The first two months mimicked basic military training of old – military regulations, history, combat strategy, drill practice, fitness and basic combat.
The cadets now had only 1 month left of phase 3. While everyone looked forward to phase 4, so they would no longer need to march unless explicitly told to, there were some big changes to the course schedule. The smallest was homeroom still started the school day but was a ten-minute class instead of all morning.
The course load had changed based on the skills and capabilities of each person. Each was placed on an individualized path. Lana was given courses that put her on a druid or ranger type of path from ancient days. Kattie was put on a ranger path which meant they shared some classes. Both had monster handling, classes about identifying plants, tracking and things like that. The plant classes were excessively boring to Lana. Agriculture had the resources she needed which she still attended.
Lana was kept in the martial arts course. While Kattie was learning dual weapon combat, Lana worked with Doctor Tall.
Almin, Alto, Dobin, and Blaine were put on a course schedule to be a spell sword. This meant they would be learning combat with their ability and weapons. Karlen and Chekof were taught courses in alignment with a front-line fighter. Rene was put on a medic path while attending the tutor session for monster weapons.
Three days later another headline rocked the planet.
[Tragedy Rocks Wood Family: Only One Heiress Remains]
When Paul read the article, he learned it was reported there was an unknown gas deposit beneath the Wood Estate. Somehow it ignited and the entire estate exploded during a family gathering to determine what to do about the disgrace of their beloved Star. All family members and the servants were present for the meeting. They all perished.
The next day, the general received another visit, this time from the Mistress of the Techno family who demanded to be taken to her son's room. She had already contacted him with specific instructions and was told they were done prior to her arrival.
"Good evening General Hansen, it's good to see you again," Cere said with outstretched hand.
General Hansen took it with a smile, "always a pleasure. You don't grace us with your presence enough. I trust Mr. Techno is well?"
They talked as they walked, "he is. His current project is frustrating him so he may visit Paul soon or have him visit home over the weekend to figure it out."
"Is Paul that smart?"
"He scored higher than we both did on the IQ test."
"That would explain his perfect grades despite not attending classes."
Cere nodded, "He's our pride and joy. Does he attend any social events?"
"None. He went on the portal outing and scored the highest score so he must know some people to have such good teamwork."
Cere nodded. "perhaps. I need to ask him about his friends. He will need social skills to run the businesses. He prefers to work."
"Here we are." General Nathan stood outside the door.
Before Cere could knock, the door beeped and she let herself in telling the general to wait for her there. In the room, Cere put on a big smile at the sight before her. Next to her son were two boys she had never met as well as a young lady that she had heard so much about.
Cere outstretched her arms, "Lana my dear, how wonderful it is to finally meet you!" She embraced the shocked girl in a big hug. Lana tentatively returned the embrace not really knowing if it was proper. Cere didn't release her until the hug was returned.
"You are more beautiful than Paul described. Please. Introduce me to these two young gentlemen," Cere said with her arm around Lana.
A bit uncomfortable, "the one on the left is my brother Dobin and the one on the right is my boyfriend, Blaine."
Cere nodded. "I know Paul didn't tell you but I'm here to address the issue of the looming threats."
Three days later, the headline read:
[Wood Heiress Ends Life: Assets to be Donated to Her Victims, Trust Established]
Earlier that day, another change was made to the files of Lana and Dobin Plantwell. Paul got notified when the files were accessed and updated.
[Adopted by Cere and Cecil Techno.]
That evening, just after dinner, Blaine and Lana were called into the administrative office, to a small conference room. While they had begun to hold hands publicly, they still had to play the game.
In one of the talking sessions recently, Blaine explained the reason his grandmother issued such an order was because it made them uncomfortable. If they became comfortable, he might be made to violate her, which he didn't want to do. He wanted a clean relationship with her.
Blaine walked into the conference room first, making her hold the door for him, just in case his hunch was right. Chekof had shown him the headlines for the day. Blaine was on alert. He was correct.
His grandmother's lawyer was there with a document for each to sign. The lawyer didn't stand up. Didn't offer a handshake, just gestured for them to sit in the two chairs provided.
Once seated, Blaine turned to Lana, "I'd like you to meet Slim Sarpa, Grandmother's lawyer."
Lana nodded, "nice to meet you Mr. Sarpa," while keeping her eyes toward her lap.
Slim grunted. "I'm here today to inform you of a trust created in which the two of you are the sole beneficiaries. For you, Sir Abel, your monthly stipend will be added to your family trust and your allowance will increase. For you, Miss Plantwell," he practically spit her name out, "upon your signed acknowledgement, you will have a monthly stipend sent to your military-issued money card."
Lana's eye twitched, "I'm sorry, sir. I'm confused. What is this about? What is a trust and how did I become a beneficiary?"
She actually knew what a trust was because the Techno family set one up for her when they adopted her. All her questions were answered at that time. She and Dobin would now receive an allowance each month. She thought it prudent to feign ignorance. Their adoption was not made public yet.