Paladin's Academy

Act I, Chapter 11: God, I Hate the First Day

Monday, The Dormitories, Paladin's Academy.

After talking with Streetwise, Quinn puts his phone down, closes his eyes, and rubs his temples. He walks to the bathroom and washes his face. He stares at himself, noticing his eyebags, and he stretches his eyelids.

"Focus on the now, Dreadnought. One step at a time."

He changes into his superhero suit and goes down to the common room. While walking down the stairs, Dreadnought reads the schedule for the day. Lucky for him, he only has two classes:

Basic Combat Training
Team building

"Sounds easy enough." Dreadnought remarks.

He looks through the announcements, only to find the room to be labeled 'Battlefront.' Additionally, it was announced to show up 'in your hero attire.'

He arrives to find a trio of students lounging by the common room.

Are these guys my classmates? Dreadnought assumes. While they look friendly, it is best to test the waters. Remember what Streetwise said, "Just smile and wave. Works every time."

Dreadnought smiles as he does a small wave. "Does anyone know where Battlefront is?"

"I'd say in a galaxy far, far away." A girl says while giggling.

"I did not think Paladins had a space program."

"She's just messing with you," another girl replies, " 'Battlefront' refers to the open gymnasium."

"Oh, I see. I believe we haven't met. My name's Dreadnought, and I can turn into a demon."

"Hi Dreadnought! I'm Wildlife. I can control plants. The girl on your left is Smokescreen."

"Hey,"

Wildlife has medium-length brown hair and green eyes. She is wearing a pink hoodie with a flower pattern. On the other hand, Smokescreen has long, light purple hair and lavender eyes. She sports a collared white shirt, a black necktie, gloves, and a black leather jacket.

"The guy wearing metal bits is Magnetic Monopole," Smokescreen points out.

"Greetings,"

"God, you cannot sound anymore nerdy."

"Says the one who made a Star Wars reference," Magnetic Monopole claps back.

"How about I fill your lungs with smoke?" Smokescreens shoves Monopole, causing him to fall. Dreadnought helps him back up.

"Are you alright?"

"All good, she's just like that."

"We should bounce. Dreadnought, wanna come with?" Smokescreen offers.

"I shall, but please, no more physical violence towards one another."

"As long as the nerd keeps his mouth shut, we won't have any problems."

Monopole puts his index finger to his lips, then he points to his jawline. Wildlife laughs as she pushes the three of them outside the dorm.

The four heroes arrive at the open gymnasium, where they find most, if not all their classmates waiting diligently. It's an all too familiar scene for Dreadnought.

"I hope this does not turn into another free-for-all." Dreadnought comments.

"Wait, you were part of that? Holy shit dude that's crazy!" Monopole replies. "I heard some guy just shouted and then everyone started fighting."

"I heard that only three applicants from that batch got in." Wildlife remarks.

"I heard you made the latest ACBHI your bitch." Smokescreen laughs.