[Chevroned Star Military Camp, Argha]
What in the hell am I doing here? were Sasha's first thoughts as she gazed upon the military camp.
Like in her old world – Earth – the camp appeared modest and picturesque, with its numerous guard towers capturing the surrounding mountains and forests. Within these famed towers were elite snipers, dressed in white military uniforms, armed with precision rifles, and wearing full-face masks against the cold.
The military base was also protected by an iron fence topped with barbed wire, but Sasha knew from experience that it could conceal a complex magical defense system, activating upon intrusion attempts. She had every reason to believe in such schemes, given that this world used magic for just about everything, to the point that it seemed ridiculous to her.
This reminded her of a memory. One day, while trying to buy bread at the bakery, she saw loaves floating in mid-air, surrounded by a sparkling glow. It was utterly absurd. Using spatial magic to levitate simple baguettes? Seriously? Why not display them in a showcase or put them in a basket to make them more appealing to customers? At 13, she found this use of magic ridiculous, but now, it amused her, as evidenced by the smile hidden among the trainees.
However, the time was not for laughter. Mickael, the instructor, approached the recruits with an intimidating air.
"In line, and by gender!" he commanded.
The order was firm but effective. Everyone quickly arranged themselves into groups, women with women, men with men. The groups formed quickly, as most of the teenagers were friendly with each other. Sasha, however, tried her best to distance herself from Mila, the haughty elf who had challenged her in the truck.
Mickael wore a proud smile.
"If all trainees could be like you, the world would be a better place!"
But he spoke too soon. The teenagers were barely listening, some deeply engaged in trivial conversations with their partners.
Resolved to teach them manners, Mickael released his mana in the form of a growing aura. Each of the teenagers could feel an intimidating force weighing on their shoulders, compelling them to submit to the instructor.
Unlike her peers, Sasha was not at all intimidated; in fact, quite the opposite. She simply let Mickael's mana take hold of her, pretending to be weaker than him. Wanting to take advantage of the situation, Sasha observed Mila from the corner of her eye, and the result was clear: as she suspected, Mila was paralyzed by Mickael's mana.
No wonder... That idiot acts tough when she hardly has any mana in reserve. That'll teach you to show off with your silly elf strength, bitch.
Following this, Mickael stopped his aura and resumed speaking:
"You are not here for fun, girls! You are here to learn your rights and duties as Arghatians; remember that. You bring shame to the president..."
Once again, Sasha sighed as Mickael continued to talk endlessly about Milityasha.
Seriously... are they never tired of talking about her? I understand that personality cult plays a big role, but this is bordering on obsession, even fantasy. That's serious.
As Sasha brooded over these thoughts, an unexpected announcement from Mickael caught her attention:
"Alright! From now on, it's 'yes, instructor' or 'no, instructor.' Clear?!"
"Yes, instructor!" the teenagers shouted in unison.
"Then follow me."
After he finished speaking, the gated doors opened to let him and the young ones he commanded in. Mickael began walking with heavy, loud steps that differentiated him from the trainees, confirming his rank of sub-lieutenant in the army. Sasha simply followed the crowd, observing her surroundings, though truth be told, nothing caught her attention.
There was mainly the massive presence of military vehicles, like the combat helicopter floating just above the ground, again thanks to magic. She could also spot in the distance what seemed to be an obstacle course. With that, Sasha knew what to expect.
Alright, I already know what's going to happen for a month. As I suspected, they're going to put us through physical and psychological tests to strengthen us. Then, there will surely be teaching about Arghatian values, as well as the use of mana and magic. Now, to see if this will be an enriching experience, or just a waste of time...
Mickael led them into a huge, single-story, and plain building, presumably where they would reside. Sasha noticed the presence of about ten confirmed soldiers, as well as two large main doors: one to the left and one to the right.
"You've probably guessed, but you will be separated by gender. No boys in the girls' area and vice versa. Now that that's said, boys enter to the left and girls to the right. A soldier will come to explain the community living arrangements."
Mila was the first to enter the girls' corridor, quickly followed by the others. In the corridor, they discovered about ten beige-colored rooms with 6 unmade beds, miniature wardrobes, and a bathroom. Unfortunately, Sasha was forced to share a room with Mila, as all the other rooms were already full.
Damn it, I have to end up with the elf...
Once the six girls composed the room, a female soldier entered, sweeping her gaze over everyone. She stopped and began her explanation:
"As the sub-lieutenant explained, you will have to live in a community. Here, there are no maids or housekeepers, which means you will have to share household chores. Also, notice your beds."
The girls turned their heads towards their respective beds, noticing the sheets and blankets waiting to be set up.
"An important rule in the army is also to learn to make your bed squarely. The bedding must be well placed, without wrinkles, without imperfections, and well aligned. Let me show you."
Sasha watched attentively as the soldier approached one of the beds. There, she began to show the young teenagers what she meant by making the bed squarely. After only a few seconds, the girls saw that the bed had been made with surgical precision, the sheets perfectly aligned, without any excess thickness or wrinkles.
"Your turn, ladies."
Sasha was clearly not thrilled at the idea of making her bed like a maid, especially considering that the bedding had to be perfect.
Seriously, who do they take me for?! I want to learn magic, not how to make my bed like a maid!
With this thought in mind, she got to work, albeit reluctantly.
