Cesar was supposed to meet Arnold at 10 am sharp but since there were still a few minutes left, he made time for his juniors to talk in one room to converse whatever they wanted from him. And since they were the ones who approached of them instead the other way around, Cesar didn't reject the opportunities that came lying on his lap.
If he wanted to rebuild his network without tweaking much to it, Cesar would have to use them as a way to know more about the information surrounding the whole Academy today.
However, there was something that confused him. It was more like the situation the Academy had changed or was it because the previous fourth years didn't manage to do anything relating to what the current fourth years operates.
"What do you mean you're recruiting me?"
Apollo, Mei, and Leon were about to speak all together but Cesar had enough of them arguing from the outside and raised his hand.
"Let's start with Apollo since he's the first one to approach me. After that, if he doesn't want to continue, Mei can tell what Apollo didn't tell about. Then, you Leon. Will that be all right?" Cesar didn't care to wait for the other response as he directed his gaze at Apollo, "Care to tell me what this is all about?"
Apollo nodded, "Yes, senior. Basically, the previous fourth year didn't have anything like this, right? It's a dog-eat-dog kind of thing. No sense of comradeship had developed since the goals of the student were to be an Academy Top, reach Class 1-A, or graduate with a high rank in the Army. These kinds of goals will definitely hurt people in the long run,"
'That's very... bullshit. Hearing it makes me puke. Power of friendship, my ass. Besides, aren't those goals natural to be achieved? What do you mean hurting people in the long run...?'
Cesar remained attentive even though he was cringing on the inside. Since he still hadn't given any reason for their actions, he let him continue.
Thus his next words came unexpectedly.
"What all this about is called Class System. You might've not noticed it but this idea has been introduced by one of the Four Horsemen, Jacqueline Casanova. It was the time when she was only a first year and tried to gather around students to help her reach the top altogether but... she was betrayed by them. This is probably the reason why she grinded alone in Class 1-A and held the Academy's Top for almost four years,"
Cesar almost erupted a snicker but he kept it contained inside of him. If that was where they got the idea of forming 'clubs' in their position, then bad-mouthing it would surely put his figure in a bad image.
But there was something else that he mentioned which Cesar found quite funny.
If they continue relying on people to watch their backs each second, it would become a weakness that is easily exploitable.
For now, they are in the Academy. Their only jobs here are to study, train, and get ready for their term once they are in the Army. To do that, their skills will be tested during the Resisting Expeditions.
Cesar could already see the problems arising once the real experience starts hitting however he didn't like to break the bubble to them.
If they really want to learn, they'll have to go through it themselves.
"Your idea is very fascinating. I also thank you guys for willingly approaching me but I have to decline your recruitment," Cesar paused, "But we'll still be in touch. Are you guys all right about it?"
Apollo, Mei, and Leon who seemed to be expecting Cesar's reply didn't mind the rejection that came from them, probably the first time their three recruitment to be rejected like this.
But they all answered it with a tone that seemed to adjust very quickly.
"Okay, we'll do that,"
"I can also do that,"
"We have nothing to lose so why not?"
Cesar liked the attitude of his juniors before he stood up and replied, "I'll be on my way now. I have to attend my own class,"
The three assisted Cesar outside of the room and each of them gave him a wave of goodbye. The three leaders then broke apart and each went to their own circles since they also had something to do aside from trying to recruit Cesar.
The Examinations are still undergoing after all.