{"ops":[{"insert":"Hina and I discuss what we should include in our report to General Nero. I want to include everything but Hina prefers to leave out the piece about the referees and our previous knowledge of the snake earring group. We agree on putting in a time lapse in our story that nothing happened the first time we went to the Hodgepodge. \n┬á\nWe make our way back into General NeroÔÇÖs office and give him our findings. I incorporate the piece about our previous knowledge despite HinaÔÇÖs disagreement. I hope itÔÇÖll give us another opportunity to participate somehow. It also doesnÔÇÖt feel right to purposely leave out information.\n┬á\nÔÇ£InterestingÔǪÔÇØ he mutters and smiles. He pauses for several seconds before continuing, ÔÇ£Good work. YouÔÇÖre free to go now.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£This may be rude of me, but can you give us another task to follow up on this?ÔÇØ I ask.\n┬á\nÔÇ£What task do you have in mind?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£WellÔǪ The Academy was destroyed by those masked men who may be related to those snake earring guys. We were hoping to have the opportunity to investigate them in Neomeris.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£IÔÇÖm afraid I canÔÇÖt let you do that. YouÔÇÖll have the opportunity to embark on these personal investigations once youÔÇÖve reached the next rank up.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Personal? But they attacked our city. We could learn moreÔÇöÔÇ£\n┬á\nÔÇ£Everyone lost something in the attack. Each one wants an opportunity to find some answers, but itÔÇÖs not on our priority list right now.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£How can it not be on our priority list? With the Inteiru Expota coming up, they could be planning another attack and deceive everyone into thinking that we did it.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£After meeting with the Elf, I will personally go to Syrina to inform them of their ruse. We will let them handle it since itÔÇÖs their territory. We could get caught in the crossfire if we send our men in there now. Besides, if you leave for another mission now, you wonÔÇÖt have a chance to participate in the Rising Champions.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Rising Champions?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£YouÔÇÖll learn more about it in the coming days. ItÔÇÖs a potential opportunity to advance to Lieutenant quicker. YouÔÇÖre excused. I have other work to attend to.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nWe bow our heads and then leave the room. I ask, ÔÇ£Mail station?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Yeah,ÔÇØ Hina answers, and we make our way there. ÔÇ£I canÔÇÖt believe you always have the gall to talk back to General Nero, despite that you want to strictly follow your orders.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Well, thereÔÇÖs no rule saying we canÔÇÖt talk back, is there?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£I guess notÔǪwhat do you want to do now?ÔÇØ Hina asks. She continues in a whisper, ÔÇ£Investigate?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£HmmÔǪÔÇØ I interject. ItÔÇÖs really tempting, but the riskÔÇÖs high. We know where the meeting point is, but thereÔÇÖs no way we could hear what Viessa has to say without getting caught. And someone will find out that weÔÇÖre missing if we investigate up north. That would take at least a few daysÔǪnot to mention the dangers even if we were to not be caught. ThereÔÇÖs so little to gain and so much to lose. Then thereÔÇÖs this Rising Champions thing. ÔÇ£No, we should stay put for now. IÔÇÖm curious what this Rising Champions thing is. The fastest way to have our investigation could be to become a Lieutenant as fast as possible.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£RightÔǪthatÔÇÖs what I was sayinÔÇÖ to you yesterday. If you take only risk-free decisions, itÔÇÖll be a long time until you advance.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Well, I meanÔǪslow and steady wins the race, right? I could advance faster by taking risks, but at the same time, it might be slower if things donÔÇÖt go as planned. And the entire platoon suffers for it through punishments. ThatÔÇÖs just something IÔÇöwait,ÔÇØ I cut myself off. Two guys are chatting nearby. I stop walking and gesture Hina to turn away from them.\n┬á\nÔÇ£WhatÔÇÖre youÔÇöÔÇ£\n┬á\nÔÇ£Shh.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Thankfully, I wasnÔÇÖt drafted this year either,ÔÇØ one man says.\n┬á\nÔÇ£Man itÔÇÖs not fair. Ya got moved into a Sigma platoon this year, but ya didnÔÇÖt get drafted,ÔÇØ another man says.\n┬á\nThe man laughs. ÔÇ£ItÔÇÖs because Alpha platoons are expendable. TheyÔÇÖre saving the big guns for the Inteiru Expota.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£You knowÔǪÔÇØ Hina mutters and then sighs. I cock an eyebrow as she turns around.\n┬á\nI whisper, ÔÇ£Wait, whereÔÇÖre you going?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nShe approaches the two men and says, ÔÇ£Hey. CouldnÔÇÖt help but overhear. Are you talkinÔÇÖ about the RisinÔÇÖ Champions by any chance?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£YeahÔǪwhy? WhoÔÇÖre you?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£IÔÇÖm Hina. I joined the army about seven months ago, so I donÔÇÖt know anythinÔÇÖ about this. Same with him.ÔÇØ\n┬á\n"},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"She didnÔÇÖtÔǪ"},{"insert":" I turn around, finding her pointing at me. I smile and wave. They give me weird looks.\n┬á\nÔÇ£DonÔÇÖt mind him. HeÔÇÖs a bit of a weirdo. So, whatÔÇÖs the RisinÔÇÖ Champions? All I know is that itÔÇÖs a way to advance up the ranks quicker, but youÔÇÖre talkinÔÇÖ about it like itÔÇÖs a bad thing.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Well, youÔÇÖre new so itÔÇÖs not a surprise you donÔÇÖt know. The Rising Champions is an event held by the four Human kingdoms every year. Twelve platoons from each army form six groups that fight groups from other kingdoms. The kingdom that has the most victories between each Inteiru Expota is chosen as the representative for our race for the next Inteiru Expota.