The Academy [1][Edited]

"FOR ALL THOSE WISHING TO PASS THROUGH THE GATES OF ADEN, YOU MUST FIRST POSSESS A FUNCTIONAL META-WATCH! IT MUST CONTAIN YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION, INCLUDING A RECORD OF YOUR ABILITIES. REPORT TO THE REGISTRY OFFICE TO COMPLETE YOUR REGISTRATION!" bellowed a man dressed in military attire adorned with the insignia of Aden Academy.

The announcement reverberated through the crowd, causing a stir among those gathered.

…

…

"Ugh, this is going to take forever," complained one of the many people standing in the seemingly endless queue that stretched toward the registry office.

With the sheer number of people ahead, he couldn't even see the start of the line, let alone guess when it would be his turn.

"The line's not moving at all, and this sun is killing me!" another person whined, fanning themselves with a scowl.

Someone muttered behind them, "What's going on there?"