PLOP. PLOP.
The sound of the porridge beans slapping against Diablo's stainless plate echoed loudly. Some of it splattered onto his rumpled uniform like unwanted art. He managed a smile, trying not to think too deeply about how it sounded—like a thick sheet hitting toilet water.
The wrinkled-faced woman, popularly called Old Soldieress due to her years in the military—and, of course, her age—had been around so long she practically blended into the system. Even though she now served food, she was still being paid generously.
"Next," her deep, cold voice rang out.
Diablo immediately took another tray, handing it to Void. Surprisingly, the lady gently placed the food on Void's plate.
Oh wow, what a favoritism-fueled food center. Not only did she dump mine like sht, she even managed to create a work of art on my shirt. Kudos, Soldieress,* Diablo muttered to himself as he and Void moved to a separate table.
Truth be told, he had no idea what he'd done to her. From the very beginning, it had been hate at first sight.
They both sat quietly, the sound of chatter filling the air. The chatter lasted, interrupted only by the occasional clink of plates, soldiers' laughter, and a few glances in their direction. Still, they paid no mind. Diablo quietly took a spoonful of beans and put it in his mouth. It wasn't as good as usual, but he was still grateful. At least he had something to eat. He had been really hungry, considering Mr. Commander had kept changing moods all day.
Then Diablo spoke quietly, "I'm guessing you're already bored. You could sit at another table. There are more interesting people over there."
Void shook his head. "No, I'm good, man."
Diablo was trying to figure out how to convince these guys to leave him alone. It wasn't that they were bothering him; he just missed being by himself.
Void, speaking softly, said, "This place is the best."
Diablo nodded, internally rolling his eyes. Then Void asked quietly, "Is there a reason you chose the tenth tent?"
Diablo was silent for a while before answering, "No reason. No one wanted me as a tent mate, so I stayed alone. That's all."
Void looked at him, as if processing his words. "I see."
Diablo absentmindedly took another spoonful of beans. Then, in a quiet voice, he asked, "How did you know my name?"
He was curious—especially because the name Void used was the one he called himself. That alone had cleared any doubt: this thin-looking boy was no ordinary one.
Void was silent for a while before speaking quietly.
"Let's not talk about this here," he said. "And I'm sure you know why."
Diablo's lips slowly curved up as he scooped another spoonful of beans. Around them, the others chattered loudly. Finally, once they were done eating, they both stood.
As they walked out of the cafeteria doors, a few people lingered nearby, chatting and laughing—making use of the rare break they'd been given. It would be a long time before the next one.
Void and Diablo walked toward the forest area, heading to where all the members' tents were pitched. They kept walking in silence until Void calmly asked, "Do you know where I could keep a little pet of mine?"
Diablo turned to him, his expression unreadable. "Don't tell me you brought a pet here?"
Void didn't reply.
"It's just a little pet. No harm."
Diablo looked around cautiously and whispered, "You know that's against the rules, right?"
Void gave a small nod.
"You're lucky you weren't assigned to the other soldiers' tent," Diablo muttered as he resumed walking. "They'd have used you just to climb up the ranks… by telling the Commander."
The thing about soldiers here was many lacked cooperation—snitching was one of the main reasons many rose in ranking.
Void kept pace, and Diablo added, "Make sure your little pet behaves. I've got a place for him. Or is it a her?"
"He," Void answered with a small shake of his head.
"Okay," Diablo nodded.
They walked toward the tents. The area was grassy and wide, filled with tents—different shapes, different colors, all scattered across the field. There were so many of them, naturally. This was a training ground, after all, and it needed more than just a few.
Diablo led the way, walking farther and farther away from the main cluster of tents until they reached a particular one, set a bit apart from the rest. He stopped and turned to Void.
"This is the place. If you feel it's lonely, scary, or not up to your standard, you can go to another tent," Diablo said, trying to convince—or rather give a last warning.
Void looked at him. "You got a problem with me, brother?"
Diablo's jaw flexed as he turned his face to the side. He didn't answer right away. He was already thinking—how was he going to make this boy stay out of his tent? He liked being alone. He needed his peace.
But Void smiled slightly and spoke again. "In fact, this gives me more reason why I want to stay here."
Diablo slowly turned his head, and Void added with a grin creeping behind his words, "The more you try to convince me not to, the more interested I get."
"Tch," Diablo muttered.
Void chuckled as they both stepped into the tent.
Diablo's tent was simple—just a mat, a small bed, a table, another tiny table, and a chair. That was all. A box sat in the corner, probably where he kept his clothes.
Void immediately scanned the tent and burst out laughing.
Diablo turned to him, his jaw working. What a great way to react to a person's room. "What's funny, man?"
Void smirked. "You got some lucky rock in here or something? Didn't know you were into that kinda stuff."
"Don't break anything and don't touch it. You'll bring bad luck," Diablo said, rolling his eyes.
"Bad luck, huh?" Void kept laughing. "So what does it do? Make your day lucky or unlucky?" He laughed even harder.
Diablo let out a fake laugh, shaking his head before frowning. "Not funny, man. Who would've thought the nonchalant guy was this 'chalant,' hmm?"
Void kept laughing as he flopped onto the bed.
Diablo's anger intensified. This was the same bed he had managed to straighten after lots and lots of frustration.
Diablo hissed. "Get up, man. Let me show you where to keep your pet."
Void nodded and stood, giving Diablo a light punch on the shoulder. "Didn't think we'd get along so well, Mr. Oldie."
Diablo turned to him. "Shut up, man. I'm just nineteen."
"You ain't young, brother," Void said with a chuckle.
In a swift motion, Diablo's hand shot up to punch Void, but Void turned swiftly, dodging it like he knew it would happen before it happened. Diablo smiled.
"Man, what's your story? You must have a d*mn reason for pretending to be weak."