## Chapter 2: The First Test
Aric Stormrider stood in the chamber, his heart pounding with a mix of excitement and trepidation. The blueprint had materialized his first unit, a World War I Special Infantry. Clad in khaki uniforms and armed with vintage rifles, the soldiers exuded a sense of discipline and readiness.
[Objective: Assess the Unit]
Aric approached the infantrymen, noting the determination in their eyes. Each soldier seemed to carry the weight of countless battles, their expressions hardened by experience.
"Welcome to the Chrono-Militaria Conduit," Aric said, his voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions within him. "You are my first summoned unit, and together, we will face whatever challenges come our way."
The infantrymen nodded in unison, their movements precise and synchronized. Aric could feel the connection between them, a bond forged through the mysterious power that now coursed through his veins.
[Objective: Prepare for Battle]
A sudden shift in the chamber's atmosphere caught Aric's attention. The air crackled with energy, and the voice of the Apology of God resonated within his mind once more.
"Aric Stormrider, your first trial awaits. Prove your worth and command your unit with the skill and strategy befitting a Chrono-Militaria Conduit."
[Objective: Face the First Trial]
Before Aric could respond, the chamber dissolved around him, and he found himself standing on another battlefield. This time, the terrain was a dense forest, the towering trees casting long shadows in the fading light.
"Men, form up!" Aric commanded, his voice carrying the authority of a seasoned leader. The infantrymen responded instantly, forming a tight formation as they awaited further orders.
[Objective: Secure the Area]
Aric scanned the surroundings, his mind racing with tactical considerations. The forest provided ample cover, but it also concealed potential threats. He needed to secure a defensible position and gather intelligence on the enemy.
"Advance with caution," Aric instructed, leading the way through the underbrush. The infantrymen moved silently, their training evident in their every step.
[Objective: Recon the Forest]
As they progressed deeper into the forest, Aric's senses remained on high alert. The rustling of leaves and the distant calls of birds created an eerie backdrop, heightening the tension in the air.
Suddenly, a rustle in the bushes ahead caught Aric's attention. He raised a hand, signaling his unit to halt. The soldiers froze, their rifles at the ready.
[Objective: Investigate the Sound]
Aric approached the source of the noise, his heart pounding in his chest. He parted the bushes and found himself face-to-face with a young woman dressed in tattered clothing. Her eyes widened in fear as she stumbled backward, clearly terrified.
"Who are you?" Aric asked, his voice gentle but firm. "We mean you no harm."
The woman hesitated, her eyes darting between Aric and his soldiers. "I... I'm Elara," she said, her voice trembling. "Please, you have to help me. The enemy... they're coming."
[Objective: Protect Elara]
Aric's mind raced as he processed Elara's words. "What enemy? Where are they?"
Elara pointed to the north, her hands shaking. "They're not human. They're creatures—monsters that have been terrorizing our village. We tried to fight back, but..."
Her voice trailed off, and Aric felt a surge of anger and determination. "We'll protect you, Elara. Lead us to your village."
[Objective: Defend the Village]
With Elara guiding them, Aric and his unit made their way through the forest. As they approached the village, the sounds of battle grew louder. The air was filled with the clash of weapons and the cries of the villagers fighting for their lives.
"Prepare for combat!" Aric shouted, and the infantrymen readied their rifles. Emerging from the forest, they were met with a scene of chaos. The village was under attack by grotesque creatures, their twisted forms illuminated by the flickering light of burning buildings.
[Objective: Repel the Invaders]
Aric wasted no time. "Open fire!" he commanded, and the infantrymen unleashed a volley of gunfire. The creatures recoiled, their monstrous bodies writhing in pain as the bullets found their mark.
[Battle: Engage the Enemy]
The battle raged on, with Aric and his unit fighting fiercely to defend the village. The creatures were relentless, their numbers seemingly endless. But Aric's tactical prowess and the discipline of his soldiers turned the tide of the battle.
"Hold the line!" Aric shouted, moving through the battlefield with a sense of purpose. He could feel the energy of the Chrono-Militaria Conduit flowing through him, guiding his actions and enhancing his abilities.
[Objective: Secure the Village]
As the last of the creatures fell, the villagers emerged from their homes, their expressions a mix of relief and gratitude. Elara approached Aric, her eyes filled with admiration.
"Thank you," she said, her voice filled with emotion. "You've saved us."
Aric nodded, a sense of accomplishment washing over him. "We will continue to protect you. This is just the beginning."
[Objective Complete: Defend the Village]
As the villagers began to rebuild, the voice of the Apology of God echoed in Aric's mind once more.
"Well done, Aric Stormrider. You have proven your worth in battle. Continue to hone your skills, for greater challenges lie ahead."
[Objective: Prepare for Future Challenges]
Aric knew that his journey was far from over. With his unit by his side and the power of the Chrono-Militaria Conduit at his command, he was ready to face whatever trials awaited him.
As he looked out over the village, Aric felt a renewed sense of purpose. The path ahead was uncertain, but he was determined to carve his own destiny, one battle at a time.
[Status Window]
Name: Aric Stormrider
Level: 2 Experience: 50/200
Health: 100/100 Mana: 100/100
Skills: Tactical Command (New)
Unit: World War I Special Infantry
Chrono-Militaria Conduit Power: 2/50
[Unique Skills]
10-10,000 Times Multiplier
Tactical Mastery
Temporal Insight
Battlefield Adaptation
Emergency Support
[Objectives: Begin Your Journey, Prepare for Future Challenges]