NEW BEGINNING
WITH the announcement everyone was filled with different emotions.Joy, disbelief, shock, and even heartbreak. Those names that has been called are now officially a trainee of the training field in Gleason. As for those who failed, they were disappointed, questioning what went wrong when they thought they really nailed the tests.
Why? they thought, I know I nailed every test.
Standing tall on the stage, up the four-stepped stairs, was a man in a polisheed, elegant uniform. He looked powerful, almost royal. His presence commanded attention. Looking at her direction with a mischievous smile. He thought to himself, now, you're hell begins. The smirk written on his face dripping with triumph.
"Naomi, we got in," Eleora screamed with joy, gripping Naomi's shoulder while shaking her uncontrollably.
"Congrats to us, Eleonor!" Now she was shaking Eleonor's body in excitement. All she could do was smile, sigh, and smile again. She got in. The first step had been accomplished. She was now part of the Training Field-the only reason she left Rockhold. The only memory she had to fulfill.
"I knew you'd pass," goosebumps ran down her spine when the boy suddenly spoke beside her. It was Elijah, who had been quiet the whole time. He was just listening and observing everyone, but now he actually spoke.
"I never expected this though," she answered, shyly, and he just shrugged and looked away. His eyes darted to the stage and caught the man in uniform staring. But not just randomly. His eyes were fixed on someone-Eleonor. Something about that gaze felt strange. It wasn't admiration. It wasn't respect. It was... darker.
His forehead creased, not understanding the situation. He looked back at the stage but the man was gone.
Why does Levi Arcanghel look at her that way? he asked himself. The Levi he knew was ruthless and cruel-but only to those who wronged him. So, why was he looking at her like that?
He made a mental note. He wanted to observe Eleonor more. Something told him there was more to her story. He smirked as he looked at her again-laughing now with Naomi and Elijah, her eyes bright and warm. But something deep within her seemed... distant.
The sun was setting when the wagons arrived at the Supreme Command Center. There were a lot of wagons for them, since they were about a hundred official trainees. An officer-in-charge instructed them to quietly form a line and enter the wagons. When they got in, it was a little crowded, arms and elbows bumping into each other, but no one complained.
Because of the exhaustion from standing and the tests, everyone was silent during the trip. It would take hours before they reached Gleason. Some had already fallen asleep during the ride, but Eleonor was silent, leaning against the length of the wagon door. Watching the orange sky slowly being swallowed by darkness. The dark silhouette of the trees and houses calmed her. It was soothing and eye-pleasing. A scenery she wanted to stare at for a long time. A relaxing view, while sipping a cup of tea.
She hugged herself when a strong, cold wind suddenly passed. The coldness made her heart feel heavy. It brought sadness, emptiness, and she felt lost once again. She was Eleonor Celeste, a trainee of Gleason and a citizen of Rockhold. That is all. She didn't have a past, all she had was the present and an unpredictable future. A part of her-no, a big part of her-is unseen. It was untold, untouched, and far from being claimed. She's just a girl who feels like something is missing, as if she doesn't belong here. But this is all she's holding on to. This is all she has left. She will spend her three years at Gleason and plan to figure out everything. She better figure it out.
She looked around, glancing at the faces of the people in the wagon, she let out a heavy sigh and wonder.
"Why are these people here?" she thought. "Why do they want to be soldiers? What is the reason of the people here?
Maybe, just like her, they were looking for something. A purpose. A place. Or maybe... a missing part of themselves.
It was already dark when the wagons finally came to a halt. The air outside was colder, heavier-different from the breeze earlier. One by one, the trainees stepped down, greeted by the sight of the Gleason Training Field.
The first thing that caught Eleonor's eyes was the tall wooden gate. It towered above them like a wall, built from thick timber beams, aged but unyielding. Carved into the gate's arch were the words "Honor is Earned", worn from time but still proud. Four guards stood at their posts, unmoving like statues, each wearing dark leather armor with chainmail underneath. They held long spears, and at their waists hung short blades-rusted from time, but well-kept, a testament to their experience. Their eyes scanned every new arrival with the sharpness of seasoned soldiers.
Lamps and torches lined the path, flickering gently against the evening wind. Their flames cast dancing shadows across the cobblestone road, lighting the way into the heart of Gleason. The scent of burning oil and smoke mixed with the cool night air, giving the place an old-world atmosphere-serious, grounded, and sacred.