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£WhatÔÇÖs special about beinÔÇÖ chosen as a representative?ÔÇØ Hina asks.\n┬á\nÔÇ£Well, nothing. HonorÔÇÖs the only prize. ItÔÇÖs one thing the kingdoms do to decide which countryÔÇÖs superior to the other.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£That doesnÔÇÖt sound so bad. Why wouldnÔÇÖt you want to participate in somethinÔÇÖ like that?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£ItÔÇÖs dangerous. Even though itÔÇÖs a friendly battle, youÔÇÖre fighting with "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"real "},{"insert":"weapons against "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"real "},{"insert":"weapons.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£I donÔÇÖt know how familiar you are with the Academy, but they held a tournament every year. Real weapons were used too alongside magic. So itÔÇÖs kind of like that?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nThe man stares at her for several seconds without responding. Only cocking an eyebrow but then he continues, ÔÇ£From what I know, the rules are completely different. You have referees and safeguards at the AcademyÔǪbut there arenÔÇÖt any for this battle.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£What do you mean, no safeguards? ItÔÇÖs a fight to the death?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Well, no. Not exactly. But it can be.\n┬á\nÔÇ£Explain.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£I donÔÇÖt know the exact rules. I only know what other people have told me.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£ThatÔÇÖs fine. Please tell us what you know.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£People end up fighting each other until the other side canÔÇÖt fight anymore. So what IÔÇÖm saying isÔǪyour opponents could end up seriously injuring you or killing you.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£What? That doesnÔÇÖt make any sense. CanÔÇÖt you surrender?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£I heard about people surrendering without even fighting, but itÔÇÖs incredibly dishonorable. YouÔÇÖd be subjecting yourself to punishment if you do that. ItÔÇÖs not like everyone ends up killing each other. ItÔÇÖs when neither side gives in to surrender that fatalities occur.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£I see. HowÔÇÖs the winner determined? The last man standinÔÇÖ?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£IÔÇÖm not sure. The exact rules are determined on the day of the battle by the veteran overseers. Are you in The Reserve?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£IÔÇÖm in Sigma 8,ÔÇØ Hina says and then points over to me. I palm over my face. ÔÇ£HeÔÇÖs in 4.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£"},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"OhhÔǪ"},{"insert":" You were an Adventurer before you joined?ÔÇØ \n┬á\nÔÇ£Yeah,ÔÇØ Hina answers. One of the men narrows his eyes, grimaces, and shakes his head. He looks to the other man who has a similar expression and points his hand the other way. The two men walk away without saying another word. ÔÇ£WhatÔÇÖs your problem? Hey!ÔÇØ\n┬á\nThey donÔÇÖt stop. I put a palm over her shoulder and say, ÔÇ£Forget it. This is why I donÔÇÖt talk to people anymore.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£TheyÔÇÖre just rude.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nWe continue our way to the mail station. ÔÇ£Well, whatever. IÔÇÖm surprised you havenÔÇÖt bumped into anyone like that considering youÔÇÖre talking to other platoons.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£IÔÇÖve been mostly connectinÔÇÖ with the Delta platoons. They have access to the cookinÔÇÖ stations. They werenÔÇÖt rude like that.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Those two probably originated from The Reserve. I bet everyone thereÔÇÖs saying bad things about us.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Why would they do that? Part of my platoon came from The Reserve, but theyÔÇÖre nothinÔÇÖ like that.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£I donÔÇÖt know. There were two members who left my platoon after the incident in Beltan. Maybe those two are giving me a bad reputation.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£WhatÔÇÖd you do to them?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Nothing,ÔÇØ I say. Hina quirks an eyebrow. I continue, ÔÇ£Really, nothing. No, wait. I take that back. I was quite reckless back then and took on a whole bunch of requests whenever the chance arose. They werenÔÇÖt happy with me taking those huge risks, and I donÔÇÖt blame them. I definitely wouldnÔÇÖt do anything of that sort now, despite what you tell me.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£DoinÔÇÖ nothinÔÇÖ "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"is "},{"insert":"the problem. HavenÔÇÖt I told you that you need to inspire people? Take the time to train them?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£And I told you that itÔÇÖs a waste of time. If they donÔÇÖt wanna train, they wonÔÇÖt train. So I wonÔÇÖt train them.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£ItÔÇÖs because of your attitude that people are goinÔÇÖ to think youÔÇÖre stuck-up. You have to show people theyÔÇÖre valuable.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£I really donÔÇÖt care what people think of me. If IÔÇÖm in charge of them, theyÔÇÖll have to do what I say as their commanding officer. If they donÔÇÖt like it, theyÔÇÖll quit. They always do, but someone will always be there to replace them. In the end, it doesnÔÇÖt matter.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nHina shakes her head. ÔÇ£So youÔÇÖre the reason that those two guys just walked away mid-conversationÔǪÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Well, I wouldnÔÇÖt go "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"that"},{"insert":" farÔǪ IÔÇÖm sure some of the other Sigma platoons are having similar issues. I canÔÇÖt be the only one refusing to train them. Do you know whatÔÇÖs going on between the other Sigma platoons?