The midday sun shone brightly overhead as the recruits finished their meals and made their way outside the mess hall. They stood in neat lines, the warm breeze carrying a sense of anticipation through the air. Some recruits shuffled nervously, others exchanged glances, their stomachs full from the hearty meal but their minds already racing with thoughts about the days ahead.
Today, they would be introduced to their training, the moment they had been waiting for.
At the front of the group, Flock stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his eyes scanning the recruits with a calculating gaze. Behind him, a line of instructors waited, their faces stern and ready for the task ahead. Flock took a step forward, and the murmurs of the recruits immediately died down.
"Alright, listen up!" His voice cut through the tension like a knife. "From this moment on, everything changes. Your lives are now in service to Paradis, and your training will reflect the weight of that responsibility."
He paced slowly along the front row, his boots crunching against the gravel beneath him. "Your basic training will last six months—half a year of pushing your bodies and minds beyond their limits. It doesn't matter which regiment you eventually join, whether it's the Military Police, the Garrison, or the Scouts. For the next six months, you will all be trained together. By the end of this, every single one of you must be able to fight, survive, and protect this island."
The recruits stood rigid, some visibly swallowing hard as the reality of what they had signed up for sank in. Flock's words hung heavy in the air, a reminder that they were no longer civilians.
An instructor stepped forward, his voice firm as he began outlining the basic training regimen. "Every day will begin with physical conditioning. We'll train you to run long distances, scale obstacles, and build the endurance you need to withstand the hardships of the battlefield. Physical strength is non-negotiable, no matter which regiment you end up in. Whether you're patrolling the streets or defending the island, your body must be ready to handle anything."
The recruits exchanged glances, knowing that the grueling physical drills were just the start.
"You'll also be trained in the use of ODM gear," the instructor continued. "Even though the Military Police may not rely on it as much, the Scouts and the Garrison will. You'll learn how to move quickly, fight effectively, and survive under pressure. Mastering this gear is essential for maneuverability and combat."
Flock nodded. "No exceptions. Everyone learns how to use ODM gear. Speed and precision can save your life."
The instructor continued, outlining the next key aspect of their training. "Next, we'll focus on firearms training. In the future, Paradis will be transitioning more toward firearms and less on blades. You'll be trained in everything from handguns to rifles, learning to shoot from both close range and long distances. This training is essential, whether you're standing guard in the city or defending our borders."
Flock smirked slightly. "You'll learn how to be a proper soldier. One well-aimed bullet can end a threat before it gets out of hand."
Another instructor stepped forward. "You'll also undergo combat training, hand-to-hand fighting, knife-fighting, and grappling. You'll be taught how to defend yourself when you don't have a weapon. A true soldier knows how to survive with whatever's available."
"And you'll also learn the art of tactics and strategy," the instructor added. "It's not just about brute strength. You'll need to know how to outmaneuver your enemies, how to make calculated decisions in the heat of battle. This applies no matter where you serve—whether you're investigating crimes in the Military Police or patrolling the walls in the Garrison."
Flock's voice rang out again. "Tactics will save your life as much as strength will. Don't underestimate it."
The instructor gave a brief nod before continuing. "There will be specialized night operations training as well. You'll be operating under low visibility, learning how to handle the dangers that come with fighting in the dark. Being able to fight when you can barely see is a skill that could save your life."
As the explanation went on, the recruits shifted in place, the weight of what lay ahead settling over them like a thick fog. This was going to be their reality for the next six months—a relentless, punishing routine designed to forge them into soldiers worthy of protecting Paradis.
Flock raised his voice again. "At the end of this basic training, you'll be given the chance to choose which regiment you want to join. If you want to join the Military Police, you'll be trained in law enforcement, patrolling, and maintaining order within the walls. You'll investigate crimes, ensure the safety of government officials, and keep the peace."
He glanced toward another instructor, who stepped forward to explain the duties of the Garrison. "For those who join the Garrison, you'll be responsible for infrastructure and defense. You'll guard our walls, maintain our roads, and ensure our defenses are ready for any threat. You'll be trained in disaster management, artillery operation, and urban warfare."
Flock's eyes sharpened as he continued. "And for those who choose to join the Scouts, you'll receive the most intense training of all. You'll be on the front lines, protecting Paradis from invaders and patrolling the borders. You'll gather intelligence, and you'll need to master both naval and aerial combat. The Scouts are our island's sword and shield against external threats. If you have the guts, the Scouts will shape you into true warriors."
The tension in the air thickened as Flock let his words sink in. He stepped back, giving the recruits a final, appraising look. "That's what lies ahead of you. But for today, you'll rest. Tomorrow, your training begins. And believe me—it will test every fiber of your being."
He paused, letting his gaze sweep across the line of recruits, his eyes full of a challenge. "For now, return to your barracks. You've got a long day ahead of you tomorrow."
With that, the instructors began calling out orders, directing the recruits back toward their barracks. The recruits, still reeling from the sheer intensity of what they had just heard, slowly began to disperse.
Tomorrow, the real test would begin.