Martial

VI.

After Talon left, I was left in a state of disarray, but I couldn't dwell on that for too long.

I decided to stay out of view for some of the training session, only observing how some recruits managed the obstacles. I watched their movements and their faces, etched with a forced determination as they would complete the grueling courses.

In a different section of the stadium, some recruits were practicing fighting, with no protective gear. A few other recruits stood close by, intently watching and cheering on their favorite. I silently took in the scene as my eyes absorbed the techniques displayed by the combatants. I noted the dedication on their faces as their muscles would tense and relax with each calculated strike.

At 18:30, the automated intercom went off, letting us know that it was time for dinner.

There were three separate dining halls. One was for the elites; the second was for the intermediate and the third was for the lower class. Everyone here had been monitored prior to my arrival and were already in their designated classes.

I was instructed to the dining hall for the intermediates based on the performance of the obstacles I completed with Talon.

Not too shabby.

The dining hall stretched expansively under a soaring ceiling with intricate details that casted a warm glow. Polished hardwood floors reflected the light and it gave an elegant ambiance.

However, the walls were ruined with posters of Kane and his brutes behind him. I frowned slightly at the sight.

The dark tables were arranged four by four with at least 8-10 chairs on each side.

This hall was a full one and almost everyone knew where they were sitting. Many had comrades, and I felt like an outsider, observing the dynamics around me. I didn't yearn a sense of belonging here, but it didn't help to feel the subtle awareness of isolation envelop me.

Tonight's dinner looked appetizing, better than what I had been eating the past month.

Mashed potatoes, steak, bottle of water and a bowl of mixed fruits.

I gripped my tray and looked around for an empty table. The sound of laughs and conversation filled my ears, distracting me for a brief moment. This place seemed...almost lively.

People brushed past me, and one recruit bumped into me so hard that my bowl of fruit fell on the ground along with my water bottle. A few of the recruits surrounding me hushed momentarily, drawing attention to the scene.

"Hey, watch it, you dick," I glared, balancing the tray of food.

He brushed me off, laughing alongside his friends as they sat down at a nearby table. I was about to kneel down to grab the mess he had caused before someone else beat me to it.

"Already the unpopular kid, huh?" A recruit said, picking up the water bottle and placing the fruits back in the plastic bowl.

I gave her a soft smile and chuckled.

"Thanks, not the greatest first day."

"Eh, these guys are jerks. Only care about themselves."

"Esma's the name," she beamed, and I nodded. Her blue eyes lit up, reflecting a genuine sense of kindness.