After finishing high school, Nick was admitted into a prestigious military college, thanks to the influence of his step-uncle, Commander James, who smoothed out the usually complicated admission processes. While undergoing intense military training from dawn, Nick also enrolled in evening philosophy classes. His schedule was grueling, but it made him more disciplined and committed to his studies.
Though he had to part ways with Tiffy, Nick quickly made new acquaintances. The military training was rigorous—ranging from bed and hygiene inspections, uphill jogging, gymnastics-like drills, to parading and marching. Gradually, he adapted to the demands, and soon, he formed bonds with a few classmates: Jenny, William, Lama, and John.
He first encountered them during a library group discussion. Noticing the familiar faces, he approached them.
"Hi guys, mind if I sit here?" Nick asked.
They nodded in agreement. After exchanging greetings, Nick introduced himself, "I'm Nick Putian. You all look familiar—probably from my class. Sorry if I've forgotten names, but maybe we can change that?"
Each introduced themselves, and Nick continued, "Thanks! For your info, my step-uncle, Commander James, helped me get in. I'd love to hang out with you guys."
"Wow, you're lucky!" Jenny said. "Commander James has a reputation for being strict. I heard someone got expelled just for not tying their shoes properly!"
"Yeah," William added. "That happened just yesterday."
"Well, maybe Nick will get a few passes with him around," John joked.
"I respect him too much to want any special treatment," Nick replied. "He did me a big favor, and I promised to work hard, no shortcuts."
"Nick Putian..." Jenny mused. "That name rings a bell. Wasn't it mentioned during the basketball nationals?"
"Yeah, I captained Dasheen High school and won MVP," Nick confirmed.
"I remember now!" Jenny said, her face lighting up. "I was a cheerleader at the hosting school for those finals. Later, I joined Perfumi High's basketball team."
"Small world," Nick smiled. "High school sports were fun, especially with a cheerleading girlfriend."
Jenny smirked. "So you did have one?"
"She was the best. Captain of our cheer squad. Always lifted my spirits."
"That's romantic," Jenny replied. "What about the rest of you? Any memorable high school moments?"
Jenny spoke first. "I was thrilled to be part of the Perfumi cheer squad and later joined the girls' basketball team. We made it to the national finals but lost to Dasheen. Their captain, Elizabeth Shadd, was ruthless—accurate with every shot."
Nick perked up. "Wait—you know Elizabeth Shadd?"
"Of course. You must've trained with her, right?"
"Yeah... but I didn't realize that tournament made her so popular."
"It did. National events are broadcasted, and talents like hers get scouted. She could go pro or even join the Olympic team."
Nick hesitated. "I wanted her to join me here. We made a promise... but if she's chasing stardom, I doubt she'll come."
"Why make that kind of promise?" Jenny asked.
"Sorry, that's a private matter," Nick said, signaling the others to continue.
Lama spoke up. "I loved science projects. We made it to nationals with a climate change project—our school's first time to reach such fetes. Didn't win, but it was a proud moment."
John added, "I was more into literature. Won a local writing contest and topped my final exams. Those were my highlights."
William said, "I played midfield in soccer. We reached the national finals three years straight. Finally placed third—our best performance."
"Great stories, guys," Nick said. "Let's connect on social media and keep this group going."
And so, their friendship at Sultan Military Camp was born. The next day, they made it a point to sit together at lunch.
"Training was brutal today," Jenny said, munching her food.
"It's freezing. I almost fell sick jogging this morning," Lama complained.
"Sorry to hear that," Jenny sympathized.
John leaned in and whispered, "Have you heard the rumors? About hybrid invaders?"
The group leaned closer, intrigued.
"What do you mean?" William asked.
"Creatures—part human, part beast—have been attacking farms and injuring civilians. So far, no deaths, thanks to our self-defense laws," Jenny explained.
"But they appear at night," Nick noted. "How do we stop them?"
"The government developed UV-infused chemical weapons," Jenny whispered. "The bullets turn hybrids back into humans. But be careful—they're fast, brutal, and deadly. Vampires go for the neck. Werewolves slash with claws. Sea Gins can suck your life away with their tentacles."
"Terrifying..." William muttered.
"How do you know all this?" Lama asked.
"My cousin survived an attack on their farm. He told me everything," Jenny answered. "Also heard about the new weapons from another classmate."
That evening, during the usual parade, Commander James made a startling announcement.
"Soldiers! You've been doing well. But today, I bring urgent news. Due to rising hybrid attacks, the government has authorized immediate deployment. Weapons have arrived—UV-infused guns, daggers, grenades. This mission starts tonight!"
Gasps and murmurs filled the air.
"Silence!" the commander bellowed. "Classes are suspended. Choppers are inbound. Report to the store to collect your weapons!"
One by one, they queued for their gear. Soon, choppers began to land. Jenny, Lama, John, William, and Nick boarded one chopper together. The roar of the engine made conversations impossible. The pilot's voice came through the intercom.
"This is your captain. We're landing at Nissani Forest—hybrids have been spotted. Prepare to deploy."
The chopper touched down in a dark meadow. Their helmet torches lit up the area.
"I'll be back with reinforcements," the pilot said, lifting off again.
"Inbound," Nick ordered, and the group cautiously entered the dense, eerie forest.
Suddenly, Nick stepped on a twig—crack.
Dozens of glowing red eyes stared down at them from the trees.
"What the hell are those?!" Lama whispered, frozen in fear.
"Stay calm," Nick whispered. "We're outnumbered. Wait for my signal."
They stood in a circle, weapons raised.
A vampire lunged.
FSSHHHH!—they opened fire.
After a fierce and chaotic battle, they emerged victorious—unscathed, though exhausted. Around them, the transformed hybrids now lay unconscious in human form.
"It really worked..." Nick murmured.
Jenny knelt beside one. "So many innocent lives… enslaved by something monstrous."
The group began to gather the now-human figures, preparing for rescue and debrief—unsure of what battles lay ahead.