Wrath Of The Last Pureblood

Chapter 4: Initiation into the Unknown

The large iron gates of the military school creaked open, revealing an intimidating fortress surrounded by high walls and barbed wire. The facility looked like something out of a dystopian nightmare—cold, gray, and devoid of any signs of life. As Alex stepped off the bus with the other 18-year-olds, his heart sank further.

"Move!" barked the tall general from earlier, his sharp features illuminated under the harsh floodlights. His voice echoed across the courtyard. "Form a line. No talking."

Alex fell into line with the others, his hands clenched into fists to keep them from trembling. Around him, students exchanged nervous glances, some already whispering under their breath despite the warning.

A boy standing next to Alex muttered, "This place looks like a prison."

"Quiet!" snapped a nearby soldier, his piercing blue eyes cold and unyielding. He had a clean-shaven face and wore the same crisp military uniform as the general, but his demeanor was no less severe.

Alex dared to glance at the boy who had spoken. He was about Alex’s height, with sandy blond hair and a lean build. His defiance was evident in the way he stood, his jaw tight and his green eyes burning with frustration.

The group was herded into a large building, the interior just as unwelcoming as the exterior. The walls were lined with steel panels, and the floors echoed every step they took. The air was heavy with tension, each student processing the reality of their situation.

A woman with a no-nonsense demeanor approached them. She had dark skin, sharp features, and jet-black hair tied into a tight bun. Her uniform was immaculate, every button polished to a shine. She introduced herself with a clipped tone.

"I am Captain Elena Moore," she announced, her voice firm. "You are here because you are deemed capable of contributing to the protection of this nation. Your abilities will be tested, trained, and utilized. You will follow every order without question. Disobedience will not be tolerated. Do I make myself clear?"

The students nodded hesitantly.

"Good," she continued. "You will be assigned dormitories and issued uniforms. Training begins at sunrise. Until then, you are to remain in your quarters. Any attempt to leave without permission will result in severe consequences. Now, follow me."

As the group trudged after Captain Moore, Alex’s mind raced. He had to keep his abilities hidden. The book, now vanished, had left its mark on him, but he wasn’t ready to reveal it. His instincts screamed that his powers would make him a target, and he couldn’t afford to draw attention—not yet.

The dormitories were sparse and clinical, with rows of bunk beds and lockers. Alex was assigned a top bunk near the back of the room. As he climbed up, he caught the eye of the blond-haired boy from earlier.

"Hey," the boy said in a low voice, glancing around to ensure no one else was listening. "Name’s Ryan."

"Alex," he replied cautiously.

"Looks like we’re stuck in this hellhole together," Ryan muttered. He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "You don’t trust them either, do you?"

Alex hesitated. He didn’t know how to respond, but Ryan’s piercing gaze seemed to demand honesty.

"No," Alex admitted quietly. "Not even a little."

Ryan nodded, his expression grim. "Smart. Keep your head down, and don’t let them see weakness. That’s the only way to survive in this place."

Before Alex could respond, the door slammed open, and Captain Moore entered.

"Lights out in ten minutes," she announced. "Be ready for inspection at 0600 sharp."

The room fell silent as the students hurried to settle in. Alex lay on his bunk, staring at the ceiling, his mind swirling with questions. What kind of training would they endure? How long could he keep his powers hidden?
______________________________________

In the early hours of the morning, Alex was jolted awake by the harsh blare of a siren. He scrambled out of bed, his heart pounding as the other students hurried to get dressed.

The courtyard was frigid under the pale light of dawn. Captain Moore and the general stood at the front, their expressions as stern as ever.

"Today, we begin your initiation," the general announced. "This is your first step toward becoming soldiers. Some of you will fail. Some of you will quit. But those who remain will be stronger for it."

Alex’s eyes scanned the group, noting the mix of determination and fear on the faces around him.

"You will complete a series of physical and mental challenges," Captain Moore continued. "This is not a test of your abilities but of your character. Your resilience, your discipline, and your will to survive. You will be assigned tasks based on your capabilities. Those who fail will face consequences."

Alex swallowed hard. His hands were clammy, but he forced himself to stay calm. Suddenly, the familiar beep of the system echoed in his mind.

"Quest activated: Strength Test"
Quest: Complete the obstacle course and finish within the top 50% of participants.
Objective: Navigate through the military obstacle course without revealing your vampire abilities.
Reward: 100 XP, +2 Strength
Failure Penalty: -5 HP, decreased stamina

Alex’s breath hitched. The system’s quests weren’t optional, and failure would come with a cost. He clenched his fists, determination flaring in his chest.

"Begin!" shouted the general.

The students surged forward, and Alex followed, his heart pounding. The course was brutal—walls to climb, mud pits to crawl through, and ropes to swing across. His muscles screamed in protest, but he pushed on, careful not to use any of his vampire abilities.

Halfway through the course, Alex’s stamina was flagging. The other students were struggling as well, their faces red and sweat pouring down their brows.

"Come on, Alex!" Ryan’s voice called out from ahead. He had already scaled the next wall and was reaching down to offer a hand.

Alex hesitated, then grabbed Ryan’s hand, letting him pull him up.

"Thanks," Alex panted.

"Don’t mention it," Ryan said with a grin. "Let’s just finish this thing."

By the time Alex crossed the finish line, his body felt like it was on fire, but a small notification in his mind made him grin despite the exhaustion.

"Quest completed: Strength Test"
Reward: 100 XP, +2 Strength

He glanced at Ryan, who gave him a thumbs-up. For the first time since arriving, Alex felt a flicker of hope. He had survived the first challenge, and though the road ahead was uncertain, he knew one thing for sure—he wouldn’t face it alone.