It was time for Leo and Connor to put themselves to the test. Both of them had a strange feeling and were very cautious. As soon as they entered the city gate, they couldn't help but be amazed. The city was even bigger and more crowded than it was described to them.
"The guy wasn't lying, even understating it. How are you supposed to find your way around here without help?"
" Rather, it surprises me that so many races are simply wandering the streets here together. Only a few years ago, the humans were responsible for the downfall of the dwarven kingdom. Yet everyone looks so peaceful as if they had forgotten or disregarded everything. Dark elves and elves are working together in one of the booths...it almost looks like everyone is under hypnosis."
"That's what many think on their first day.
For a brief moment, they forgot that they still had a test ahead of them. Leo guessed that the person who had granted them entrance had an important role to play. And the way she talked to them,she had to be of the military. Standing in front of them was a woman with white hair around their age, who greeted them. She shook their hands and gave them a satisfied look on their faces.
"Rough hands, just the way I like them. You guys have had quite a bit of training, haven't you?"
All of a sudden, one of her soldiers rushed up behind her.
"Seargant, you shouldn't just personally meet those people. Pay more attention to your own safety, please."
"Don't worry, those two can't hurt me, especially in their condition. Furthermore, you are responsible for guarding your Seargent Majo."
"Seargent major? I've never heard that title before."
"I take it you've been a soldier in your life. Over there they don't even know the term anymore, or they are just envious."
" Did you hear that? Show a little more respect to the nation's wing!"
Leo recalled having heard that title before. It was hard for him to believe that the woman standing next to him was the owner of that name. The Wing of the Nation represents the highest of all ranks in the military. So high that it is uniquely awarded to the person who played the biggest part in winning wars and protecting the people. Such person has been in the army for more than 10 years and was trained at a very early age. And this woman, who looked their age, was supposed to be the wing of the nation. During her second year, from being a trainee, she became an instructor. That meant that at that time she was still a kid training older soldiers. Although Leo had serious doubts, he dared not show them. Instead, he accepted her identity to avoid upsetting her.
"It is true that I have served in the army before. The name has truly perished in the capital, but there are individuals who keep it alive and tell of Carleen, the youngest Master Commander and Seargent Major there will ever be."
"So you know my name. I ought to be flattered but my name has been constantly dragged through the mud so..."
"Well, we are to undergo your test, Commander. I am assuming this will be a single combat. Are we going to use our swords or do you have a different plan?"
"Darius, go back and get all the weapons you can find. Set them at the training area and wait there."
"But Commander, testing these two in person is..."
"Soldier, are they disobeying my orders right now? I just called you by your name. You know that's a great honor."
"Y-yes Commander, weapons will be ready in a moment!"
Both Connor and Leo sensed the discipline she demonstrated and demanded of others.
"Don't let that affect you. They all care about my safety though I often strive for a little freedom. Now we' ve exchanged enough words, follow me."
Leo noticed that the people around them remained amazed. Carleen had become very famous even among the common folk. But if this was already the case, what about the ruler of the city?
They turned left at a large intersection into a smaller gate. Recognizing her face, the soldier immediately lowered the gate and placed his clenched fist on his chest. This was their salute and sign of respect for their leader. Beyond the gate stretched a huge training ground. Leo figured that the size of the court in the capital was large but this one was almost 3 times as wide and long.
"Pretty amazing eh? Originally it was only half the size, however, I demanded that it should be extended."
"Who or what is being trained here? The city is huge and therefore has a big arsenal of the military, but this place is far enough to train the troops. So, what else is it used for?"
"I already expected that question. It's best you see for yourselves... what exactly is going on here. The choice is yours, will you use your swords as weapons or will you pick another weapon from the stockpile? Keep in mind, I cannot ensure the safety and sustainability of your weapons.
Connor and Leo checked and agreed.
"Any other weapon would be too unfamiliar to test in situations like this. If given the choice, I will always use this sword."
"You guys are both obstinate and faithful, I like it. Get ready, it's time to get serious. If you can deliver a hit to me, you can stay in this town as long as you like. If not, you will be kicked out of town as per the policy."
"Alright, when does the fight start?"
"I guess patience is not your strong point."
A sudden loud bang rang out, over the training ground a roof had formed. At this point, they were in a protected arena where no harm could penetrate. Connor and Leo knew it wasn't glass, so there was no escape for them. Standing next to the arsenal, Carleen examined the weapons."
"What weapon will the nation's wing use?"
"Whatever appeals to me. It won't be a duel, you two will fight me together."
Both Leo and Connor were surprised by her game plan. Neither of them dared to question her skills and instead prepared themselves. These two had been learning from each other, this included a synchronized attack. They drew their swords and made their first move. Carleen, meanwhile, chose a lance. She fought against two people but she wasn't appointed Master Commander for nothing. Despite their strategy working perfectly, Carleen parried both of their attacks and knocked them backwards.