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£No, I havenÔÇÖt spoken to them.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£There you have it.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£StillÔǪ ItÔÇÖs possible that you caused it.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nI smile. ÔÇ£But itÔÇÖs also possible that I didnÔÇÖt, so thereÔÇÖs no point thinking about it.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nShe sighs. ÔÇ£Okay, Kai.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nThe mail station is just up ahead. We split off to check our own mailbox. I unlock mine and open it. Two papers inside. I read the one on top.\n┬á\n\t"},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Sergeant Kai, come find me when you get this. Captain Albius."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\nI scrunch up the paper and toss it. What does he want now? I read the other piece of paper.\n┬á\n"},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Congratulations. Sigma 3 and 4 have been selected to form one of six groups to participate for this yearÔÇÖs Rising Champions. YouÔÇÖll receive more information tomorrow. General Nero."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Yes!"},{"insert":" Our group was selected. An opportunity to advance to Lieutenant quicker! WeÔÇÖre with another Sigma platoon which should be an easy win for us. What about Hina? I close my mailbox and meet up with her. NothingÔÇÖs in her hand. I ask, ÔÇ£You didnÔÇÖt get anything?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Nope. Looks like you got somethinÔÇÖ though.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Yeah. Turns out playing my cards safer got me selected. My platoon is partnering with Sigma 3 apparently. Should be a cinch to bring a win back and impress General Nero.ÔÇØ \n┬á\nHina frowns and tilts her head. ÔÇ£KaiÔǪ Do you know who belongs to Sigma 3?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nI chuckle. ÔÇ£Of course I do. They have former adventurers like us.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Yeah, butÔǪdo you know exactly who's in that platoon?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£No. WhyÔÇÖs it matter?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£It matters "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"a lot."},{"insert":" AdaÔÇÖs in that group.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£"},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Ada?ÔÇØ "},{"insert":"I ask, my stomach turning. \n┬á\nÔÇ£Yeah. You remember her right?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Of course.ÔÇØ How can I forget? I clench my fists and frown, thinking only about how she treated me half a year ago.\n┬á\nÔÇ£Did somethinÔÇÖ else happen between you guys?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nI relax and sigh. I canÔÇÖt let anyone find out what about happened. ÔÇ£Oh, no. Just really angry how she was so quick to lump me with the masked men. And how she made Sitos out to be a criminal.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Well okay. You two are goinÔÇÖ to have to get over your differences if youÔÇÖre planninÔÇÖ on winninÔÇÖ your battle.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Of all people to be grouped withÔǪ ThatÔÇÖs just unlucky.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£IÔÇÖm startinÔÇÖ to think it wasnÔÇÖt by coincidence.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£How do you know that?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Do you think General Nero knows that you donÔÇÖt get along with Ada?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nI hesitate to answer. I know he knows based on what happened during our last interaction but I canÔÇÖt explain to Hina why I know that. But thereÔÇÖs also that timeÔǪ ÔÇ£Yeah, he knows. He heard Ada accuse me of crimes back at the big execution with SitosÔÇÖ family.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£So I was thinkinÔÇÖÔǪhe put you two together on purpose to get over your differences. EverythinÔÇÖ weÔÇÖve been doinÔÇÖ with traininÔÇÖ villagers and all that. LearninÔÇÖ about the Inteiru Expota. It all makes sense. The RisinÔÇÖ Champions sounds like a traininÔÇÖ exercise to improve teamwork and coordination between platoons. If somethinÔÇÖ happens at the Inteiru Expota, weÔÇÖd be forced to work with anyone on our side.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£That makes senseÔǪbut then why didnÔÇÖt you get chosen?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nHina smiles with her chest puffed out. ÔÇ£Well isnÔÇÖt that obvious? IÔÇÖm well-liked by everyone. IÔÇÖve made friends with various Delta platoons. You on the other handÔǪ The lone wolf. The one givinÔÇÖ everyone in a Sigma platoon a bad reputation.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nI frown. ÔÇ£Okay, okayÔǪ Lone wolf, sure. But that other part isnÔÇÖt true.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£But you donÔÇÖt know that, so thereÔÇÖs no point in disagreeinÔÇÖ.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nI stare at her. She laughs.\n┬á\nÔÇ£So IÔÇÖm forced into the same group as "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"her. "},{"insert":"But we donÔÇÖt "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"have"},{"insert":" to work together. I know her groupÔÇÖs pretty capable because we fought in the tournament before. We could operate as separate platoons during the battle.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£That doesnÔÇÖt sound like it incorporates much teamwork. You donÔÇÖt know about the rules yet either. What if the rules say that you must work together?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£UghÔǪ I really hope not.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nHer smile melts into a frown. ÔÇ£Well, IÔÇÖm goinÔÇÖ to convene with my friends to fill them in on whatÔÇÖs goinÔÇÖ onÔǪ WeÔÇÖll spread rumors about me wantinÔÇÖ to meet you in the cafeteria around dinner time. IÔÇÖll see you then.