The rise of the unorthodox

"Now, as you all know, you will be here for three years," Miss Claw began, walking around the classroom with purpose, "and in those three years, you will be aided in your education."

Her voice was calm but carried an undeniable authority.

"Before we officially start, however, you must indicate whether you plan to join the army after completing your education. This is crucial because students aiming for the army will receive intense combat training—training that not all of you will be able to handle." She paused, letting her words sink in.

"Now, if you plan to join the army, raise your hand," she instructed.

Hands shot up across the room. I raised mine without hesitation, and so did Daniel and Delight. Five other students I didn't know also raised their hands. To my utter shock, Devin's hand was up as well.

I couldn't help but wonder why someone with the opportunity to inherit a billion-dollar empire would want to enlist in the military.

Miss Claw took down our names and nodded. "For those applying to the army, make your way to the combat hall in Block B."

We gathered our things and started toward Block B. I walked alongside Daniel and Delight, who were chatting animatedly about Sora's quirks. I tried to tune it out—it was gross.

A sudden, angered voice behind us snapped me out of my thoughts. "If you think I'm not going to get back at you, think again!" Devin's sneer was unmistakable as he shoved Daniel slightly while passing by.

This kid was really something else.

When we entered the combat hall, a towering man stood at its center.

He was massive, with dark skin, a blond buzz cut, and muscles so defined they looked carved from stone. Shirtless, his physique was awe-inspiring, and a sleek sword rested on his back. It looked like something straight out of a fencing match.

"So, you must be the army applicants from Miss Claw's class," he said, stepping toward us. His voice was deep and commanding. With each step, his muscles seemed to tense, radiating power.

"My name is Mr. Sayo, and I'll be your combat instructor."

"Good morning, Mr. Sayo!" we greeted, snapping to attention.

He smiled slightly. "Before we begin, there's something mandatory. You will take a test." He gestured toward a dummy in the center of the hall. "This dummy is far stronger than it looks. Hit it with your full force—hold back, and you'll regret it. The highest possible score is ten. Begin!"

One by one, students approached the dummy and struck it using their abilities. Each time, a number appeared on the dummy's display. No one managed to score above a six.

Then it was Devin's turn.

His entire arm began to glow brightly, the energy coursing through his body. With a fierce roar, he charged at the dummy and delivered a powerful punch. The impact echoed like thunder, and, for the first time, the dummy toppled over.

I glanced at Mr. Sayo, who had barely paid attention to the other attempts. Now, however, a wide grin spread across his face.

Devin picked up the dummy and grinned triumphantly. The screen displayed a ten. Gasps and murmurs spread through the room.

"Someone had to show you losers how it's done!" Devin declared obnoxiously, basking in the attention.

This guy seriously got on my nerves.

Next was Delight.

She calmly walked to the center of the hall and rummaged through her bag, pulling out two metallic discs. She placed them on the ground, and within seconds, where the discs had been, a tiger and a hyena now stood.

Gasps filled the room at the sight of the dangerous animals. Even I felt a twinge of unease. Delight stroked and played with them as if they were old friends.

Then she placed her hands on their foreheads, and a bright light filled the room. When it faded, the two creatures had merged into a massive hybrid. It was fierce, with the tiger's stripes, the hyena's features, and even more beastly traits.

"Missy, go hit that dummy as hard as you can!" Delight commanded.

Missy roared and lunged at the target, delivering a powerful swipe before retreating to Delight's side. The dummy's display read seven.

Mr. Sayo's expression remained neutral, but there was a flicker of intrigue in his eyes.

Next was Daniel.

He summoned his whip, now adorned with spikes, and stood a few meters away. I couldn't help but wonder—was he able to modify his weapon?

With a graceful flick of his wrist, the whip struck the dummy, wrapping tightly around it. The room echoed with the sound of the impact.

The screen displayed a ten.

Mr. Sayo grinned again, clearly impressed. Devin, on the other hand, glared at Daniel, his jaw clenched tightly.

Even I was taken aback. I knew Daniel was strong, but this was beyond what I expected. Could I even come close to that score?

Finally, it was my turn.

I stepped to the center of the hall, focusing my energy. Manipulating my hair, I balled it into a massive fist and launched it at the dummy with all my strength.

The dummy shook, and the screen displayed an eight.

I felt satisfied with my score, though a part of me itched to do better. Glancing at Mr. Sayo, I noticed the same intrigued expression he'd had with Delight.

"Well," Mr. Sayo said, his deep voice cutting through the murmurs. "It seems we have a promising group this year."

He pulled out a set of pins. "These pins display your rank based on your score. A score of one to three earns you the rank of Omega. Four to six is Gamma. Seven to nine is Beta. And a perfect ten? That's Alpha."

He handed out the pins as he continued.

"Your rank isn't permanent. If you feel you've grown stronger, you may retest. Your rank will change if you surpass your previous score."

When he reached me, he handed me a pin engraved with the word Beta. I clenched it tightly in my palm.

I needed to get stronger. Being second best wasn't an option. If I wanted to survive out there—if I wanted to avoid my parents' fate—I had to keep improving.

Mr. Sayo's booming voice broke my thoughts.

"Now, on to the next test!"