stakes - gambling with gods.

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As Professor Reed left the classroom, a momentary silence filled the space, broken only by the shuffling of papers and the faint sound of footsteps in the hallway. The door swung open, revealing the entrance of Professor Devon, but this time with his real body instead of a hologram.

"Hello again," Professor Devon greeted the class with a smile, his presence commanding attention. "As you already know, I'm Devon, and in addition to teaching geography, I will also be responsible for your combat class."

"I believe that combat skills are essential for your personal and professional development," Professor Devon continued. "In this class, we will explore various aspects of combat, including physical techniques, strategic thinking, and mental resilience."

"Alright, it wouldn't be appropriate to learn about combat in this classroom, so let's change the venue a bit," Professor Devon suggested, "Close your eyes for a moment, and when you open them, you'll find yourself teleported to a more suitable location."

The students exchanged curious glances but complied, closing their eyes as instructed. As they reopened their eyes, they found themselves no longer in the confines of the classroom but in a vast arena. The surroundings hummed with energy, and a soft, radiant glow emanated from the sleek, metallic structures that adorned the arena.

The arena's architecture exhibited a seamless fusion of form and function. Towering holographic screens lined the perimeter, displaying dynamic simulations, adding an immersive element to the training experience. The ground beneath their feet was made of a resilient yet cushioned material, designed for easier mobility. Hovering drones floated gracefully above, their vibrant luminescence casting vibrant hues across the arena.

A network of interconnected sensors embedded within the arena responded to every movement, capturing precise data on speed, accuracy, and technique. This data was seamlessly transmitted to the students' personal devices, enabling them to track their progress and receive personalized feedback from Professor Devon.

"Take this remarkable cube," Professor Devon instructed, his voice filled with anticipation. "Although its inner workings and Its purpose may be enigmatic, one of its astounding capabilities is to determine the most suitable weapon for its holder. Hold the cube in your hand for a few moments, and it will transmit the data to me, revealing the weapon best suited to your unique combat style and abilities. When you're ready, double-tap the logo on your jacket, and the cube will materialize before you."

With a flourish, Professor Devon retrieved an enigmatic cube from his pocket. Its surface shimmered with an ethereal, ever-changing display of captivating colours, captivating the students' attention. Each facet of the cube seemed to possess a different hue, shifting and merging seamlessly, creating an entrancing visual spectacle.

As he took out that cube one by one everybody started to double tap their logos. And soon a stunning array of cubes materialized before the students. Carefully, the students took hold of the cube, its smooth surface warm to the touch. As they grasped it, a subtle hum resonated through their hands, hinting at the hidden power contained within. Their eyes flickered with curiosity and excitement as they wondered what weapon would be unveiled for them.

"Now hold it for few moments." In an instant, a radiant glow emanated from the cube, enveloping each student in a mesmerizing cascade of light. The glow intensified, pulsating with energy, and then faded away.

"Great! I will now teleport you to your respective trainers who will provide specialized instruction on your chosen weapon. Prepare for the next phase of your training and embrace the knowledge and skills that await you. Good luck!" Professor Devon exclaimed, his eyes shining with anticipation as he surveyed the data on the paper. He swiftly stowed it away, confident in his analysis. With a resounding double clap of his hands, the room brimmed with an electrifying energy.

In an instant, the students vanished from their places, their forms dissolving into beams of light that dispersed into different directions. The teleportation had transported the students to their respective groups, meticulously curated based on the weapons unveiled by the enigmatic cube. Each group found themselves in a unique environment, tailored to complement their weapon and foster their growth as skilled combatants.

In one area, many students found themselves in a grand training hall adorned with intricate tapestries and towering pillars. The air crackled with the resonance of steel meeting steel as they engaged in intricate swordplay, their movements fluid and precise.

Elsewhere, few materialized in a vast, high-tech firing range. Holographic targets materialized at varying distances, challenging the marksmen to demonstrate their uncanny accuracy and swift reflexes.

