The sky was a bruised crimson, tainted like drying blood.

  In every direction, the horizon was choked with the jagged teeth of broken swords, splintered spears, and shattered shields—a graveyard of steel buried in desolate rubble. In the center of the carnage stood a woman’s silhouette, flickering like a flame in the wind.

  Then, her voice drifted through the smoke, haunting and desperate.

  "Wake up, my child... Please, wake up..."

  A sudden bolt of adrenaline surged through Lance’s chest, snapping his eyes open. The red sky vanished, replaced by the familiar wooden beams of his ceiling.

  "Lance, dear! Wake up!" his mother’s voice chirped from downstairs. "Breakfast is ready! I made your favorite—fried rice cooked in sausage fat."

  Lance rubbed his face, the ghost of the woman's voice still ringing in his ears. "I’m up, Ma! And... geez, thanks!"

  "Better get moving! It’s your big day!"

  "On it, Mama." Lance swung his legs out of bed and stumbled toward the window. He shoved it open, eager for the cool morning breeze to wash away the sweat from his nightmare.

  "Good morning, Lance!" two girls from the neighborhood called out from the street, waving enthusiastically.

  Lance offered a sleepy wave back, but his greeting was met with a chorus of high-pitched giggles. They hurried off, whispering to each other.

  "Huh? Maybe it's my bedhead..." Lance muttered, scratching his messy hair.

  "Hey, good morning, dude!" a new voice cracked from below.

  Lance leaned out further. "Oh, Mark? You’re early."

  Mark stood there with his backpack on, grinning ear to ear. "Of course! It’s the first day of school, I’m not risking being late. Also... nice boxers, dude."

  Lance froze. He looked down. He was standing in the full sun, chest bare, wearing nothing but his bright, patterned underwear.

  "Oh... crap!" Lance scrambled backward, grabbing a blanket to cover himself. "I'm—I'll be down in a second!"

  "Sure thing! I didn't know you were auditioning to be a supermodel for catalogs!" Mark yelled, his laughter echoing up the street.

  If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

  "Cut it out!" Lance slammed the window shut, his face turning as red as the sky in his dream.

  The Breakfast Table

  By the time Lance finished his frantic morning routine—bath, teeth, and a desperate attempt to tame his hair—the smell of savory garlic and sausage had filled the house. Mark was already at the table, looking far too comfortable.

  "Thanks for the seat, Auntie Helena," Mark said, taking a massive bite of food.

  "Have some more sausages, dear," Helena said, patting Mark’s shoulder. "Lan, hurry up! Your friend is waiting!"

  "Almost done, Ma!" Lance called out, finally rounding the corner in his new university uniform.

  "I’m just so proud," Helena beamed. "Both of you passing the entrance exam for Arkm University... I know Lance spent weeks locked in his room reviewing just to make sure."

  Mark nodded, his mouth half-full. "I think I just got lucky, but Lance? He’s actually pretty smart if you ask me."

  "I'm just glad you both got the full scholarship," Helena added softly. "I know your mom is proud too, Mark."

  Mark’s smile faltered for just a fraction of a second. "Yes, Auntie. Proud. Heh."

  Lance stepped in, grabbing his bag and sliding into the chair to finish his plate. "Yo, dude... quit hogging the food. Eat up, we’ve got a long walk ahead."

  "Geez, these sausages are the best," Mark muffled through a mouthful of rice.

  "Of course they are," Lance smirked. "My mom made 'em."

  As they stood to leave, Helena hurried over with two neatly wrapped containers. "Wait! Here’s a packed lunch for both of you."

  "Ma, you didn't have to do that..." Lance started, but Mark was already reaching out.

  "Thanks, Auntie! You're a lifesaver."

  "I want you both focused and attentive! You can't learn on an empty stomach," Helena insisted, ushering them toward the door.

  "Thanks, Ma. We’re heading out!" Lance waved as they stepped into the morning sun.

  The Walk to Arkm

  The two friends walked side-by-side, the weight of their futures finally starting to feel real.

  "Man, I still can't believe it," Lance said, looking at the prestigious crest on his uniform. "We actually made it into a school like this."

  "Me neither," Mark agreed, hands behind his head. "Graduating from Arkm gives us a massive edge. 100% employment rate, the best facilities in the country... it’s basically a golden ticket to a high-paying job."

  Lance nodded thoughtfully. "It kind of reminds me of St. Claire University."

  Mark’s eyes practically turned into hearts. "Ah, YES! The 'Heaven of All-Girls Universities.' Now that is a campus I wouldn't mind getting lost in."

  "Always girls with you," Lance laughed, shaking his head.

  "Hey, excuse me! I just appreciate beauty," Mark defended himself with a grin. "So, are we catching the Jeepney, or what?"

  Lance looked at the passing traffic and then at his wallet. "Nah. We walk like real men. Besides, it’s healthier and saves us some cash."

  Mark groaned, dragging his feet. "And there he is. Mr. Cheapskate strikes again."

  Despite the complaining, they kept pace. Eventually, the residential streets gave way to massive stone walls and high-tech gates. The architecture was imposing, a blend of old-world prestige and modern power.

  Mark let out a long whistle, staring up at the entrance. "Whoa. That was a hike, but... we’re finally here."

  Lance gripped his backpack straps, his heart racing. "Yeah. We’re here."

  As the massive gates of Arkm swung open, Lance felt a chill crawl down his spine. The morning sun was bright, but for a split second, the shadows on the pavement looked like the jagged swords from his dream.

  "Ready, dude?" Mark asked, stepping forward.

  Lance gripped his straps and took a breath. "Ready."

  end of Chapter 1