Deep Space Odysse Volume 1

Chapter 8 The Gathering (Part 1)

Each student at Alpha Academy is allocated their own personal dormitory, a small villa complete with a private swimming pool in the backyard. In an era of rapid technological advancement, such amenities were no longer considered extraordinary.

Reynolds' dormitory, situated in the prime area of the student district, was a grand three-story building with eight rooms. Beyond the usual bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchen, it also featured a fitness room, a virtual reality suite, and five adaptive rooms capable of altering their functions as needed. Surrounding the house was a beautifully manicured lawn, large sculpted fountains, and a serene grove—visible from the second-floor window, where pairs of lovers could often be spotted stealing secret moments within the trees.

This lavish residence was a reward for winning the freshman competition: the largest, most versatile, and best-located accommodation. Reynolds, however, had his suspicions that the upperclassman who established this rule might have had voyeuristic tendencies.

Additionally, the house had a rooftop terrace—the only one in the entire dormitory district—which was said to be a daring modification by one particularly audacious student. The fact that this student had managed to complete the project under the watchful eye of the academy made it all the more astonishing.

But the terrace remained.

In the sweltering days of summer, lounging on the terrace with a cold beer and barbecue was the dream lifestyle of every student, making Reynolds' house one of the most popular spots in the academy.

Despite the rigorous coursework that drained the students' energy, their youthful spirit always found ways to enjoy themselves. Afternoon teas, free reading periods, and evening breaks provided future captains with moments to unwind. They would seize every opportunity to play soccer, card games, video games, or to woo the girls they fancied.

After class, Reynolds was heading back to his dormitory when the little rascal, Larky, came bounding up to him. "Hey, Reynolds!"

"What's up?" Reynolds asked casually, not breaking his stride. From the look on his face, it was clear he already knew the answer.

Sure enough.

Larky grinned, "I was wondering if your terrace is free today?"

"It's been quite busy lately, told me it needed a rest."

"Oh, come on, Reynolds!" Larky pleaded, his short legs scrambling to keep up with Reynolds. "Help me out, Reynolds! I promised Kolia and her friends they could have a little get-together up there."

"Kolia? The redhead with the big boobs?" Reynolds raised an eyebrow.

"No, she's the blue-haired one this time. I swapped out the last one, Filly—the brunette with the... you know. The one before her was the redhead. They've all got big boobs" Larky gestured.

Reynolds sighed in defeat, surprised by Larky's boundless energy. "You really don't care about graduating, do you?"

"Don't say that, Reynolds. Everyone knows that even if you don't graduate from Alpha Military Academy, you're still in demand."

"So, you're seriously planning not to graduate," Reynolds sighed again.

"With a 30% graduation rate, success is a privilege; failure isn't a disgrace," Larky said with a shrug. "Come on, just this once, please?"

"Fine, but you have to agree to three conditions. One: don't disturb my studies. You party up there, I'll study down here. We won't bother each other," Reynolds warned.

"No problem!"

"Two: no fooling around on the terrace."

"That's a tough one... I mean, that's kind of the whole point, but... alright, alright, I agree!" Larky relented quickly after noticing Reynolds' disapproving glare.