Not many people walked through the city on this early morning, for there were not many people left.
Apart from Tarus, there were not many other cities left standing in the world.
And besides ruins and desolation, there wasn't much else to see in the world.
But on this early morning, in a thriving city rather than a ruin, there was a young man whose life was just beginning.
He had close-cropped brown hair that glinted in the morning light, a youthful face full of potential, and two bright blue eyes.
Liam pedaled vigorously through the streets of Tarus, the soft hum of his bike tires a constant companion. The morning sun cast long shadows between the towering buildings that defined the city's skyline.
Around him, a few people were on the move, mostly on foot or by bicycle. Cars were a rare sight due to the fuel shortage. Whenever one did pass by, Liam couldn't help but smile. Encased in their metal shells, the occupants missed out on the beautiful weather.
His mother always said that a car would be safer if there was ever a breakthrough. But as far as Liam knew, everyone in Tarus was safe. No demon could breach the manned walls, let alone get close—the two MAC-Guns in the city's center had a range of several hundred kilometers. It was a miracle that the other weapons ever had to fire at all.
Lost in thought, Liam almost didn't notice he was about to collide with an elderly lady. He quickly swerved, narrowly avoiding her. She gasped in surprise and shouted a few unkind words at him.
"Sorry!" Liam yelled back, without slowing down. Today was too important to miss anything—it was Career-path day.
He could have taken the subway, but Liam preferred cycling. The subway was too cramped and hectic, and his experiences had taught him that his belongings weren't very safe there.
So, he stuck to his bike. He knew this district inside and out, expertly weaving through the streets and navigating the labyrinth of skyscrapers.
Some of these buildings, though not as tall as the MAC-Guns, were dedicated to vertical farming. Through their glass facades, one could see the lush greenery that ensured Tarus's adaptability and kept hunger at bay.
"Speaking of hunger..."
Liam reached for his back, feeling for his backpack, and searched for his lunchbox. When he couldn't find it, he sighed. His mother would be upset again, thinking he wasn't grateful for her meals.
He shook his head, trying to push away the unnecessary thoughts. Now wasn't the time to dwell on it. Once he received his Career assignment, it wouldn't matter anyway. But to make it to the academy on time, he had to pick up the pace.
He sped up, taking a few shortcuts along the way. His route led him past the shopping district, a short stretch on Parade Street, and finally through a road he didn't technically need to take.
It had become a habit to spend a few extra minutes riding along this road, especially today, to get one last look at the barracks.
Even though not much was visible from the outside, Liam could still make out some of the military base – massive behemoths of armored steel with sixteen wheels, topped with huge cannons, and numerous soldiers and officers in the green-black uniforms of the military.
Normally, Liam would take a few moments to enjoy the sight, but today he just gave a few curious glances before pedaling harder.
After today, he could spend the rest of his life in the military. It was his destiny to defend the city and its people.
A slight smile crept onto his face as he thought about the recognition he would receive once he became an official part of Tarus's most vital institution. No other career path seemed as significant to him.
What could be more important than defending the city? Without the military, no one here would survive...
Finally, he saw the place where his destiny would be officially determined. The academy was a very stylish building, following the design of older generations—not very tall, but with many decorations, an elegant facade, and a large front yard with well-kept bushes and fountains. Or, as Liam liked to call it, inefficient.
The only thing about the academy that seemed to fit into modern Tarus was the solar panels on the slanted roof. To Liam, only the royal palace was more out of place.
But there was probably nothing in the world that interested Liam less than pondering the aesthetic and visual composition of buildings. So, he locked his bike to a stand in front of the academy as usual and hurried to the entrance.
His swift pace had paid off—checking his watch, he saw he had gained several minutes. He had plenty of time. For the first time today, he slowed down and walked at a leisurely pace through the corridors.
His classmates seemed less composed. They displayed a range of emotions in anticipation of the big day. Some openly showed their uncertainty, others tried to crack jokes to ease the tension, while some were visibly nervous.
