On my first night here, I had the same dream.
I was running. My hand tightly grasped another's, small, trembling. A girl. Her face was blurred, lost to the shadows of my mind, but I could feel her fear. It ran through me like a cold current, as if her feelings were my feelings. She was wearing a necklace - the same as mine. And she was calling my name.
"Roy, wake up!"
A hand shook my shoulder forcefully, pulling me back to reality. I blinked against the dim morning light, my mind still caught between dream and waking.
"We can't be late. It's our first day here," Andrew said.
My brother Andrew stood tall, his broad shoulders making him look even stronger. His dark hair was a little messy, falling just above his sharp, focused eyes. A scar traced his jawline, but it only added to his rugged charm. His already dressed his uniform and was brimming with enthusiasm as always. Unlike me, he was eager, full of energy.
We were inside our room that we had just moved into. I looked out the window. The sun hadn't risen yet. I can tell for sure that the program will start in two hours.
"Why are you in such a rush?" I muttered, rubbing my temple. "We're in the camp. We have time."
Andrew sighed. "Did you forget? The royal advisor wants to meet us."
I stared at him for a second, then exhaled. "Right. I forgot."
"Come on. We can't keep him waiting."
With no choice, I got up, dressed quickly, and followed Andrew out into the cold morning air. The camp was already stirring soldiers, sharpening weapons, training in small groups, preparing for whatever orders would come next.
Yesterday we moved to this camp, as after we were selected to be among the elite, this camp was created specifically for this, and many of the selected ones were brought to it. Also, many new recruits were recruited to train here.
We made our way to the stables, there was a guide waiting to accompany us. And to allow us to leave the camp at this time. We got on our horses, and I patted my horse Karayel on the head, who had seen countless battles with me.
The ride wasn't long. When we arrived at the meeting site, I immediately recognized the man waiting for us.
The Minister.
He stood in the center, flanked by two towering soldiers, their hands resting on their weapons. His presence alone commanded respect or caution. A man of keen intelligence. His body is thin, his black hair is long, and his height is also tall. There was a little bit of darkness under his brown eyes, I could tell he didn't sleep much.
As we approached, he spoke.
"Roy and Andrew Celgius." His voice was measured. "It's good to finally meet you. I've heard so much about your accomplishments." His gaze swept over us, calculating. "You've impressed many."
His words carried weight, but I knew it was best not to trust them. Andrew knew it too. Men like him were not handing out praise for free but were always a tool and a means to something greater.
Still, this was an opportunity. One we couldn't afford to waste.
I was a man of few words; my brother uses to speak for me, Andrew stepped forward with practiced confidence. "It's an honor to meet you, Minister. We've heard much about your leadership. And to let you know, every success we've achieved is thanks to your guidance."
A hint of amusement flickered in the Minister's eyes. "Such humility," he mused. "Just as I expected from my finest recruits."
Then his expression sharpened. "I will get straight to the point. In this camp, we form specialized military units—small teams of four to seven individuals, selected through a rigorous evaluation of strength and intelligence. Normally, soldiers must prove themselves before earning the right to lead such a team. We will divide them according to each person's skills and through this system, whoever does not prove that he deserves to be in the elite teams, he will be eliminated."
He took a step forward, eyes locking onto ours.
"But you two… are different. Exceptional."
A pause. Then, a carefully placed offer.
"Because of your performance, I am granting you both the rare privilege of forming your own team. You may choose your members freely. I believe that you will choose a team that will be special and unique."
Andrew glanced at me; his excitement barely hidden. This was no small opportunity. The power to build our own team meant control over who we trusted, who we fought alongside, and how we moved forward in this wars.
"We are honored," Andrew said, keeping his tone steady. "We accept this responsibility and will ensure our choices meet your expectations."
The Minister gave a slow nod. "Good."
Then, his gaze darkened slightly. "But remember, this meeting was a necessity, not a courtesy. Choose wisely. And remember, there is no room for failure."
I held his gaze, my grip tightening at my side. His words were not a simple warning. They were a reminder of the world we lived in.
Nothing was ever truly given. Everything came with a cost.