Today, there was an atmosphere of great joy in the academy. Everyone could be seen talking to each other with enthusiasm and laughter. It felt as if a big festival was about to arrive.
The boys working in the mess didn't exactly know what had happened to make everyone so happy, but seeing the joy around them, they too were filled with a sense of unknown excitement. They were running around, finishing their work happily.
Finally, the reason behind this festive atmosphere was revealed. The boys overheard that a major competition was going to be held abroad soon, and a team from here would be sent to participate.
It was indeed a matter of joy. Just a few years ago, these boys, who wandered from place to place struggling for food and work, spending their days herding cattle or hunting, had now come under the protection of a prestigious institution. And now, some of them were even getting the chance to travel abroad. It was like hitting a big lottery. All expenses covered by the academy!
No, no, the trainers would say—don’t think of this as a chance to travel abroad. This is a moment of difficult trial. This is a test for both us and you. Every moment, we will be tested against time. We need to keep the passion to achieve something; only then will we succeed. Such words would double the boys' excitement.
Next month, a selection for the team was to be held in a nearby big city for the competition. The best archers and shooters from all around were expected to come there. Only after tough competition would anyone get the chance to participate in the international event. Every boy began stroking their biceps as if they were preparing themselves for battle. There was an incredible surge of energy among them.
The daily routine became even stricter. All the boys started following the rules of the academy with more discipline. There was an electric energy flowing through every body. Special afternoon classes began for the boys. Along with physical training, they were now being taught general etiquette. How to dress, how to talk, how to behave while eating in front of important people, how to be polite and cultured in every way by saying “thank you” and “welcome” with seriousness.
The boys enjoyed learning all these things. Their eagerness to learn English grew. In the beginning, they were shy around each other, but soon they shed their hesitation and focused on learning new things. Everyone felt as if they were the ones who would be selected in the end. After all, who would miss such a golden opportunity?
The boys who once dragged their feet while running, feeling their shoes were a burden, now paid attention to making sure their shoes were clean, washed, shining, and properly tied every day. The same was true for their clothes. Some even became concerned about their appearance and hairstyle after bathing.
The razors, massagers, lotions, and other items kept in the common room started to see more use. Everyone felt that they had to see whose fate would shine. Not just the players, but even the boys working in the mess and other staff members participated in this challenging test with great enthusiasm. They began betting on the players in their minds, just like people place bets on horses at the racetrack.
Now, no one was late for their morning juice after the run, and no one was found missing from their room during the boss’s nightly rounds.
Yes, the boy who had a skin condition still had large black-brown spots on his cheek at times. One day, even his teeth...
