Meeting Jessica, Now I Think I Am Into Mommies...

Asuka stepped into the grand hall, his footsteps echoing against the polished marble floor. The classroom was grand, chandeliers were hanging on the roof, it resembled a noble's manor more than a training facility. 

His eyes widened as he scanned through the whole room, there were only 30 trainees in the class. On the day of awakening, there were more than 500 trainees, and among them, now only 30 managed to pass. That is how brutal the selection process was.

This wasn't an academy or college where you'd be taught everything. This was a 2-year training camp, a youth program of the Black Dragon Guild to harness young talent, who would join the guild as future squad leaders, or wardens.

Because of that, training mostly focused on practical skills and some specialised theory subjects about strategies, monster weaknesses, and other crucial information. The instructors here were all top retired Wardens. 

Despite the fierce competition, the resources and guidance in the Warden Youth Camp of one of the top guilds made it highly sought after.

As Asuka entered, everyone's sharp stares fixed on him. Some were filled with disgust, others with pity, perhaps because of the cruel fate Asuka would be soon facing.

Coming from influential families, there was always an unspoken hierarchy among these trainees. This was the very place where they could build contacts and grow their influence.

For someone to go up, someone had to go down. This was the unsaid law of the universe. Asuka was the common target of everyone in the class, they were just now waiting to devour him. It was a golden chance to build contact with the talented prodigy Jane. Who would waste such an opportunity?

Ignoring the whispers and stares, Asuka spotted an empty seat in the last second row, just beside a boy who was totally uninterested in such matters, gazing outside the window, lost in his own thoughts.

Asuka made his way towards the seat, feeling the weight of everyone's eyes on him. He tried to brush it off, but one sharp gaze piercing through the others made him flinch a bit. It was Jane, sitting in the very front row. 

She didn't speak anything, just averting her eyes back to the book she was reading previously.

Again, pulling himself back Asuka headed towards the empty seat. Only to stop abruptly again, because one trainee's legs were in the way, trying to trip him

Noticing that, Asuka glared at him with a fierce look, making the trainee flinch a little before dashing at Asuka with arrogance. "Bastard, how dare you look at me with those eyes," he said while gripping Asuka's collar.

But before Asuka could retaliate, a strong hand came out of nowhere, slamming the trainee's head into the wall with a loud thud. Making the whole classroom silent.

"Know that I am the one supporting this scum. Anything against him is the same as anything against me, so keep that in mind." A short, black-haired man with black piercings declared in a commanding voice.

"Why the fuck is Aang supporting that bastard?"

"Maybe Aang was bought by the Kaito. After all, he is the monk without any morals."

"Like his crazy brother, he is also crazy, tsk tsk."

Frustrated murmurs filled the class. Asuka greeted Aang briefly, before gazing upon Jane, curious about her reaction. Surprisingly, she didn't even turn back, just kept on reading her book.

'So you don't like someone sucking up to you and getting your favour, huh?' Asuka wondered with a small grin. He decided to observe Jane for now - her intentions, her habits. After all, knowing about your enemy gives you an edge in battle.

"Silence!" A commanding voice reverberated through the grand class, silencing everyone and making them turn towards the source of the sound.

A mature woman in her 30s walked towards the table on the raised platform at the very front of the class hall.

She had long blonde hair, and despite being in her thirties, she had a beautiful young face that made all the male trainees blush.

She looked at everyone with her dark brown eyes before speaking, "Today is just announcement day. I will brief you on this course, then you can relax or roam here and there your choice. After all, you just passed yesterday's test. So firstly, congratulations to everyone here, but remember, whatever you do, you're not allowed to go out of campus till this 2-year camp is over."

She took a step forward, moving away from the speaker's table. One hand slipped into her pocket as she continued speaking into the microphone.

"I am Jessica Hofstadter, your homeroom instructor. I'm 35 years old, an A-rank Warden, and I was part of Squad 1 of Black Dragon. But because of an internal injury, I had to retire. So, that's all about myself you need to know."

Jessica took another pause, her sharp eyes sweeping over the students to ensure if they were following along.

The room was silent, each student focused on her words. They all knew her reputation well, if not for the injury she sustained a year ago, she would be among the top wardens.

Then she continued her tone now serious. "During your two-year course, you will operate in squads. This is designed to teach you teamwork and how to rely on each other."

Her voice hardened further. "But remember, only the top two squads will receive invitation letters from the Black Dragon Guild. Additionally, two individuals with outstanding performance from the remaining squads will also get the invitation letter. The rest will fail and cannot join any CCE guilds. You may still become wardens elsewhere, but not in the top-tier guilds. So, give it your best. Your squad assignments will be sent to your CAD shortly. And don't worry, all squads are well balanced, no squad is too powerful or too weak."

Concluding her long speech, Jessica walked towards the exit. "So get rest. I'll see you tomorrow. Also, don't forget to read the rules. If anyone needs a weapon, you can check out the guild's inventory, but you're only allowed on the first floor. If you have your own weapon, it must be registered and checked to ensure it doesn't give you an unfair advantage."

As Jessica exited, the room collectively sighed in relief. Her presence had been intense, leaving many feeling suffocated by her commanding aura.

*Ding*

A notification popped up on Asuka's CAD. He quickly checked it by clicking on it.

[Trainee no. 17 Asuka Volford: Squad Blue.]

At the same time, In the front row, a notification also popped up on Jane's CAD.

[Trainee no. 2 Jane Cromwell: Squad Blue.]

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{A/N}

Looks like Asuka and Jane are now in the same squad. How do you think they'll get along.

Question of the Day:

Do you think Aang is also in the same squad?

Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!

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I apologize for the late update. My schedule has been super busy lately, but I hope you understand and Won't drop the novel.

Your power stones and comments really help keep me motivated. They encourage me to push through and publish more chapters, even on the busiest days. So please, if you're enjoying the story, keep those votes and comments coming!

Thanks again for reading. 

Peace out!