Once inside, the vastness of the field stretched before them. Though much of it was hidden by the night, the outlines were unmistakable.
The field itself was wide and uneven, with patches of grass and areas cleared out for drills. At the center was a large circular ground, compacted dirt with deep boot marks, where many had trained before. Wooden dummies stood scattered in rows-some shaped like human figures, others resembling wild beasts. Their surfaces were scarred from repeated hits, arrows, and sword strikes. To the left, a row of wooden poles stuck out of the ground-balance and climbing posts, each about twice the height of a man. Ropes hung from tall beams near them, swaying slightly in the wind.
On the far right, a long trench had been dug, filled with knee-deep muddy water. Beyond it, a high wooden wall with handholds-clearly meant to be climbed. The obstacle course. Grueling. Demanding. Built not just to test strength, but endurance and will.
All around the field stood rows of wooden cabins, their rooftops sloped and thatched with dried grass, each with a number carved by the door. Smoke trailed from a few chimneys, and the faint sounds of crackling fire and muffled voices could be heard inside. The cabins weren't luxurious-just enough for shelter. Just enough for survival.
Each cabin had a post outside where schedules and orders would be nailed. There were no clocks-only a loud bell tower on the far end of the field, ready to ring and shake the bones of anyone sleeping in.
At the very back stood the Command Hall-a long stone building with thick walls and two watchtowers on either side. It looked older than the rest, built from solid stone blocks. Torches burned along its edges, illuminating a massive wooden door with iron bolts. That's where the officers stayed. That's where decisions were made.
Gleason wasn't a place of comfort. It was built for purpose-for discipline, for testing the soul. No machines, no technology. Just tools, weapons, and old, raw training. The only thing modern about this place was the method-structured, exact, intentional. Everything here was earned. No shortcuts. No favors.
Eleonor stood still for a moment, taking it all in. The chill crept into her bones, but the fire in her chest burned hotter. This place... it was hard, yes. But it was real. She could feel it in the way the earth felt solid under her boots, the way the air felt heavier with purpose.
This was where she'd spend the next three years.
This was where she'd either be broken-or built.
"Eleonor, wake up. We're here," Naomi gently shook Eleonor's shoulder, waking her. She groaned softly and weakly stretched her arms and legs. When she peeked outside, she was in awe of what she saw.
The view of the Training Field brought fear and excitement within her. She wondered what awaited her in the next three years of her life here.
She grabbed onto the side railings of the wagon, balancing herself before leaping down onto the cobblestone ground. Dust scattered at her landing. She stood up, brushing her pants as she took in her surroundings-everything felt so surreal.
An officer shouted once again, instructing them to fall in line to enter the dining hall across the Command Hall. It was big and plain from the outside, large enough to accommodate hundreds of trainees. They obediently formed a single line and walked toward the dining hall, their stomachs growling-hungry and tired.
"I wonder what kind of food they serve here? I'm kind of a picky eater," Eleora said nervously as they entered the dining hall.
The interior was wide and long, filled with the gentle hum of voices and the clatter of wooden utensils on tin plates. Oil lamps and torches lit up the space with a soft amber glow, casting shadows that danced lazily across the wooden walls.
Long, heavy wooden tables lined the center of the hall, flanked by matching benches. They were scratched and scarred from years of use, engraved with initials, symbols, and the occasional dagger mark-evidence of those who came before, of nights filled with tension, stories, or silent exhaustion. At each table sat groups of trainees, huddled in groups, some laughing, others too tired to speak, merely eating in silence.
The air was filled with the smell of stewed vegetables, roasted meat, and baked bread. Large pots bubbled at the far end of the hall near the serving station, which was manned by kitchen hands in plain aprons and tied hair. There were no machines, only wooden ladles, iron pots, and large cutting boards. Meals were served onto tin plates, and everyone took their share before finding a seat.
"Good evening, trainees. I am Hera Sawyer. I will be assisting Lieutenant Hosea throughout this three-year-long training. Tomorrow will mark the official beginning of your training, so we won't be too strict tonight. However, there are rules here, and we made and mandate those rules."
