The next morning dawned bright and clear on Viltrum, the sun casting its golden rays across the expansive grounds of the academy. Anissa stood at the threshold of her quarters, the warm breeze ruffling the hem of her loincloth as it brushed against her toned thighs. She took a deep breath, the air filled with the vibrant energy of possibility and the faint scent of blooming flora. Today was her first day as a mentor, a role that felt both exhilarating and daunting.
As she made her way through the academy, the towering structure loomed ahead, its walls adorned with symbols of strength and unity, a testament to the legacy of female warriors that had come before her. The academy's entrance was framed by beautiful arches, inviting Anissa into a world filled with young, aspiring Viltrumites. Each step resonated with a sense of purpose, her mind swirling with thoughts of what lay ahead. The mission of this academy was to create more strategists, war and conquest advisors to make swallowing the universe more streamlined than only through sheer brutality.
Upon entering, Anissa was immediately struck by the grandeur of the interior. The high ceilings were adorned with intricate murals depicting heroic battles and the accomplishments of Viltrumite women throughout history. Sunlight streamed through large windows, illuminating the polished floors and casting patterns that danced across the walls. The atmosphere was alive with chatter, laughter, and the occasional shout of excitement as students greeted one another, their enthusiasm palpable.
As Anissa walked through the hallways, she noticed students glancing her way, their eyes wide with admiration and curiosity. Whispers fluttered like leaves in the wind, and she could hear snippets of conversation—"Is that Anissa? The one who conquered two planets?"—and "I can't believe she's here!"
For a moment, she felt a swell of pride at her reputation, yet a nagging feeling of vulnerability crept in. Was she truly ready to take on this new role? Would they see her as a mentor, or merely as a warrior? Dismissing her insecurities, Anissa reminded herself of her mission: to inspire and guide these young women as they forged their paths.
As she approached the classroom, Anissa found herself pausing for a moment, taking in the sight of the eager students chatting amongst themselves. The room was bright and spacious, equipped with holographic displays and tables arranged for collaboration. The anticipation in the air was electric. With a deep breath, she pushed the door open, stepping inside to face her new class.
"Good morning, everyone," Anissa announced, her voice steady and authoritative, instantly commanding attention. The students turned to face her, their eyes shining with interest. "My name is Anissa, and I'll be your instructor for this course on infantry roles in various worlds."
The room fell silent, a palpable energy settling as they absorbed her presence. Anissa could feel the weight of their expectations upon her shoulders, but she stood tall, confident in her abilities.
"Today, we will explore the different types of infantry units across the galaxy, focusing on their strategies, strengths, and weaknesses. This knowledge is crucial for any Viltrumite warrior."
As she began her lecture, Anissa showcased her authoritative teaching style, expertly weaving together stories of famous battles from her own experiences. Her voice rang out clearly, capturing their attention as she recounted tales of valour and cunning from different worlds. The students listened intently, captivated by her recounting of how infantry units operated under the unique challenges presented by various terrains and enemies.
"Take, for example, the infantry of the planet Ferros," Anissa explained, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "They are renowned for their heavy armor and overwhelming firepower, but they lack mobility. In contrast, the Skarnis have developed guerrilla tactics that allow them to strike swiftly and disappear into the shadows. Each approach has its merits and flaws."
She moved around the room, engaging with the students and encouraging them to ask questions. The discussions flowed, and Anissa was pleased to see the students actively participating, their faces filled with curiosity. Her patience was tested, however, when one student, clearly eager to impress, began to dominate the conversation.
"But Anissa," the student interjected, her voice rising above the others, "isn't it true that brute force often outweighs strategy? If you have the numbers, doesn't that guarantee victory?"
Anissa felt her brow furrow slightly at the challenge. "That's a common misconception," she replied, maintaining her authoritative tone. "While numbers can provide an advantage, it's the strategy that often determines the outcome of a battle. There are many examples throughout history where smaller, well-trained forces have defeated larger, disorganized armies. And we are an example of that. Only the best and trusted Viltrumites are given the honour to bring new planets in submission to our cause. One sole Viltrumite against a whole. And sometimes it takes three, but the rule of training an elite force still shows how essential this is."
But the student persisted, "What if we just focused on building larger infantry units instead of honing strategy? Isn't it simpler to overwhelm the enemy?" Clearly, this student didn't want to be here and just wanted to train and be one of the Viltrumites sent to conquer.
Normally, Anissa wouldn't find a problem with this, but this academy was built for a reason, and she had already seen what brawn without brains could do as a flicker of frustration sparked within Anissa, but she kept her composure.