[Kingdom of Rymis, Village of Iraclif, Cleared Manor]
At sunrise, as had become his routine since arriving at the manor, Rogue spent most of his time observing the garden from the vantage point of his room. To pass the time, he dedicated himself to mastering his personal power, attempting to control the flow of mana in his arm. Occasionally, he managed to conjure an electric orb, but as always, it never lasted very long.
Lost in thought, pondering everything from the wellbeing of the other Lost Ones to what action to take if someone entered the manor grounds, Rogue started at the sound of a double knock on his door.
"Yes?"
"It's me, Eliana! Can I come in?"
"Of course."
After granting his permission, Eliana, ever exuberantly cheerful, entered alongside Lana. They were joined by Adrien, the only son of the Cleared family. As was their custom, Lana and Adrien's tired expressions betrayed their evident resignation to the situation.
"I have a request for you!"
What could it be this time?
"Yes, what is it?"
"I'd like you and Lana to take my son to school."
"What?!"
"Tch…" Lana grumbled.
Eliana laughed, in stark contrast to the two astonished teenagers, stunned both by the simplicity of this quest and the discomfort it caused them.
"But why?"
"Because I thought it would bring all three of you closer together. Ahah!"
Lana and Rogue exchanged a look, both thinking the same thing: Why me?
*
Inevitably, Rogue and Lana found themselves obliged to venture into the village with Adrien, who clearly shared their mindset. To escape mentally, Rogue immersed himself in observing the village of Iraclif, struck by the stark differences between it, Érétide, and Haradi.
While Érétide and Haradi focused on commerce, Iraclif resembled a village transitioning towards an aristocratic and almost modern way of life. The delicate details of the architecture and the pristine cobbled streets evoked an atmosphere of sophistication and refinement, in stark contrast to the bustling commerce of the other villages.
The houses of Iraclif were true architectural gems, with their facades of polished stone and elegantly curved tile roofs. Carefully maintained gardens bordered each residence, adorned with brightly colored roses and meticulously trimmed hedges. The streets were lined with majestic trees, their bare branches extending overhead to create a dome of autumn foliage that shaded the sidewalks.
As Rogue, Lana, and Adrien walked the streets, they encountered impeccably dressed inhabitants, sporting sophisticated and elegant attire. Women wore dresses made of luxurious fabrics with exquisite cuts, while men donned tailored suits and stylish hats. Even the children seemed to inherit their parents' sense of elegance.
"Eh, looks like all the residents are rich," remarked Rogue.
"That's normal; only the wealthy can afford to live here," Lana explained. "Like the Cleared family, they control the village as they please, independent of King Rymis."
"Ah, that's why the village seems more developed than the others."
"Yeah, you could say that..."
Suddenly, Rogue's gaze shifted to Lana, and time seemed to freeze as he lost himself in admiring her natural beauty. Despite her sometimes disagreeable demeanor, he couldn't help but find her absolutely captivating, a wonder to behold. Lana carried a natural grace that irresistibly drew the attention of everyone she crossed paths with, even Rogue, who couldn't help but be spellbound by her enchanting presence.
Adrien, observing the scene from behind, commented with a mocking air, "Looks like someone's in love..."
Rogue hurriedly looked away, cheeks flushed, overwhelmed by the situation, avoiding Lana's sudden irritation.
"What?!" Lana snapped.
"Oh, nothing, just saying..."
Seeing that he avoided eye contact, she easily guessed the truth in Adrien's words, to which she added, "Just so we're clear, Lost One! There will be nothing between us! We're just colleagues on this protection mission, and that's it!
"Hey! No need to get angry like that! Especially since you've got no proof to accuse me like that."
"Your face is as red as a tomato! If that's not proof."
"Ah, that? It's just because I'm hot..."
"Oh really? You're hot even though you're in a T-shirt? You think I'm stupid?
"And why are you so annoyed about it anyway? That means you're hiding something too!"
"Ridiculous, what would I have to hide?!"
"Guess?! The bourgeois!"
"Ahah, that's a good joke, you really think I'd have a crush on a boy like you?!"
Adrien reveled in this quarrel as if it were an open-air show, so much so that he couldn't hold back his laughter.
"You sound like a married couple, it's too funny ahah! You really make a great pair, you two!
"Not at all, that will never happen!
"Seriously, I'd never marry a kid like that!"
But just as the romantic moment seemed to become the main subject of mockery, it shifted when a crowd of villagers formed in the distance, accompanied by screams of protest.
"What's going on?" wondered Rogue.
"Tch! Great, now we're going to be late taking him to school."
"Good, I hate school."
"Are you sure you're from the Cleared family?"
"Just because I come from a rich family doesn't mean I have to like school, okay!"
Lacking any other option, they found themselves compelled to head towards the tumultuous uproar unfolding before them. As they approached, the echoes of the screams and clamors of the protest grew louder, filling the air with their persistent hum.
"No to the demonization of demons! We are also living beings!"
Finally, Rogue could discern the constant source of agitation in the crowd. It turned out to be a group of about ten demons, dressed in deceiving elegance that made them resemble humans. Their well-crafted attire skillfully concealed their true demonic nature. Amidst the hubbub, these creatures carried a sign in bold, capital letters: "We are not all killers."
"See how society reduces us to mere wild beasts!
"You should be ashamed of lumping an entire race into one basket!
"Down with false beliefs! Down with the Arghatian and Rymisian society that radicalizes us!
"Free our non-malevolent brothers and sisters!"
Rogue couldn't believe his eyes, having thought they were all monsters, here he was witnessing a scene shattering all his beliefs.