"First, respect the chain of command. Lieutenant Hosea, Sergeant Shun Mortea, Captain Ishan Halston, and I-Hera Sawyer-are the highest in command here. Other officers and officials will come and go to serve as your instructors, so you must respect them as well. Addressing your superiors as 'Sir' or 'Ma'am' is a must. Is that clear?"
"Is that clear?"
"Yes ma'am,"
"Second, Silence. You cannot speak unless it is necessary. No chitchatting during training hours, drills or in the formation, Understood?"
"Yes maam"
" Third, Uniform. We will hand you later your uniforms. There are only three pairs of uniform available for every trainee, and you must wear it properly everyday. It is ot our fault if it is still in you laundry. Being improper, that is a demerit to you grading sheet, that can affect you individually or worst, your team,"
"Fourth, there is no Fighting outside the drills, trainings, or mock missions. Doing so, will receive a heavy consequesnces,"
"Fifth, Do not violate the rules, do not disobey instructions. Our command is what matters the most,"
" There are more rules, the cabin rules which is already posted in you cabins. As for the designation of cabins,Cabin rules would be posted. Their current lodging was temporary-team assignments would be finalized the next day.Don't worry, each cabin have two rooms, whick separate men and women,"
"Training field of Gleason will forge each and every one of you to be a competent and just soldiers. You will be broken, shaped and rebuilt at the same time. Three years will turn you into what the outside world cannot destroy. " Lieutenant Hosea stated then, announce that they can get their foods on the counter.
They silently eat, absorbing the rules. It was cruel for some, it was difficult for those who enjoy freedom. But for Eleonor, it was just and fair. A military is a military. It was both nerve-wracking and challenging. The rules, the rigidity-they gave her something to hold on to. At least here, everything has structure. After the meal, they tried on their uniform.
A white long-sleeved shirt, sleeves folded neatly to the elbow. A silver circular insignia over the right chest-an "A" with wings on each side. Over it, a sage green cloak that draped past the waist. The pants were black, stretchable but tough, with a sword belt. Brown boots reached up to the knee, and a side pouch was strapped around the waist for medical gear.
As they picked their sizes, another list was being posted-their designated cabins. Eleonor found her size quickly and stepped aside. She approached the list, hoping to see familiar names.
She squinted, scanning. Nothing.
"You're in Cabin Nine," a voice said beside her.
It was Elijah. He didn't look at her, too focused on the paper. Eleonor turned back to the list and saw her name under Cabin Nine. She smiled, about to thank him, but he was already gone.
She then checked who her cabinmates were. The names listed weren't familiar. Eleora and Naomi weren't there, and she felt disappointed.
Yvonne Leos. Aria Levisa.
And other names...
"Eleonor, what cabin are you in?" Naomi asked when it was time to head to their cabins. In just a few minutes, it would be lights out.
"I'm in Cabin Nine. You?"
"I'm just in Eight, Eleora's in Four, and Elijah's in Six."
"So we're just next to each other. Alright, I'll see you tomorrow."
"You're in Nine too? I'm in Nine-let's walk together," a girl casually clung to Eleonor's arm. Eleonor was stunned but didn't pull her hand away.
"I'm Addie Sapphirus," she said, leaning even closer.
"Eleonor Celeste," Eleonor shyly replied. They walked quietly, following the cobblestone path that led to the line of cabins.
There were guards in front of each cabin, checking every trainee's identity and confirming whether they were entering the correct one. They were also marking names off a list.
"Name?" the guard asked.
"Eleonor Celeste," she answered. The guard scanned the paper and used his pen to mark a check on her name. Then he let her in.
The cabin was small, but just enough to fit ten trainees-not comfortably, but they would fit. There was a small lounge area: a two-seater couch, two small chairs, and a coffee table in the middle. Two rooms branched off the common area, each with three bunk beds, a few small wooden cabinets, and a window.
Eleonor chose the bed beside the window, so she could breathe and not feel trapped in such a tight space. She sat there, looking out the window, admiring the moonlight and the shifting silhouettes. She thought to herself that shadows and dark spots could be comforting too-unseen, but free.
Tomorrow marked the official beginning of their training. She felt excited, yet tense. What awaited them? What awaited the future? Were the things of the past even important anymore?
And though the future was unclear, Eleonor knew one thing-she would endure. She had to.
Not just to survive, but to rediscover herself in this place that promised to break and rebuild.