Close Friends?

Chapter - 34

Alright... I think I get how this whole team dynamic works. When you're in a group—dealing with the same challenges, sharing the same obstacles—you end up bonding whether you plan to or not. You push through together, figure things out, and by the end, you start to understand each other in a way that goes beyond just "classmates." In most cases, that's how a friendship begins.

I get that Cassia, Jennifer, and I have become better acquaintances because of it. For example, if we're passing in the hallway now, I'll give them a nod or a quick "hi." Just a small gesture, but something I wouldn't have done before.

But today… this was different.

As soon as I entered the lecture hall and headed for my usual spot at the back, I could already feel a pair of eyes tracking my movement. Settling into my chair, I was surprised to see Jennifer and Cassia, who'd been sitting at the front when I came in, gather their things and head straight toward me. They both wore warm smiles as they approached, slipping into the seats on either side of me.

"Hey, Callum," Cassia greeted, her voice light and friendly. 

"Hi," Jennifer echoed with a smile.

Caught a little off guard by their sudden closeness, I returned the greeting with a slightly awkward, "Uh… hey, guys."

Cassia leaned in a bit, her tone laced with genuine concern. "So, how are you feeling now? Are you better?"

I shrugged and gave a casual wave of my hand. "I wasn't all that hurt, honestly. Just a few scrapes. I'm good." Then I turned to Jennifer, remembering how badly she'd been limping after our trial. "What about you, Jennifer? How's your leg? You were hurt the worst, after all."

Jennifer flashed a reassuring smile. "It's definitely better. Still a little sore, but I can walk without any issues now."

Before I could say more, Athena entered the room, her presence commanding immediate attention as she strode to the front of the class. She was carrying a stack of scrolls and a sharp look that was enough to quiet everyone in the hall. She cleared her throat, and the low hum of voices settled into silence as all eyes turned to her.

"Good afternoon," she began, her gaze sweeping across the room, before settling on the scroll in her hand. "Before we start today's lesson, I'd like to recognize the results of the recent trial assessment."

I could feel the entire room tense in anticipation. Even though I already knew the outcome, hearing it announced in front of everyone made me attentive as well.

"Taking first position," Athena continued, "is Team 53." She looked directly at us with a subtle nod. "Callum, Jennifer, and Cassia."

The room buzzed with whispers as nearly every head turned to look our way, a mix of surprise and disbelief written on their faces. Their stares felt like little darts of curiosity, some of the gazes almost scrutinizing me in particular, as if trying to puzzle out how a team with 'me' on it had come out on top. I could almost hear them thinking, 'Jennifer and Cassia probably carried him along.'

Athena raised a hand to silence the murmurs. Her gaze turned sharp as she addressed the room, her tone unyielding. "And for those who failed to pass the trial…" She let the pause hang, allowing everyone to fully absorb her words. "All ten teams that placed last have been expelled from the academy, effective immediately."

I could feel the weight of her words settle heavily over everyone. Athena gave a curt nod, reinforcing her point. "Let this serve as a reminder. Your time here is limited, and every trial matters. Treat this opportunity with seriousness. Use every chance to improve and push yourselves. Your survival may depend on it one day."

With that, she unfurled another scroll, her expression shifting back into teacher mode as she launched into the day's lesson. "Today, we'll be discussing combat strategy, specifically how to handle situations where you're faced with a significantly larger number of enemies. An intelligent fighter uses their mind as much as their strength."

The class fell silent as she began explaining the key principles of dealing with overwhelming forces—strategies for dividing groups, using terrain to your advantage, and picking off the most dangerous threats first. Athena's voice was precise and steady, her tactical knowledge clear as she dissected scenarios and explained how even a smaller group could neutralize a larger force with the right strategies.

Ugh... I couldn't wait to get back in Eileithyia's loving arms.