Introductions - The Academy

During the Classical Era Before Christ, Plato laid the blocks on what would become the foundation of education. He believed that we must first develop the affinities that make up our body, which included our improving our Physical being, enrichen the Soul through Music, using Stories to develop Moral values and Poetry to enhance our Wisdom. These basic four were as he intended, a necessary in our daily lives, for we will grow weak by neglecting even a single aspect of them. This would become Elementary education as we know it now.

I never understood much what this all meant when they were teaching it back in home school, but at least the teacher was nice. Though I do understand the importance of exercise and how to train the body for a daily task, as my father was a Sergeant. Stories were something that can be entertaining for a while, but it kinda got boring reading the Illiad over and over again. And the rest, I didn't even think about it at the time.

But that all changed after joining the Academy, she was now there with me. We were placed in the same class, and what luck. And it wouldn't be until a week later when we would finally begin the long journey into becoming a Serviceman for the Grand City, a proud achievement that only a few candidates may achieve.

The Academy was built to protect Polis, everything it does is to benefit the people of the city. We were the Royal Guards, the Guardians, the Protectors. It is no wonder that so many children strive to become one someday, and I am that kid now. I believed that I could achieve greatness like the forefathers of the Academy, our mentors. Jack Wilhem, famous among them, known as the one that changed the fate of the Grand City forever, his accomplishments were astonishing. You would never believe that a person was even capable of doing such things.

And that goes back to the system they have created. The Academy used to be a place of higher education, but that all changed after that horrific event. The greatest catastrophy in all of mankind that would wipe everything that you saw. No one what the future was gonna be like that day, it was total darkness. But evidence that we are still here means that hope is not all lost, and we as a species lived to survive to this point. A lot of people died that day, as history says.

I could never imagine what life was like back then, I'm here now while everything I know and experienced was true to me. Like this feeling that I'm trying to solve. But as the case it may be I'm now part of the Academy, my father couldn't have been more proud. My mother wasn't there when I proposed to joining the illustrious military school, I don't even remember what she looked like. I grew up alone with my father and the only hint of memory that I remember from my mother was the warmth when she embraced me.

Giving the form to my father, he didn't even hesitate to ask as he swiftly took his fountain pen and signed his signature on it. The Academy requires a guardian to sign the contract for we are still too young to face the hefty consequences. In case of a dispute, the person that signed the contract is liable for the wrongdoings, or otherwise, cause by the Academy during the long stay. This would be the last time I see my father till I finish the course, never even saying good bye, he just nodded. And I nodded back, I knew what I wanted to achieve.

A week later, there I am sitting in the class that I only so dream of, but it was now reality, and it was better than I had imagined, because she was there with me. She sat right near the front of the class while i was a bit further back. It's fine this way, I can easily admire how beautiful her hair is from here, she got a haircut recently. Though I expected that, for cadets of the Academy were mandated to have short hair, borderlining bald at this point. Luckily for me, the girls didn't get the same treatment, I like how her bob hair looks like.

As I continue admiring without her noticing, when an instructor comes through the door. The commotion that was had earlier has now turned into silence where you could almost hear everyone breathing. She stood at about 5 feet tall from what I remember, but at the time I almost wondered how a small girl like her came to become a mentor of an elite institution. 

"Good morning, cadets. Welcome to the Academy, from this day on forward you will have to abide by the rules and law that built the foundation of this place. Your goal is to become of use to society while bringing glory and greatness to your name, which would benefit us. If you are not able to stand by these standards then you are free to give up your insignia and give up now."

For a few seconds, she paused, looking around to see if everyone was in attention to what she was saying.

"If everything is clear, then let us begin. My name is Lieutenant Frost, and I am your instructor in this Academy.  Becoming a Serviceman is a tough challenge for any person moreso for guys as young as you. We will physically and mentally break you down in order to breed the best among you, that means not everyhere will make it. This doesn't mean it's war, but it isn't uncommon to find other cadets taking advantage of other cades, best remember that."

"My advice for you is stay in your lane and focus on your growth, avoid making trouble in the Academy as that will also factor in if you succeed or not. Of course, as long as you don't get caught. Everything we do here is about being the best, not matter what field you focus on. As long as you do that till the end of your contract, then you will be eligible as a Serviceman. Easy, right?"

"Now then, you may have noticed a handbook above your respective desks. These little baby has everything I just covered and more information now how to survive the Academy, bring it with you at all times. Are there any questions?"

Lieutenant Frost looked around to see if anyone was braved enough to ask a question. To her surprised, she sees a young boy raising his hand shakingly.

"Umm... what happens if we lose the handbook?"

"Then you are as good as dead in this place. Remember, this isn't just any ordinary handbook, it contains a lot of advice from your previous mentors that helped them achieve greatness in the Academy. If you want to do the same, then best protect this little thing with your life. Are there any more questions?"

Silence, as the young boy earlier slowly took his sit.

"No? Then we are done here"

As Lieutenant Frost was about to leave...

"Oh, I forgot, one last thing. You better do well and listen to what I say. I am here not only to teach you but also guide you into realizing your true potential, that is my job. So everything that I ask of you if for your benefit. If you feel confident enough not needing my advice, that is also fine by me. You are now free to explore the Academy and get used to the surroundings. Tomorrow, we start boot camp, dismissed."

That was my first introduction to Lieutenant Frost, nothing that I was surprised, for my father acted the same. But I would be doing her a disservice if I don't mention the impact that she had to me during my time here in the Academy.