[Class-B]
Iruca Sanders.
A beautiful girl with neck-length white hair and eyes like violet orbs. She had a calming aura that screamed 'amicable' and 'peaceful'. Even people who felt skeptical about her kindness had to give up their doubt after studying her for some time. She was really the epitome of Kindness.
Currently, she was standing by the window, staring at her classmates who were all smiles as they talked. They had just finished discussing their plans for the VR and they had all agreed to teaming up with each other and looking out for one another.
As the chatters settled in her ears, Aarav approached her with a calm gait. He looked at her expression for a while before a small smile graced his lips.
"You are a perfect lady, Iruca-ji. Uniting the class like this, it's not something one can achieve easily."
Iruca froze for a split second, too little for anyone to notice before relaxing slightly as a blush crept up her cheeks.
"Not really. I just have to listen to their hearts. And I'm not perfect, Bhai."
"Haha" Aarav laughed softly, his smile widening. "Yet, you still stick to calling me 'Older brother'. If you're not perfect then I don't know what to say."
She rested her arm on the frame of the open window, enjoying the cool morning air.
"Well, I made research on Indian Culture and realized it's a sign of respect, also you're like an older brother to me. The silent support and all... I really appreciate it."
Her tone shifted into something softer and vulnerable, as if making a confession.
Aarav's breathing hitched slightly but then he laughed.
"Perhaps you do not realize it but you help people a lot. There was a time I forgot my card and got stranded in the mall, unable to pay. You helped me then. And hey, I'm only a few months older than you y'know."
"That's-" Unable to counter, Iruca sighed in resignation. "I guess I can't refute you."
A comfortable silence stretched between them for a while until Aarav spoke.
"Anyways, let's do our best to survive the upcoming storm." He said. This time, his tone more serious.
"Hey, don't look so glum. According to the government, Humanity's rate at surviving the Awakening Trial has increased to a whooping 77 percent. Amazing right?"
Trying to cheer him up, she showed him the recent result on her phone.
"I see. That eases my mind a little. Thank you."
"It's nothing. Bhai."
"Hahaha!"
...
At the Faculty Section of the School building, Colonel Miguel was seated in his office. He had a small yet cozy office with exquisite furniture and a few ornamental relics decorating them. A privilege he enjoyed, being at the Evolved Realm. However all that mattered not right now. He looked tense as the scene of Kaiser creepily turning to look at him kept replaying in his mind.
'I hope he's not what I think he is. If he really is a Horror Skinwalker, then the academy would suffer heavily'
His fingers typed furiously on the keyboard as he frantically searched for information about Kaiser.
'T-this—'
«Student Name: Kaiser Solace
Age: 17
Nationality: Transcendent Domain»
Apart from this basic information, everything else kept showing him one single sentence.
«Protected Files: You do not have access to this file»
'The academy is shielding him? Why?'
Confused, he grabbed his face in defeat. He just couldn't understand why the school would hide information about him like he was some special VIP.
'Whatever, I guess I'm too small in the case of things.'
A self-deprecating smile appeared on his face he rested on his chair. The soft hum of the air conditioner serving as an island of respite.
....
[Class-A]
The class was filled with an odd tension as two students glared at each other. Alisa, a black haired girl with a slightly muscular physique stood before Tian Yi, her gaze defiant.
"You listen to what Miss Weng says!" She growled, her anger evident.
"No! The class needs to work as one. If we don't go through with my strategy, the whole Survey would be useless."
Tian Yi argued back, fully convinced he was right.
The other students watched in silence, already used to the sight. They only felt excitement from watching two people wrestle for the control of the class. Most of them were from prestigious families and organizations. And unlike what one would expect, they set aside their pride and were more than willing to be led by one of the heirs to the throne of the Asian Continent.
Weng Lanying was from the Supreme Weng Clan while Tian Yi was from the Supreme Song Clan. Those two clans were the supreme rulers of the Asian Continent and the reason it had the lowest casualty rate during the Apocalypse.
"Fufufufu, relax hothead, no one is saying your plan was bad, but it's only inferior to mine"
Weng LAN's soft laugh cut through the tension like knife through butter but her venomous words stung like hell.
Tian Yi almost spat blood from anger but bit his teeth to contain his frustration. Pointing at the lilac haired girl, he shouted.
"Inferior? You want everyone to scatter around instead of cooperating together to get information? That's bullshit! What is the probability that everything in the VR is the same in the Nirad Realm? Huh? you foul mouthed brat!"
"I didn't impose my idea. Anyone who wanted to explore could do so and report. But you had to say everyone 'must' form groups. I just can't let you go around imposing your ideas on us can I?"
Weng Lan replied to his shout, calmly twisting the odds in her favor.
Immediately, Tian Yi's expression soured. Even though he was sometimes hotheaded, he was very smart. He quickly realized what she was doing and calmed himself.
'That cunning fox. Always trying to manipulate the flow.'
His frustration simmered just beneath his skin but he reigned it in and spoke softly.
"Do you know how much your plan would cost us? The opportunity to train together as a team. The chance at increased survival and an opportunity to build trust. Are you really willing to risk that all for exploration?"
Weng Lan's eyes curved into crescents as she covered half of her face with a fan.
"Fufufufu, now you're talking like a civilian. Anyone can decide not to follow my advice but you can't deny the advantages of understanding the terrain of whatever region we will be sent into by the Mothercore. After all, Knowledge is power."
Turning away from her, Tian Yi faced the class and spoke calmly. "I won't force anyone to follow my plans but if you think it's better, follow it. And if you later regret it, you can hold me accountable."
The others mummured in their seats, some skeptical while some agreed openly.
"Alright Master Tian. We're counting on your plan."
A group of three friends said in sync, showing their support for him.
Weng Lan meanwhile, smiled softly, mischief dancing in her eyes.
'Only fools play a fair game, little Tian. I hope you learn your lesson soon and become more obedient.'
After all, everything was always a plan.