The metallic hum of the base echoed through the corridors of the Imperial Province
Headquarters. In his private chamber, Takeshi, the Chief of Team D, leaned back in his
chair, eyes fixed on the holographic monitor before him. Dozens of profiles scrolled past
the glass-blue screen, each one belonging to a newly recruited cadet.
But one name held his attention longer than the rest — Alaric.
This is impressive, Takeshi thought, folding his arms. A recruit capable of controlling all
five elemental powers... fire, water, earth, wind, and thunder. I was hoping for someone
like this in my team.
He smiled faintly — not with arrogance, but with the quiet satisfaction of a man who
had seen too many wars and too few promises fulfilled.
Moments later, the announcement echoed through the intercom. "Team D — report to
your assigned chamber."
---
Inside the designated room, tension and curiosity mingled in the air. New faces filled
the space — young recruits still stiff from their training drills, their uniforms barely
broken in.
Takeshi stood at the front of the room, his presence calm yet commanding. When he
spoke, his voice carried the quiet authority of a man who led not with fear, but with
conviction.
"Finally, you're all here," he began, scanning the group. "I am Takeshi, Chief of Team
D. Your unity is my responsibility — and my orders are your priority."
The room fell silent. Even the hum of the air vents seemed to pause.
"Senior cadets are currently undergoing their training sessions," Takeshi continued,
pacing slowly. "You will be assigned areas under the surveillance of our province. Your
task is simple — ensure no traitor or enemy force crosses into our land."He stopped and looked each of them in the eyes. "Am I clear?"
A chorus of voices responded in unison. "Yes, sir!"
"Good," Takeshi said, a faint nod breaking his stern expression. "Your duty assignments
will be sent to your devices shortly. Dismissed."
---
Minutes later, the recruits crowded around the bulletin screens outside the room.
Names and locations flickered as assignments rolled out. Amid the chatter and
excitement, two figures stood still — Alaric and Hector.
Alaric's brows furrowed. "Sir…" he began as Takeshi approached. "Why am I not
assigned to any area?"
Hector raised his hand quickly. "Me too, sir!"
Takeshi sighed softly, his tone measured. "All the surveillance spots have been filled.
But you have two options — either join one of your team members as a duo for
additional watch duty, or assist me directly with my operations."
Alaric hesitated, then spoke with quiet resolve. "I'd like to help you with your tasks, sir."
Hector nodded eagerly. "Me too!"
Takeshi's expression softened slightly. "For today, there are no missions. Go to the
hostel and rest. Tomorrow, your real work begins."
"Yes, sir!" they said in unison, saluting before turning to leave.
---
The sun dipped low behind the metallic towers of the province as Alaric and Hector
walked down the path toward the cadet dormitories. The chatter of soldiers echoed in
the background, but between them stretched a rare kind of silence — one that came
only when two strangers were still figuring out what to say.Finally, Hector broke it. "Wassup, bro? You seem kinda quiet. Wanna talk?"
Alaric didn't glance his way. "No need."
Hector grinned. "Don't be shy, man. How many attempts did it take you to qualify for
the Forward Forces?"
"One," Alaric replied simply. "First attempt."
"Whoa, seriously? That's wild!" Hector laughed. "Took me three tries. Guess you're the
genius type, huh?"
Alaric didn't answer, but the faintest hint of a smile flickered across his face.
They reached the hostel, continuing their light banter until the hallway lights dimmed
for curfew.
---
Hours passed.
The digital clock on Alaric's desk blinked 21:00 in soft red light. The night was still,
broken only by the faint hum of the city outside. Suddenly — ding.
The doorbell rang.
Alaric stood and opened the door, surprised to see Takeshi standing there, hands in his
pockets, his expression calm but serious.
"Takeshi, sir?" Alaric said, straightening immediately.
"There's something I need to talk to you about," Takeshi said, his voice low but steady.