In a secluded corner, five student found themselves surrounded by lush, mystical landscapes. Ancient trees whispered ancient secrets, while ethereal wisps of magic danced in the air. Each student was transported to their designated training hall, accompanied by a dedicated teacher eagerly awaiting their arrival. The process repeated for every weapon, ensuring that students found themselves in the appropriate setting for their chosen combat discipline.

As the students vanished from the arena, leaving behind an empty expanse, Professor Devon witnessed three beams of light illuminating the area before fading away. Emerging from the dissipating glow were Elsie and Zack, who stood before him, looking confused as they did not expect to be in that arena once more.

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The arena:-

Zack's Pov:-

The rapid sequence of events left me feeling overwhelmed. The initial experience of attending classes in this new place seemed something I could come to terms with. However, everything took an unexpected turn when we were suddenly transported out of the classroom and into an arena. It was explained to us that our training would be determined by the choices made by a mysterious cube. The disorienting sensation of being teleported was unsettling, and just as quickly as we had left, we found ourselves back in the exact same location we had started from.

The entire situation left me feeling perplexed and bewildered. Devon had explicitly mentioned that we would meet specialized trainers who were experts in their respective fields. So, it was quite surprising to find him still present in the arena. I had anticipated a separate encounter with a designated trainer who would guide us through the training process based on our chosen weapons. The unexpected turn of events left me with a sense of uncertainty and a desire for more clarity regarding the training process and its purpose.

As Devon began to address the confusion that had settled among us, he explained the reason behind our return to the starting point. He reminded us of his previous statement, emphasizing that the cube not only determined our suitable weapons but also identified our unique strengths. While many individuals possessed strengths such as charisma, beauty, or instincts, which were not particularly conducive to further mastery, our group had been bestowed with the strength of strategy. He emphasized that this was a rare and valuable attribute, one that was both easy to develop and challenging to come by. It is necessary strength to have to be an officer.

"In this class, you will be presented with various scenarios and taught how to react as if you were in that particular position. We will begin with relatively simple tier-1 fights and gradually progress to more challenging tier-2 battles. However, it's important to note that this doesn't mean you won't receive combat training. On the contrary, you will still dedicate double the amount of time and effort compared to other students. Is there any objection to this?" Devon inquired.

Without hesitation, Elsie responded confidently before any of us could react, "No, we are more than willing to embrace the additional workload." Devon acknowledged Elsie's response as ours with a nod, "Now sit." Devon gestured for everyone to take a sit, his demeanor relaxed and confident. Elsie and the other guy promptly settled on the ground; their eyes fixed on me as if waiting for my response. Feeling the weight of their expectant gazes, I obliged and took a seat as well.

"It must have been an incredibly eventful day for all of you, with so many things happening one after another. But don't worry, this could very well be the busiest day you'll experience in your entire lives. I still vividly remember my own first day, which took place over 3000 years ago, and it remains the most eventful day of my long existence. However, that's just my story. Now, let's get to know each other," Professor Devon said, his voice filled with wisdom and a touch of nostalgia.

One student, named Robbie, eagerly spoke up first. "Hello, sir. My name is Robbie," he introduced himself with a confident tone.

Elsie followed suit, adding, "I'm Elsie, and this is my groupmate Zack," as she gestured towards Zack standing beside her.

Zack nodded in agreement, offering a brief greeting. "Hi, as she said, I'm Zack."

"Oh, two strategists from the same group," Professor Devon remarked, a hint of surprise in his voice. He retrieved the papers from his pocket and examined them closely. His initial frown gradually transformed into a mischievous smirk. "A magician, a blood-liner, and a deck user. Quite an exceptional group, I must say. It's been a while since we've had such a diverse combination of talents here at the academy."

Elsie, curious about the rarity of their group composition, questioned Professor Devon. "Is it really that uncommon? I mean, considering the thousands of students who come here every day and eventually graduate."

