Things went surprisingly well. The whole squad met up at the training field, and turned in Eugene as their capture target.
"Well done. You are the first to complete the assignment. You may wait over there." [Senior Officer]
He pointed to an open part of the field.
"Yes sir!" [Bryan]
Giving the officer a salute, he made his exit with the others.
"We did it! We friggin' did it!" [Robert]
"I never had a doubt we could do it." [Howard]
The group quietly cheered, hoping not to draw attention from the officers.
"I can't believe the camp is finally over." [Bryan]
"Do any of you know where you'll be stationed?" [Alice]
They all shook their heads.
"Your guess is as good as mine." [Leo]
A few of them felt a bit sad thinking they had to part ways.
"Don't worry about it guys. We'll see each other when we see each other." [Adam]
Adam attracted a few uncertain looks. All but Bryan.
"Hah! It's that simple! Yeah, we'll indeed see each other when we see each other." [Bryan]
Howard chuckled.
"We'll see each other when we see each other. Alright. Makes sense." [Howard]
As they began to laugh, the phrase became an inside joke. It was something they'd cherish during their youth.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Hours passed and more squads began to turn in their captives. It wasn't until two squads were left fighting that the officers decided to end the event.
"You all failed!" [Senior Officer]
He lectured the last two groups separately, practically spitting the words out.
"It's a damn shame today is your last day, or else I'd whip you all into shape! No discipline, no skill, no nothing! I don't want to see any of your faces by tomorrow!" [Senior Officer]
It was a bit funny for Adam to watch, but he had other things to do. He and his squadmates packed their things and returned to the sponsors. In which, the old man approached Adam.
"How was it?" [Old Man]
"The camp? It was fun." [Adam]
"...Fun, you say." [Old Man]
He smiled. So much so that it almost amounted to a grin.
"Something funny?" [Adam]
"I also had some fun." [Old Man]
Adam raised a brow.
"Uh-huh…" [Adam]
It was then that Ricky, the old man's bodyguard, appeared out of thin air.
"He placed a bounty on your head." [Ricky]
"What?" [Adam]
The old man's smile fully turned into a grin. He wasn't even trying to hide it.
"I made bets with the other sponsors saying that you were the cream of the crop. And you did not disappoint." [Old Man]
Ricky shook his head thinking it can't be helped.
"...So you're the reason I got attacked by so many people." [Adam]
Ricky felt anxious the moment those words exited Adam's mouth.
"I understand that you may be angry-" [Ricky]
Adam interrupted by extending a hand.
"My reward?" [Adam]
The old man and Ricky took a glance at each other. Upon several seconds of silence, the old man burst out laughing.
"Of course! Ricky, please give him three stacks and a ticket." [Old Man]
("...The hell is three stacks and a ticket?") [Adam]
Ricky reached into his chest pocket and handed Adam three stacks of cash.
"Huh?!" [Adam]
His eyes went wide with excitement and disbelief. Never had he ever held so much money.
"This too." [Ricky]
Ricky then placed a red paper slip on top of the stacks of cash.
"What is this?" [Adam]
"A ticket to an auction. There, you can use the money to buy a few luxurious items. For example: M.D.Es, M.O.Es, boosters, and more. The location is written on the back of the ticket." [Ricky]
Adam was left speechless. It felt like he was given the world in an instant.
"Th… Thank you?" [Adam]
"No. Thank you. This is a result of your efforts. Plus, you let me show off." [Old Man]
Just thinking about the faces of his competitors made the old man feel like giggling.
"In any case, are you ready to return? Or would you like to say your goodbyes?" [Ricky]
Adam took a look at his squadmates, also speaking to their sponsors.
"They look a little busy right now." [Adam]
"Home it is then. Your ride is waiting." [Ricky]
Adam followed Ricky, who led him to a sleek black car.
"For you." [Ricky]
Opening the back seat, he motioned for Adam.
"Thanks." [Adam]
As Adam entered the car, one thought came to him.
("Home, huh…") [Adam]