After recognizing the instructor, everyone hastily performed a military salute. The latter nodded in acknowledgement and waited for the captain to leave before opening his mouth.
"At ease, recruits. You can surely guess why you are here."
In the air behind the instructor a hologram suddenly appeared. It read '1-star Mission #7739: Apprehension of criminals'.
Some confusion appeared on the recruits' faces, nevertheless. Of course, it wasn't normal for the instructor to do the debriefing himself.
"This mission was supposed to be a standard mission, but with the unforeseen changes, the mission's character changed as well. This time you came into contact with the rebel forces earlier than you should have. Later on, the captain will provide you with an extra lesson to clear your doubts.
However, since the enemy changed, the mission should have been elevated to a two-star difficulty. Despite being recruits you successfully completed the mission, earning you special rewards.
On top of that some of you showed extraordinary performances."
The instructor's eyes focused on two recruits.
"Emantarel. Lineora. Step forward!"
Surprise and envy appeared on everyone's faces. It was a great honor to receive rewards directly from the lieutenant. Emantarel, however, nervously swallowed.
For some reason the instructor had disliked him ever since his arrival at the base camp. The young man had no explanation for this, but fortunately he wouldn't run into the higher-ups normally. But noticing the fierce face focusing on him now, Emantarel had an unwell feeling in his stomach.
Unfortunately, he couldn't escape this situation. As he watched the young woman, whom he recognized to be his previous team's healer, stepping forward, the young man quickly followed.
Suddenly an ugly smile appeared on the instructor's face. It simply looked unnatural on the stern man, but of course no one dared to mention it.
Emantarel watched as Tihd-Estem walked around his desk. His eyes grew in shock as the instructor's hand suddenly approached him. The young man instinctively wanted to take a step back, but fortunately he calmed his mind in time.
A strong hand patted Emantarel's shoulder. The instructor's deep voice followed right after:
"Haha, kid. I knew from the first second that you would make it big one day. My motivational training sure helped you out!"
Only confusion stayed on Emantarel's face when the instructor pulled his hand back. He didn't understand what was happening.
Motivation? What motivation? He had received multiple unfair scoldings in a single month. Could those be called motivation? What was the instructor trying to do here? Was he trying to wash away their bad past?
Noticing the lieutenant watching him with expectant eyes, Emantarel naturally didn't dare to displease his superior. His voice sounded genuine as he shouted:
"Of course, Sir. Thank you, Sir!"
Envious gazes observed the exchange, but no one dared to complain. Since Emantarel seemed to receive preferential treatment from the instructor, they already put him in the latter's camp in their minds.
Only Moloan could guess Emantarel's thoughts. Perceiving the other recruit's feelings, she slightly understood the instructor's actions.
After his small ploy, the instructor took a step back. His face turned solemn as he took a small metallic medal from his desk. When everyone recognized the object resembling a ray of light, their envy only increased. The instructor was actually going to reward two recruits with one-rayed medals.
Although these were the easiest medals to receive in the army, they were an immense honor, nonetheless. For example, even the instructor was wearing his five-rayed medal proudly.
Noticing that he achieved the intended effect, the lieutenant proclaimed solemnly:
"Emantarel. For your leadership during a two-star mission despite still being a recruit and for the development of your own technique, I proudly present you with the one-rayed medal!"
At this point not even Emantarel could hold back his excitement. He shuddered slightly as the instructor pinned the medal to his chest. His eyes were bright as he shouted:
"Thank you, Sir. May the God of Light's blessing continue to guide me!"
Tihd-Estem nodded slightly before turning towards the second recruit:
"Lineora! With your fast actions you have saved your teammates. The impeccable mana control you showed deserves the highest of praise. Therefore, I proudly present you with the one-rayed medal!"
Strangely the young healer didn't show too much excitement. She even lacked some enthusiasm in her answer:
"Thank you, Sir. May the God of Light's blessing continue to guide me!"
The instructor didn't overthink it. After stepping back he addressed the two recruits again:
"With your achievements you have qualified for the war academy. I have already recommended the both of you. Please prepare yourselves. I will send you out in two days."
This proclamation left all the recruits gaping. Although everyone knew that the instructor's first sentence was correct, this still came as a surprise to many. It wasn't easy after all to be promoted from a simple soldier.
