The big day soon arrived. Hundreds of Mages and Martial Artists that had been put through a grueling training regime through the past six months were gathered in the massive courtyard where speeches were usually held by Commander Eren. Most people formed their own groups, chatting to pass away time, while others who held themselves better maintained stoic faces as they waited for Eren to make his appearance.
Soon enough, Eren, along with a procession of Sky class guards, marched onto the small stage that had been built some time earlier that week. Everyone quieted down as soon as he took his place on stage.
Eren's eyes ran over the crowd before him, picking out a few notable people who stood out during the training. He didn't plan on wasting time giving a charismatic speech or whatever. As a person, he abhorred wasting time, more so when there were more productive things he could have been doing over the course of the six months training regime.
"I hope everyone here has made their choice by now. The Imperial Army will gladly welcome all who choose to come our way. As for the rest of you who choose to walk other paths, like joining an Adventurer Group, or starting up your own guild, I expect you all to register it with the Mage's Guild and Adventurer's Guild branch that's stationed in Fazzad city. Registering with the guild is the only way you will get you official permit as a Mage. As of now, you should all know what happens to Mages who get caught without their permits." Eren casts a knowing look at the audience.
Shivers ran up their backs as they recalled some of the side notes they were told to recall during some of their theory lectures. Mages who were caught practicing magic without a permit, when they were within the clusters that fell under the control of the Imperial Army were arrested, 'interrogated', an then put to death if they couldn't give proper reasons as to why they were without their permits.
Saying a few more casual remarks, encouraging those who wouldn't be joining the Army to work hard and assist the Army in whatever way possible, and also promoting the image of the Army, he called an end to the gathering. The whole thing took just barely over an hour.
As soon as Eren and his entourage left the venue, people started up their discussions once again, mingling with their friends and cliques.
Several Sky class soldiers brought in materials, quickly constructing several makeshift stands. Uniformed clerks stepped into the stands with stacks of papers neatly arranged. These booths were built right there for ease of registration. Sadly, only those who wished to be part of the Army were able to register there. Those who didn't plan on joining the Army had to head into town to register at both the Adventurer's Guild and the Mage's Guild.
Martial Artists were free to register at just the Adventurer's Guild, and not the Mage's Guild as they had no affinity for magic. The Imperial Army only paid attention to Mages, as they had more power than Martial Artists, especially at the higher levels where the gaps in their prowess were just too wide.
Kai exchanged a strong hug with Reinhard. What little he personally owned was slung over his back in a large travelling bag.
"I'll miss you, bud. Take care and make sure to write me letters." Reinhard ruffled Kai's mop of brown hair.
"I will, trust me." Kai smiled widely. Although this would be the last time they would be able to meet before setting on their different paths, they didn't let it dampen their moods.
With a final nod, Kai turned, leaving the training camp behind, along with his best friend and many other friends he had made over time.
Many people had chosen to stay with the Army, but even so, the number of people who wanted to forge their own path was quite substantial.
"Kai!" Not too far up ahead, a couple of people hailed him, drawing his attention from the small map he held in his hands. Ryan and Suzy waved at him, beckoning him over.
"You didn't join the Army?" Suzy gives Kai a hug when he gets close enough. Ryan just gives him a firm handshake and shakes his head at Suzy's enthusiasm.
"No, I didn't. The Army doesn't conform to my ideals. A free bird doesn't belong in a cage." Kai waved his hand before him, imagining himself going on adventure in the wild, completing daring missions that required him to slay dangerous beasts.
"That's the exact same thing we thought! Hihihi!" Suzy giggled, hiding her face in her hands. "We could go to the Adventurer's and Mage's Guilds together. I need to register as both, while Ryan just needs to register at the Adventurer's Guild."
Kai turned his gaze to Ryan, studying the blond haired man. Over the months, Ryan had matured. Although he still held that boyish look in his eyes, his body had changed very much from that of an inexperienced hunter to one of a man who was ready to take on the world.
"What are you waiting for? Let's go."