"A Willworth sword it is...good quality and top grade capacity. As for the other one, I've never seen one like that before, it made quite a dent in my weapon. I have some questions after the fight regarding these swords."
Leo and Connor found it hard to believe. Not only had their attack failed and they had been injured. They were also disarmed with their opponent calmly inspecting their weapons. She tossed the weapons back to her opponents and traded the lance for a short sword.
"The fight is far from over. I'm just getting warmed up so don't disappoint me. Here comes my turn."
Carleen's presence suddenly vanished as she stood in front of them in a flash. She presented what Leo could only achieve with magic using only her talent. There was no magic she used, her speed was completely inhuman. Connor was able to parry the first blow but was disarmed yet again. Leo possessed an advantage, he himself knew the steps and the variation quite well. Although he could not and would not use magic, Connor taught him to adjust as soon as possible. He blocked her first strike to the side and created an opening. He swung his sword towards the gap however, it missed the mark. There was no opening from the start, Carleen let her opponent think she was vulnerable. Nevertheless, Leo's sword blow was not finished yet. He turned his body and swung into the air. All of a sudden a clang sounded and Carleen was visible for a moment. Following her move, she backed away to her position.
"You still have to learn to deal with speed, your technique is excellent but you spend too much time thinking. And you: You know this technique, don't you? Your weapon is strange in my eyes, like it could hide its presence.
It seemed that Carleen was going to change her sword, instead she put her weapon away. Then the small arena dissolved and their surroundings returned to normal.
"I've seen enough. Truth be told, I would like to practice with you more often, yet you have a path of your own. Let's call it a win for you, you didn't hit me directly but you almost disarmed me. So long as you can answer a few questions for me, you are free people in this town."
"If it's just that then we accept."
Carleen showed them to one of the taverns. The innkeeper knew exactly what she wanted and prepared a room in the back. Just like on the streets, everyone was stunned that arguably the most famous person in the military just entered this tavern. As for her companions, all of them were rather doubtful and spiteful.
"Couldn't we have discussed it somewhere else?"
"Why? Here the mood is always good, and besides, a drink is always refreshing after fights like that.
She ordered a round for everyone. Leo hesitantly accepted while Connor just sat there in confusion.
"What is it? Is there something else you want?"
"It's not that, I've never had alcohol before."
Carleen burst out laughing while Leo also had a slight smirk on his lips.
"Are you serious?"
"What do you think? You know that I was almost only at the mansion. Plus, the rest of the times I went with my mother, we never went near places like that in the first place. Mother taught me from a very young age that such beverages are only harmful."
"And she's pretty much right. When I was a young soldier, I didn't like it either. Among soldiers it counts as a gesture so at least give it a taste."
Leo tended to forget that Connor barely had a chance to interact with the outside community. The only time he went out of the palace was with his mother, and those experiences were anything but good. He felt sorry in one way, but in another way he was now able to show him everything.
"Hahaha, I haven't heard such a good one in a long time. Well, this is your first time then. It's time to get rid of some of your innocence."
Reluctantly, he took his drink and toasted with the two.
"So, let's get to the first question: How is it that you own a Willworth sword, I believe these weapons have long been out of production and are solely the property of this family."
Connor didn't answer at first however he could not completely bury his past forever.
"My father probably didn't tell anyone about me, but I'm his son, meaning I'm one of the Willworth."
"Hm, I knew Roy had a foreign mistress but not of a child. I' m not going to ask for your exact identity nor detain you, don't worry. I never liked most of the nobility so I couldn't care less about them right now. From where did you get those sword techniques? I know the Willworths manufacture the swords but not of swordsmen in the family.
"I had no teacher. I was self taught."
"If that's the truth, one could almost consider you a prodigy."
"Why would that be? I have completely lost to you."
"Fighting me doesn't count. I would argue that no one has been practicing and training as much as I have. Moreover, I have hundreds of real fighting experiences. That way you automatically learn and improve every time both mentally and physically. However, your friend knows what I'm talking about, he himself was also a soldier."
Leo was getting nervous. He needed to be careful with his next words, his past bad reputation might keep him trapped here and now.
"I guess nothing can be kept secret from you. I was active for two years before I got ordered back."
"Hm, just the time period you have to serve at least. And, what did you do after that?"
"Took over my mother's market stall. She' s already an old lady, therefore it was my duty to take over her inheritance. I gave up the market after her death since almost no customers showed up anymore so I am adventurer ever since."
Carleen looked discontented and pensive.
"You know, you shouldn't joke with people's deaths. You of all people should know that, General."
Leo's heart stopped for a moment though he managed to keep his composure."
"What do you mean? As I told you before, I was just a simple soldier?"