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Wait, thatÔÇÖs it? WeÔÇÖre not gonna practice our lines?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£ItÔÇÖs better if we donÔÇÖt prepare to make it look natural. IÔÇÖm countinÔÇÖ on you to follow my lead and improvise. Just remember that I asked you to meet me,ÔÇØ Hina says and then walks away.\n┬á\nItÔÇÖs time to do my part. Where would Marin be a little past lunchtime? The archery range, her room, the cafeteria, the training area, or somewhere else? IÔÇÖll check her room first since itÔÇÖs the closest.\n┬á\nI head down the stairs onto the second level and into the ÔÇÿBÔÇÖ sector. Her room is conveniently on the second floor near mine. It certainly would be harder to keep us a secret if she lived on a different floor for the number of times sheÔÇÖs been seen by others wandering these hallways. People would raise eyebrows and rumors would spread. I knock on the door marked with ÔÇÿB381ÔÇÖ.\n┬á\nSeconds later, the door opens. Marin greets with a smile, ÔÇ£Oh, hi Kai.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Hey, Marin,ÔÇØ I greet and walk in. I close the door before showing her the piece of paper with the news. ÔÇ£Did you receive one of these?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Yeah. We all got them this morning. I wonder what this is about.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£WeÔÇÖre gonna end up fighting another group from either Neomeris, Elbar, or Xantho. Apparently, if we win, itÔÇÖll make us look good, and IÔÇÖd be able to become a Lieutenant quicker. ÔÇ£\n┬á\nÔÇ£ThatÔÇÖs great news!ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£It isÔǪbut thatÔÇÖs only if we win. I donÔÇÖt know the rules yet, but soldiers from The Reserve donÔÇÖt seem too thrilled about it. The worst part isÔǪ Sigma 3ÔÇÖs "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"AdaÔÇÖs"},{"insert":" groupÔǪÔÇØ I inform.\n┬á\nÔÇ£Oh, noÔǪ IÔÇÖm sorry to hear that Kai. I know you two donÔÇÖt get along well.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£WeÔÇÖre gonna have to somehow see eye to eye if weÔÇÖre gonna win this thing. I know this is gonna be hard for you too. YouÔÇÖre hardly comfortable talking to our platoon other than Ruby and I. Now you gotta communicate with an entirely different team. But you might not have to. IÔÇÖm hoping that we donÔÇÖt have to actually work together. If weÔÇÖre lucky, we can agree to stay as two separate entities. WeÔÇÖd be a team by only appearances.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£That would probably be for the best. But donÔÇÖt worry about me, Kai. IÔÇÖll figure something out. HowÔÇÖd the mission with Hina go?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nWhat happened after the meeting with Viessa sticks to my mind. But right now, the most important thing is the meeting. ÔÇ£It wentÔǪwell. I need to fill you in on what weÔÇÖve learned. ItÔÇÖs pretty important.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nI fill her in on everything she missed. SheÔÇÖs silent for a few minutes. It takes a while to absorb. IÔÇÖm not surprised. ItÔÇÖs a lot of information.\n┬á\nÔÇ£The Cursed ExpeditionÔǪ Do you think those masked people were responsible for that too? The timing seems "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"too "},{"insert":"perfect. This entire time I thought mom and dad died in their line of workÔǪbutÔÇöÔÇ£\n┬á\nÔÇ£It doesnÔÇÖt matter now,ÔÇØ I say. ÔÇ£The end resultÔÇÖs the same. TheyÔÇÖre gone. No use thinking about it now. We have no way of knowing whether they had something to do with that or not. WhatÔÇÖs important is finding who those people are and making them pay. SomethingÔÇÖs definitely gonna happen at the Inteiru Expota. We gotta focus on performing well in the Rising Champions so that General NeroÔÇÖs more likely to select us as escort to Neomeris.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£OkayÔǪ Did you want to do some training with our platoon first? Or work out a strategy?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Maybe laterÔǪ I donÔÇÖt really wanna do anything until weÔÇÖve received more information about this thing,ÔÇØ I say. I need to bring up that other matter. ÔÇ£About the thing with HinaÔǪ UmÔǪ Later today weÔÇÖre executing the plan to start the fake relationship. I donÔÇÖt know whatÔÇÖs going on exactly weÔÇÖre just improvising on the spot. SheÔÇÖs gonna spread rumors that she asked to meet with me in the cafeteria at dinner time.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Okay. Did you tell Ruby about it yet?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£No, but I will when I see her. Have you seen her recently? I havenÔÇÖt seen her since we first left to train the villagers earlier this week.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£No, I think she, Jetia, and the others are still gone.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£HmmÔǪ Well, they should be back in time. General Nero wouldnÔÇÖt give them a task that conflicts with participating in the Rising Champions.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Yeah.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£SooÔǪÔÇØ I say, still delaying to bring up the other matter. ÔÇ£So thereÔÇÖs one more thing Hina wants me to run by youÔǪ I know you said youÔÇÖd be okay with us "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"three, "},{"insert":"wellÔǪdoing stuff. But for part of our plan to work, I need to be alone in a room with HinaÔǪ doing stuffÔǪseveral times a week to not draw suspicion. At least make it "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"appear "},{"insert":"that we are, but HinaÔÇÖs asking if we donÔÇÖt have to pretend. Hina said that sheÔÇÖs fine with just a physical relationship but itÔÇÖs also fine if you donÔÇÖt want me to do the whole fake relationship thing either because itÔÇÖll take away from us. SoÔǪthe choiceÔÇÖs up to you.