The girls arrived at the bathhouse, a massive structure that looked like it had been standing for centuries. The ancient stones were weathered to a moss-covered grey, and the wooden beams creaked with a soft groan, as if bearing the weight of countless years. The bathhouse was a relic of a bygone era, its architecture a testament to the academy's rich history.
As they approached the entrance, a crowd of children milled about, their eyes fixed on the doors with an air of agitation. They shifted their weight from one foot to the other, their faces twisted with impatience. Some of them tapped their feet restlessly, while others whispered to each other, their voices barely audible.
The older student in charge stood at the front, her eyes scanning the crowd with a stern expression. She wore a green and black outfit that resembled a military uniform, complete with epaulets and a crisp collar. Her dark hair was pulled back into a tight ponytail, and her eyes seemed to bore into the souls of the children, as if daring them to disobey her.
"What is going on?" Wren asked Kinara, her voice barely above a whisper.
"You see those girls."Kinara responded, her eyes scanning the surroundings. Wren nodded, before Kinrara added "In this academy, the older kids are divided into teams that are given specific roles to replace the teachers. Each older kid plays a significant role in the academy, and the ranking system determines who gets the best roles and who gets stuck with the worst."
Ashley and Wren listened intently, their eyes wide with curiosity. "The weakest or lowest with not enough ranking get the nastiest jobs like bathhouse housekeeping, cafeteria assistant, and stuff like that," Kinara continued. "While the high-ranking students are treated like nobles and receive privileges like kings."
Wren's eyes lit up with determination. "So, the annual competition determines which role we would be placed in?" she asked, her voice filled with hope.
Kinara nodded, a glint in her eyes. "Yes, it does. And I've been preparing for it for a long time. My brother used to attend this school, and he taught me a thing or two about how to survive and thrive here."
Ashley's eyes sparkled with interest. "What did he teach you?" she asked, her voice eager.
Kinara smiled, her lips curling up in a sly smile. "Let's just say that I've learned a few secrets that will give me an edge in the competition. There are three rules that, if mastered, would make a person victorious."
Wren's eyes locked onto Kinara's, her gaze intense. "What are the three rules?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Kinara's smile grew wider, and she leaned in, her voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "Ah, that's for me to know and for you to find out," she said, her eyes glinting with amusement.
Wren's face fell, but she refused to give up. She knew that Kinara was hiding something, and she was determined to find out what it was.
As they waited in line, the tension between them grew thicker, like a challenge waiting to be accepted. Kinara's aloofness only fueled Wren's determination, and she knew that she would stop at nothing to uncover the secrets that Kinara was hiding.
The older student in charge barked out an order, and the children began to move forward, their eyes fixed on the bathhouse doors with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. The air was thick with anticipation, and Wren could feel the weight of the unknown pressing down on her.