Liam felt a bit sorry for them. Hardly anyone could be as calm as he was today. Admittedly, Liam didn't have confirmation that he would indeed join the military, but what other path was there for him?
Absolutely nothing came to mind. He trusted that the city's assignment committee would make the right decision. Since he could remember, no other path had seemed possible—it was as certain as the rising and setting of the sun.
He would join the military, become a soldier, and with honor and glory, defend the city and its inhabitants from the evils beyond the walls.
He had considered the position of an army mage, but the thought didn't appeal to him—the people who could use magic were always portrayed as a bit... odd in the storytellers' tales. They were arrogant and haughty, liars and hypocrites, even if very powerful and crucial for the city's defense.
"Magic changes people for the worse," his mother once said. That didn't fit Liam's image of a soldier. He didn't want his mother to see him as a lesser person. So, no mages, onward to the soldiers.
Finally arriving in his classroom, he took his seat near the window and waited, pulling out his tablet and starting to read.
And it didn't take long before his name was called, just like every morning.
"Liam!" an enthusiastic voice called out, and Liam turned to see the culprit.
His friend Jax had just walked in with a broad grin. As usual, everyone except Liam ignored him.
"Jax," Liam replied with a slight smile.
"Liam, what are you doing here? Shouldn't you already be strutting around in a uniform?" Jax's voice was full of mockery, but his eyes sparkled with amusement.
"Very funny. Shouldn't you already be mopping the floors?" Liam countered, as he stowed his tablet in his backpack.
Jax laughed and glanced around the room. "But Liam, you're a great general. Look at all the women already fighting over you!"
No one even looked their way. Liam gave Jax a disapproving look.
He glared at Jax. "Hey, jerk, how are your kids doing?"
Jax burst into loud laughter. "Just don't tell Elena! Or Anna! Or—"
Both of them laughed, and for a moment, the tension of the impending day dissipated.
"No, but seriously, how can you be so calm?" Jax suddenly asked, looking at Liam a bit more seriously.
Liam opened his mouth to respond, but Jax quickly interrupted him. "Stop! I already know what you're going to say. Better topic: library or coffee?"
Liam frowned. "What?"
"Library or coffee?" Jax repeated, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
"In what context?" Liam asked, confused.
"In the most important one!" Jax's voice was theatrical, as if he were announcing a great truth.
Liam grinned and shook his head. "So, which job lets you see more women?"
"Not just women!" Jax said with feigned indignation.
Liam grinned even wider. "Oh right, you like men—"
"The most beautiful women, exactly!" Jax quickly interrupted, "My thought process is as follows: In the library, I have the chance to immediately capture a woman's interest. Think about it. If a woman goes to the library, she's there to learn about a topic or read an exciting book. So, I instantly know what interests her. And because she goes to the library, she's also pretty."
Liam frowned, thinking. "Why is she automatically pretty?"
"Because she goes to the library even though everything is digitalized. That means she values books and, therefore, knowledge. So, she's smart. And smart women are pretty." Jax spoke with a conviction that brooked no argument.
Liam shook his head and laughed. "Your conclusions are a bit... whatever, I don't understand you anyway. So, you want to be a librarian. And the coffee shop?"
"The princess is said to always go to coffee shops," Jax replied mysteriously, leaning conspiratorially towards Liam.
Liam raised an eyebrow. "Oh, I see... Wait, what?"
Jax burst into laughter again and patted Liam on the back. "Exactly, buddy. You just need to worry more, then you'll understand the important things in life."
Liam laughed along, even though he knew he would never fully grasp Jax's logic.
At that moment, their fruitless conversation was interrupted by the entrance of a middle-aged woman with thick glasses—Instructor Noyan, the class teacher.
"Everyone, sit down," she commanded, though the classroom had already fallen silent as she entered.
Instructor Noyan glanced briefly over the students before nodding in satisfaction.
"Now then, I think you all already know what today is about," she began, "but we still have a protocol to follow."
She paused for a moment to ensure she had everyone's attention, then spoke in a serious but excited tone:
"Today, you will become an official part of the city. You will receive your job."