The Strivers - 10. Chapter 10 - A Morning Under Surveillance

The terrace overlooked a meticulously maintained garden, where the first rays of the morning sun made the dew droplets on the grass shimmer. A light breeze carried a fresh scent of pine and damp earth. The table, elegantly set, was filled with golden pastries, perfectly ripe fruits, and orange juice served in tall crystal glasses.

The three boys, still sluggish from sleep, took their seats in silence. The owner invited them to sit with an affability that contrasted with the palpable tension they all seemed to feel.

Alexei was the first to settle in. Still dressed in the school’s regulation tracksuit, he carefully adjusted the zipper on his jacket, unable to bear the thought of looking unkempt. He strove to maintain an impeccable composure, but inside, his mind was in turmoil. Why did last night trouble me so much? And why is Dimitri always trying to outdo me? He cast a quick glance at his two companions, already calculating how he could stand out.

Dimitri sat down next, adopting a more relaxed posture. His tracksuit, slightly crumpled, reflected an apparent indifference that he carefully cultivated. Nothing to prove, he repeated to himself like a mantra. Yet, he kept a watchful eye on Alexei, searching for any sign of weakness. He had spent a restless night, replaying the previous day’s exercise in his mind and strategizing how to ensure he remained the favorite in the owner’s eyes.

Finally, Ilya took his place, his hesitant movements betraying a slight apprehension. His tracksuit, slightly too large for his slender frame, made him look even more youthful. Why was Alexei so kind to me yesterday? And why does everything feel so serious today? He tried to focus on the sumptuous setting, the enticing aromas of breakfast, and the gentle trickling of a nearby fountain, but a lingering unease clung to him.

The owner stood, observing the boys with calculated satisfaction. He reached for the crystal carafe and poured a generous amount of orange juice into each of their glasses before sitting down at their level.

— I hope you slept well, he said, his warm smile contrasting with the underlying tension hovering over the table.

The boys exchanged glances before responding.

— Yes, thank you, Alexei replied in a measured tone. The room is… impressive.

Dimitri shrugged with a smirk.

— Me too. It’s different from our dorms…

— It’s incredible here, Ilya added sincerely.

The owner nodded, satisfied. He gestured for them to try the juice, which they did without hesitation.

The sweet and tangy taste awakened their senses, but almost instantly, a faint dizziness set in. A gentle warmth spread through their bodies, and a subtle haze seemed to dull their critical thinking. Alexei slightly furrowed his brow but said nothing. Dimitri set his glass down, blinking as if trying to dispel a strange sensation before focusing on the pastries. Meanwhile, Ilya placed a hand on his chest, experiencing the same light, almost pleasant yet inexplicable sensation he had felt the day before.

— Is everything all right? the owner asked with genuine interest.

— Yes, Alexei hesitated. But… I don’t know, I feel a bit strange.

Dimitri nodded but chose not to elaborate.

— Like yesterday, Ilya added timidly.

The owner looked at them kindly, like a parent reassuring a nervous child.

— Nothing unusual, boys. You might still be tired, or perhaps it’s just the excitement of this unfamiliar setting. Enjoy the moment.

His tone was soothing, yet he remained firmly in control of the situation.

Once he judged that the juice had taken full effect, he calmly set his coffee cup down on the table, drawing their attention.

— Now that you’re fully awake, I need your undivided attention for what I’m about to tell you.

The boys lifted their eyes to him, hanging on his words.

— To begin today, I have planned a series of tests designed to assess your ability to cooperate and work together. This is an essential skill, and I need to be able to discern it in each of you.

Alexei, skeptical, furrowed his brows slightly.

— What exactly do you expect from us?

— I can’t reveal that just yet, the owner replied, his smile growing more enigmatic. But before we begin, take your time to enjoy your breakfast. You will need your energy for what’s ahead.

Gradually, the boys began to eat. The breakfast, carefully prepared, blended familiar flavors with foods tailored to their athletic conditioning. There was kasha, a traditional buckwheat porridge served with warm milk and honey. Freshly made blinis were paired with cottage cheese and wild berry jam. Beside them, a plate of tvorog, the soft cheese so essential to their diet, provided a valuable source of protein.

The owner attentively observed the boys, analyzing their reactions. He noted the budding camaraderie between Dimitri and Ilya and the rising tension in Alexei. The effect of the infused substance in the orange juice was undeniable. For a brief moment, he even wondered if he had slightly overdone the dose, as their inhibitions seemed to be dissolving so effortlessly.

When the plates were nearly empty and only a few amber drops of juice remained in their glasses, the owner rose slowly and motioned for their attention.

