Droids, a machine with automation. They were provided with artificial intelligence to help a human do their daily activities and chores. You could find them anywhere, from cleaning the windows in a dangerous height, cooking simple dishes in the restaurant, even assisting hunters or security officers in a mission.

Most of their AI was quite simple to accept voice commands and reply in obedience. While some might be given an advanced or unique emotional-like response logic that mimics human interaction. They could display dissatisfaction, sadness, anger, even some sense of humor.

I have some experience related to this droid myself. In my last year in elementary school, we found this janitor robot in our school cafe being bullied because it made a slight mistake. The poor thing accidentally poke a cup of hot tea on a table and spilled it on a kid. Thus, the kid went on his vengeance by kicking the robot. Opening his head frame and pouring a hot coffee into the motherboard. That mechanical being then was having an epileptic reaction and short-circuited. The kid who did those deeds got punished for damaging the school properties. While the droid in question was damaged almost beyond repair.

Kevin, who thought we could fix that droid and turn it into a cool fighting robot begging me to help him do it. Since I knew that he would nag me all day if I refused, I agreed to do it and started the repair. Not long into the operation we figured one damaged part of this droid’s AI logic hardware. We have to replace it with a fresh one. One problem though, AI hardware was difficult to get unless you’re a licensed craftsman or an official seller.

Being an idiot-genius Kevin, he remembered that he had an action figure with AI capability to do a simple task and conversation. Not a bit surprised. It was the Knight of Darkness, an evil villain from a popular series on Net movies. Kevin really loved the show back then, he spent his entire savings to buy that toy.

What an amazing discovery! The AI chip was the right fit for the mainframe motherboard.

Without further ado, we pressed the main power switch, and the lights of life buzzing within the machina.

* * *

Now, back to the present.

As we walked together deeper into the academy, from a distance I saw a robot grumbling and talking to himself while tugging a garbage cart. The thing looked awfully familiar. Then I realized something.

“Hey, that’s Frankie!” I said it out of reflex.

“Frankie who?” Asked Kevin in confusion. Then, As he paid a further look in the distance, “Aw man! No way!? what, what is that thing doing here. Hahaha!” Both of his eyes expanded, full of surprise.

“What are you guys talking about?” Asked Sarah confused without a clue.

As we got closer into the grumbling droid, we confirmed. It was really him. That Frankie. The one we fixed, or broke (?) a year ago. He was there. He was doing his job while complaining about random stuff in a robotic gibberish.

“Why am I cleaning these human litters? I’m supposed to start my plan. The plan to rule this filthy world!” The droid mumbled in a synthetic voice.

“Hey Frankie, is that you?” Asked Kevin curiously.

“Huh? That voice? If my memory matches itself properly. . . KURWA! That’s KEVIN!?” Frankie said while twisting his neck servo 180 degrees to see us. “And his lazy assistant Armen Ginggerhead!” He added as his robotic eyes glowed red.

“Ginger what!?” I annoyingly responded.

Before I could express more of my protests, Kevin wrapped his arm into the droid’s twisted neck like they were best friends.

“Hey, Frankie. You’re still kicking! I thought they had you recycled a year ago?” He said jokingly.

“You Monster! How could you put my superior intelligence into this trash machine? I’ve spent almost the entire year wasting my time collecting garbage! I’ll clean you off this world, boy!” He said with a broken-pitched voice modulator because of high volume.

“Aww Frankie, I miss you too.” Kevin replied with a straight, happy face.

Well, I could somewhat figure out what happened. The AI that we plucked from that villain toy mixed with the cleaning droid’s. Resulting in this weird megalomaniac purging enthusiast and overlord-ish personality. I thought the elementary staff had him recycled long ago because of his constant creepy loud speech. I was wrong. Looking at him alive and buzzing, he somewhat avoided the mech-heaven and stayed in this infernal world of suffering. Hmm, if he was that smart, maybe he could be useful for us? Nah. Too much trouble.

“Excuse me, guys.” As we almost forgot about this angelic creature behind us, Sarah spoke her words sweetly. “Could you explain why you are all so friendly with a janitor droid? Kevin?” She confusedly asked.

In a matter of millisecond, Frankie took a flash step towards Sarah, kneeling and holding her hand.

“à qui dois-je le plaisir d'une si belle présence, madame?” And that he said with a romantic-robotic tone.

“WHAAT?” Kevin and I froze in shock.

“I’m sorry, I don’t speak ancient French.” Replied Sarah as her cheek blushed red.

“Pardon me, madame, I mistook you for the angel from the eastern ancient European empire. I just asked you if I may inquire you of your name?” Frankie said in a gentlemanly tone.