The professor paused for a moment, contemplating Elsie's inquiry. "Rare doesn't always imply absolute rarity. While it may not be an exceedingly uncommon occurrence, having two strategists with the best possible combination of groupmates is certainly noteworthy. I honestly can't recall the last time such a combination emerged. It's been quite some time," he admitted, still engrossed in the papers before him.

After what seemed like an eternity, Professor Devon returned the papers to their original place. "But that's not the most important aspect here. What we'll be learning together holds far more significance. So, let's focus on the present and put aside any previous discussions."

"Let's delve into the five different classes we divide soldier into. They are warriors, magicians, deck users, bloodliners, and ability users," Professor Devon began, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. "These classifications serve as surface divisions to facilitate easy distribution. Warriors, for instance, possess versatile combat skills, capable of wielding an array of weapons, from blades and bows to their very own arms or guns. On the other hand, bloodliners encompass individuals who harness the potent blood of powerful races, including cyborgs and other unique beings."

"Since our focus is on tier-2 fights, it is crucial to familiarize ourselves with the characteristics of various underlings-knowing their weaknesses, strengths, and the types of adversaries you are likely to encounter," Professor Devon continued, his gaze fixed on his attentive students. "Let us begin by examining the strengths and weaknesses of each class."

"Warriors serve as the foundational class and are the most prevalent in lower tiers. They can be further categorized into three subtypes based on their preferred weapon range. There are those adept in small-range combat, such as swords or spears. Then we have warriors skilled in medium-range weaponry like bows and javelins. Lastly, we have those proficient in long-range weapons such as energy guns or blasters. However, it's worth noting that the focus on long-range weapons is unnecessary, as there are only a few tier-1 users in this category. Moreover, these individuals are typically recruited into special units directly under the admirals, so there's no need to delve into their specifics."

"In terms of the medium-range subtype, their strength lies in their impressive reach, which can also be their downfall. The greater the maximum range, the deadlier their attacks become. However, it's important to recognize that sniper true talent lies in their minimum range-the ability to engage enemies up close and personal. The closer they can handle their adversaries, the more skilled and formidable they become," Professor Devon explained.

"For melee users, their strength lies in their unrivalled prowess in close-range combat. It is a well-known fact that no one, be it in lower or higher tiers, desires to engage a skilled melee user in close proximity due to their deadly proficiency. However, this strength can also be seen as their weakness in lower tiers. To overcome this, many melee users employ multiple throwing weapons to bridge the distance and strike from afar. Interestingly, in higher tiers, their weakness shifts from lack of range to having an excess of weapons. As you progress and gain experience, you will come to understand the intricacies and challenges that arise from wielding an abundance of weaponry."

"Next, let's explore the world of magicians. They are typically categorized based on their mastery of specific magical streams, such as healing magic, fire magic, or a combination of various streams. The strength of magicians lies in the power, complexity and range of their spells. It is important to note that mastering these spells requires a significant investment of time and effort. The complexity of a spell directly correlates with its potency. As an example, our esteemed Professor Reed, a tier-6 magician, possesses a spell of tier-4 with high complexity. While it may not possess the raw power of tier-5 spells, this particular spell holds tremendous value as it has the unique ability to replicate an item for a fixed duration," Professor Devon explained, his arms spreading wide to emphasize his point. "Just like this training ground, which appears real-because it is, at least for now. However, it is a mere replication that will eventually fade after a month's time."

He paused for a moment, allowing his words to sink in before continuing with his insightful lesson.

"Now, let's delve into the third class, deck users. They possess a distinctive skill set that revolves around utilizing decks of cards, each card representing a unique ability. Deck users possess a unique versatility that can make them invaluable or utterly futile, depending on the circumstances they find themselves in. Their limitation lies in the fact that they can only utilize a total of 52 cards throughout their entire lifetime. Therefore, the selection of these cards must be a deliberate and thoughtful process. Personally, I have managed to acquire only 14 cards thus far. Additionally, the scarcity of available cards further compounds the challenges faced by deck users. Similar to the enigmatic cube we discussed earlier, the inner workings of these cards remain a mystery, as does the reason behind the strict limitation of 52 cards."