Shadow Being System

The classroom was tense with anticipation as the teacher approached the front, holding a stack of papers. "Now, listen carefully," he announced, his voice cutting through the murmur of excited whispers. The students straightened in their seats, eyes fixed on the teacher as he began to call out names, one by one, announcing their assigned military academies.

"Sam Benton," the teacher called out. Sam held his breath. "Military Academy 2."

"Yes!" Sam shouted, punching the air with a grin that stretched from ear to ear. The other students chuckled at his outburst, but Sam didn't care. This was the academy he had dreamed of—a place that didn't just focus on combat skills but on the use of abilities, technology, strategy, and gathering information. The academy where brains mattered more than brawn.

William clapped his friend on the back. "Congrats, Sam! I knew you'd get in."

"Thanks, man!" Sam replied, his face flushed with excitement. "Which academy are you hoping for?"

William shrugged nonchalantly. "I'm okay with any, really. Just want to see what the future holds."

Sam rolled his eyes. "Always so vague, Will. Seriously, you need to have some ambition."

Before William could respond, the teacher called out, "William Military Academy 4."

A wave of mixed emotions swept through the classroom. Some girls who were assigned to the same academy let out squeals of delight, while others pouted in disappointment. William chuckled under his breath. "Realm's delight", he thought, "really? wow".

He gave a half-hearted nod to the girls who cheered for him, they are jis fangirls after all and turned back to Sam. "Looks like I'm in Academy 4."

Sam smirked. "Well, at least you'll have a fan club there."

William snorted. "Yeah, lucky me."

The teacher continued announcing the names, moving methodically down the list. By the time he finished, 70 students had been assigned to one of the six military academies. But William noticed something odd—none of the students were assigned to Military Academy 1. A hand shot up in the back of the classroom.

"Sir, why isn't anyone assigned to Military Academy 1?" a curious student asked.

The teacher's expression turned enigmatic. "You'll find out in due time," he replied, his voice thick with mystery.

The class exchanged puzzled glances, but no one dared to press further. The teacher began handing out papers to the students, explaining, "These are for your parents to sign. Although it's rare, there have been cases of students dying at the academy. This is just a formality, but it's necessary."

A cold shiver ran down William's spine. The room filled with an uncomfortable silence as the reality of the situation sunk in.

The teacher continued, "You have until next Monday to say your goodbyes and prepare. Bring your luggage to school, and you will depart from here."

With that, he left the room. The students buzzed with nervous energy, some rushing home, others lingering to say their goodbyes. William and Sam exchanged a look.

"Well," Sam said, "this is it. We're really doing this."

"Yeah," William replied with a forced smile. "See you on the other side, Sam."

---

At the orphanage, it was dinner time. The room was filled with the sounds of clattering cutlery and the laughter of children. Eleven kids, plus Mr. and Mrs. Beth, gathered around the modest dining table. William cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention.

"I got admitted to Military Academy 4," he announced.

A chorus of cheers erupted around the table. The younger kids looked up to William as an older brother, their hero who was finally embarking on a great adventure. Amidst the celebration, however, Mr. and Mrs. Beth remained silent, their faces tense.

Mr. Beth cleared his throat. "William, we need to have a talk after dinner."

William's smile faltered. "Sure… okay."

Dinner continued, but the mood felt heavier. William's mind raced. "What do they want to talk about?"

Later, in his room, William sat on his bed, fidgeting with his hands. Mr. and Mrs. Beth entered, closing the door behind them. Mrs. Beth's face was tight with worry, her sunken eyes filled with concern.

Mr. Beth's jaw was set, his eyes searching William's face for something.

"What's going on?" William asked, trying to break the tension.

Mr. Beth sighed, running a hand through his thinning hair. "William, this is a serious decision. Do you really want to go to the academy?"

William looked puzzled. "Of course, I do. Why wouldn't I?"

Mrs. Beth's voice was soft but urgent. "It's dangerous, William. Many students don't make it through. Every year, there are deaths..."

William cut her off gently. "What other choice do I have, Mrs. Beth? If I don't go, I'm stuck as a low-tier citizen, with no future, no hope. Just a slave to society."

The words hung heavily in the air. Mr. and Mrs. Beth exchanged a glance, their expressions a mix of anger and sadness—anger at the cruel world they lived in, sadness for the child who had no choice but to face it.

After a long pause, Mr. Beth nodded slowly. "We understand, William. We don't like it, but we understand."

William handed Mr. Beth the paper from school. "I need you to sign this."

Mr. Beth took the paper, his hands trembling slightly. He glanced at Mrs. Beth, who gave a reluctant nod. With a deep sigh, he signed it.

Mrs. Beth placed a hand on William's shoulder. "Just promise us… promise you'll come back."

William smiled, trying to lighten the mood. "I'll be fine, Mrs. Beth. Who knows, maybe I'll become a hero and get us out of this mess."

She shook her head, a small smile breaking through her worry. "You always were a hero, William."

Mr. Beth stood up, handing the signed paper back. "Get packing. You've got a big week ahead."

William nodded, a mix of excitement and apprehension bubbling inside him. As he began to pack, his mind wandered to the possibilities and dangers that lay ahead. What awaited him at Military Academy 4? And why was no one chosen for Academy 1?

"What's the deal with Academy 1?" he wondered, a sense of unease creeping into his thoughts.

As he folded his clothes and placed them neatly into his bag, he knew that his life

was about to change forever. And whatever lay ahead, he was determined to face it head-on