"Your father's going to die today, and you won't be able to do anything."
A haunting voice, foretelling my father's imminent demise, lingers in my mind like an indelible specter. That was the last dream that foreshadowed my father's death on that fateful day. Even now, it clings to my thoughts, a chilling reminder.
He perished shielding everyone, a Commander-in-Chief who fearlessly stepped onto the battlefield. But blame cast a shadow over his name.
"Nearly everyone died that day because of him."
Accusations were hurled. Yet, they failed to grasp that he charged into the fray when almost all had fallen. Always at the forefront, he fought for others.
His departing words echo, "No matter my fate, Leon, refrain from joining the Soul Corps, for your heart is too gentle."
A decade later, I've enlisted in the Soul Corps. I will safeguard all, just as you once did for us.
Soldier named Ash roused Leon from his thoughts, "Hey, newbie! Stop your reverie. How much longer will you slumber? This is precisely why I dislike new recruits."
Two soldiers, Ash and Codey, engaged in conversation while Leon observed their banter, along with other soldiers.
"What are you saying, Ash? We all enlisted together last year."
"He joined two months later; hence, he's a newbie, finally escaping from this grueling training base. Training felt like an endless, soul-draining ordeal."
Codey voiced his frustration, "Absolutely. We enlisted to battle the voids, and yet here we are, scrubbing toilets, laundering clothes, patrolling the city. With all our advanced tech, we're still here."
A commanding figure inserted itself into the conversation, uninvited, "Our presence on these streets reassures the people, demonstrating that we stand alongside them, perpetually fighting on their behalf. It also reinforces our mission's purpose and the importance of discipline and unwavering obedience."
"Sergeant!" The chorus of soldiers acknowledged.
"We apologize, sir."
"Stand at ease. No need for such formality. Just remember not to talk nonsense when in front of civilians."
"Yes, sir. Understood, sir."
"I've got good news, everyone. Today, the SMT (Soul Link and Mana Harness Test) awaits."
"Yes, sir."
'Soul Link', the very foundation of the Soul Link corps, enables us to detach our souls from our physical forms, venturing into the sun's realm. 'Mana Harness', an intensive study of our very being that involves regulating and managing the connection between our soul and the sun by absorbing the mana present in our surroundings. Both procedures allow denizens of the DEXTERS alliance to traverse and manipulate our souls within the sun's dimension.
Each year, our SMT performance determines our ranks, subsequent training, and assignments we can compete for.
"Yes! Yes, today's the day I'll prove I possess the most potent soul in our universe. Perhaps I'll even meet the Commander-in-chief and receive personal training. Don't worry, Codey, I'll still visit you." Ash quickly reverted to his usual self as the sergeant departed.
Codey playfully mocked, "Before the SMT, we need to conduct Ash's psychological evaluation."
Ash, brimming with excitement, exclaimed, "Let's proceed, everyone."
"Yeah," echoed the enthusiastic response.
"Everyone just ignored me. Leon, at least you're still here."
Leon chimed in, "Codey, I think I understand Ash's sentiment. Everyone yearns to end this war. The only path to that is through attaining power."
"I don't think that's exactly what he meant. Anyway, let's move. Why are you still lingering here, Ash? We have to start the SMT."
"Fool, look ahead."
Codey, bewildered, asked, "Why is there such a lengthy queue, and what's the reason behind it?"
"Turns out every squad is undergoing the SMT today. Damn it, I wish I were born in the Royal area. I wouldn't have to wait in line."
Codey's imagination soared, "Who wouldn't want that? Just imagine, wielding our mana swords on the front lines."
Ash dismissed the notion, "Forget it, loser. We can't hope for that. We're in the Upper area while they're in the Royal area."
- Sector C (Upper): Comprising individuals with Average Soul and Mana harness, mainly civilians. - Sector B (Middle): Housing Soul Corps members and researchers, bridging the gap between higher and lower tiers. - Sector A (Lower or Royal): Dominated by Royals, home to Soul Corps HQ, Research Organizations, and Chosen Children. Royals trace their lineage to the warriors who fought in "The Sun's Wrath." > Finally, it's our squad's turn for the SMT. Let's go, everyone. ****** The Next Day: Ash announced, "We've received our results, everyone. Fingers crossed that I did well." Codey told everyone,"Silence, Ash. Today marks the final day we'll spend together in this place." As they arrived at the center, Ash questioned, "We've arrived at the center. Codey, Leon, why does everyone appear so somber?" Codey replied knowingly, "Most likely, many of them received low ranks." SMT Ranks depend on how long we can sustain and harness our souls in the Sun's dimension for combat, as well as the color of our souls. -Green, Blue, Red are deemed Common Soul colors. -White and Black are considered Rare. -Colorless Souls are legendary and are found only in Demi species or their descendants. Each color can also vary in lightness or darkness. Rank also incorporates the duration for which we can maintain our Soul form in the Sun. -A minimum of one month corresponds to Level I, while a minimum of two months corresponds to Level II. -After 12 months, we achieve Elite Soldier status, with the rank beginning at EI. The rank designation is determined by both the color of the soul and the duration (Mana Period) one can harness their soul. Ash, stunned, uttered, "I've finally received my rank. Let's take a look. What!!! This has to be a mistake. No, no. It can't be." "Ash, calm down. What's your rank? Just show me." Codey burst into laughter upon seeing Ash's rank. "Cut it out, Codey. Let me see your rank, you rascal." "What! How are you Rank D, Codey, while I'm Rank E? Your soul color is Red, and mine is Green. There must be some error." "Relax, Ash. Perhaps we'll be stationed together in the middle tier." "You're right. My legend starts here. I'll outshine everyone. Just wait and watch, you fools." "Remember, we're on the same side. Let's not forget that. He's already gone off the deep end. Leon, show me your results. What did you get? Looks like our entire squad mostly received Ranks E and F," "Whaatttttttttttttttttttttttt! Codey was almost knocked off his feet by the shock." "Codey, what's going on?" The entire squad started gathering around him, chattering and buzzing. "Hey,Why is everyone shouting? Codey, what's with the expression? What are you holding?" "Ash, it's Leon's Rank." "Give it to me." As soon as Ash glimpsed Leon's Rank, his soul seemed to leave his body. What unforeseen occurrence has left everyone in astonishment? Until the next chapter. [End of Chapter] *** Name: Leon Position: Private Rank: ??? Soul: ??? Species: Human Description: Leon is a nice guy who is timid but cares deeply about his father. He strives to protect everyone, much like his father did. He is determined to uncover the truth about his father's death and is acquainted with Codey and Ash. Name: Ash Position: Private Rank: E Soul: Green Species: Human Description: Ash is cheerful and always maintains a positive outlook. He believes he will become as strong as the former Commander in Chief, Cyrus Stronghold. He is a close friend of Codey and Leon. Name: Codey Position: Private Rank: D Soul: Red Species: Human Description: Codey is calm and deeply cares for others, but he lacks ambition. He is a friend of Leon and Ash and always looks out for Ash's well-being. ***