— Gentlemen, since I see that you’ve finished, it’s time to move on to more serious matters.

One by one, the boys straightened up, alert. The atmosphere had subtly shifted, and each of them could feel that the morning was about to take an unexpected turn.

The Trial of Unity

The air was fresh, but the ambient humidity made the atmosphere feel even heavier. The boys now followed the owner along a shaded path, bordered by carefully trimmed bushes. A scent of wildflowers lingered in the air, intoxicating and almost deceptively soothing. Around them, the lush vegetation seemed frozen, a stark contrast to the tension weighing on their shoulders.

Illya, slightly behind, lagged a bit more than the others. Dimitri, always self-assured, walked with a brisk pace, as if trying to assert dominance through his very stride. Alexei, on the other hand, appeared caught in an internal storm, his gaze darting, unable to focus on a single point. His tracksuit, dampened by the heavy air, clung to his skin—a minor discomfort compared to the strange sensation the substance in his bloodstream continued to create: a forced calm, unsettling and foreign to him.

They finally arrived in front of a discreet building, almost hidden by the dense vegetation. The stone structure seemed to blend into its surroundings, an organic part of the landscape. The owner stopped before the massive door and slowly turned the handle. A slight push was enough for the door to open, revealing an interior bathed in dim light.

The sharp scent of chlorine immediately hit their nostrils, evoking memories of intense training sessions. But what surprised them even more was the sight before them: a subterranean pool with an organic design, resembling a natural basin rather than a traditional artificial rectangle. Its crystalline water reflected deep blue hues under the soft lighting, giving the place an almost surreal aura, as if it belonged to another reality.

The boys stopped in their tracks, mesmerized. The smooth surface of the water captured the light, shimmering like a liquid mirror.

Dimitri, arms crossed, rocked slightly on his heels before remarking with a touch of arrogance:

— Hmm. It’s nice, but the School has a bigger one, Olympic-sized, much more modern.

His gaze flickered toward Alexei, a barely veiled provocation. He knew this kind of comment would not go unnoticed.

Alexei, who had remained silent until then, stiffened slightly. He took a deep breath, his jaw tightening in frustration. Dimitri had an annoying knack for asserting his superiority, always finding a way to remind others of his dominance. But this time, instead of responding immediately, Alexei averted his eyes and focused on the pool. He refused to give him the satisfaction of a reaction.

Illya, meanwhile, remained quiet, eyes lowered. The pool seemed vast, almost intimidating. He felt drained, but more than that—uncertain. Will I be able to keep up? The mere thought of the upcoming challenge already tightened his chest.

The owner motioned for them to step forward. The door closed behind them with a soft thud, sealing the space off completely. The silence intensified the enclosed feeling, with only the gentle lapping of the water breaking the stillness.

As they approached the edge, they discovered a series of carefully arranged obstacles: floating bars, suspended hoops, taut ropes, and unstable planks. A water endurance course, designed to test not only their physical condition but also their adaptability and teamwork.

The owner observed each of them in turn, analyzing their reactions. He noted Dimitri’s dominant stance, leading without concern for the others. Leadership skills? Could be improved… tendency to overpower others.

Then, his gaze lingered on Alexei, whose reserved demeanor contrasted with his usual competitive spirit. Too secretive, still hesitant. The rivalry is palpable. Needs further exploration…

Finally, he studied Illya. More discreet, seemingly overshadowed by the other two, yet his adaptability and resilience were already apparent. Younger, but a potential yet to be discovered…

Dimitri, aware of his effect on the group, maintained his air of confidence. He cast a quick glance at Alexei, silently challenging him. However, something about Alexei’s lack of reaction unsettled him. Normally, he would have snapped back, refusing to let such a comment slide. This unexpected silence made Dimitri pause.

The owner, pleased with the subtle tension, made a broad gesture toward the pool and the obstacles floating on its surface.

— This is your challenge, he announced in a calm yet firm voice. You must cross this pool while following the order of the obstacles. Each of you must complete every stage. No one will leave this place until you have all finished the course. And you will do it wearing the equipment you have on—your tracksuits and your sneakers, which you must keep on.

He paused, then added:

— This is a collective challenge. You must help one another whenever necessary. Each of you has a role to play in ensuring the group’s success. Your performance will be assessed, not only individually but also on your ability to cooperate.

A silence followed, broken only by the faint rippling of the water. Each of the boys understood that this test was far from ordinary. It wasn’t just a matter of strength or endurance. It was a form of assessment where their success would depend on their ability to support each other. Individual strength alone wouldn’t be enough—only true cohesion would allow them to overcome this challenge.