Leon gazed at a photograph of his father and spoke softly, "Father, it's been five months of Mana Harness training, but I haven't improved, not even a bit. My absorption is stuck at 95%."
Sergeant's constant advice echoed in his mind, "Keep trying, Leon. Improvement will come with time."
He continued his soliloquy, "They say it's because I absorbed too much mana at once. The more I absorb, the harder it becomes to manipulate it. Is it my soul or my mind that's weak? I don't know."
The researchers had their own theories, "Your rapid mana absorption is unprecedented. Perhaps it's due to your excessive absorption during your first try. Your soul isn't strong enough for precise mana control right now. Or maybe, it's my mind that needs training."
Leon mused further, "I can't reduce my mana absorption either. Once it surrounds my soul, it won't decrease. If I lower it, my soul becomes vulnerable. Father, I feel like I've failed you. I'm sorry."
After a few moments, he checked the time and realized it was time for training. He said his goodbyes to the photograph, "Father, I must go for training now. Farewell."
As he headed for the training grounds, he was surprised to find the area bustling with activity. The usually quiet 6 AM training grounds were now abuzz with noise.
"Good morning, Sergeant. Apologies for being a bit late; there was quite a crowd," Leon explained.
"Good morning, Leon. Don't worry about the timing today. We won't be doing Mana Harness Training. It's combat training today," announced the Sergeant.
Leon was taken aback by this change, and as the Sergeant spoke, he heard giggles from the crowd. He wondered who these people were.
Sergeant continued, "Gather around, everyone. This is the first time all of you have gathered together in five months since your training began. It might sound odd, but it's true. How about we start with some brief introductions?"
While some avoided eye contact and others wore sarcastic expressions, Leon appeared genuinely excited.
Sergeant suggested, "Let's start with the Squad leader."
Amelia reluctantly stepped forward and mumbled, "Amelia, Squad Leader, Rank A, Red Soul, Demi-Elves," before retreating to her previous spot.
The next introduction was just as lackluster, "Jack Beaufort, Rank A, White Soul, Demi-Titan."
Kiera followed, "Kiera Ekon, Rank A, White Soul, Demi-Stihians."
Hailey, with an ironic tone, chimed in, "Hailey Halifax, Rank A, Dark Soul, Earth. Love you all."
Then came the trio, introducing themselves with humor, "We are the J-Trios, Jil, Jung, Juk. Can you guess who's who?"
A blanket of silence enveloped the cadets, none daring to venture a guess. The trio relented, "Well, we'll take pity on you. I'm Jil, the youngest brother, Rank A, White Soul, Demi-Demon. I'm Juk, the eldest, Rank A, Dark Soul, Demi-Xiaos."
Jung, with a playful expression, chimed in, "I'm Jung, the middle brother, Rank A, Colorless Soul, Demi-Rabisus."
In perfect synchronization, they introduced themselves, "We three are from the Auger family."
A wave of astonishment and hushed conversation swept through the crowd. Murmurs of intrigue filled the air. "We thought ,there is only one Colorless in our Squad, and he's the son of that infamous murderer," some whispered, while others marveled, "He's a Demi-Rabisus too; how rare."
Leon, shocked by the admiration bestowed upon Jung for his Colorless Soul, felt a pang of unease.
Sergeant intervened to restore order, urging, "Calm down, everyone. We typically comprise seven members in a Squad, each hailing from different DEXTERS species. This diversity fosters an understanding of each other's environments and promotes cooperation during battle. However, we have another recruit, a nominee of Commander Kenzo Cadell."
As Leon stepped forward, he began his introduction, "Good morning. I'm Leon from Sector C, Colorless Soul, Rank F, and my father is Cyrus Stronghold."
Shouts of "Murderer's son" and "failure" accompanied laughter from the crowd.
Leon momentarily paused, processing the hurtful comments. He then resumed, "My preferred weapon is sword..."
Sergeant sensed Leon's discomfort and intervened, "That's enough, Leon. You can return to your place."
Leon acknowledged with a simple "Yes, Sergeant."
"Now, let's move on. We're not conducting Mana Harness or Manifestation today," the Sergeant announced, which elicited murmurs of surprise from the group.
He continued, "You've likely heard that in three months, there will be a Solar Eclipse. Until now, Corps soldiers have been solely responsible for fighting Voids. However, HQ is impressed with the new recruits. For this Eclipse, Corps Cadets have been granted permission to engage the Voids."
Cheers erupted as everyone expressed their eagerness to battle the Voids.
The Sergeant tried to restore order, "Alright, settle down, Cadets. Allow me to explain more about the Solar Eclipse..."
Amidst the explanation, Leon couldn't help but think, "Father, there might be a chance for me to utilize mana Harness during battle."
