Chapter 472: Changes
"Now, with these tools in hands, with these shields and weapons, we’ll be stronger than ever," said the Golden Sage as he scanned the crowd. "I bet that is what you all are thinking, right? I hate to rain on your parade, but that is far from the truth. Your tools are better, your training is more optimised, your foundations stronger. But similarly, the challenges you will have to face will be challenges none have seen before.
"There is no need to keep it a secret, word will spread soon enough. We will no longer be bound by this prison of mist all around us. The time has come for us to venture out, to seize the world and make it ours. Yet the world will not yield itself to us so easily. The challenges that lay ahead of you... will test the limits of your being. If you are found wanting, then there will be no second chances."
A hushed silence fell over the cadets, all the earlier excitement faded as they sat with the weight of what lay ahead of them. For some of the cadets, this was the first time they heard about such a thing, and were left feeling confused. Some, like Nero, had learned about this ahead of time.
After all, preparations for these ventures were already underway. It had not been conducted in secret, nor could it be hidden from those in positions of power. So, whether they knew it or not mattered little. In fact, so many of the things that had happened recently happened in preparation for this endeavor.
"So, to adapt to the times, the format of the academy’s education will also be altered. One of the primary changes that will take place will be the existence of Crucible Champions," the Golden Sage said, pausing for a brief moment as he looked towards Vilhelm.
"Crucible Champions will be chosen from between fourth year and fifth year cadets only, for a very specific purpose. From now on, to nurture the upcoming generation of soldiers and officers, as well as to promote a better understanding between our soldiers and Novan soldiers, an annual competition will be held.
"Unlike the existing Crucible challenges, which solely involve hand to hand combat, this competition will include the use of cards and abilities, and will be overseen by a Sage of both nations to ensure that no one gets hurt. The purpose is to showcase our ability, understand our Novan counterparts, and primarily, to discover the best talents between two nations who will receive further nurturing.
"Though the fight will be between Nova and Kolar, the whole world may be watching. After all, New Velariya is also in talks with the other nations to form an alliance. Who knows, by the time the competition is organised, they may also become a part of it. For this endeavor, though the countries may act separately, we act as one, single humanity against the terrors of the world."
The Golden Sage paused again to allow his words to be absorbed by the cadets. Nero instantly picked up on the fact that if this was a competition between countries, then KMA may not be the only one sending cadets to participate. KWA, at the very least, would also most likely send some cadets.