First Official Quest

Gavin's hands trembled as he struggled to reconcile the discrepancy between his innate sense of having fire magic and the contradictory information displayed on his watch. Beads of sweat formed on his back, and anxiety gnawed at him. Despite the palpable warmth he felt and the vivid details presented by the system, the watch insisted otherwise.

Frantically, Gavin double-checked the system, seeking assurance in the absence of any external reactions. Convinced that he alone could perceive this anomaly, he grappled with the frustrating lack of evidence. Depleted mana left him unable to conjure flames as proof, and desperation welled up within him.

As he mustered the courage to confront Sergeant George and demonstrate his abilities, a tension-filled pause enveloped the scene. Just as Gavin prepared to summon a fireball, Sergeant George's voice cut through the uncertainty, prompting a moment of suspense.

Sergeant George's stern voice echoed through the air, punctuating the tense atmosphere. "Since you are new here," he declared, his gaze unwavering, "I will mete out a light punishment that befits your situation."

Gavin's nerves heightened, unsure of what awaited him. The anticipation hung thick in the air as the sergeant prepared to administer a consequence tailored to Gavin's newcomer status. The gravity of the situation weighed on Gavin, amplifying the sense of unease in the face of an impending disciplinary measure.

Sergeant George's stern voice cut through the air, delivering the verdict. "First of all, you will not be given the free magic book normally handed to all new students without magic. You won't receive one until a month's time," he declared, the weight of the punishment hanging in the air. Surprisingly, Gavin's initial elation was swiftly replaced by a need to conceal his true emotions.

As Sergeant George's gaze scrutinized him, Gavin, a skilled actor, adeptly wore a mask of disappointment. Concealing his genuine feelings wasn't a daunting task for him, and he flawlessly portrayed the semblance of unhappiness. Deep down, a sense of satisfaction lingered, contrasting with the sorrowful look he exhibited on his face.

The reason Gavin decided bot to show sergent George his powers was as a result of what the sergent had said, if Gavin showed sergent George his fire magic then he would not get the free magic book and although it was random he was sure his new system would help him absorb the magic book when it would be handed to him and it would in turn make him a weirder if two magical affinities.

Sergeant George's authoritative tone continued, outlining the second facet of Gavin's punishment. "As for your last punishment, you are to go beast hunting once a week for the next month. You will be free from both of these punishments after that period," the man stated, finalizing the terms. Gavin absorbed the words, a mix of relief and curiosity flickering in his eyes at the prospect of a different kind of task.

Remarkably, if Gavin had pursued a career in acting, he would have undoubtedly soared to prominence in the entertainment industry. His movements and facial expressions were a convincing portrayal of guilt, effectively ensnaring the belief of everyone in the room. The subtle nuances of his performance painted a picture of contrition, concealing the underlying satisfaction he felt.

In the realm of falsehoods, Gavin was a masterful navigator. While honesty prevailed in his dealings with his mother, the same candor did not extend to others. His ability to fabricate emotions and cloak his true intentions allowed him to navigate the intricate web of deception. It was a skill he wielded effortlessly, a trait that became increasingly apparent as he accepted the unique challenges presented by Sergeant George's punishments.

As Gavin contemplated the weeks of beast hunting ahead, a calculated expression adorned his face, concealing the complexities of his thoughts. The stage was set for a month of trials, both tangible and theatrical, as Gavin embarked on a journey that blurred the lines between truth and performance.

"Alright, let's start the test," declared Sergeant George, retrieving a tablet from his storage ring. With purposeful keystrokes, he entered instructions, prompting multiple black pillars to emerge from the ground. The pillars swiftly expanded, covering a significant portion of the room. Simultaneously, five holes appeared on the walls, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the unfolding spectacle.

The pillars, seemingly solid and devoid of any magical incantations, fascinated the students. The fact that they emerged from the ground without the typical telltale signs of magical manipulation piqued their curiosity. The room buzzed with an eagerness that permeated the air, as the unfolding test not only assessed the students' abilities but also served as a captivating display of the extraordinary challenges that awaited them within the academy.

As the students observed the enigmatic pillars and the openings in the walls, anticipation hung in the air. They knew the test would soon begin, and each participant braced themselves for the unforeseen trials that would determine their readiness for the academy's demanding curriculum.

