The Year 3825

Chapter 1

Chapter 1-[C1]

Rune's P.O.V-

We file into the auditorium for our last student body meeting of the year. My graduating class is about to go on our Challenge, now that we are all fourteen years old. This year is our year and this is our last chance to show what we can do and whether we can survive the outside world. I'm heading towards the middle rows of the auditorium when a teacher comes up behind me and lays a gentle hand on my shoulder.

"This way," One of the teachers being dismissed after we leave, guides me to the front of the auditorium.

To be at the front the giant room means honor or leadership for a student, but for a teacher it means dismissal or "goodbye."

I have had in past classes. I look up towards the very back of the room and spot my cousin, Richmond, the only family I have left and my protector since I started at this school at the age of five.

The teacher points to a seat in the second row from the front and then she sits in the row in front of me. I feel a chill run down my spine, this will be the last time I see this woman.

"Good afternoon," The Headmaster says loudly into the microphone directing all of our attention.

"Welcome to 750th annual Student-Teacher meeting. This year we have our fourteen year old class doing a few minor missions while they live in a new environment for a sixth month period. Each Challenger will be given a letter including what tasks they must perform..."

"Psst!" Someone whispers and taps me on the shoulder.

I jump surprised that I had tuned out the headmaster. I turn around and see my cousin standing in the aisle way. He motions for me to follow him and get up without question.

"What's going on?"I ask even though I know Richmond is about to tell me anyways.

"Darray is about to go into chaos as soon as your class leaves tonight. A thirteen year old is going with you." He says holding the door to the auditorium open for me.

"What!?" I shout in alarm. His arm shoots out to cover my mouth before I draw attention to us.

"Shh! I'm getting you up to your room so you can grab whatever you'll need. Your hygiene isn't important on your missions or Challenge so all you need to pack is a comb and deodorant in that department. Bring a couple of water bottles because you never know when you'll find drinkable water. Don't bring more than a Swiss Army knife when it comes to weapons, and I think you'll be fine."

"I'll do fine or I'll live?"

"It's your choice whether you live or die. Keep your ear and eyes open and don't trust anyone."

"Do you know anything else about the Challenges?"

"Not that will help you."

"Do you know how many they are estimating will die?"

"About all except three will die."

"Oh..."

"Don't worry you'll do great."

"It's not me I'm worried about," I reply unlocking my dorm room and nodding for him to enter.

I close the door silently behind us. I pause facing the door blocking emotion from showing I turn to face him.

"Here's your bag. I'm sorry I can't tell you more."

"What's the Challenge I'm being assigned to?" I ask knowing I'm missing an important detail.

"I moved you to the only Challenge I thought you'd have a higher chance of surviving in and possibly being able to save someone else as well... You're going to be living on the streets."