Sergeant elucidated, "During a Solar Eclipse, Earth, the Moon, and the Sun align, causing the Earth's mana absorption to drop below 10%. This vulnerability allows Voids to flood in. While we have Mana Panels covering the atmosphere, they require immense mana to maintain. If they break, it takes a long time to repair, and during that period, more Voids can enter through the damaged sections. To counter this, we open the panels, engage the Voids on Earth for 7 minutes, and then seal the panels once the Solar Eclipse ends, trapping the Voids inside Earth.
The Mana Panels also harness mana from the Sun and convert it into usable energy. They absorb any Voids trapped within."
Sergeant asked for questions, prompting Jil to inquire, "So, it's a trap, right? We let them in, fight them for 7 minutes, and then trap them. Sounds good to me!"
Leon's mind churned at the term "trap."
Juk chimed in playfully, "We're the trappers who trap the trapees!"
Jil and Juk tried to get a playful rhyme going "Let's trap them, we are the trappers that trap the trapees, we are the heroes that kill traps!", but it fell flat, leading to laughter from the group.
Sergeant concluded, "That's all for today. Training will begin in the morning."
Leon was about to leave when Jung approached him and noticed his troubled expression. "You look worried about the Eclipse. Want to talk to the Commander? Follow me; we'll meet him."
Leon hesitated, fearing that the Commander would be too busy with Eclipse preparations. He expressed this concern to Jung.
Jung offered an alternative, "If you're worried about troubling others, you'll become a puppet dancing to their whims."
Leon responded, "I just don't want to be a burden."
Jung suggested with a hint of humor, "Alright, I'll call Zora's Mom to talk to then."
Leon pleaded, "Please, anything but that. Let's go to HQ."
Together, they boarded a high-speed train to Sector A1 HQ. At the entrance, people attempted to stop them, but Jung presented a card, and they allowed them to pass without question.
Leon wondered, "What is this card? What if commander is busy right now "
Jung responded cryptically, "I've already informed the Commander's office. He's likely expecting you. Go on, meet him."
Leon inquired why Jung wasn't joining him, and Jung replied that he'd wait outside. Before parting ways, he tossed the card to Leon.
Jung explained, "I received this from Zora during your hospital visit. She wanted to give it to you at the right time. It seems that time is now."
Leon examined the card, which read:
**Name: Leon
Rank: F
Soul: Colorless
Sector: A7
Squad: 1
Guardian: Kenzo Cadell**
Jung clarified, "Show this card, and no one will question you. You have permission to meet the Commander anytime."
Leon expressed his gratitude, "Thank you very much."
As Leon entered the Commander's office, three unfamiliar figures exited. Jung respectfully bowed to them.
Everett gestured to Leon, "Please, come inside."
Leon entered, bewildered by the identities of these strangers.
He recounted his dreams to Commander Kenzo: the trap, his father's constant warnings about it, and the first dream of his father's impending death. He concluded, "Sir, I believe something ominous is brewing during the Eclipse, and we must act before it's too late."
As Commander Kenzo and Everett listened, Leon thought, "They won't believe me."
To his astonishment, Commander Kenzo assured him, "We believe you."
Leon's shock was palpable.
Everett elaborated, "Not just because you said it, but because of your Colorless Soul. Every Colorless possesses unique abilities. The Commander can see souls, emotions, and everything related to them. Madam Valerie can hear people's thoughts. So, your ability to see the future in dreams aligns with your Colorless attributes."
Leon responded politely, "Sir, then we must take action against this trap."
Everett explained, "Unfortunately, there's little we can do to prevent the Eclipse. During those 7 minutes, an infinite number of Voids will surge like a tsunami, and we can't stop them. Our only hope is to engage them during that brief window and trap them. So, everyone, including the Commander, must be on the battlefield."
A profound sadness washed over Leon, and he hung his head.
The Commander, however, extended an offer. "Leon, I can make an exception so that you need not partake in battle. What say you?"
Leon's response was resolute. "I'm sorry, but I cannot accept such an offer while others risk their lives for me. I will fight, Commander."
A reassuring smile graced Commander Kenzo's lips. "Very well. If this decision brings you peace, you may depart now and commence your training. A formidable battle awaits."
Leon expressed his gratitude, "Thank you for your time."
As Leon exited the room, Everett contemplated a looming concern. "Frida Auger is likely devising a trap involving Amelia and the J-Trios. Should we consider reassigning him to another Squad?"
With a wry grin, Commander Kenzo dismissed the idea. "No need. I believe Leon will adeptly handle Frida's plan this time."
Everett remained intrigued. "What did the Commander perceive in Leon's Soul that has instilled such confidence?"
As humanity and Earth stood on the precipice of a momentous battle, the shadows concealed Frida's sinister machinations.
[End of Chapter]