Chapter 37 Rankers

Leo had stayed behind after Nila asked if she could speak with him. They both waited for the groups of trainees to leave the courtyard so that they could have a more private conversation.

"You're Nila, right? What was it that you wanted to talk to me about?" Leo asked.

Nila had to look up at Leo, since he was quite a bit taller than her. The expression on her face and the impression Leo had of this girl both reminded him of the female soldier at the slave camp, the one who stopped the man from whipping Leo.

" How are you so strong?" She asked. 'I had a feeling she was going to ask me something about my ability.' Leo thought.

"My ability is unique, that's all I can really say ab..."

"No!" she interrupted. "I don't mean your ability, I know that training can improve it, and some are just lucky with what they were given. I'm talking about you, how are you so strong?"

"I don't really know what you mean... Strong in what way?" Leo was visably confused. "You stood up to a noble in the cafeteria earlier, regardless of how much power your ability gives you, there are many ways they could get revenge on you for embarrassing them. Nobles have power that can't be fought with fists. I'm asking how you had such courage to stand up to Trent, even though it might have been detrimental to you."

Nila looked at Leo with expectant eyes, she wanted an answer, but Leo wasn't so sure he could meet her expectations. "I have never met a noble before, and I honestly couldn't care less who he is. I could see him attempting to bully others using what little power he believes he has. I can't just stand by while others suffer, that was my only reason." Leo concluded his explanation.

Nila turned around, with her back now facing Leo, "I see... Thank you for answering my question." she walked away, not giving Leo a chance to reply.

'I don't understand, why did she ask me such a thing? Surely there are others that help simply because it's right, it can't just be me. If it is, then I'll just have to change the world so that I'm no longer alone.' Leo thought while walking back to his room.

A few hours went by and it was late afternoon when a knock was heard on the door. All 4 boys looked at each other for a moment, as though silently deciding who should get up and answer the door. After a moment where nobody moved Clay sighed and got up, walking towards the door.

Leo, Cain and John were all lying on their beds, as was Clay before standing up. He opened the door and standing there was a Private in a red uniform.

The Private spoke, "I'm here to collect Private Leofalor, he is to take part in a meeting with the other rankers and Lieutenant Anders."

Clay turned around to look at Leo, "Its for you." He said before walking back to his bed and laying down. Leo stood up, put his jacket back on, and walked out the door.

Leo followed the Private to a room on the 1st floor. Other than the courtyard and entrance, Leo had not seen any of the this floor.

,m When the door opened Leo could see the other 4 rankers seated around a table, 2 on each side. Leo could see that their seats had a number on it that corresponded with their ranking.

At the head of the table on the far end, was Lieutenant Anders, "Please sit, Private Leofalor." He said, gesturing to the seat opposite him, at the other head of the table.

Leo walked towards the chair and noticed it had the number 1 on it, indicating it was his seat. Leo pulled the chair out and sat down, looking at all the others in the room.

It felt as though everyone was staring at him. Except for Nila, she appeared to be avoiding looking at Leo at all.

Looking at the other 3 rankers, besides Nila, Leo thought about their tests.

Snythe, Rank 3, 1.8 meters tall with shoulder length blonde hair. 'He snapped his fingers and a loud noise was heard, nobody knows exactly what he did, but it was impressive.'

Leonard, rank 4 , 2.4 meters tall, a giant of a man without any hair. 'His skin turned into steel and he delivered a powerful punch, his ability should give him incredible defence as well as attack.'

Heath, rank 5, 1.94 meters tall with short black hair. 'He created a large Warhammer out of nothing, it just appeared in his hands, he used it to attack the block. I'm not sure if he can create multiple weapons, or if it's just that Warhammer. Either way, he was strong.'

Lieutenant Anders spoke, "I'm glad you're all here, I have multiple things I need to discuss with you all, but first." Lieutenant anders waved his hand, signaling for something.

5 woman wearing maid outfits walked out from a room to the side. Each of them placed an object in front of the rankers.

Leo picked up the object, it was a small piece of black metal the size of Leo's palm. It was in the shape of a shield and had a gold number 1 on it.

"These badges will be attached to your shoulders from now onwards when you are in uniform, they show your rank so that others will know who you are, even if your face is not known." Lieutenant Anders explained.

Each of the rankers attached their respective badge to their left shoulder, on the upper bicep.

"Excellent. It is important that others know who you are. You 5 are the face of the academy, the leaders of the other trainees. You are to be given military ranks when you graduate, and so you will be given authority here before graduating, to ensure that you are ready.

The rankers all had looks of determination and pride on their faces. All except Leo and Nila, both of which had aloof expressions.

"Let's get started then." Lieutenant Anders continued "There are several topics I must discuss with you all."