"The rules are simple," Sergeant George explained, his voice cutting through the anticipation in the room. "All you have to do is avoid the incoming balls that will fire out towards you while simultaneously standing on top of those pillars."

He continued, "You can evade the pillars either by deftly dodging the attacks or by employing your abilities to push the balls away. Alternatively, you can turn the tables by using the balls to strike those around you. Even if you get hit, you can still climb back on top of the pillar. For those inclined to knock down opponents, your abilities can give the ball a more forceful push to increase your chances of hitting your targets."

The students absorbed the rules, a mixture of excitement and apprehension coloring their expressions. The challenge presented a dynamic test of agility, strategy, and the adept use of magical abilities. As the black pillars loomed and the holes in the walls hinted at the impending barrage, the participants braced themselves for the exhilarating and unpredictable trial that awaited them in this unconventional initiation into the academy's curriculum.

"For every ball that hits you, it's minus one point. Conversely, for every ball you successfully avoid, it's plus one point. If you hit someone with a ball, that's plus five points. Lastly, if you knock someone down, it's minus two points. You all start with ten points," Sergeant George explained, clarifying the scoring system. The tension in the room heightened as the teenagers absorbed the rules, their eyes fixed on the displayed number ten on their watches.

The sergeant paused, fingers swiftly tapping on his tablet. A collective anticipation hung in the air as the students awaited the next revelation. The number on their watches flickered, adjusting to the changes made by Sergeant George's input. The tablets, now synchronized with the participants' watches, reflected the dynamic scoring system that would govern their performance in the upcoming challenge.

With the rules clarified and the initial score set, the training room crackled with energy. The black pillars and openings in the walls poised to unleash the barrage of magical balls added an air of uncertainty to the impending trial. The students braced themselves, ready to navigate the challenge and prove their mettle in the intricate dance of avoidance, strategy, and skill.

The rationale behind awarding points for hitting others with the balls was deeply rooted in the military philosophy of fostering competition among the students. As Sergeant George observed the tense atmosphere in the room, he understood that a competitive spirit often drove individuals to push their limits, unleashing untapped potential. In the eyes of the military, competition equaled better results, and better results translated to effective control over the strong under their command.

The dynamics of the scoring system were strategically designed to stoke the flames of rivalry among the students. The plus five points awarded for successfully hitting opponents not only added an element of personal achievement but also instilled a sense of urgency to outperform one another. It was a calculated move to mold the students into resilient, resourceful individuals who could thrive in high-pressure situations.

By encouraging competition, the military aimed to sift through the ranks and identify those who demonstrated exceptional skill, adaptability, and strategic thinking. The hierarchy valued those who could not only withstand the challenges thrown at them but also rise above their peers in the pursuit of excellence. In the military's eyes, controlling the strong under their command meant having a pool of individuals who could lead, inspire, and outperform in any given scenario.

As the teenagers absorbed the scoring system, the room became charged with a palpable sense of rivalry. The black pillars and openings in the walls, now transformed into arenas of competition, awaited the students' every move. The inherent desire to accumulate points by hitting opponents fueled a heightened state of alertness, fostering a strategic mindset among the participants.

Beyond the immediate trial, the military foresaw the long-term benefits of this competitive environment. It served as a crucible where the students would forge not only physical prowess but also the mental fortitude necessary for future challenges. Through this unconventional initiation, the military sought to identify and groom the future leaders who could navigate the complexities of power, control, and strategic dominance in the unpredictable landscape that lay ahead.

"You will all go in groups, and the first group will be Gavin Elsher, Lucas Solace, Owen Thatcher, Camilia Levine, and Alora Bardot," announced Sergeant George. As the names echoed in the training room, a mix of anticipation and curiosity flickered across the faces of the selected individuals. Gavin, in particular, felt a jolt of excitement and tension simultaneously. At that precise moment, a message from the system illuminated his watch, signaling the commencement of his first quest.

As Sergeant George assigned the first group for the challenge, Gavin's heard a ding and soon the screen appeared with message from the system, unveiling his inaugural quest.

\[New Quest: Knock down as many people as you can off the pillars\]

\[Reward: +20 EXP per person knocked down\]

Even without thr new quest Gavin was determined to give it his all in the test and be as strong as he could be and just seeing this message just fuel his determination to do better.

"I guess it's time I level up",Gavin thought.