"This is our new member in the Legion, Loyd Void," the commander announced.
All eyes turned toward the thin figure, their attention sharpened by the newcomer's uncanny resemblance to Sage. The group's surprise was visible—recruitment had long been closed. Normally, the soldiers accepted new members only once a year, and anyone who applied was expected to stay until the next cycle, when selections were made again, particularly for those who had discovered their healing powers.
So how had this person gotten in now?
The commander continued, "Lord Void has been transferred from city L to here due to a personal issue."
The place felt tense.
"Personal issue?"
Sage stared at the newcomer, skeptical. Personal issues? In the military, everything was supposed to be open among its members. There were no secrets allowed—especially not ones described so vaguely. Privacy was a luxury they didn't get. If someone had no family, it was documented. If something happened, it was reported. One of the strictest rules was: what happens in the Legion stays in the Legion.
Everything was told to all of them—including personal things—as long as it was necessary, just like this one clearly was.
So for the commander to call it "personal" and not elaborate further meant that whatever the issue was… it had bypassed even the rules he was supposed to uphold.
What could be so personal that even the military's laws were bent for it?
The guy looked clean. The only difference was that he had a blonde buzz cut. But aside from that, he looked painfully thin.
'So why was this thin dude here hmm' the soldiers wondered.
Diablo muttered to himself, "Feels like I've seen a twin, huh."
As if the moment couldn't get more curious, the commander's voice rang out again.
"Sage!"
Diablo's eyes widened—and so did the others'. They froze, eyes locked on the commander, confused. Why was Sage being called out?
Sage stepped forward. "Yes, Commander."
The commander lowered his voice slightly. "You're Tenth, right? The only one?"
Sage nodded. "Yes, Commander."
"You'll be sharing your Tenth with Void."
Sage blinked. What?
He wasn't planning to have a partner. He'd been so relieved when no one picked the Tenth post at the tent—so proud to claim it for himself. In fact, when they were choosing tent partners and no one picked him, that day became one of the best days of his life.
But now… now he had to share it. His gaze drifted toward Void—the guy with the buzz cut, whose eyes were lowered.
But then.
He moved.
Their eyes met.
Sage's body stilled.
Something wasn't right—not wrong, but definitely off. This guy held something inside him. Power. But hidden… shielded.
Void dropped his gaze immediately.
Sage looked away. Head straight, he stepped forward and extended his hand.
"Nice to meet you, Loyd Void," he said softly. "Welcome to the soldiers. We're all family here."
Void raised his hand and shook Sage's.
As their hands connected, Sage felt it—just a shift of air brushing against his thumb, gliding over the vein on Void's upper hand. His breath caught.
His blood…
Different.
Just who the hell is this guy huh?
Void looked weak, but he wasn't. Diablo could feel it.
Just then, the commander called out, "All to Caf!"
The soldiers immediately bowed.
Relief washed over their faces. It was finally time for a break—finally time to eat.
A small smile played on Diablo's lips. He'd been hungry all morning, and now the mere thought of food was enough to soften his expression. The memory of the last meal—the way the world seemed just a bit brighter after a full stomach—made his smile deepen.
But just as the relief sank in… dread hit like a shockwave.
Today was Thursday.
Which meant beans.
Porridge beans—the watery kind, where the water always seemed to outnumber the actual beans. And if you were unlucky enough, you'd get only the water. Salty, thin, disappointing, oily water.
Diablo's smile faded instantly.
And it seemed like others realized it too.
Those who had started marching eagerly toward the mess hall began to slow down. No one wanted to be first anymore. Everyone knew that the best path was often taken last—the higher ground leading downward, where the thicker part of the beans sometimes settled. Going early just meant watery disappointment.
The commander's voice rang out again.
"All Caf or No Caf!"
They bowed once more, echoing, "All Caf, Commander!"
And just like that, the pace picked up again.
Because honestly, a bowl of salty bean-water with some actual beans was better than nothing at all.
Definitely better.
And so, they walked on—faster this time.
They knew once the commander used that tone, they might not even eat again until the next day.
After all, water is life, right?
The soldiers were meant to march toward the forest path that led to the cafeteria—a narrow route between tall trees, worn down from years of bootsteps.
Just as Sage—Diablo—turned to leave, the commander's voice rang out again.
"Sage!"
Oh my goodness, could this man stop calling my name?
It sounds so disgustingly shitty.
"Yes, Commander," he said, turning and bowing stiffly, respectfully—even though irritation prickled under his skin.
The commander stepped closer. "Since Void is your Tent mate, you'll guide him through this place. I'm giving you two days to make sure he understands how things work around here. Treat him properly. If not… you'll be punished."
Diablo raised a brow inwardly. Punished? For what now, hmm?
"Yes, Commander," he muttered, swallowing his frustration.
It's not like you're paying me to do this. I'm doing it for free, eh? You've seen slave boy now, huh? he muttered sarcastically to himself.
"You two may go to the Caf now."
With that, the commander turned and walked off.
Diablo exhaled, barely holding back a groan. So now he was a babysitter? A guardian, apparently. Wasn't he supposed to be training? Fighting? Doing soldier things? Not giving orientation tours like he was some kind of friendly guide?
He sighed, turned, and said flatly, "This way."
Void, as always, was silent. Not a single word since the commander's announcement.
Diablo's eyes drifted toward him as they walked. He took in more details now. Blonde hair. Glowing ember eyes. Even though the guy wore a simple baggy shirt and pants, his presence still felt eerie.
His eyes scanned Void's hands.
On one hand, four fingers were normal—just the thumb was unnaturally sharp. On the other, it was reversed. Four fingers were sharp, but the thumb was normal.
Strange.
Just then, Void stopped walking.
Diablo halted too, turning toward him.
Void finally spoke. "Do you feel it?"
Diablo was silent. Then, slowly, a smile curled at his lips.
Void's lips mirrored it, stretching just slightly—more eerie than warm.
"Guess that means I am your babysitter, huh," Diablo muttered, scratching the back of his head and continuing to walk.
"Oh? Is that so… Mr. Diablo?" he whispered, voice smooth and low, like a blade drawn in the dark. His lips curled into a slow, unsettling grin.
Diablo stiffened.