"Maybe at first but not for long. Being a soldier for over 10 years I have led endless squads, lost comrades and shared life with them. The scars remain a part of you even after many years have passed. I can recognize a person even if he has gone through a thousand scars or changes. At first, I wasn't sure about your appearance, but when the group you guys assisted mentioned the name Leo, I was certain. You should know that it is a special name which was almost never mentioned at that time. So, how do I get the honor of meeting the former deceased general and leader of the last Yakura squad here?"
10 years ago, there was a complete reorganization of the military. Now the priority was no longer to protect the city, but to be prepared to strike offensively. This was a very risky decision by the king and was very poorly accepted. Particularly those in charge of the soldiers, those who had a high office, now had to adjust. Henceforth, they could only keep the protection of the population in their minds. Because of their king, they were forced to fight in battles and wars which were both pointless and dangerous. The age limit for soldiers was lowered but there was no forced conscription, which meant something like an invitation. Unexpectedly, individual volunteers did appear. Each one of them had their own reason, but the ultimate goal was to protect family and friends. In the midst of this period, there came a surprise one day when a girl enlisted for the first time. She was only 14 years old but the expression on her face made her look older. The first time she was asked why she was doing this she gave a very different answer than everyone else: "I will use this order in my interest."
Nobody really knew what she meant by that at the time. Nevertheless, she was not to lie. Her training went excellently, from the very beginning she possessed the level of a sword master. When she was offered other weapons, she quickly found the right way to use them. At the age of 15 she took part in a fight for the first time. Contrary to the others at her age, she wanted to fight directly at the front. Enemies were surprised that a girl was on the front line, without any shields. Upon their first encounter, they soon realized that this girl brought with her the skills of a veteran. She knew how to keep her mindset under control, she was able to distinguish her two egos and keep morals and scruples out of the battlefield. Other soldiers in her ranks had respect, almost fear even, towards her. A lot of them just couldn't understand the sight of a girl having blood on her face with a proud expression. This continued the same way for 5 more years. At 16 she was promoted to General, at 17 to Commander and at 18 to Master Commander. Before long she was no longer referred to by her titles, due to her combat experience and abilities to guard, she became the " wing" of the nation. A wing that stood watch over them and provided shelter even in the most difficult of situations.
But as so often happens, jealousy was catching up with her. The high authority she had displeased her king as well as other high offices in the ranks. Being the talk of the streets, she gained the most trust. What followed was an order to turn both her life and in later years Leo's life completely upside down. Both of them as well as their squads shared a same cruel fate. Carleen was forced to form the Yakura Squad and Leo ended it once and for all. They both roamed the kingdom, neither was able to catch a break. Each felt the guilt of having forced their squad upon themselves, and both desperately searched for a possible way out. While the young woman found her light, so the man fell into deep darkness. While Leo fought against mutants, Carleen had to take on all opponents of the other races. Her opponents gave Carleen a wider window of time to find a solution. Carleens mind remained the same in all those years: these battles were pointless, forced on her by those in power with greed in their eyes. She knew her enemies felt the same way, the looks on their faces said the same thing. As both her squad and Carleen sank into despair, a chance arose, with the risk of it costing them their lives at any moment.
Along the way she came across a large city called Alteria, which was filled with markets and merchants, as well as people of other races. Seeing this army, they became fearful and nervous, however Carleen ordered her men to lay down their weapons. For some reason she knew that she would be safe here, she would find some peace of mind and have her wish fulfilled. She couldn't wash away all the blood on her hands, but over time she could reduce her guilt. All of this was possible because of one person, a woman Carleen knew well, one of her childhood friends. The Commander nearly couldn't recognize her childhood friend anymore. Carleen was ashamed of her own appearance, of all the deeds she had done on the orders of a tyrant.
However, she was soon able to accept this sanctuary and take on the responsibility. Over the next few years, she made it her mission to aid people of her kind escape their self-destructive fate. Thus, she devoted herself to the city and its ruler, not following the king, and became her right hand. This also meant that she needed to find a path for herself. Therefore, she ordered every returning soldier to confirm her as dead, but reassure her families and friends by her actual survival. At this point, there was no way to let them travel here in an arbitrary manner. Carleen wanted to avoid any risk of putting these families in danger. For years they kept in contact only through letters, but recently everything was changed. A new King rose to power, a boy she helped to save years ago. Carleen's first instructor became a guardian of the prince and later his instructor. She knew that when he came to power, everybody would have a chance to live here. Family and friends who had been unable to see each other for years due to their fake deaths were now united in either Alteria or Regalia. Knowing her identity and importance from his teacher, Aiden was something like the first ally, the first pillar in reshaping the kingdom. The harmony had returned, though for how long even Leo, the successor of their squad, could not say.
With that the most important person in the military knew Leo's identity from the beginning. Is she going to judge him according to the reports or does she have a different agenda with him? At any rate, once again the past caught up with Leo.