Chapter 1: Alpha pose
Trace couldn’t believe his luck. He had just received a letter from the prestigious Clevestene, offering him a full scholarship to attend their elite boarding school. The letter said that he had been selected based on his outstanding academic performance, his exceptional athletic abilities (especially his basketball feats), and his impressive martial arts skills. He had been scouted by the school’s talent scout, Mr Q Rowan who had seen him compete in a provincial basketball tournament and in further enquiries learned of his mastery of capoeira, jiujutsu, Shotokan and Bagua Zhang .Trace had always dreamed of going to a school like Clevestene , but he never thought he would have the chance. He came from an average earning family, living in a small house in their small town. His parents worked hard to provide for him and his younger sister, but they barely made enough to cover the bills. Trace had to work part-time at a convenience store, and he spent most of his free time practicing his martial arts at a local gym. He loved his family, but he also longed for a better life.
He quickly packed his bags, hugged his parents and sister goodbye, and boarded the bus that would take him to his new school. First to the city from their small farmer town then out again towards the school rooted deep in an opposite country side. He felt a mix of excitement and nervousness as he looked out the window, watching the city fade away and the countryside take its place. He wondered what his new school would be like, and what kind of people he would meet there.
He arrived at Clevestene Academy after a few hours of driving. He was greeted by the headmaster, a short and stern-looking man with a grey beard and a suit. He introduced himself as Mr Smith, and welcomed Trace to the school.
“Trace, you are one of the five students who have been awarded the Sports Scholarship. This is a very rare and prestigious honour, and you should be proud of yourself. You will be living in a house on the school grounds, along with the other four sports scholars. You will have access to the best facilities, equipment, and coaches that the school has to offer. You will also receive a generous allowance of pocket money every month, to spend as you wish. However, you will also have to maintain a high standard of academic excellence, and follow the school rules and regulations. Do you understand?” Mr Smith said.
“Yes, sir. Thank you, sir. I’m very grateful for this opportunity, sir.” Trace said, trying to sound polite and respectful.
“Oh this one’s got manners, tis about time you changed your flavour Rowan.” He said referring to the scout who had chosen Trace and was by his side. Then to Trace, “Good. Now, let me show you to your new home.” Mr Smith said, leading Trace to a black limousine parked outside the school gate. “This is your ride. It will take you to the mansion, where you will meet your new housemates. I hope you will get along well with them, and form a strong bond of friendship and teamwork. They are all very talented and accomplished in their respective sports, and I’m sure you will learn a lot from them. And they will learn a lot from you, too. You have a unique and valuable skill set, Trace. You are a master of four different martial arts, which is very impressive and your skill on the basketball court is just heavenly. Rowan here will be your handler, which means finance, social and behavioural matters and everything else, like your manager. You will be a great asset to the school’s martial arts club, and to the school’s reputation. I really look forward to seeing you on the court, I am a basketball fan myself and the feats you seem to have accomplished, the whole staff will be present at your try outs. I expect great things from you, Trace. Don’t let me down.”
“I won’t, sir. I promise, sir.” Trace said, feeling a surge of confidence and determination.
He got into the limousine, and waved goodbye to Mr Smith. The driver started the engine, and drove away from the school. Trace looked out the window, and saw a large and beautiful mansion in the distance. He felt a thrill of anticipation, wondering who his new housemates would be, and what adventures awaited him. He was certain all of them were from the city. Would they accept a town boy? No, he was going to make them accept him as an equal or superior even.
He was about to start a new chapter in his life, and he couldn’t wait to see what it would bring.
