Game's Extra

After finishing his lunch, Aiden decided to return to his classroom. The room was still relatively empty, with only a few students scattered about. He took his seat near the middle and leaned back, waiting for the next lecture to begin. The classroom slowly filled up as students returned, and soon, the door opened to reveal a towering, burly man with scars etched across his muscular arms and face. His presence alone demanded respect.

"Alright, settle down!" the instructor barked, his gruff voice silencing the room. "Name's Garth Roan. I'll be your combat instructor. And yes, the scars are real." He cracked a grin, though it looked more intimidating than friendly. "I'll be teaching you how to survive in the field, both as individuals and as a team. Combat isn't just about brute strength—it's about strategy, adaptability, and trust in your allies."

Aiden listened intently as Instructor Roan began his lecture on combat basics and the importance of teamwork in life-or-death situations. Despite his gruff demeanor, Roan's insights were sharp and practical, holding the students' attention.

Toward the end of the lecture, Roan crossed his arms. "Now, to get a feel for your abilities, we'll have a combat mock test tomorrow. You'll be fighting in teams of five, which I've already pre-selected. Don't complain about the teams; life doesn't give you a choice, and neither do I."

He began calling out team names. Aiden tuned out until he heard his name.

"Team 3: Elena Starwind, Aiden Cross, Tomas Gray, Felix Ward, and Olivia Hale."

Aiden's stomach sank slightly. Elena… great. One of the main characters. Just what I was trying to avoid.

Roan continued, "Team 4: Atlas Cain, Luna Solstice, Sephira Drayton, Isolde Quinn, and Kael Viridian. Team 5: Ava Drayton, Iris Vale, Sarah Lorne, Kenny Garth, and Noah Trent."

After finishing the team assignments, Roan left the classroom, leaving the students to find their teammates. The room buzzed with chatter as students moved around.

Aiden sighed and stood up. "Let's get this over with," he muttered under his breath. He scanned the room and spotted Elena Starwind, who was already gathering with Felix and Olivia. Aiden walked over, joining them just as Tomas arrived.

"Looks like we're all here," Elena said, her tone calm and authoritative. She glanced at everyone. "Let's introduce ourselves properly. I'll start. I'm Elena Starwind, specializing in elemental magic. Primarily ice and lightning."

Felix, a tall, wiry boy with glasses, nodded. "Felix Ward. I'm a defensive specialist. I can generate barriers and fortify them."

"Olivia Hale," said the petite girl with curly brown hair. "I'm a healer and support mage. My abilities focus on regeneration and buffing allies."

Tomas grinned. "Tomas Gray, physical combatant. Enhanced strength and speed are my bread and butter."

Aiden hesitated briefly before introducing himself. "Aiden Cross. I'm a warrior."

Elena nodded. "Alright, let's vote on a team leader. It'll help us stay organized."

Unanimously, everyone voted for Elena.

"Very well," she said. "After class, let's meet in the academy park to discuss strategies for tomorrow."

The final lecture of the day began, led by a male instructor who covered advanced theories of magic. After two hours, the class ended, and Aiden's group regrouped as planned. They made their way to the park, a sprawling open area with lush greenery and futuristic benches. The setting sun bathed the park in a golden glow.

The team sat on the grass, forming a circle.

Elena took charge. "Before we plan anything, let's discuss our specialties in more detail and see how we can synergize."

For the next hour, they discussed their abilities, combat styles, and potential strategies. Elena's leadership was natural, and she ensured everyone's input was heard. By the end of the meeting, they had a basic plan for the mock test.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Olivia, Felix, and Tomas excused themselves, citing other commitments. They bade farewell to Elena and Aiden.

"Aiden, can you walk me to the girls' dormitory?" Elena asked. "It's already late."

Aiden internally groaned. Why can't I just live a peaceful life? He forced a smile. "Sure."

The walk was quiet at first, the soft glow of the academy's lights illuminating their path.

"So, Aiden," Elena began, breaking the silence. "You seem… different from most students here. Where did you train before joining the academy?"

"Nowhere special," Aiden replied, keeping his tone neutral. "I just worked hard on my own."

Elena studied him curiously but didn't press further.

As they neared the dormitory, Elena stumbled slightly on an uneven stone. Aiden instinctively reached out to steady her.

"Thanks," she said, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.

"No problem," Aiden replied awkwardly, pulling his hand back quickly.

They reached the dormitory entrance. "Thanks for walking me," Elena said. "See you tomorrow."

"Yeah, see you," Aiden said, watching her enter before turning to leave.

As he walked back to the male dormitory, the empty road sent a chill down his spine.

"Why does it feel like something's lurking in the dark?" he muttered, quickening his pace. "This world's definitely not good for my heart."

He reached his room, let out a sigh of relief, and went straight to the bathroom to wash off the day's grime. As the warm water cascaded over him, his mind wandered to the combat test. He recalled how the game played out and the challenges that lay ahead.

After his bath, Aiden changed into comfortable clothes, lay on his bed, and stared at the ceiling. "So much for staying under the radar," he muttered.

With a resigned sigh, he closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep, preparing himself for whatever tomorrow would bring.