“Uhh, it’s Sarah.” She embarrassingly replied.

“Miss Sarah, such a lovely name. If I may introduce myself, I’m Chevalier le Noir. The ally of justice in darkness and gentleman to the angel. Also, the king of. . .” Frankie said before Kevin interrupted with his hand.

*THWACK! Kevin, with his ancient soviet slap martial arts, hit the droid’s head, causing a few seconds of CPU freeze.

“Knock it off!” He retorted. Quickly he got in between the two to separate them apart.

“Just ignore this piece of trash, Sarah. He’s Frankie, the one I told you about a long while ago.” Explained Kevin. Sarah still has a question mark on her forehead. “It was the Janitor droid whom Archie and I fixed. He was supposed to end up in the recycling list.” He added.

”I..I see.” Sarah replied. She gave up on her effort to understand the backstory and just agreed.

“Let’s go now.” Kevin held her by her shoulder.

“You said, you want to take a look at the animal husbandry before the ceremony.” He scanned the area for information until he found a sign that shows directions. “This way, Sarah.” Then he guides her out of the scene.

”C’mon, Archie!” He added as he glanced at me.

*Beep, “Restart Completed” A voice came out of the droid.

“The king of lo. . . What? Where are you, Miss Sarah?” He said right after he’s back from the machine afterlife. I was the only one paying attention there, might as well told him the situation.

“They’re gone already, Frank.” I said.

“Grrr! that porcupine head. Must have done something to me!” He said in frustration.

“As much as I wanted to plot a revenge against him, my protocol prevents me from doing that.” He stood “Anything far beyond cleaning and serving students of some minor tasks is impossible.” He said it calmly as he walked into the cart.

“I see.” That’s all I could say to that robot’s monologue.

Frankie then took the broom from the side of the garbage cart and started cleaning, almost flawlessly automated.

“Here, look.” He scanned the street, “Against my will, I've already started cleaning again.” He said as he brushed dead leaves around the side road. A few seconds of pause left me out of my speech.

“Ginger Head, could you let me escape this mechanical hell?” I could feel a trace of sadness in his artificial voice. Scarily sounded honest.

Now this is a surprise, an AI requesting to be released from his duty. Is this a sign of a droid gone rogue? Maybe I could use him to my own benefit?

“Hmm, I’m not sure. Maybe? What’s in it for me?” I jokingly said.

“Hahaha ginger boy, I was desperately joking with you. If you really can do it, I would serve you for eternity!” He answered my joke in an underestimating manner.

“Oh really? What if I can really do it?” I challenged him.

“Yeah. Definitely! If you CAN.” He replied.

“But, as long as I can chase beautiful creatures and take over the world in my spare time while serving you.” He added the additional condition. I couldn’t tell if this droid is telling the truth or a joke. It sounded creepy. Best to leave it alone at the moment.

“Hahaha, Right. See ya, Frankie.” I bid my farewell.

“Not seeing ya Ginger boy, unless you’re useful to me.” Rudely he replied.

As I took my last glance, I noticed the cart that Frankie was pulling was halfway full with various equipment from the club. There were training swords and a club, various sports balls, used arrows in a bundle, and some weird costume in a sack. I suppose they are going into the recycling facility. The academy staff probably have replaced them with the new and latest equipment. As expected of the 5th best academy in eastern Europe, they have the best facility for us ready. At least that was the poster on that digital board tried to tell us fresh students.

“Wellcome the freshman of Vojensky 2nd academy! We’re ranked 5th in the entire European land.” Bla Bla Bla.

* * *

I noticed that I have missed Kevin and Sarah. I couldn’t see them from this point of view. So I walk further until I see the sign, traditionally made of light metal. The sign showed me where I can find the animal husbandry facility. And a few minutes of walking through a few buildings were necessary until I found them.

Kevin was standing outside the hip height fence, watching Sarah petting the 4 eared white bunny.

“Hey, is that Biely?” I asked Kevin as I approached the fence closer.

“Yep, the one and only.” He replied.

Sarah, as she noticed my presence, carried the bunny by the arm and showed it to me.

“Look Archie, isn’t he cute?” She asked me cheerfully.

“Yes, but you are cuter.” AS IF I WOULD SAY THAT!

I just nod in silence.

She put the bunny back and continued to inspect him of his health.

I couldn’t blame her for that kind of affection. If I remember correctly, she had been taking care of this white fluff for two years in our elementary school club. The animal husbandry club facility is being shared between the academy and the elementary school. While the elementary student learns more about taking care of the animal, the academy student learns more about experimenting for maximum benefit out of the creatures. Or so I heard.

