: Level two

Two years later...

"Teacher, what will happen to me now? I'm the only one left here. Will I be moving to another section?" Roseann asked, clinging to Azriel, who seemed bored.

"Remember what I told you kids? You'll be together forever. So, Roseann, you, Zach, and Reed will be moving to Level Two along with Thame and Azriel," Teacher Lycca reassured the six worried children with a smile.

"But we're not the right age for Level Two. Zach, Reed, and I are nine years old and Roseann is eight. Only Thame and Azriel are ten, which fits the criteria," BJ said, hands in her pockets.

"You are special kids. You are the children of the leaders who created this base. Everyone knows you deserve to go to Level Two," Teacher Lycca said, looking at the other four. Thame and Azriel glanced at each other, then at Teacher Lycca.

The children were about to advance to Level Two of their learning, a stage typically reserved for 10-11 year olds. However, Zach, BJ, Reed, and Roseann were exceptional.

"Let's go. I'll personally bring you to your new teachers," she smiled, leading the six children downstairs to the second floor.

"I'm scared, Az. Do you think I can handle the classes in Level Two?" Roseann asked. Azriel sighed.

"Believe in yourself, Rosy! You've been amazing for the past two years! You guys deserve to be with us in Level Two," Thame said, smiling at the four.

"I agree," Azriel said plainly, making Roseann blush and look down.

"Well, I was the most outstanding student of Teacher Lycca," BJ said, smirking.

"Yeah!" Reed agreed with her. Azriel sighed again.

"But don't expect to get the same tasks and lessons as us just because you're not ten yet," Azriel said.

"Oh, come on, bro! Aren't you happy? You won't get bored! You'd probably be sad if we weren't there," BJ said, putting her arm around Reed's shoulders, who nodded.

As they finally reached the room labeled L2-Sky, Teacher Lycca turned to them.

"This is the most amazing class in Level Two. I'll leave you in their care, so enjoy and show them what you've got," Teacher Lycca said. The kids nodded.

"Yes, Teacher!" they chorused. She smiled, patted their heads, and knocked on the door.

The door to the classroom creaked open, revealing a bright, spacious room filled with fourteen children. They were all engaged in various activities, chatting and working on projects. The room fell silent as the new arrivals stepped inside.

Teacher Lycca smiled warmly at the class and talked to the two teachers, They laughed together and bid goodbye to the six kids as she left.

The students exchanged curious glances and eyed the newcomers with a mix of curiosity and indifference.

The lady teacher, a tall woman with a kind face, stepped forward.

"Welcome, kids. I'm Mrs. Delaney, and this is Mr. Carter," she said, gesturing to a man who was standing beside her. Mr. Carter gave a small wave.

Mrs. Delaney continued,

"The five boys you see at the back are the only ten-year-olds in this class. The rest of them are eleven. We've heard about your remarkable performance in your previous level, and we're excited to see what you can bring to Level Two."

She paused and looked at the new students with a smile.

"Now, why don't we start with introductions? Tell us a little about yourselves, and we'll get to know each other better."

Zach, BJ, Reed, Roseann, Thame, and Azriel exchanged glances, then stepped forward as Mrs. Delaney motioned them to do so. Each took a turn introducing themselves.

"I'm Zachary Yun Mishika , 9 years old " Zach began confidently.

"I'm BJ Cojuangco. I was known for my outstanding performance in Level One also 9 years old. " BJ said with a smirk, earning a few impressed nods from the class.

"Reed Jine Cruz here. I enjoy solving problems and puzzles and I'm also 9 years old" Reed added, adjusting his glasses.

"Hi, I'm Roseann Thaptim. I hope to learn a lot from you all and I'm 8 years old. " Roseann said, her voice a bit shy but hopeful.

"I'm Thame Mills, 10 years old. I'm excited to be here and see what we'll learn together, " Thame stated with a friendly smile.

"And I'm Azriel Skyer Jun Kim 10 years old. I've been looking forward to meeting all of you," Azriel concluded, giving a nod.

As Mrs. Delaney clapped her hands, signaling the end of the introductions, a few students at the back raised their hands. Their expressions were a mix of curiosity and skepticism.

One of the boys from the back, a tall 11 year old with a serious face, spoke up.

"Why are there kids here who are only nine and eight years old? Level Two is for ten to eleven-year-olds only. They won't be able to handle our classes."

" They're too young to be with us!"

A few other students murmured in agreement, nodding in support of the boy's comment. The tension in the room grew palpable as the new students shifted uncomfortably.

" Yeah! That is unfair! "

" They're using connection just because their parents is the leaders "

Mrs. Delaney raised a hand to quiet the room.

"I understand your concerns. It's true that Level Two is typically reserved for ten to eleven-year-olds, but these 4 students have demonstrated exceptional performance and abilities in Level One. Their accomplishments are well beyond their age."

She smiled reassuringly at the new students.

"Zach, BJ, Reed, and Roseann have shown extraordinary skills and knowledge, which is why they are joining us in Level Two. We believe in their potential and are confident they will contribute positively to our class."

Mr. Carter stepped forward, adding,

"It's important to remember that each student has unique strengths. Just because they're younger doesn't mean they're less capable. In fact, their presence here is a testament to their hard work and dedication."

The skeptical students glanced at each other, still uncertain but slightly mollified by the teachers' responses. Mrs. Delaney's calm demeanor and Mr. Carter's supportive words seemed to ease some of the tension.

"Why don't we give them a chance to prove themselves?" Mrs. Delaney suggested with a warm smile. "Everyone here has the opportunity to learn and grow, and I'm sure these new students will quickly show you just how capable they are."

The classroom buzzed with a mix of whispers and the six newcomers took their seats.

"Mr. Carter will take the eleven-year-olds to the training room," Mrs. Delaney said. Mr. Carter then led the eleven-year-olds out of the room, leaving Mrs. Delaney with the six younger students.

As the door closed behind them, BJ raised her hand and asked, " Mrs. Delany , Why did you separate us like that?"

Mrs. Delaney smiled and replied, "It's because you and the eleven-year-olds are working on different types of projects and have different class requirements. By splitting the groups, we can better tailor the activities to your specific needs and ensure that everyone gets the most out of their lessons."