The scene opened in the New Heights School assembly hall on a Monday morning. Because of the heavy rain outside, the students were gathered inside the massive hall, filling the space from wall to wall. They stood in anticipation, knowing that an important announcement was about to be made by their president.
"What would this year be?" one female student asked nervously, twisting her pigtails.
"I heard it's going to be a very important event," her friend replied.
"I can't wait for the next school competition held every two years," another chimed in excitedly.
"Yeah, last I checked, Joyce Hart took the highest wins, advancing her to the elite class within six months of her arrival," one said with satisfaction.
"Well, she did earn it. She's that smart—able to be the only person who could land a single hit on the president," another added, their voices rising in admiration just as everyone's attention shifted to the podium.
"Silence!" Joyce Hart's voice rang out like thunder, echoing through the entire hall. In a sudden flash of light, she teleported to the podium, instantly commanding the respect of every student present.
The atmosphere froze. The students of New Heights fell into complete silence as they looked at their school president in awe.
Joyce Hart was not only beautiful but also carried with her a modern, intelligent aura. Her presence radiated authority. With an AI voice enhancer projecting her calm but commanding tone, she began to speak.
"Good morning, students."
"Good morning, Miss Joyce," the crowd responded in unison.
"Our principal and teachers are a bit busy, so I'll be taking over this assembly," Joyce said. She sighed softly, scanning the crowd before dropping the latest news.
"The United Nations has decided that, due to the last occurrence in which American citizens were attacked by xenomorphs and other monsters outside the city ,an attack that cost the lives of two hundred people and many physical buildings destroyed, they have agreed that…" She paused, letting her words sink in as her eyes scanned the sea of faces. Then, reading from her device, she continued, "The Beta Training Facilities shall undergo a special training program for three intensive days, designed to bring out their best fighters. So that they could be assembled as… The Guardians."
A wave of murmurs rippled through the hall.
"Guardians? What the hell is that?" one student asked.
"They're turning us into super soldiers now? What the hell is going on here?" another shouted in confusion.
"I can't participate in an event that doesn't benefit me. I mean, what do you even get from saving the world?" another protested bitterly.
Joyce raised her hand, her calm voice attempting to soothe the noise. "The event is not mandatory. Just know that it comes with exclusive benefits. But if you are not interested, it's okay" she declared "we are not forcing anyone." She handed a bundle of flyers to a white-haired boy standing nearby.
In an instant, Johnson blurred through the entire academy, delivering the flyers to every student inside and outside the school. Guided by the school's tracking system, he returned almost instantly, standing once again at the podium.
"Thank you, John. I really appreciate that," Joyce said warmly.
"You're welcome, Miss Joyce. Um… can I see you later?" Johnson asked, seizing the moment.
Joyce looked at him, then gave a small nod. He vanished in a blur of speed.
"What is the reward for participating in this event?" another student demanded.
"You guys aren't going to make us participate in a life-threatening event for nothing, are you?" a voice shouted above the murmurs.
The crowd grew restless, their voices clashing in the enclosed space.
"Please, everyone, calm down!" Joyce shouted over them. Her voice cracked, and she coughed softly before summoning water to soothe herself. With renewed composure, she explained, "The training is starting today, so most of your questions will be answered there. And mind you also the event begins on Friday. Those who don't participate in this training will not be allowed to enter the event. That said, I wish you all the best of luck. Class A will begin their training today, the same as those in the Elite Gold class. Their training will be held at the Great Labs, while the Elite Gold will be trained at the Labyrinth outside the city."
She winked at the crowd, reading their confusion with ease. "Don't worry—I'll take you there." With that, she dismissed the assembly.
The school halls came alive once again with noise and chatter as students from every rank debated the announcement. Joyce walked through the bustling corridors, commanding respect wherever she passed. Heads turned, and whispers followed her, though she sighed, clearly tired of the constant attention and the inherited respect that weighed on her shoulders.
As she continued, a cold hand touched her shoulder, stopping her in her tracks. A chill voice spoke behind her.
"Are you tired, Miss Joyce?"
She turned and found herself face to face with Johnson. His eyes were steady, filled with concern. Though just a year younger than her, he had always been strangely selfless it was so selfless it almost hurt to watch. Yet as Joyce looked at him, she saw the toll it had taken. His body was thinner, his face pale, and his energy drained, as if his very life force had been sucked away.
In concern, Joyce touched his face. "You yourself don't look so good. Are you fine?"
"I can never be fine!" Johnson shot back, shutting her down with a forced smile. He took her hand and pulled her into a quiet corner, away from the stares of the passing students.
"Why do you say you can never be fine?" Joyce asked, confused by his declaration. "You too deserve something good, don't you?"
Johnson laughed "Hahahahaha" an unsettling, hollow sound that left Joyce even more bewildered. He turned his eyes away, his voice low.
"I can't be fine means I can't be fine. I don't deserve to be fine. It's an impossible concept. Do I deserve it? If anything, I should be tossed into the ocean, buried deep, and killed. But… enough about me. How are you, Joyce? Are you fine?" He looked at her intently, pouting like a child despite the weight of his words.
Joyce sighed, touched by his broken honesty. "Well, I was not fine I was just overwhelmed by this morning…"
Her words cut short as she suddenly felt a cold embrace. She froze, shocked at Johnson's boldness. Looking at him, she realized he was sobbing quietly.
"It's okay," he whispered. "I understand everything you are feeling. Even though I've never stood in front of an assembly before, I know how hard it is to stand in front of a crowd. I understand you are not in this alone. And I'm sorry, I am very sorry I didn't stand by your side today to hold your hand and make sure you had no fear."
He lifted his head with a small smile, breaking the embrace. "You looked cool today, Miss Joyce."
Joyce was stunned by his behavior, even more shocked by the care he showed her. At first, she thought it was childish and a bit cringe, but as she watched him, she saw the truth. Johnson was a selfless and broken soul, someone who cared little about himself but gave everything to protect others. He had shown this same nature during the attack on Voyage City. Even while injured and fighting Evolve, he still carried civilians to safety.
Moved, Joyce reached up and patted his head. "You don't have to call me Miss Joyce. Just Joyce is fine. So what did you call me out here for?"
Johnson avoided her eyes, dodging her question. "Don't worry much about me. I'm not worth it. Instead, what would you like me to help you with?"
She frowned. "Obviously, you aren't in the student council fully yet and you are only helping because I allow it. But don't dodge my question. What do you really want?" She pulled him closer, her tone firm.
"I… I want to participate in the event. And I would love to start my training with you, Joyce!" Johnson blurted out, his breathing heavy, as if he had just confessed to a high school crush. He looked up quickly, flustered. "You don't have to do it if you..."his words were cut off
"Oh, that's why you came to me, right?" Joyce interrupted with a soft smile. "It's not an issue. I'd be delighted to help you with your training, starting today."
Relief washed over Johnson's face as he smiled brightly. "Thank you, Joyce. You're the best!" With that, he darted away happily.
Joyce giggled at his childish energy, calling after him, "Learn to think about yourself more!"
Then, in a flash of light, she vanished, returning to her classroom.