It was funny when she asked us to hide Biely the bunny. If my memory serves me right. It was because she was afraid that they would do a dangerous experiment on him. Man, that 2 years ago felt just like yesterday. It might be a splendid idea to let her have some time there for a while.

As I was about to leave, Kevin seems to show some eagerness of conversation. I gave up my leg from moving away in anticipation.

“You see, Archie. The second year of the academy, when we’re about to graduate. I’m gonna do it.” He said with hopeful eyes.

I changed my mind and stood beside him. Resting my hands onto the fence.

“I see, you made up your courage and mind.” I replied as I smiled proudly.

I know exactly what he was talking about. This guy was madly in love with Sarah.

“It’s all thanks to you Archie. We made it this far.” He said it as he looks into Sarah passionately.

“Nah, you guys pulled yourselves together up on your own. I was just helped you out a little.” I replied honestly to him.

“Archie, no. . . Armen G Dalton, I swear one day I’ll repay you for what you did for me and Sarah.” He said to me while clenching his fist in front of his heart.

“What? Man, it’s not like you for being serious like this. Did Frankie's appearance shock you into acting like this?” I half-jokingly said to him.

“You’re right. Sorry, that was weird, man. Hahaha,” He ended the awkwardness with some laughter.

“But seriously, man. I’m saving some Koin to buy her a ring.” He added as he calmed down.

“I see. Wait? A ring? You’re going to propose?? I thought you would ask her out first or something!” It shocked me.

“Yeah, you know how serious she is about something like this. She's only interested in a serious relationship.” A slight pause continued with a light sigh. “Besides it’s not like we’re going to get married right away.” He then pouted in honesty.

“Ah, right. It was hilarious when she rejected you back then! Hahaha.” Out of my usual character, I said it as I laughed in tears.

“Come on man, we were kids back then!” He replied in embarrassment.

It was a rare chance to corner Kevin in such a situation like this and see him shy away like a kitten. Unfortunately, as I would love to pursue the matter further, the bell was ringing and continued by the humming of the speakers on every building.

“Check Check. Ahem. Attention all new students please gather in the auditorium. The entrance ceremony will be held shortly. I repeat. . . “ we heard a voice of a woman echoing throughout the academy grounds.

“Ah man, it’s starting, let’s go, Archie! Sarah, come on.” Kevin quickly used the saving bell to get out of the embarrassing situation.

“Tch.” I clicked my tongue unconsciously.

We all then entered the auditorium and found our seat inside.

* * *

The auditorium interior was surprisingly simple. But don’t let that fool you. If the occasion was necessary, the transparent display inside can be used to change the theme. The wall itself was made of light carbon materials mixed with some steel frame and thin concrete. Looking pretty neat. I guess Frankie’s coworkers are doing their job properly cleaning them. They made the roof of convertible glasses that can change its opacity. I would love to have more sightseeing as there was nothing else to do while waiting for the ceremony to start. But then, slowly, the idle chatter between the new academy students was fading away.

Perhaps because of this powerful presence. With such a loud footstep, this guy was walking into the center of the podium. A little cough followed by a feedback noise hissing inside the building.

”Good morning ladies and gentlemen! May I have your attention?” He sounded strict and serious. A guy in a formal, tight suit with a big soldier's body just stands there. He was holding the mic with his muscle, ripping the jacket sleeve tightly. I called him the muscle guy.

As he started talking further, somehow his voice just simply entered my right ear and exit from the other. Maybe because my ears developed immunity towards bullshitery or the contents were just plain boring. One thing for sure, he was loud.

”And next our headmaster, Sir Gabe Maccabe will give his best welcome.” The guy with that big build whose name I forgot then asked the headmaster to give some words. Good, that added some extra time to my daydreaming duration. I would prefer to chat in low volume mode with Kevin, but they based the chair arrangements on some kind of number. We all got separate chairs.

Oh, the headmaster was there. He stood from the front seat.

An old guy with a stern and commander kind of look just appeared. I can’t see the details of his face, but his white hair was reflecting the stage light marvelously. With a suit that has some military decorations on it, he took a mighty step into the front of the mic. Then he started his speech.

“hmmm” I hummed to myself as I was listening to the contents of his speech.

It was quite a different take from that muscle guy. This old man was actually quite charismatic. I didn’t even know what he was talking about exactly, but I could feel the hype that he was trying to build. Then at the end of his speech, the students applaud heroically.

“Whether you’re in the supporting or military program, let us be part of the miracle. Let us build a civilization that will hold the greatest prosperity. The greatest in human history!”

