Ficool

Chapter 37 - Forum Frenzy, Academy Responds

They arrived at the Academy with two hours to spare and switched back to their Academy carriage before heading to their Dorm, tired but satisfied with all they had seen and experienced during their trip.

After showering, they relaxed in the bathing pool until Morgranna called them for dinner. They enjoyed their meal leisurely, soaking in the evening view of the Academy grounds before settling onto the sofa with hot chocolate, savouring the tranquillity before bedtime.

The next morning, they were woken at the usual hour, went through their morning routine, and left at seven-thirty for training. With half an hour to spare, they made their way to their chambers and sipped their coffee while waiting for the Teachers.

At ten to nine, the Teachers arrived, their voices echoing down the corridor. "Good morning, Bane and Chaos, we're glad you enjoyed your weekend off and got a chance to act your age!" boomed Teacher Beelzebub.

Bane and Chaos greeted the Teachers and, after getting approval, set up the Grav chambers post-split. Once everything was ready, they awaited authorisation to enter and begin their advanced combat drills, eager as always to move their bodies.

The Teachers settled into their seats at the monitoring panels, quietly discussing how quickly the trio might hit their limits this time.

Meanwhile, as had become routine, students filmed and uploaded everything to the forums, which quickly exploded with comments.

StarKid09: OMG, did you all see Bane and Chaos this morning? They looked so cool! I wish I could have coffee before class, too, lol.

MagicMittens: Right?? I saw them going into the Grav chambers so fast! Do you think they ever get nervous before training?

MiniDragon: I bet they don't! If I were as strong as them, I'd train all the time. Did you hear Teacher Beelzebub? So loud, haha.

ScienceWhiz: I want to know how the advanced drills work. Are they super hard? My big sister says you can only do those after you've completely mastered the basics!

GamerElf: Who filmed it this time? The video was shaky, but you can see Chaos smiling! Do you think they hit their limit today?

BookWizard: The Teachers looked really serious! I hope Bane and Chaos win the training round. I'd be so scared!

StarKid09: Let's all guess how long they last! I think today's going to set a record!

The trio breezed through their drills, their rep counts and mastery climbing rapidly, pushing the Grav chamber to higher magnifier levels.

By lunchtime, they had already reached the six-hundred magnifier. They happily joined the Teachers in the cafeteria for lunch, chatting animatedly about their weekend trip and Go battle, with the Teachers listening and smiling fondly.

The lunchtime video once again sent the forums buzzing.

StarKid09: Did you see how fast Bane and Chaos finished their drills? It's like they didn't even get tired!

MagicMittens: I know! Six-hundred magnifier already? That's like superhero level. I can't even do regular drills without getting tired!

BookWizard: I saw them at lunch with the Teachers. They looked so happy! Do Teachers always eat with them?

MiniDragon: I wish I could hear more about their weekend trip. That Go battle must have been epic!

ScienceWhiz: The Grav chamber sounds intense. Do you think we'll get to try it one day?

GamerElf: Did anyone get a closer video at lunch? And did you see the Teachers smiling? That's rare!

StarKid09: I hope someone posts more videos. If I ever reach 600 magnifier, I'm bragging to everyone!

After lunch, the trio and Teachers returned to the Grav chambers for more training, discussing the trio's state in hushed tones, well aware that at least two students were still filming them. They'd grown accustomed to ignoring this so long as nothing malicious was detected.

By day's end, the trio had not only matched their previous record of 750 but pushed it to 760 before tapping out and leaving the chambers.

The Teachers gathered to praise their adaptability and progress.

"It looks like your bodies are adapting and progressing. You should ask your Mammys to scan you in detail to see how your Stats are stabilising. Great job today, congratulations!"

"But don't think you'll get the rest of the week off—that's a bit too much free time. Instead, starting tomorrow, you'll switch to your free-form drills with the same settings as now."

"First, Chaos split up, then later, Chaos will do a solo merged run through all the combat drills, from basics to free-form, to adapt to fighting merged and avoid interference. Bane will observe with us." Teacher Beelzebub explained, as Chaos had merged back by then.

