"You students were chosen for your perseverance and effort. You overcame every trial and proved yourselves worthy of reaching a level no other student has reached—or ever will. As a reward, you will receive a graduation gift: you've been selected to go to Gargantua. "
Standing atop a makeshift stage set up in a gym usually reserved for friendly matches between students, Alvina addressed a select group. They were few, but they represented the elite—the best of the best—honored guests invited to face the greatest challenge of their lives. Behind her, all the teachers watched in silence.
The speech was brief. Alvina wasn't fully present; her mind was elsewhere, consumed by other worries.
"Congratulations, Alvina. I loved your speech," Manfred said with a smile.
"Thank you, Manfred," she replied with a discreet nod.
As she left the gym, she was intercepted by Charon.
"What did that suck-up say this time?"
"The usual, Charon. He praised my two-minute speech. That's what he does. It's always been like that. Rats live like that."
"Wow, someone woke up in a bad mood. Any news about the portal?"
"No sign. That's not normal... do you think he...?"
"No need to worry. I spoke with each student personally about the situation. I even mentioned the bonus."
"You made sure no one else found out?"
"You know me. Those kids adore me. Do you really think they'll go blabbing? By the Emperor, I doubt they'll even talk to each other about it. Hahaha!"
After the announcement, the students seemed more relaxed. The principal's presence was so rare that her appearance had made everyone tense—but after the initial tension faded, they began forming small conversation circles.
Though most were seniors, there were three students who stood out: a boy and a girl from the first year, and a student from the second. Charon had insisted they be included. Time was short, the promise was grand, and one factor worried him more than all the rest: Tyrin.
"Hey guys… who are those three? I heard that girl's still in her first year. What kind of monster is she?"
"If I were you, I'd shut up. They say she killed three students just in the trial fights."
"So… she's the Viper?"
"Yeah. Rumor is she comes from a crazy lineage full of genetic modifications."
"How's that even possible? She's like a chimera."
"Shhh! Better not say that near her."
The veterans still studied the faces of those who would join them on the mission. The three younger ones weren't there by chance. Though inexperienced, they showed a potential not seen in Vanaheim for many years.
"They say there were supposed to be four... but one of them was sent ahead."
"Wait a minute... Charon talked to you too?"
"You mean you guys got a mission as well?"
The revelation spread like wildfire. Each of them realized they had been given the same ultra-secret, special mission, turning the surprise into something far more complex and intriguing.
"So in the end… who the hell are we supposed to rescue?"
"Hi, my name is—"
"Reginald Dracont. I know who you are. The question is: why the hell are you talking to me?"
"It's just... I thought it was funny. In the middle of all this, there's something ironic."
"Funny?"
"Yeah. Who would've thought I'd meet your father before I even met you, Miss Viper Konem?"
"You talk too much. Just like your father. Excuse me."
She simply turned and walked out of the gym, not caring to form bonds or socialize. Reginald was many things, but he wasn't as foolish as his younger brother, who had died before the first day. He knew he would need allies. He thought that maybe, since he'd met the girl's father, he'd gain some kind of advantage. But Viper didn't show any sign of openness—let alone interest.
"What a fucking bitch..."
"Hello, my name is Rupert. A pleasure to meet you."
Reginald was still lost in thought—images of Viper Konem kneeling at his feet danced through his mind, wrapped in frustration—when he was interrupted by an unexpected voice. It belonged to a boy of surprisingly short stature, small enough to pass for a child. If Reginald hadn't known Rupert was the only second-year student present, he might have mistaken him for a lost freshman.
But he needed allies. Anyone would do.
"Hello, senior. My name is—"
"Reginald Dracont. Your name precedes you. A pleasure to meet you."
Reginald took a deep breath. This annoying habit of being interrupted was beginning to test his patience, but he kept his composure.
"Alright, Mr. Rupert… Sorry, but I don't recall hearing about your family."
"Oh, my apologies. I'm from the Essential Family of the Northern Empire."
"The same ones who've been at war with the Tyrants for nearly two hundred years? I thought you guys didn't have time to send representatives out here."
Reginald had heard stories about that planet. It was the only one in the system that shared its solar orbit with another inhabited world—one ruled by the Tyrants. A brutal reality where war was constant. An eternal battlefield.
"I thought the Emperor had already agreed that you were exempt from sending recruits."
It was a valuable concession. The Essential Family had promised to defend the system from the Tyrants, and in exchange, they didn't have to send their youth to the trials. No sane person would have made such a lopsided deal… but they did. Reginald had always seen it as a sign of the madness running through the Essentials' veins.
"It's true. But my father thought that, after so long, I should see how others are doing."
It made sense. That planet had been isolated for so long, it was likely lagging behind in technology, culture… everything. Maybe Rupert was there to observe, to learn—or even to spy. Reginald wasn't sure. But the boy's arrogant, almost dismissive tone was starting to get on his nerves.
