The atmosphere at the Aeterna Academy, already strained by the competition, became electric when the general meeting sounded. All the students were called to the grand auditorium. The whisper that reigned before Director Kaelen's arrival was charged with nervous anticipation. Recent duels and political shenanigans suddenly seemed derisory.
Kaelen stood on the stage, more severe than ever, her scars appearing deeper under the harsh light.
"Enough play," he thundered without preamble. "While you were fighting for places in a ranking, the world kept turning. And it turns straight into the abyss."
A dead silence set in.
"In five days, the Towers will launch their monthly assault. This assault coincides with the opening of the 51st floor of each Tower. This means that seven new level 510 bosses will try to settle on Earth."
A thrill of horror ran through the audience. Level 510 was a terrifying abstraction, an almost divine power whose extent they could not even conceive.
"You're not going to face these bosses," Kaelen said, anticipating the panic. "You don't have the level or the experience. But war is not only won on the front lines."
The holographic map behind him lit up, displaying the four megacities.
"You're going to be deployed. Each group already formed during the expedition will be sent to one of the four fortress cities to participate in the defence effort. Your role: logistical support and tactical support."
Surprised whispers arose. To be sent to another city? Participating in a real war?
"You will be the eyes and ears of the defenders. You will manage the evacuation of civilians to the ether shelters, you will carry ammunition and healing potions on the walls, you will help the healers with the wounded, you will monitor the scanners to detect breaches. You will be part of the human war machine."
The Director stared at the crowd, his gaze lingering on the most determined faces.
"It is a privilege and a heavy responsibility. You will see with your own eyes what the real war against the Towers means. You'll see Awakened people of level 100, 200, or higher, fighting for your survival. You'll see death up close. You will understand why we are pushing you so hard."
He scrolled through the assignments on the screen. The groups were maintained, a logistical decision that was met with a mixture of relief and apprehension.
Hakime Group (Team 7): Assigned to the European Megalopolis, Bastion of Paris.
Loïd Group (Team 1): Assigned to the African Megalopolis, Aeternum Prime.
Other groups were assigned to Australia or America.
"You will be under the direct command of the officers of the Army of Protectors and local guild leaders. Their authority will be absolute. To disobey is to risk the lives of thousands of people and to be immediately expelled from the academy."
The gravity of the situation fell on them. It was no longer an exercise or a supervised expedition. It was immersion in a global conflict.
"Use these five days to prepare. Study the maps of your assignment city. Learn the emergency procedures. Improve your support skills. Your goal is not to earn points, but to survive and help others survive."
As Kaelen left the stage, leaving the students in shock, the auditorium exploded into an excited and anxious hum.
Arthur whistled at length. "Paris... the Tower of Lust. Have you heard the rumors about their powers?"
"Pheromones affecting the mind," Lyra recalled, her face paler than usual. "We will have to be extremely careful. Our will will be tested."
Conor growled, clenching his fists. "It doesn't matter. We'll do our duty. Hold the line."
Hakime remained silent, watching the assignment of his team. Europe. The Tower of Lust. It would be a totally different challenge than laziness. He felt the weight of responsibility crushing his shoulders. He should protect his team in an even more dangerous and unpredictable environment.
On the other side of the room, Loïd displayed a tense smile. Aeternum Prime. The heart of power, the city of Siege 1, Abdul. And the Tour de l'Orgueuil. The most physically powerful enemy. It was an opportunity to show up under the eyes of the greatest. But it was also a huge risk.
Internal rivalries were instantly pushed into the background. The prospect of being in the middle of a battle for the survival of an entire city changed everyone's perspective. The duels for ranking, the shenanigans of the families... all of this suddenly seemed trivial.
In the days that followed, the academy turned into a frenzied anthill. The students spent their time in the archives, studying the plans of the cities, the patterns of the shelters, the profiles of the bumps they would not encounter but whose henchmen would attack them. Training focused on endurance, precise control of ether for healing or defensive shields, and teamwork under pressure.
Hakime and his team were practicing evacuating simulated civilians while maintaining a defensive perimeter. Lyra perfected the creation of glass barriers to block corridors. Arthur practiced carrying wounded people using his speed. Conor was learning how to form a living bulwark against prolonged assaults.
The fear was palpable, but it was channeled into a cold determination. They were no longer just students. They were the future protectors of humanity, and their first real test came at high speed. The baptism of fire on the expedition had been nothing but a mouthful. Their immersion in the besieged citadels would be their real entry into the endless war against the Towers.