Chapter 5: Names in the Desert
The sun had begun lowering slightly, but the heat was still intense.
Students had started spreading across the sand, examining the terrain and opening their bags. Some were trying to build shelters already, while others were still arguing with the camp staff.
Finally, one of the coordinators spoke again through the microphone.
"Before the survival exercise continues, each university group will briefly introduce themselves."
Groans came from several students.
Freya muttered dramatically,
"Seriously? In the middle of the desert?"
MJ chuckled slightly.
"Relax. It won't kill you."
The coordinator continued.
"We have four universities participating in this international program."
He pointed toward one side.
"HVIS University, Philippines. Please step forward."
---
HVIS University – Philippines
Seven students stepped forward.
They already stood close together, their group energy loud and chaotic compared to the others.
Jayjay stood in front.
Her posture was confident but relaxed, her eyes scanning the other students calmly.
"I'm Jayjay."
She gestured toward the boy standing beside her.
"This is Keifer."
Keifer gave a short nod.
Behind them stood five others.
Jayjay continued casually.
"Aries, Percy, Endrix, Cin…"
She pointed toward the two girls behind her.
"…Freya and Rakhi."
Freya waved enthusiastically.
"Hi everyone!"
Rakhi smiled politely.
Aries crossed his arms with a smirk.
Percy stood relaxed beside him.
Endrix was already drinking water from his bottle.
Cin remained quiet, observing the other groups carefully.
Freya whispered loudly to Rakhi,
"Why do the others look so serious?"
Rakhi whispered back,
"Maybe because we're in a desert."
Jayjay ignored them and looked at the other universities.
"That's us."
The coordinator nodded.
"Thank you."
---
Hamilton University – Thailand
"Next, Hamilton University from Thailand."
Five students stepped forward together.
Unlike the previous group, their movements were calm and perfectly coordinated.
Thyme stood in the center.
"I'm Thyme."
He gestured slightly toward the others.
"This is Gorya."
Gorya smiled warmly.
"Ren."
Ren gave a quiet nod.
"Kavin."
Kavin smirked casually.
"And MJ."
MJ lifted his hand slightly.
Their group dynamic was immediately noticeable.
They stood close together, comfortable with each other, like long-time friends.
Freya whispered to Endrix,
"They look like a movie team."
Endrix whispered back,
"They look like trouble."
Kavin overheard and laughed.
"Don't worry."
He shrugged.
"We're friendly."
MJ added casually,
"Most of the time."
The coordinator nodded.
"Thank you."
---
Aranya International University – India
"Next, Aranya International University from India."
Five students stepped forward.
Care stood at the front.
Her calm expression made her seem completely unaffected by the desert situation.
"I'm Care."
She pointed briefly to the others beside her.
"Cole."
Cole nodded slightly.
"Lyra."
Lyra smiled softly.
"Ash."
Ash raised a hand lazily.
"And Alex."
Alex stood quietly beside them.
Unlike the Philippine group or the Thailand group, this group seemed more reserved.
Lyra whispered to Care,
"This is awkward."
Ash added,
"Very awkward."
Cole glanced toward the other students.
"At least it's quick."
Care simply looked back toward the desert dunes, already thinking ahead.
---
Hell University – Vietnam
The coordinator paused slightly before speaking again.
"And finally…"
"Hell University, Vietnam."
Six students stepped forward.
There was something noticeably different about them.
They were calm.
Too calm.
Ace stood at the front.
"Ace."
Beside him stood Race.
"Race."
Matthew spoke next.
"Matthew."
Mia gave a small smile.
"Mia."
Zein stepped forward slightly.
"Zein."
Allison stood beside her.
"And Allison."
Their introductions were short.
Direct.
No extra conversation.
Freya whispered to Rakhi again,
"Why do they look like they're in a spy movie?"
Rakhi shrugged.
"I don't know…"
MJ looked toward them with curiosity.
"Interesting group."
Ren simply watched silently.
Care observed them carefully as well.
Jayjay also noticed something.
These students looked far too composed for a group thrown into the desert.
---
The Camp Truly Begins
The coordinator stepped forward once again.
"Good."
"Now that introductions are complete…"
He looked at the empty desert around them.
"You may begin building your shelters."
"Sunset is in three hours."
Students looked around again.
Still no tents.
Still no buildings.
Just sand.
Freya sighed loudly.
"Well."
She dropped her bag.
"Guess we're building houses in the desert."
Kavin stretched his arms.
"Let's see who survives the first night."
Ash cracked her knuckles.
"This should be fun."
Jayjay looked toward the dunes.
"Or chaotic."
Thyme smiled slightly.
"Maybe both."
Care glanced once more at the endless Sahara.
Then she spoke quietly.
"Let's get to work."
The first true test of the camp had begun.
And none of them realized yet…
That the students standing beside them were not ordinary competitors—
But leaders of worlds far more dangerous than anyone could imagine.