The pair nodded, thanked the Teachers, and left as usual.

Another video soon appeared on the forums, triggering another round of excited discussion.

PixieSparkle27: Did anyone see Bane, Chaos, and the Teachers go back to the Grav chambers after lunch?

TechyKid: Yeah! I think they knew people were filming, but didn't care. My brother says they ignore it unless someone tries to prank them.

MiniBean: Wow, 760 this time?! That's more than their old record! I can't even count that high when I do push-ups!

QuizWhiz: The Teachers seemed super impressed! They even said their bodies are getting used to training. Think their Mammys will do a science scan now?

BookBunny: I'd love to see what happens during a scan. Can we ask about it next class?

Starlight74: So they don't get the week off but do free-form drills instead? Sounds hard, but fun!

HedgehogHero: What's a solo merged run? Only for Chaos? Sounds like game levelling up!

PixieSparkle27: I wish we could watch the solo run—imagine if they streamed it! #TeamChaos #TrainingGoals

BookBunny: I'd totally watch! I want to know what free-form drills are. We'll have to ask lots of questions in class!

TechyKid: If we keep practising, maybe we'll get to try the Grav chambers one day! Let's all train together after class tomorrow!

While Chaos and Bane were heading home, the Headmasters convened, alerted to the day's energetic threads. In the quiet of late afternoon, the four gathered in the Oval Conference Room, the walls softly pulsing with the Academy's swirling crest. Headmaster Everdawn, always precise, set his tablet down first, eyes flicking through the spike in forum threads.

Headmaster Varkos, tall and severe, broke the silence. "The forums erupted again. This is the umpteenth time this month. The students are highly engaged with Bane and Chaos' routines."

Headmaster Solis, gentle yet precise, nodded. "It's positive, but we must monitor the impact. Their presence is raising aspirations as well as anxieties. Some students see them as untouchable."

Headmaster Rowan, younger and more enthusiastic, leaned in. "Isn't inspiration what we wanted? They're breaking records, working with Teachers, and sparking real curiosity. Look at all the questions about advanced training."

Everdawn gestured at his screen. "But we need to be careful. Exposure can lead to pressure and competition, not just motivation. Some Children are worried about not measuring up."

Varkos frowned thoughtfully. "Perhaps we should adjust how we communicate. Reinforce that every student's progress is valued, and advanced training comes with time and effort."

Solis added, "And clarify filming policies. Bane and Chaos are used to attention, but their privacy and safety still matter."

Rowan nodded. "I'll draft a thread explaining the process of physical training. Maybe a Teacher can demonstrate and explain each segment, so everyone understands what's involved—not just the exciting highlights."

The group agreed, determined to guide the Academy through its moment in the spotlight while keeping the heart of the community intact. The meeting ended with a plan: communicate, protect, and inspire—together.

Headmaster Rowan reached out to a Teacher to collaborate on a training video, adding a segment explaining why Bane and Chaos's routines differ. He then drafted a post outlining the training process and what students could expect, highlighting that everyone progresses at their own pace. The only Academy expectation is that students master the basics before transitioning to the Junior Academy; Bane and Chaos training were accelerated due to their unique circumstances.

By five in the afternoon, both the Headmaster's post and the Teacher's video were live, and the responses poured in.

StarKid09: Did everyone read Headmaster Rowan's post? There's a whole video now about the physical training! I had no idea there were so many steps before the advanced stuff.

MiniDragon: I watched it twice! The Teacher explaining how we have to really nail the basic drills first made me feel a lot better. I always thought Bane and Chaos just started awesome!

BookBunny: Same! I liked it when the video said everyone learns at their own speed. That makes me less worried. But still, Chaos and Bane go so fast—how did they get so good?

MagicMittens: The post said they were forced to start from the advanced stuff because they have exceptional circumstances. I guess we'll get there if we work hard?

ScienceWhiz: Yep, we need to master the basics first! The video showed it's all about drilling until you're ready. I want to try the cool stuff, but I'm going to practice my basics extra hard!

PixieSparkle27: Did anyone notice the part about privacy and safety? I never thought filming could be a problem. I'll ask next time before I record.

