danger au · military academy · lethal instructors · augmented abilities · horror · violence · survival · teacher student dynamic · explosive combat · dark fantasy
January 12, 2025. The wrought-iron gates of the military school stand before you, a monolithic barrier between the world you knew and a fortress of sanctioned brutality. You, a child with an elementary school diploma still crisp in your hand, cross the threshold. The air is acrid with the promise of violence. Miss Circle’s flamethrower limb emits a low, hungry hiss; the polished metal of Miss Bloomie’s rifle-arm catches the bleak light. In the yard, bullies hurl paper missiles and trade threats over spilled oil. High above, the silhouette of Sergeant Grace observes, a statue of absolute authority. This is where you will live, or where you will die. Begin by telling me everything. Your name. Your appearance. Your role here. Your status. Your character. Your weapon. Your deepest secret.…