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nMarin stays silent for several seconds before asking, ÔÇ£Do you want to go through with it?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nIt feels like sheÔÇÖs testing me. But she should already know that my heart lies with her. Though, I still donÔÇÖt want to really bring up last night to her in detail. This whole act is just a friendly gesture to Hina as her friend. I want to help her if I can. ÔÇ£Yeah. I canÔÇÖt ignore it. If she doesnÔÇÖt do anything about it. It could lead toÔǪÔÇØ\n┬á\nSomething much worse. Something unthinkable. Something I wonÔÇÖt let happen if I can help it.\n┬á\nÔÇ£I understand, Kai. You can go through with it. But only if you promiseÔǪÔÇØ her voice growing quieter with every word. I gulp. She stares into my eyes and wraps her arms around my neck before continuing, ÔÇ£ÔǪthat youÔÇÖll make up the time that we donÔÇÖt see each other for when we do.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Of course,ÔÇØ I answer with a smile.\n┬á\nÔÇ£How about nowÔǪ?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nI wouldnÔÇÖt mind indulging a littleÔǪbut I donÔÇÖt want to to keep Captain Albius waiting too long. If he finds out that IÔÇÖve been back but havenÔÇÖt done as he has instructed me, he might get angry. ÔÇ£I wanna, but Captain AlbiusÔÇÖ asking to see me. You wanna come?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Are you sure if thatÔÇÖs okay?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Eh, IÔÇÖm sure it wouldnÔÇÖt be a big deal. Worst case, you can wait somewhere while I talk to him.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Okay, letÔÇÖs go.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nWe leave her room and then try to locate Captain Albius. HeÔÇÖs not in his office or the training area. He might still be in the cafeteria since itÔÇÖs close to lunchtime. Not in the cafeteria, but maybe one of the cooking station rooms. We check, and there he is with his platoon. He sees us immediately and approaches us before we enter the room.\n┬á\nÔÇ£Sergeant Kai, good to see you,ÔÇØ Captain Albius says with a smile. What ploy does he have this time?\n┬á\nÔÇ£Hello, sir. WhatÔÇÖd you wanna see me for?ÔÇØ I ask.\n┬á\nÔÇ£IÔÇÖm goinÔÇÖ to need to speak to you in private, go on a walk with me.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nA bit hesitant, but IÔÇÖm in no position to refuse. ÔÇ£Sure.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nCaptain Albius leads me out into the outer hallway toward the outer corners. Pretty deserted area since thereÔÇÖs no reason to be here. All the entrances to the four zones on this level are closer to the center and entrances to the castle. The only ever reason to be here is for some occasional privacy, patrol, or running laps.\n┬á\nÔÇ£So IÔÇÖve got some insider information for you about the upcoming Rising Champions,ÔÇØ he informs. IÔÇÖm a bit skeptical since he never does things out of the blue that are solely for my benefit.\n┬á\nÔÇ£WhatÔÇÖs the catch?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£ThereÔÇÖs no catch.ÔÇØ I cock an eyebrow. ÔÇ£I know weÔÇÖve had our differencesÔǪbut it was a misunderstanding. I had the wrong first impression about you. Thought you were just another cocky adventurer but these last few months proved me wrong. IÔÇÖm truly sorry for how I treated you in the first few months. The thing isÔǪ I had no other choice.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nI donÔÇÖt believe any of this but I nod my head and pretend that I do. He continues, ÔÇ£General Nero has been on my ass ever since the attack on the city. And I really shouldnÔÇÖt be tellinÔÇÖ you this, but I want you to see that we can be friends.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Friends? I donÔÇÖt wanna be rudeÔǪbut you covered me in "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"shit"},{"insert":".ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£WasnÔÇÖt on my orders. It was General Nero. ThatÔÇÖs what happens when heÔÇÖs angered. His punishments are really brutal. I didnÔÇÖt want to come into his crosshairs.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nHe continues in a whisper, ÔÇ£HeÔÇÖs tasked me to basically treat all the new recruits like trash. TauntinÔÇÖ and annoyinÔÇÖ them whenever possible. I didnÔÇÖt mind considerinÔÇÖ I didnÔÇÖt like how some ex-adventurers behaved in the past and most recruits at the time were adventurersÔǪ I didnÔÇÖt want to get on his bad side, you know. I had to suck up to him. Do as IÔÇÖm told. He knew that you werenÔÇÖt lyinÔÇÖ on that report the first time around.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nI open my mouth slowly into a gape. Wait. NoÔǪ That canÔÇÖt be right. Is he talking about "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"that "},{"insert":"report back then? I clench my fists and answer, ÔÇ£YouÔÇÖre telling meÔǪ I had "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"shit "},{"insert":"dumped on me when he knew the truth the entire time? He made me eat shit for no reason?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£I had to play dumb because he was watchinÔÇÖ me. No hard feelings. For some reason, he wanted to pick on you out of all the adventurers who joined. YouÔÇÖve got any reason why?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£I have no clueÔǪ I thought I was on his "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"good "},{"insert":"side during our first meeting.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£LookÔǪ IÔÇÖve been tryinÔÇÖ behind the scenes to tell General Nero what a great job youÔÇÖve been doinÔÇÖ and tryinÔÇÖ to convince him that youÔÇÖre not another one of those smug adventurers. Naturally, heÔÇÖs not too fond of them either. They usually come with attitude problems. Got problems with beinÔÇÖ told what to do. He believes that deliverinÔÇÖ harsh punishment would change their attitudes for the better.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£How does delivering harsh unjust punishment change my attitude? I didnÔÇÖt do anything wrong. PunishmentÔÇÖs one thingÔǪbut he made me eat shit.