"Anyway… It was a pleasure meeting you. Hope to see you alive. Until next time."
The arrogance behind that farewell almost made Reginald punch the boy's delicate face, but he held himself back. This was the time to be diplomatic.
"The pleasure is mine… senior."
That same afternoon, in an isolated room of the main building, Gertrudes was yelling at Alvina, demanding answers.
"What do you mean I can't go?!"
"You know why. If you die there, it's for real. No second chance."
"Fuck that! And what are you doing to fix this? You really think a bunch of kids who barely stopped wetting themselves can handle it?"
"I believe they can. And you should too. They're good, Gertrudes. Really good."
"Confidence my ass! It's been months! Do you have any idea? For all we know, he could be getting eaten alive right now!"
"Miss Gertrudes," said Charon, appearing beside the headmistress with a stern look. "I believe you should trust Alvina. She knows what she's doing. We're all worried, but shouting won't bring answers. And the last thing we need is for you, with all your talent, to die on some random planet."
"Charon, I..."
Gertrudes stopped. She knew what was at stake. The gears were already turning. Her father had begun preparing for something big.
"The pieces are in motion," said Alvina, her voice firm. "And we need all the pieces for what's coming. I understand your pain—it's the same as mine. But now, this mission is no longer ours. Miss Gertrudes, you're dismissed. You may leave my office."
Gertrudes hesitated, eyes brimming with frustration and helplessness. Head low, she turned without saying a word and quietly closed the door behind her.
Charon crossed his arms, watching the door shut.
"I think you were a bit harsh just now."
"I know what you're thinking," said Charon, his eyes fixed on the darkness beyond the command room window. "We need to be ready for what's coming."
...what's coming. I can already see it—it's just around the next bend. The last thing we need is more bodies before their time."
"I'm glad you understand." Alvina crossed her arms, her face weary. "But do you really think those kids stand a chance?"
"They're not like us... but they're the best we've got. And sometimes, trust is all that's left. This year, I made sure to send five more. I believe twenty is more than enough to get some kind of result."
The nights turned into days, the days faded back into nights, and when the third day came, the call was made. The chosen ones were ready—or so it was hoped. Gathered in the portal chamber, twenty young people waited for the path to Gargantua to open.
Alvina stood before them, a steady figure in the midst of growing tension.
"We don't know what you'll find on the other side. You've all received the map. I hope you studied it—and that you stay alert. I recommend staying together—even in large groups, there will be more than enough experience for everyone. Good luck."
That was all she could say. The time to trust had arrived.
Next to each of the young candidates, their animal companions—their pets—waited silently. None stood out by sheer size, but the variety was striking. At the end of the line, one absence drew attention.
"Where's your pet, Miss Viper? Don't tell me you're going in without one."
The voice came from Reginald—anxious, nervous... and curious. He was watching the girl in front of him, puzzled by the fact that he couldn't sense the presence of any animal near her. But there was something... something that made him feel watched, even though Viper stood still, her eyes locked on the Director.
"You men love flashy things... always measuring by size and thickness." Viper chuckled softly. "I prefer what's small, discreet. The things that pull the strings are usually the ones no one notices."
From the middle of her hair, a snake slithered out silently. Small, greenish, no larger than a thick shoelace. But there was something unnatural in its gaze—a weight, a presence that pressed against Reginald. For a moment, he had the strange feeling that it wasn't Viper who had spoken to him... but the snake.
"Could you two stop chatting and pay attention?"
The sharp voice came from behind, snapping Reginald out of his daze. He turned and saw Rupert, wearing that same calm and provoking expression.
"Let me guess... you've got some tiny creature too?"
Rupert raised an eyebrow thoughtfully, then seemed to understand.
"My creature... is this."
He pointed to the sword strapped across his back.
"You mean...?"
Without even turning her head, Viper answered for him:
"His planet has no animals. As far as I know, none of them have pets. They solve everything in the most barbaric way possible."
Rupert smiled.
"I see you know my planet. But you—?"
At last, Viper turned to face him.
"My father talked a lot about your kind. We've got a few planets like yours under our control. I've had enough of your culture to understand what you are. Idiots."
Rupert let out a short, genuine laugh, drawing the attention of everyone in the room.
"And you two over there? Finding something funny? Care to share the joke with the rest of us?" Alvina glared at them, visibly irritated. Charon stood beside her, impassive but watchful.
"My apologies, Headmistress," Rupert replied with disarmingly casual ease. "Just remembered something amusing from this morning. It won't happen again."
Reginald could hardly believe the boy's audacity—but chose to ignore them. Those two didn't make sense. They didn't fit any logic. More and more, he felt he should stick with the veterans. They were more predictable... more trustworthy.
"Alright... one by one. Enter. Good luck."
The room filled with light as the portal opened with a deep roar, like distant thunder being swallowed by an abyss. One by one, the students began to cross the threshold. From this moment on, Gargantua awaited them—and no certainty would go with them.