The assembly hall was divided into two equal halves. First-year students stood to the left of the stage, while the second-years took their positions on the right. Being summoned en masse, rather than by individual year, hinted that this was going to be an important event.
Within each half, students were further grouped by homeroom, with roughly fifty students in each. Quinn, Vorden, Peter, and Fex stayed relatively close together, while the girls positioned themselves at the front, giving them a clear view of the stage.
Logan was absent, but as a VIP student from a wealthy family, he enjoyed privileges that exempted him from attendance.
On the stage, Duke addressed the gathered students, recounting the base's accomplishments and outlining the schedules for the rest of the year for both first- and second-year students.
At one point, Duke gestured toward a man seated at the leader's table — a figure known as one of the heads of the Big Four. "Please give a round of applause for Mr. Truedream," Duke announced before stepping down.
Mr. Truedream rose and moved toward the stage's side, flanked by two imposing guards. The students gaped in amazement at the intricate beast gear the guards wore, unable to fathom its cost.
Being from the Truedream family, it was expected that they possessed formidable abilities. Yet most students were disappointed when they looked at Mr. Truedream himself. He wore no beast gear and lacked the commanding aura they had anticipated from someone of his stature.
A few, however, perceived something different. A quiet, unshakable confidence radiated from him. Fex was among those who noticed it. The presence reminded him of the thirteen vampire leaders — a power that was absolute and untouchable.
"Many of you likely know who I am, but just in case: my name is Jack Truedream, leader of the Truedream family and owner of Dreamland City," Jack began with a smile. "I maintain a close relationship with the military and visit every base annually. Out of all of them, this one is my favorite. It also seems to be the place where I receive the most impressive gifts delivered directly to my doorstep."
"Did you hear that? He said we're the best military base," whispered one student.
"Don't be ridiculous. He probably says that to every base he visits," another replied.
"Maybe, but still… if we could join his faction, we'd be set for life. I hear he even provides free housing in his city — as long as you're part of his team, of course," the first student said.
While most of the students buzzed with excitement, Layla remained watchful. She understood the subtle undertone in Jack's words. The "gifts" he mentioned were likely the tributes students would be expected to present after the assembly. He was announcing it openly, yet the majority of the hall remained oblivious.
Three days earlier, Layla had returned to her room to find her roommates absent. She locked the door, rummaged through a basket of clothes and miscellaneous items, and finally retrieved a black orb she had been searching for. Pressing a button, the device projected a hologram. As she navigated through the notifications, a new message caught her attention.
Opening it, she read the content carefully, and with each line, her eyes widened in shock.
*****
Jack concluded his address with a final remark.
"In one month, I will return to observe all of you at the inter-military base competition. Those who demonstrate exceptional skill and dedication will receive a special invitation."
With that, his speech ended. Jack stepped off the stage, flanked by his two guards, disappearing to a location out of view from the students.
As the crowd murmured, Duke returned to the stage, his expression serious. "You heard him," he said. "Work hard and strive for excellence — your performance here could shape your future. I expect our school to dominate the inter-military base event.
"Before you enjoy the rest of your day off, I need the following eight students to remain behind."
He paused and called out the names with precision:"Ray Dem, Howard Hubby, Wilfred Green, Sarah Beeswax, Michael Brisko, Amy Yellop, Quinn Talen —
"And finally, Erin Hayley. These students, please step forward and come to the front of the stage. The rest of you may be dismissed."