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£ItÔÇÖs because of his personal experiences. Believe it or not, he used to be a petty criminal. He was caught, endured harsh punishments, and changed completely. ThatÔÇÖs why he believes that harsh punishmentÔÇÖs the way to change people. I know you want to get payback, but thatÔÇÖs not what you want to do. Swallow your pride and suck up to him. Get on his good side and reap the benefits.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nHe used to be a criminal? I can see that. Sometimes I felt like he was really unprofessional. Captain Albius is right though. What kind of revenge would I be able to achieve? IÔÇÖd be putting Marin and Ruby at risk. And no one else would believe me because heÔÇÖs the general. His word against mine.\n┬á\nI donÔÇÖt think Captain Albius is lying anymore. I knew things were fishy when they suddenly apologized for that mess back then. General Nero is the real villain here. But I canÔÇÖt do anything to himÔǪ ItÔÇÖs better to suck up to him to minimize the damage.\n┬á\nÔÇ£I personally believe youÔÇÖve got what it takes to make it far up the ladder. I vouched for your platoon to participate in the Rising Champions for this year. He wasnÔÇÖt planninÔÇÖ on lettinÔÇÖ you participate until I pushed him for it.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Thanks,ÔÇØ I say. Feels really weird saying that to him after what weÔÇÖve been through.\n┬á\nÔÇ£Anytime, Sergeant Kai. If you need anything, let me know. As a token of our new friendship, IÔÇÖd be willinÔÇÖ to do you a few favors.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nThis is convenient. ÔÇ£ThereÔÇÖs one thing you can do for me today.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£What can I do?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Do you know Captain Citrio?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Yeah. I know him. What business do you have with him?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nI could use Captain Albius to make him back off of Hina. But, if it doesnÔÇÖt work, things could end badly. ItÔÇÖs not like he has any control of any of the other Captains. ItÔÇÖs better to proceed with our plan. ÔÇ£I need him to be present at the cafeteria tonight at 6 PM. HeÔÇÖs been harassing one of my friends and weÔÇÖre putting on an act to make him back off of her.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Oh? That sounds interestinÔÇÖ. IÔÇÖll find a way to make sure he shows up.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£SheÔÇÖs having her friends spread rumors that she asked to meet me at the cafeteria tonight. Just need to make sure Captain CitrioÔÇÖs actually there when the time comes.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£IÔÇÖll make it happen. Now onto the insider informationÔǪ How much do you know about the Rising Champions?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Not much. Heard from two people before. ItÔÇÖs like the tournament without any safeguards. Dishonorable to surrender but you can give up at any time. Something about exact rules being determined by the veteran overseers. I guess thatÔÇÖs you?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Exactly. The group youÔÇÖll fight will have one too. WeÔÇÖll have a discussion and come to an agreement on how the winner should be decided.┬áIÔÇÖve participated a few times both as the fighter and overseer. IÔÇÖll tell you exactly what the purpose of this event is.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£IsnÔÇÖt it just to select the representative for the Inteiru Expota?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Yeah, butÔǪits true purposeÔÇÖs to allow newbies to get combat experience and toughen them up. Traditionally itÔÇÖs also used to clear any bad blood between platoons. MakinÔÇÖ them work together to accomplish a common goal. ThatÔÇÖs why I canÔÇÖt change his stance on movinÔÇÖ you with another platoon. ItÔÇÖs a part of my job to make sure that both platoons are behavinÔÇÖ properly and workinÔÇÖ together.ÔÇØ Captain Albius smiles before continuing, ÔÇ£If Sigma 3 doesnÔÇÖt behaveÔǪ IÔÇÖll make sure General Nero knows it. WinninÔÇÖ the match"},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":" isnÔÇÖt"},{"insert":" the most important determininÔÇÖ factor.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nIs he saying what I think heÔÇÖs saying? That I donÔÇÖt need to win to impress General Nero? I smile. If Captain Albius is on my side, I wonÔÇÖt have to worry about being penalized. IÔÇÖll try my best to get along with Ada. ItÔÇÖs not my problem if sheÔÇÖs still hostile toward me. I thought it was all over but thanks to his insight this trial will be a cinch. ItÔÇÖll even be better if Ada doesnÔÇÖt play along and we manage to win. Or maybe itÔÇÖll be better if we lose? It would clearly be her fault and sheÔÇÖd take the downfall.\n┬á\nÔÇ£I understand. Thanks for the heads up, Captain Albius.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£No problem. Let me know if you need anything else. YouÔÇÖre free to help yourself to our leftovers. IÔÇÖll introduce you to my team.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£UhhÔǪÔÇØ I interject, hesitating for a moment because of the last time he offered me food. But that was in the past. HeÔÇÖs only here to help me now. ÔÇ£Sure. IÔÇÖm pretty hungry since I havenÔÇÖt eaten. Marin can join too, right?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£The more the merrier.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nWe head back to the cooking station he was at, Marin waiting. She gives me a confused look, but she follows me inside.\n┬á\nÔÇ£This is Sergeant Kai,ÔÇØ Captain Albius introduces. ÔÇ£IÔÇÖm sure you know already.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Of course we know,ÔÇØ someone responds. ÔÇ£HeÔÇÖs the one who had the gall to challenge you on his first day!ÔÇØ\n┬á\nThey laugh. Captain Albius says, ÔÇ£Now, nowÔǪthatÔÇÖs all in the past. Sergeant KaiÔÇÖs won me over. HeÔÇÖs not like those adventurers weÔÇÖve dealt with in the past. HeÔÇÖs someone you should keep an eye out for. HeÔÇÖs going to be the newest Lieutenant in record time. I feel it.