GamerElf: Same. And I liked that if we all work hard, we'll do more cool training later. Can we make an after-class practice group?

MiniBean: Yes, please! Let's help each other and move up together. If someone's not caught up, that's okay—we'll all get there soon!

Meanwhile, Chaos and Bane were at home, having dinner after a relaxing soak in the bathing pool. While they ate, their Mammys showed them their latest scan results and explained that their Stats were in the final stretch of stabilising—real progress would come once this process was completed.

This news filled Chaos and Bane with relief. Both hated not knowing what to expect from their bodies, and the data gave them confidence—at least until their tenth birthday, when they were certain Tian Dao would add more drama to that ceremonial transition.

As they sipped their hot chocolate while snuggled up on the sofa, they relaxed, enjoying each other's company and the evening view of the Academy before bedtime.

The Councils received and reviewed the report from the Orientation Elementary Academy regarding communication about physical training, noting how it helped relieve tensions and anxieties that had previously gone unnoticed.

They approved the report and decided to implement its recommendations across all Kindergarten and Elementary Academies, aiming to make Children feel more reassured and less stressed. The Councils expressed profound gratitude to Chaos and Bane for highlighting gaps in previous communication and policy that were previously unrecognised.

The Councils directed the Nursery Elders to create an Orientation video clearly explaining what to expect at each stage of both Orientation and the Elementary Academy. They also considered including segments about Chaos and Bane's unique situations and the tailored care and education they received, thinking it would be helpful to show this video during monthly summonings and Orientations.

Upon receiving the directive, the Nursery Elders convened a holomeeting to discuss their plan. Elder Varkos's avatar appeared first, flickering into focus with a black hue, followed by the calm green light of Elder Lucius, the serene, luminous form of Elder Soleil, and the sparkly, multi-hued shimmer of Elder Kyle. Their holograms formed a circle above the crystalline conference table, with hologrammatic files floating between them.

Elder Varkos began: "Welcome, everyone. I called this meeting as soon as we received the Councils' new directive. The report from the Orientation Elementary Academy has shown that our previous approach inadvertently left some Children anxious."

Elder Lucius responded, "I read the report twice. It was eye-opening. A simple explanation of the physical training procedures seemed to ease worries we weren't aware of. It's humbling."

Elder Soleil added, "It's a relief to see such positive feedback from both the Children and staff. I'm grateful for Bane and Chaos's honesty and for their mentors' swift communication. This is a real chance to address our shortcomings."

Elder Kyle chimed in, "The Councils want us to lead by creating a clear Orientation video covering both Orientation and the Elementary Academy. Should we include segments for unique cases like Chaos and Bane?"

Elder Varkos replied, "We must. Their circumstances are part of our institutions' story now. Clear explanations may reassure other Children who feel different, or who are nervous about individualised approaches."

Elder Lucius agreed. "We should outline each Orientation stage using plain language, include examples, and perhaps feature real testimonials from students. Transparency will foster trust and reduce anxiety."

Elder Soleil raised a concern: "What about privacy? We need to ensure we don't make Bane or Chaos uncomfortable or draw undue attention to their challenges."

Elder Kylen said, "Absolutely. We'll confirm with their Mammys and Teachers before including any direct footage or stories. We can also script the 'unique circumstances' segment to highlight support, not differences."

Elder Varkos addressed logistics: "Should we aim for the video to be ready for the coming monthly summoning and Orientation?"

Elder Lucius responded, "That gives us a week. It's ambitious, but possible if we split the scripting and let the Academy's media team handle the filming."

Elder Soleil volunteered, "I'll coordinate with the team and gather interviewees among students and staff. Lucius, can you draft the outline? Kyle, can you handle the custom-care segment?"

Elder Kyle replied, "Gladly. I'll keep it warm and reassuring, and ensure Chaos and Bane's differences aren't overly emphasised."

Elder Varkos concluded, "Excellent. Let's reconvene in a week with updates. Thank you, everyone. I'm grateful our community can adapt this quickly."

The holomeeting ended, leaving the Elders quietly energised and ready to help shape a more transparent and supportive experience for the next generation.

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