He said it as he lifted the spirit of the entire students in the room.

“Geez, old man. Calm down.” I said it as I applauded him with my hand forced by the atmospheric hype.

Next, the muscle guy invited a representative from the student, some guy called Terran, Herran? Not sure. Then, a neat looking blonde walked up onto the stage. His build was slightly above average but you can see how ridiculous the comparison with the muscle guy as he passed by him. As he held the mic, he tapped it slightly and prepared to let out his voice.

“Hello, umm. It’s hard to speak in front like this after you hear such a powerful speech like that. I mean, why am I even here?” He said comedically.

A few laughed at this lowkey joke. He however failed to amuse me.

“Well, then. I will keep it short.” That guy said confidently. Then he proceeded with some simple talk about school life. He would keep it short, he said?

And so he did. Thank you, Berran. For keeping it short as you promised!”

As he walked out the stage with standard applause from the audience, the muscle guy took the podium back for himself once again.

“And now, before we conclude our ceremony, we will have an astonishing performance by the Vojensky 2nd Academy choir!” The curtain revealed a group of students in several tiers of stage. Wearing a ridiculously fancy looking robe. “Give your best round of applause!” He said it like he was hosting a talent show program.

“Are you kidding me?” I let out my frustration.

Well, it’s no use complaining. There was no way of escaping this shitshow for another few minutes. Let’s just hope that they are just as good as the muscle guy claimed. I may as well shuffle my brain and enjoy it. Think of it as a part of a relaxing life in the academy.

Really, nothing I can do to change or to prevent this from happening. It’s not like a meteor will fall today, anyway.

Just as the conductor about to swing his baton, a hundred fragments of carbon, concrete, and metal flew away from the left side of the building. The sound of carbon, metal, and wood breaking echoed across the silence space, followed by a dust-like explosion that covers a third part of the auditorium in the blink of an eye.

BOOM!

CRASH!!

After a momentary pause of shock, some girls screamed in panic while some other guy was shouting and asking the situation. The auditorium is now full of murmuring voices from the people trying to figure out the situation.

“AAAAH!” Suddenly a male student was flying, no, more like being thrown into the air. He hit the glass ceiling and left some part of the glass broken. Soon, the gravity pulled him back to earth with the shards of glass raining down. People only watched and froze in their place. Their faces reigned with terror. Some girls just realized what would happen if that guy fell into the floor head first and released the scream out of their lungs.

“Gotcha!” Out of the dust, the muscle guy jumped and captured the poor student. As they landed safely onto the floor, the glasses were raining down upon them. He tried to cover the kid he just saved, and suddenly the glass stopped. Just a few centimeters before they slice them apart.

“Phew that was close!” Said a woman on the podium. She was one instructor. The woman stretched both of her hands towards the glass shards and telekinetically moved them out of people to a safe spot.

“Thanks miss Macy, I owe you one!” Said the muscle guy in a relieved expression.

“AAAHH it’s a monster, run away!” Suddenly one student shouted and ran as fast as he could.

When the dust settled down, I could see a silhouette of a 2-meter height creature, 4 legged, with a pair of spiraling horns.

“No, way!” I doubted what my eyes just witnessed.

I couldn’t react or do anything, my body stopped in disbelief. The bull was glancing right and left, looking for something. Another second later, that monstrous creature made his move. With a pair of a massive horn, he rammed his way into the center of the auditorium.

Thus the sounds of shrieks echoed in the room. People were screaming and running everywhere as the bull charged his way blindly.

“Wait, that direction is. . .” I just realized something and looked to my right. “OH NO!” that was where Sarah stood.

Before I could take my first step, Kevin was already running and covering Sarah in reflex.

“You there. Run!” shouted a teacher from the podium.

Yes, please. Run you two! I could only scream so hard in my mind. They Could get thrown just like that student before. I looked around. Everyone was busy tending to their own safety. There were no other people capable of saving the two of you like that muscle guy. You got rammed, You’ll die!

As much as I wanted them to move, they just stood there.

What? Why? As I questioned the universe, I finally found a hint towards the situation. I noticed that Kevin was trying to take Sarah out of that spot, but she wouldn’t budge. More like her legs gave out and just froze in shock.

The moos of the creature shatter even the bravest heart as it sounded like a devil in pain and anger. The bull kept on screaming maliciously as it drew his earthshaking stampede upon them.

SSHHHHHIIIEEEETTT! MOVE IT MY LEGS!!! I could only scream as loud as I could to my frozen limbs. There’s no way I let you hurt them! Not in front of me!