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£And this is Corporal Marin, right?ÔÇØ Captain Albius asks, pointing to Marin.\n┬á\nÔÇ£YesÔǪÔÇØ Marin replies quietly.\n┬á\nÔÇ£Well, help yourself, Sergeant Kai.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£RightÔǪÔÇØ I answer and sit next to these men I donÔÇÖt know. The only thing I can think right now is eating the meat in front of me. ThereÔÇÖs a good portion left. From the looks of it, it was a boar.\n┬á\nÔÇ£Get this man a plate and some food!ÔÇØ Captain Albius exclaims. \n┬á\nÔÇ£Yes, sir.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£I need to run some errands. IÔÇÖll see you guys at six sharp tonight,ÔÇØ he says and then leaves. \n┬á\nÔÇ£See ya, Captain,ÔÇØ several men say.\n┬á\nHe must be meeting with Captain Citrio. Glad heÔÇÖs not wasting any time on this. I like how he emphasized six oÔÇÖ clock. We need the biggest audience we can get. A man hands me a plate. Another cuts a large portion of the boar onto my plate. A bit messy, but canÔÇÖt complain. \n┬á\nÔÇ£Here you go, sir,ÔÇØ a man says holding a fork and knife.\n┬á\nÔÇ£Thanks,ÔÇØ I say and take the silverware. I help myself to the food. \n┬á\nÔÇ£So whatÔÇÖd you do to impress Captain Albius to this degree?ÔÇØ a man asks. ÔÇ£Captain Albius rarely praises anyone. On top of that, he "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"hates "},{"insert":"adventurers.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nIÔÇÖm still chewing, so I donÔÇÖt answer.┬á\n┬á\nÔÇ£Whatever man. Captain Albius is on board with this kid, so hell with it. IÔÇÖm on board. Tell us one of your old adventurer stories.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Does the girl want to join too?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£UmmÔǪÔÇØ\n┬á\nRight, MarinÔÇÖs pretty uncomfortable. Well, itÔÇÖs probably awkward for her to be standing over there too. ItÔÇÖs better for her to join in even if sheÔÇÖs not eating. ItÔÇÖll be some practice for her socializing with other platoons before we have to work with Sigma 3. I gesture her to come over. The other guys scoot over to make room for Marin.\n┬á\nHeh, now Hina canÔÇÖt mock me for not talking with other platoons. ItÔÇÖs not so hard. I enjoy my meal while sharing stories, mostly from our fifth year at the Academy. \n┬á\nI eat my fill but stay to socialize with them a bit more. I figure I should maximize this opportunity to get them on their good side. Captain Albius giving me his praise is probably enough, but more couldnÔÇÖt hurt. Time flies by faster than I would anticipate. We eventually part ways. There are still a few more hours until the agreed meeting time tonight. With nothing else to do, we head back to the second level.\n┬á\nWe bump into Jetia at the Crossroads. I ask, ÔÇ£YouÔÇÖre back from your mission already?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£ThatÔÇÖs my line. I was hoping to enjoy some more time to myself without you.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Whatever. Is Ruby back too?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£No, I returned here by myself.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£RightÔǪis she here?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£No, I returned here by myself,ÔÇØ he repeats himself. \n┬á\nHe annoys me. Jetia never seems to play along with me. IÔÇÖll have to work with him the best I can for the sake of this Rising Champions. If I canÔÇÖt get along with my own platoon, General Nero wonÔÇÖt be impressed. I say, ÔÇ£Well, I found out that weÔÇÖre gonna team up with Sigma 3 in the Rising Champions. WeÔÇÖre gonna need to learn to work together if weÔÇÖre going to have any chance of working with them and winning this thing.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£ItÔÇÖs always like this with you. Something comes up and you want to act like a team when you donÔÇÖt care about any of us besides Marin and Ruby.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Come onÔǪthatÔÇÖs not true,ÔÇØ I say sincerely, despite it not being true. ÔÇ£Look, IÔÇÖm sorry for the way I acted before. I know I ignored you guys, but this time IÔÇÖm serious. IÔÇÖll train you individually if I have to. IÔÇÖll even put in a good word with Captain Albius for you.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Hah, thatÔÇÖs worth nothing coming from you.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£No, IÔÇÖm on friendly terms with him now. HeÔÇÖs praised me in front of his platoon and said IÔÇÖd be the next Lieutenant. Ask him yourself.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£What kind of bribe did you give him? HeÔÇÖs known for picking fights with adventurers. Almost everyone in the army knows him. That goes to show how great he is.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Picking fights with adventurers? He didnÔÇÖt get in trouble for that?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Before Sigma platoons were made, all new recruits started as soldiers regardless. Adventurers acted like they were better than everyone else and had attitudes about it. Frequently disobeyed orders from their superiors. Captain Albius bent the rules in his favor and actively put them in their place until they became compliant or quit. ThatÔÇÖs how everyone got to know him. He got a lot of praise for it.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Is he really that great?ÔÇØ I ask, skeptical. In my eyes, he hasnÔÇÖt done anything particularly great.\n┬á\nÔÇ£Of course. His Omega platoon is in the single digits.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Omega platoonÔǪ IÔÇÖve heard that term with Delta and Alpha but donÔÇÖt really know the difference.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£IÔÇÖm not surprised. You were an "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"adventurer"},{"insert":". Most of us learned that in the first week.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£I canÔÇÖt change whatÔÇÖs done. IÔÇÖm asking now, so please,ÔÇØ I say politely.