Got it, bro—we're going in strong. Chapter 7 is titled Unit 06, and this is the bi
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The wind cut across the west courtyard like a blade, sending uniforms flapping and dust swirling as the newly selected recruits stood in perfect lines.
Elliot stood among them, heart still racing from the tests. The walls around the courtyard rose high like a fortress. At the center platform stood a tall woman in a dark red officer's coat, silver medals pinned to her chest like trophies of war. Her name was Commander Veyla—Chief Commander of the Vanguard Military Academy.
Her voice rang out through a voice amplifier, sharp and commanding.
"Out of the thousands that came through these gates... only sixty of you have made it."
A low gasp rippled through the crowd. Some freshers still waiting outside the gates were pulled away, devastated.
"You have been chosen not because of strength alone," Commander Veyla continued, "but because of endurance, potential, soul power, and discipline. From this moment forward, you are no longer just students. You are soldiers in training."
She stepped forward.
"You will be split into ten units, six members in each. Units will be ranked by your combined test scores—from Unit 10... the lowest tier... to Unit 1, our elite."
The tension in the air could be sliced with a blade. Some students stood proudly. Others trembled.
Commander Veyla raised a tablet and began calling names.
"Unit 10!" she shouted. "Zerin, Marco, Freda, Pilo, Juno, and Sandra."
Six names walked forward slowly. Heads down. Barely clapping from the crowd.
"Unit 09! Arlis, Kent, Mido, Vanya, Rue, and Toni."
More names followed. Unit by unit. The crowd got louder with each announcement.
Elliot stood still, watching closely.
By the time she reached Unit 07, the courtyard was buzzing. Whispers floated around like wildfire.
"Almost top five," someone whispered behind Elliot.
Commander Veyla paused.
Then:
"Unit 06! Step forward when your name is called!"
Elliot's heart jumped.
"Zane Coldwell."
From the left, a tall boy with silver hair and black gloves stepped out. His uniform looked like it had already been tailored. Calm and rich-kid confident.
"Devin Wood."
A shorter guy with slick hair and tech goggles raised a hand lazily. "Finally," he mumbled and walked up, chewing gum.
"Kayden Dex."
A thick-set powerhouse of a guy stepped out. His arms bulged beneath his sleeves, and his expression was serious.
"Kira Sylva."
From the center, a girl with sharp eyes and dark braids moved with precision. Her steps made no sound. She didn't look around—just walked straight ahead.
"Henry Blade."
A boy with a wide smile and messy hair jumped up. "Yo! That's me!" He waved at everyone before jogging forward like he'd just won a game show.
"Elliot Cross."
Elliot's name echoed through the courtyard.
He didn't move for a second.
Then he stepped forward, heart pounding. His feet felt heavy—but his purpose was clear.
When he joined the five others, he glanced at each face. All of them looked different, but something connected them already. A strange unspoken tension.
Commander Veyla looked at them.
"Unit 06," she said. "Mid-tier. Balanced. Your scores show promise. But promise means nothing without discipline."
She turned.
"Unit 05!" she called next, and the announcements continued.
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Later, the units were led into their personal barracks—each team getting their own space. Unit 06's room had six beds, a strategy table, and a weapons rack. It was small, but it was theirs.
Henry flopped on his bed. "So this is it, huh? Our squad?"
Zane folded his arms. "Guess we'll see how long it lasts."
Kira was sharpening a dagger. "I'm not here to make friends."
Devin was already modifying the lights in the room. "Y'all do what you want. Just don't touch my tech."
Kayden sat calmly. "We train together, or we die alone."
Elliot sat on his bed, taking it all in. This wasn't the dome. This wasn't Vos. This was something new.
Unit 06.
His team.
His future.
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