Adaptation and Evolution (Book Two of the EDSOR Military Academy Trilogy)

Chapter 4- So it Begins

“Examinees, welcome to the annual EDSOR Military Academy Entrance Exam, where heroes and heroines are born. All ten of you have been chosen to be in this particular group. I assume that you are all well prepared with the proper armor and have been briefed by our authorized representatives"

"The instructions are clear: try your best to survive while killing the most number of examiners along the way. There are provisions located at the center of the stone piece formation and many hiding places around. The last one standing on the battlefield will be glorified and honoured as a new recruit in the prestigious EMA school. Nine shall fall and one shall stand victor among the rest. There is potential in everyone of you and now is the time to show the camp leaders what you’ve got. From the shin guards that the representatives gave you come a small microscopic camera that is designed to monitor your movement. You may take off the arm guards but never the shin guards. Please do not regard this as a simple game. Your life is at stake here. Remember, bravery and courage are the first steps to martyrdom as quoted from Lexine Martyr, the former public relations officer of the War Council. Good luck, enjoy and may the glory be with you”, the PA speaker boomed from the heavens. 

Enjoy? Why would we enjoy killing each other for fun? Lord, let my death be a swift one. I’d rather be shot by a gun than stabbed repeatedly by a sharp knife. I want the pain to subside and take effect immediately. I don’t want a gradual and long process.

The countdown began. A huge screen popped up from the sky. I had to look up to see the green digital numbers unfold. Funny there wasn’t any sun. This must be a makeshift world, an illusion when in reality, its only a barren land.

One minute to go. The examinees were stretching as if they were joining Olympics. It was really pressuring that it came to a point when I stretched too just to be sure my muscles won’t get any cramps. My heart was starting to run.

Thirty seconds, my heart was pounding against my ribs. Every lub dub was a painful process. I was starting to hyperventilate and sweat. This can’t be good.

Ten seconds, my brother would love to watch me win but should I lose, at least I’ll be able to join him in repose. But Jamie, you ditched Honora for a good reason. You must survive this. I looked around and saw a grove of trees covering a dark path. It looked creepy but as I saw the other examinees eyeing the provisions, I knew there would be a bloodbath. I must avoid a massacre and follow what Marcoadvised me. Seven seconds…the number of luck. Luck will guide me through this.

Five….four….so help me Lord….three….two….This is the epitome of my life. I’ll die with honor no matter what happens. One. The horn is blown. A low and deep tenor sound was created, resonating in the hallow of my soul. As it ended, I sprinted away from the center and ran towards the dark path. As my stomach growled and moaned, I regretted not taking that delicious looking bag of chips that lay 15 feet away from me. It might’ve at least remedied my hunger now. I only ate egg sandwich for breakfast today.