Rowin's eyes fluttered open and the bright, white ceiling greeted him, burning his sensitive retina. Normally, he would have shut his eyes to end the discomfort but he left them open this time. He needed them open. The memories of the repetitive deaths he experienced flooded his vision and only the blinding radiance could clear it. Rowin remained in this state for what felt like hours before finally moving his body. His head felt heavy but he still forced himself to sit up.
He got off the bed he was laying on and finally looked around. There were many beds similar to his own with others of Katix Academy on them. Rowin noticed that almost everyone had a helmet like device on their heads with some having removed them. He removed his own but the heaviness his head experienced remained.
"Gather around boys and girls, we have to celebrate your victory." Mr B announced enthusiastically as he walked into the silent room. His entrance was greeted by blank stares and haunting silence. " Will you guys lighten up? It's not like this is your first time dying in a simulation. Well except maybe the new kid, what was his name again? Ric.... Ran..... Ro....Ronald? Was it Ronald? That doesn't sound right. Hey new kid, what was your name again?"
Rowin, who had been staring blankly at the floor, finally reacted. "Huh, oh um, it's Rowin."
"Your name is as forgettable as you are. I won't remember that name easily so I'll just call you Mirage because that's how you feel like to me." Mr B then turned around to leave. "Get up and follow me."
The students mechanically followed behind Mr B in two straight rows. Mr B had used his ability to force them into obedience. Rowin could only watch as his body moved without his input. He didn't mind it though. He wasn't in the right mental state to do anything right now. They went straight to the teleportation hall which sent them back to the academy.
As they walked back to class, Rowin finally paid enough mind to notice that it was evening. The other classes were in their last period, according to Zain's information. Once everyone was settled in their seats Mr B released his control over them.
"Your performance in the previous test was better than expected. Before we go to the rewards let's review some of your mistakes." As Mr B said that, the room darkened as the holographic display activated. "First of all is the infighting, there are thirty of you and three were killed because of infighting. Second, is the lack of teamwork. Only a few of you were smart enough to gather into groups, even then, the groups were just based on friendship not intellect. Third, the lack of combat experience. You haven't been attending the combat classes I told you to attend and it shows.
I'm going to fix the third problem, the other two will be solved in due time. Your timetables will change for the next month. From eight to ten, you will be studying your usual lessons. I've uploaded all the content into the class A.I. From ten to twelve thirty, you will be training your abilities in the testing facility. I've organized everything so all you have to do is show up.
You can rest from twelve thirty to two. At two, you will go to combat class where I've selected the appropriate lesson for each of you. Your class ends when the instructor says so. I've sent the schedules to your watches, review them and ask questions now." The class went silent as everyone read from their holographic screens.
"I have a question." Chris spoke with his hand raised.
"What is it?"
"It says that I'm supposed to study thirty different fighting styles in the same lesson. How will that work?"
"I've seen you maintain thirty independent clones at a time. You can study thirty fighting styles at a time."
"My combat lesson says that I will be using something called an axe? What is that?"
"It's a weapon"
"Wow, so I get to use a blaster? That's amazing." Mr B just smirked inwardly when he heard that. He couldn't wait to see their faces when they learn the truth.
Many more questions were raised and everyone left the class excited for the next day's combat class. Chris and Rowin walked back to their dorms while discussing excitedly. "I'm kinda jealous that you get to experience so many different types of weapons. All I get is something called MMA. Must be some kind of unique rifle. I wonder if it's better than the rifles used by the city guards."
"I don't trust Mr B. He is always up to something. There's no way he would let us use rifles for simple training. I'll be in the library for a bit, I need to do something." Chris left immediately after saying that. Rowin thought it was weird but they weren't close enough for him to pry.
The room was actually empty and neat. Rowin was expecting the clones to have made a mess. He went straight to bed and laid there for a while before calling out to Zain. "I need you to summarize all the information you gathered about the school then answer my questions"
"Summary complete. Please proceed with enquiry."
"The schedule given by Mr B doesn't match the academy issued schedule, is this really allowed?"
"Yes, this is allowed. All sleeper academies function the same way by appointing a single instructor for each class. The instructor has full jurisdiction over the class and can only be overruled by the principal."
"Second question, the competition I was in forced me to kill. I know that it happened in a simulation but I don't think that's normal. Was it legal?"
"As stated in the contract you signed, you are not to be held accountable for any and all actions performed under the orders of Mr B. Mr B is to take full responsibility for said actions."
"The contract? I thought that it was just a simple NDA. Zain, read me a summarized version of the contract. I need to know exactly what I got myself into."
"The contract states that you have agreed to join the military squad of The Sleeper Association under the jurisdiction of General Baxter. The contract lasts for ten years. The main rule of the contract is confidentiality. If any information is disclosed to any party that is not among those listed within, you will face judgement under the name of The Sleeper Association. The conditions for you to follow can be summed up into 'Obedience and Confidentiality'
"You will receive multiple benefits from this contract as stated. A monthly pay of one hundred Universal Coin (UC), full health coverage at all medical institutions, a Trans-Universal Pass (TUP), a fully furnished house in a single city of your choosing and a military approved weapon pass."
"Is there any way to back out of this contract?"
"Backing out of the contract will have the same consequences as deserting the army. You will be court-martialed."
"Could I leave if I say that I signed the contract while being underage?"
"That would be a possibility but it is not applicable in your case. Even though you are considered an orphan, Mr Lark is still your legal guardian."
"He literally returned me to the orphanage three months after adopting me. How is he my legal guardian?"
"Mr Lark bought the orphanage before returning you. Under the Child Protection Act, he still fulfilled his responsibility as your guardian hence why he is still recognized as such."
"I left the orphanage a few month ago to live on my own. That means that he stopped providing for me so he isn't fit to be my guardian."
"Mr Lark has been covering all your expenses by providing a monthly allowance that exceeded your usage. Though he lied to you about the money being from The Sleeper Association, this is a simple white lie to calm a temperamental teenager."
"Wait, if I have a legal guardian then that means that I cannot get into a contract without his approval. That means, the contract isn't valid."
"The contract is valid because it is offered to the parents and/or guardian first before being given to the involved party. Mr Lark already signed the contract and it was made official when you signed it."
"So what do you suggest Zain?"
"Accept the contract and make the most out of it. The monthly pay of 100 UC is equivalent to 1,000,000 Grade 5 Dollars (G5D). You are earning almost ten times above the average salary. Even though this is a lot of money for someone of your age, I suggest making wise financial decisions."
"All that money just to be someone's puppet"
"I have no method of consoling you but multiple studies suggest engaging in hobbies and other activities when stressed."
"Shut up, Zain." Rowin concluded his conversation with the AI and stared at the ceiling in silence. 'I can only blame myself. I was naive to think that I could gain any benefit without a cost. Honestly, the rewards kind of make it worth it. Plus, I'm not in any kind of danger since it's just simulations. Maybe I should make the most of it'