The venue for the orientation assembly was the academy's grand auditorium. Inside it, there were thousands of seats but only hundreds were occupied.
Neo and his companions sat down somewhere in the middle with a clear view of the podium. The leaders and staff of the academy occupied the front rows of the auditorium in special chairs.
The assembly was opened by the vice principal of Gomas Academy who welcomed the present students and went ahead to drop an advice or two.
The next person who spoke was a combat lecturer, highlighting the benefits of being physically capable in combat.
Different people came to speak on different things and Neo paid attention to each of them. As for Tyrese and Bryce…
The former had long fallen asleep with his mouth open. Bryce was no better, leaning on Neo's shoulder while he played mobile games on his terminal. Neo didn't bother to scold the two of them since they weren't troubling him in any way.
The assembly was going to be rounded up by the principal who also happened to be the president of Hunter Association Board.
Not only that, the man was the previous director of Neo's Hunter Training Institute that had been reformed into Gomas Academy.
Derick Vavance.
Once upon a time, he was also Neo's mentor.
The handsome middle-aged beta walked towards the podium commanding respect. He could be mistaken for an alpha because of his tall and muscular structure despite his age.
He had a full head of gray hair with dark blue eyes and a stern resting expression. One could easily say Neo's serious face was an imitation of this man's.
"Good day, students." Derick's deep voice echoed in the auditorium.
Tyrese, who had been sleeping, opened his eyes. Bryce paused his game at the sound of the voice and set his gaze to the podium.
Meanwhile, all the hairs in Neo's body stood up and he straightened his spine, assuming an even more proper sitting posture.
"My colleagues have said it all in this assembly. I have nothing different to add. Only this: As you assume the roles of students of this honored academy, becoming beacons of hope for generations to come, I expect the absolute best from you all.
"There is no room for imperfection on the other side. What you are here to learn is barbaric, wicked, but necessary. We are all responsible for our future and our actions will be the determinant of a safer and better environment.
"I wish you all a successful school year. Thank you."
The auditorium erupted in a standing ovation. Neo joined the hundreds of students in applause. When the high of the moment came down and people were dispersing from the hall, Neo went in the opposite direction.
"Senior, where are you going?"
"Uncle Neo??"
Bryce and Tyrese called out to Neo simultaneously but he didn't bother with them as he continued down a straight path to the podium.
At the time, the staff and VIPs of the school had broken into several small groups and were discussing. Likewise, the person whom Neo was marching towards.
He was already at the front row about to call out to Derick when the man turned around, saving Neo the stress. Time seemed to still as Derick walked towards Neo. Memories almost forgotten surfaced in Neo's mind.
"Even if only one person is able to make it back to Mars, it'll be okay. As long as the mission is successful, the casualties will be worth it."
Traces of a smile lingered on the ends of Derick's lips.
"Captain," he addressed Neo, placing a hand on his shoulder.
Neo had felt the weight of this man's hand on his shoulder many times before and was rarely able to bear it. But now, he didn't even notice the weight of the hand.
His only attention was on Derick's face.
"Director, the mission—"
"You did well." Derick patted Neo's shoulder, having no interest in listening to the explanation.
"But the others…" Neo still felt the need to explain.
"They were not strong enough. I told you: loss is normal, victory is essential. You came out victorious. That's all that matters." Derick said.
Neo's shoulders trembled. He was still very clear on what the aim of the mission was and the loss he accumulated. Yet he couldn't peel off the guilt and doubts in his heart.
A million 'what ifs' replayed in his mind.
What if he had listened to the twelve? What if they returned before they gave up? What if he hadn't even accepted the mission?
"Captain," Derick squeezed Neo's shoulder lightly, pulling him out from his deep thoughts. "Don't think of unnecessary things. You succeeded. You saved us all."
"Did I?"
"You did. And I'm proud of you."
A rare smile formed on Derick's face. His eyes carried unmistakable respect and admiration. That alone was enough to quiet the doubts in Neo's heart.
"Thank you, Director." Neo said.
"Ah ah," Derick retracted his hand from Neo's shoulder. "It's not Director anymore. I'm your principal. And perhaps I should also stop calling you Captain. You're only a student now. No titles for you just yet."
Derick cracked a joke. Neo nodded.
"Understood, Principal."
Though the title was very unfamiliar and didn't sit well with Neo, he would eventually have to adjust to it.
"Kid, you still haven't learned how to take a joke. Come with me. I have some people to introduce you to." Derick slung an arm around Neo's shoulder and steered him in the direction of the VIPs of the academy.
Tyrese and Bryce, who were abandoned by Neo, stood on the other side with blank expressions on their faces.