Emantarel's eyes shone from excitement. He couldn't believe it. When he wrote about discovering his own technique in the report, he secretly hoped for a recommendation to the academy.
He knew that this feat should guarantee him a spot but didn't dare to expect too much. Even after the captain tested for confirmation, Emantarel didn't receive any feedback.
But now, out of nowhere, he was suddenly receiving a recommendation. The young man couldn't contain his happiness and sought to share it with someone. He unconsciously turned his head slightly and found Moloan's face.
Looking at her bright eyes and genuine happiness, warmth spread through Emantarel's whole being. Suddenly, however, a new thought came to his mind. His mood dampened, as a conflict brewed within him.
Emantarel was slightly besides himself as he mechanically followed the instructor's further orders. He took the reward's handed out by the lieutenant's right-hand man, before leaving the room.
Varying amounts of joy appeared on everyone's faces, as they received some monetary reward and a positive remark in their profiles. Other than Emantarel and Lineora only Moloan received a slightly better reward.
Emantarel ignored everyone else though. Two conflicting moods were battling in his mind as he mechanically followed the captain.
After they left the center of operation's range, the captain announced that the recruits received some time off for the rest of the day.
Everyone was delighted. They quickly tried to talk to Emantarel and Lineora, seeking to build some friendship. This small gesture might grant them great benefits in the future, so what was wrong with bringing out some fake smiles now?
Unfortunately, both medal holders weren't in the mood for small talk. While Lineora disappeared without a word, Emantarel followed the path lost in thoughts. Only Moloan silently accompanied him.
She realized that her friend was in a strange mood. She followed him for multiple minutes, quietly supporting him. She was confused as they left the army's area. Soon, however, her eyes lit up when Emantarel led her to a gorgeous clearing amidst the forest.
Together they sat down on a big boulder as they listened to the peaceful forest sounds.
Moloan hesitated shortly but soon her mind grew determined. She gingerly mover her body closer towards Emantarel before putting her head in his shoulder.
The young man shuddered slightly. Enjoying the familiar closeness, he gently put his arm around Moloan's waist, pulling her towards him.
Silence still reigned, but it wasn't awkward. The young man and woman only felt warmth.
Although she could stay like this forever, Moloan soon decided to seek an important conversation:
"Do you want to talk about it?", she whispered quietly.
Emantarel closed his eyes as he enjoyed Moloan's lips close to his ears. He took a deep breath before answering:
"Yes. We should."
"You just received a one-rayed medal, shouldn't you be happier?", asked the green-haired woman with a smile on her face.
"I don't know."
"Why?"
"Because…"
Emantarel shyly turned his eyes towards Moloan.
"Because I don't know if it is worth it to go to the academy."
"Isn't this everyone's dream?"
"My dream was always to find my sister. Other than that, a peaceful job in the city would be enough. All my wishes would be fulfilled if I could stay with my family and… you."
Although Emantarel quietened down towards the last word, he still spoke loud enough for Moloan to hear him. This time he didn't hide his feelings.
The young woman smiled brightly as she raised her head. Her hand found his as she questioned with obvious delight in her voice:
"This sounds great. But why would this stop you form going to the academy?"
"You know how it is…
The academy is too isolated. We might not see each other for months at a time. I… I don't know if it is worth it."
Light laughter escaped Moloan's mouth. Emantarel turned towards her in confusion. As their eyes met their feelings boiled over. Moloan was captivated for a few seconds before she whispered:
"What… what if I were to go to the academy too?"
Emantarel's eyes brightened.
"Good idea. You are so skilled. If we work hard, it would be easy to get you a recommendation!"
"This… what if I already have one?"
"You… what?", exclaimed Emantarel with genuine shock.
"You already have a recommendation?"
Both the young lover's voices started shaking by now.
"Yes. For about a year now."
"You… why didn't you go…?"
"I… was waiting…"
"For what?"
Staring into Moloan's clear eyes, Emantarel only saw his own reflection. He instantly knew the answer towards his stupid question. A single gratified tear ran down his cheek. Not caring about anything else anymore, Emantarel suddenly embraced the woman who had been by his side for so long.
The young pair embraced intimately on a gorgeous forest clearing. They melted into each other's arms, forgetting anything else.
Emantarel whispered with a hoarse voice:
"How… how could you be so s…?"
But his last word was cut off as soft lips suddenly sealed his mouth.