Chapter 1: The Lord Teacher
"Get moving cadets!" Barked out Lord Teacher Malvio of Oluss Prime's Grand Academy, his loud commanding voice oozing a presence of authority and knowledge that the young class of cadets seemed eager to obey and soak up.
The large Lord Teacher surveyed the group before him. Class L7 was almost dead average in the academy and the class reflected that with their grades and attitude. Yet they were still in the very top percentile in the entire Ollus Republic so they deserved his personal attention regardless.
"Today you will be deployed in a drop pod to the Horror world of Ragnok Seven. It is only a class one Horror world, the second weakest of its type across all of humanity's dominion. But do not let that fool you young ones. This world is teeming with creatures and abominations that would happily eviscerate you just for existing." Lord Teacher Malvio explained before taking a deep breath.
He took a large pause to survey his class and their expressions. Already those who would fail made themselves known, their expressions already betraying their fear and indecisiveness. Others took on cocky expressions. They would also fail and perish to be struck from all records as a failure of the Grand Academy. Yet there were those who took on a grim expression with a tinge of fear and apprehensiveness. They would go far. He began his lecture anew.
"The world of Ragnok Seven was once a lush jungle world until a long forgotten vile alien menace dared to resist humanity's right to rule the universe. Using this world as a breeding ground for their sad excuse for a military and growing heinous biological abominations it turned from a vibrant resource world and retreat for the wealthy into a terrible Horror world with technological relics and biological horrors aplenty."
The Lord Teacher withheld a grim smile while he let them stew for a while at the thought of what the alien menace had on the terrible planet.
"But not to worry, I did say it was only a Class One horror world after all. A.R.K.O.D has already purged all of the high threat level creatures and recovered all of the valuable relics so as to not allow them to threaten humanity. Your job is to merely survive the leftovers." The Lord Teacher then took on his most serious expression yet.
"You will each be given some materials to create whatever you wish while down there. You have nine days on the surface after which you will be teleported back to this vessel. Points will be awarded for creatures slain and artefacts recovered, any injury received will deduct a large amount of points. Death obviously being the worst punishment." The Lord Teacher looked each of them in the eyes, knowing many would not return home to their families.
"You have 30 minutes. Go with my blessing and prepare. May the power of humanity flow through your veins and may the Ancient Spirits of our race watch over you. Make your Country, Family and race proud."
"We will or we shall die trying!" The class echoed back in the traditional response before going their separate ways. The class smoothly but quickly rushed to their pods to prepare. With only one student staying behind.
The Lord Teacher eyes the one who had stayed behind. Different thoughts being considered. Was he there to drop out from fear? Or did he want more information? After all, even this speech was a test. Those who asked for help or more information would receive points just for doing their best to maximize their chances. These thoughts were interrupted by the young cadet opening his mouth.
"Greetings, Lord Teacher! I am Cadet Zhalo of the Sartum clan. I was wondering if you could give any advice on the task ahead?"
The Lord Teacher thought for a moment before responding to the promising young Cadet. He was someone who tried his hardest all the time but mainly reached average scores except in Spaceborne Invention Studies, where he actually achieved one of the better marks.
"Focus on survival food and shelter rather than chasing glory when down there Cadet, otherwise you won't make it to the second day." The Lord Teacher said before leaving the room, leaving the Cadet frozen in the lecturing room all alone with his thoughts before a whispered promise crept out.
"I shall survive and I will win."