The next day at school felt different.
The sun had barely risen above the city skyline when Linda arrived at school. The air was crisp and filled with a buzz of energy that none of the students could quite place. Whispers floated through the school corridors even before the morning bell rang. There was a strange presence—officials in military-grade uniforms, sharp eyes scanning the grounds, and a few vehicles stationed near the gym area.
As soon as the exam ended that afternoon, the principal's voice echoed through the intercom.
"All students are to report immediately to the school gymnasium. Teachers, please guide your students accordingly."
Students glanced at each other, puzzled. The exam papers were barely out of their hands before they were ushered out of the classrooms. Linda, Sofia, Alex, and Jae Min exchanged looks, grabbed their belongings, and followed the flow of curious classmates.
Inside the gym, rows of bleachers were filled quickly. At the center of the space stood a few men and women in dark, official-looking attire, all bearing insignias on their jackets. A tall man with a buzz cut and a scar running from his jaw to his cheek stood at the front, arms folded behind his back. His gaze swept over the students with an intimidating calm.
The principal stepped forward and raised a microphone.
"Students, today we have a rare opportunity. These officers you see here are from a national training initiative under the Defense Force. They're seeking out talented youths—male and female—who may one day serve their country. This doesn't mean compulsory enlistment. They simply wish to observe, and perhaps invite a few of you to join a prestigious military training academy for gifted individuals."
The gym erupted in murmurs. Some students looked thrilled; others appeared nervous.
The tall officer stepped forward. "We'll be conducting a basic strength and skill test. Volunteers only. We want to see who among you has the instinct and reflexes that can't be taught. We've set up a fair combat space. Two students will be called up at a time. It's not about brute strength—it's about control, speed, and presence of mind."
A large steel container was rolled out into the center, revealing a platform covered in protective padding. A couple of instructors walked beside it, checking gear and giving the signal to start.
Names began to be called. The fights were fast-paced and intense. Students who volunteered stepped onto the platform, and many were swiftly eliminated. Some surprised everyone with hidden agility. The gym pulsed with cheers and gasps.
Eventually, the officer called, "Linda from grade 11."
Linda hesitated but then rose calmly and made her way to the platform. The crowd hushed. A tall boy stepped out as her opponent—clearly athletic and confident. He cracked his knuckles and gave her a smirk.
"Don't cry when I win," he said smugly.
Linda said nothing. She didn't need to. Her eyes focused only on the moment.
The whistle blew.
He charged, trying to grab her from the side. Linda pivoted smoothly, ducked, and swept his legs from beneath him. He hit the mat with a loud thud and groaned.
The gym was silent for a second—then exploded into cheers.
The officer's brow lifted slightly. "Interesting," he muttered.
Another student was called. Again, Linda defeated them—this time with an elegant toss that sent the opponent rolling across the mat.
Then another.
And another.
By the fifth opponent, the entire gym was on its feet, cheering wildly. Linda stood centered, composed, barely winded. The officer raised his hand, signaling for her to step down.
"Stop. That's enough," he said. "You. Come here."
Linda stepped forward, calm and unshaken.
"Who trained you?" he asked, eyes narrowed with interest.
Linda gave a casual shrug. "Just my master. Someone interested in my talent."
"Name?"
She smiled but didn't answer directly. "That's not important."
He studied her closely. "You've got natural control, reflexes… You could be great in our academy. We'll give you every resource—top training, scholarships, freedom to pursue your studies, everything you need."
But Linda shook her head.
"Thank you, sir, but I have my own goals. I can't abandon them now."
He frowned slightly. "You're sure?"
"I'm sure."
Just then, Sofia stepped up beside her. "I want to try," she said confidently.
The crowd buzzed again. Sofia entered the ring and beat her first opponent with precise movements. She wasn't as fast as Linda, but her strategy and calm focus impressed everyone.
Then Alex entered. His style was more playful, but he was strong and quick. He defeated his opponent with a surprising mix of unpredictable footwork and clever positioning.
Finally, Jae Min quietly raised his hand.
He walked up without a word and took his stance. His opponent barely saw what happened—a clean dodge, a twist, and a swift pin. It was over in seconds.
The officer looked at the four friends, clearly impressed. "All four of you... exceptional. We could use talents like yours."
But none of them accepted the offer.
"We appreciate it," Alex said. "But we're not ready to give up our normal lives just yet."
The officer turned to the principal. "These students are rare. I ask you to convince them. The academy is always open for those who change their minds."
The principal nodded, clearly proud and surprised by her students.
With that, the officers and their team left the gym, leaving the students buzzing with excitement and admiration.
As the gym emptied out, Linda, Sofia, Alex, and Jae Min regrouped outside beneath the old cherry tree behind the school.
"You were amazing, Linda!" Sofia beamed. "Five wins in a row? That's crazy."
Linda chuckled. "I think I couldn't have founght. And you Jae min, never knew you could fight that good."
Jae min was silent but only smiled.
"Wow" Alex said, tossing an apple in the air, "you were all cool. Like... superhero cool."
Jae Min leaned quietly against the tree, arms crossed. "You could've gone with them, Linda. Why didn't you?. You are the best amongst us."
Linda paused, her gaze drifting into the distance. "Because my fight isn't with them. I have a destiny to fufill."
That quiet answer held weight.
They walked in silence for a while, the cool afternoon breeze brushing through the leaves. Eventually, Sofia clapped her hands.
"Well! If we're not joining the army, at least we can go hit the library near by," she said.
"Wait, what?" Alex groaned.
"I promised myself I'd read through that psychology book," Sofia said. "Come on—it's just a stone throw."
Linda smiled. "Let's go. Beats sitting around."
Jae Min followed, and soon the four of them strolled into the small public library near the school. It was peaceful and warm inside, with that comforting smell of paper and ink.
They settled into a corner by the tall windows, books and notes spread across the table.
Even though the day had been full of unexpected events, they were still students, still dreamers, still walking their own path.
Together.