'Did you think the Viltrumites that died in the purge weren't thinking like you and throwing away new thinking and innovation? How are you even a Viltrumite with this kind of mentality?' Anissa, there and then, wanted to launch that student into the air and break her spine. Maybe a day or two in the medical bay will adjust her thinking along with her spine.
"Overwhelming an enemy with numbers can be effective, but it's also about the cohesion of those numbers. Without training and strategy, you risk chaos on the battlefield. The most successful warriors adapt to the situation."
Despite her best efforts to explain, Anissa could feel her patience being tested. The student seemed determined to challenge every point she made, and a knot of irritation twisted in her stomach. However, she reminded herself of the importance of fostering an environment where questions were welcomed—even if they were misguided.
"Let's consider an example," Anissa said, redirecting her focus. "In the last war on Zarathis, their infantry units employed a mixture of brute force and tactical manoeuvring. They initially struggled against the enemy's superior numbers, but by employing flanking techniques, they were able to turn the tide. Can anyone tell me more about how that strategy might have played out?"
As the discussion continued, Anissa could feel the tension in the room shift. Some students began to grasp the nuances of her point, while others still struggled with the concept. She maintained her patience, allowing the conversation to flow naturally, even as her internal frustration simmered beneath the surface.
Throughout the class, Anissa demonstrated her extensive knowledge, drawing upon her experiences from her missions. She emphasised the significance of adaptability, encouraging the students to think critically about the material. Her authoritative presence commanded respect, and she could see that many were inspired by her strength.
As the class drew to a close, Anissa assigned a group project where students would choose an infantry unit from another world to analyse and present their findings. The students buzzed with excitement at the prospect, and Anissa felt a sense of satisfaction at the enthusiasm she had ignited.
"Remember," she said as they prepared to leave, "understanding infantry roles is vital, but it's equally important to think outside the box. Never underestimate the power of strategy over sheer numbers. I look forward to seeing what you all come up with."
"Why do we even need to worry about infantry tactics? Nothing can hurt us out there!" A student commented to another while walking out of the classroom, but was picked up by Anissa's super hearing as she clenched her fist, but soon softened her hand.
'They are not wrong, though. But with the rats gathering together and scheming against us in the shadows, this is why this academy was created. Not just for battle tactics, but for extensive research on our enemy's alliance. If we sit on our asses too long they might reverse the situation in their favour.' Anissa thought as she agreed with the student about being invincible to everything the universe has thrown at them so far. So far. That was what worried Anissa and why she even took this role, not just to educate others but herself too.
As the students filed out of the classroom, Anissa felt a mixture of relief and frustration wash over her. She had navigated her first day, but the challenge posed by that one student lingered in her mind. It was clear that the journey ahead would not be without its difficulties, but she was determined to rise to the occasion.
Once the classroom was empty, Anissa leaned against the desk, taking a moment to gather her thoughts. She closed her eyes, letting the sounds of the academy wash over her—laughter, discussions, the rustle of papers. This was her new home, and she would make it a place where young women could thrive.
As she stood there, a small group of students lingered by the doorway, hesitating to leave. They exchanged glances, and one of them, a tall girl with fiery red hair, stepped forward. "Anissa, that was amazing! You really know your stuff. Can we ask you some more questions about the project later?"
Anissa felt a smile tug at her lips, warmth flooding her chest at the sincerity in the girl's eyes. "Of course," she replied, her voice softening. "I'm here to help you learn."
The students nodded, their excitement palpable, and as they finally departed, Anissa felt a sense of fulfilment. This was why she had chosen to take on this role—to inspire and guide the next generation of Viltrumites.
Yet, as the quiet of the classroom enveloped her, Anissa couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of her journey. The challenges ahead would be many, but she was ready to face them head-on.
As she made her way back to her quarters, thoughts of her next class swirled in her mind. She was determined to improve her patience and adapt to the dynamics of the academy. Perhaps she could even find common ground with that challenging student; after all, each of them had something to learn from the other.
Unbeknownst to her, the challenges she faced would only help her grow, both as a mentor and as an individual. As she reached her door, Anissa felt a renewed sense of purpose wash over her. She was ready for whatever lay ahead, prepared to embrace the role of a mentor, even as her journey of self-discovery continued.
And as she stepped inside her quarters, she knew she would need to find a balance between her authoritative warrior spirit and the nurturing side that came with mentoring. In doing so, Anissa would forge her path, one that intertwined her past experiences with the hopes of the future generations she was now tasked to inspire.
But Anissa feared that if she became too soft, considering these were halfbloods, she might leave room for disrespect, and she could be very violent about it; for now, she was going to sleep on it and await tomorrow's trials.
New beginings at camp halfblood in Viltrum Empire.
Character sheet is out on the Patreon, read ahead on patreon.com/futamommy