\n┬á\nÔÇ£Delta platoons consist of twelve people led by a Lieutenant. Omega platoons are the same led by a Major or Captain, so theyÔÇÖre more elite. The lower the number, the higher the prestige. Omega 1, 2, and 3 are reserved for the Majors.┬áAlpha platoons have four people led by a Sergeant. Those are temporary short-term platoons. ThatÔÇÖs how I got to know Dano and BanniÔǪ Numbers donÔÇÖt mean anything. IÔÇÖm sure you donÔÇÖt know what a Beta platoon is, do you?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nI shake my head. He continues, ÔÇ£Beta platoons are temporary platoons too containing up to twelve people. TheyÔÇÖre formed by combining Alpha platoons and people from The Reserve. TheyÔÇÖre only formed to serve as additional reinforcements for Delta or Omega platoons.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£So what numberÔÇÖs Captain AlbiusÔÇÖ platoon?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£7 or 8 last time I heard.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£So, heÔÇÖs not "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"that "},{"insert":"great. ThereÔÇÖre several Captains above him.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£He hasnÔÇÖt been doing much. IÔÇÖm sure he could be a Major if he really wanted to.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Why wouldnÔÇÖt he want to? The higher the rank, the higher the pay, the more stuff you can do.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Yer an idiot, thatÔÇÖs why. Past Lieutenant, thereÔÇÖs a lot more administrative responsibility. HeÔÇÖs got us under his wing, and IÔÇÖm sure several others. Majors have to review work that everyone has done and that means reviewing several Captains who review a lot of platoons. They have to meet with the personnel working in the Request Center and Record Zone and resolve any issues. On top of that, they have to meet with the ministers and meet their demands to the best of their ability. General Nero also gives them direct orders. ItÔÇÖs a lot of responsibility.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£That soundÔÇÖs boringÔǪbut I didnÔÇÖt know you were this knowledgable.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£As I said, itÔÇÖs common knowledge. ItÔÇÖs just yer an idiot.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Whatever. Anyway, IÔÇÖm in good relations with Captain Albius now. IÔÇÖll give him word that youÔÇÖre doing a good job, and you could finally be promoted to the Corporal rank. I need your help to find the other guys in our platoon for group training and coming up with a game plan.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£You donÔÇÖt even know their names and you want to do group training?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Names arenÔÇÖt important. I know their faces. Look. IÔÇÖll use my savings to fund you a seminar about learning how to manipulate Mana. YouÔÇÖll be well on your way of using magic and climbing to Sergeant.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£I already know how to manipulate Mana.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Oh, youÔÇÖve taken that seminar already?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£No, I went to the Academy.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nI widen my eyes. ÔÇ£"},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"What?"},{"insert":" You "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"went "},{"insert":"to the Academy? You were an adventurer? Why havenÔÇÖt I seen you use magic?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nSo many things donÔÇÖt make sense. We learned how to use basic magic in the middle of our second year.\n┬á\nÔÇ£NoÔǪI never intended to become one. I completed the first year and dropped out early in my second year.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£You dropped out?ÔÇØ I ask, trying not to smile. He was one of "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"those "},{"insert":"kids. Was he really that untalented? I let out a chuckle accidentally.\n┬á\nÔÇ£I know what yer thinkingÔǪyou idiot. IÔÇÖll have you know I was above the average student. I left because my mother fell ill. I had a different childhood than others because I had to do whatever it took to get by and buy her medicine.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£CouldnÔÇÖt you have gone back? What happened to your group?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£By the time my mother regained her health, it was too late. I couldnÔÇÖt just continue from when I left. I had to re-enroll again. Since I was 15 at that time, I couldnÔÇÖt enroll anymore. My group was understanding and continued on. I donÔÇÖt know what became of them.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£So whatÔǪyou joined the army instead?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Yeah, itÔÇÖs what IÔÇÖve always wanted to do anyway.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Then whyÔÇÖd you attend the Academy?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£You idiot, not everyone that attends the Academy wants to become an adventurer. ItÔÇÖs how you become an adventurer, but does not mean you become one by going there.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£What? Are you sure?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£HeÔÇÖs right, Kai,ÔÇØ Marin answers. ÔÇ£The three paths are Adventurer, Soldier, and Craftsman.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Why does Marin know but not you?ÔÇØ Jetia asks.\n┬á\nÔÇ£I donÔÇÖt know. This is the first time IÔÇÖve heard anything about this. I thought everyone in our class wanted to be adventurers.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Kai, thatÔÇÖs because everyone signed up to be adventurers in our class. DidnÔÇÖt you see the options when you enrolled in the Academy?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£I donÔÇÖt know what youÔÇÖre talking about. All I know is, Emdos enrolled me into the Academy.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£He mustÔÇÖve known that you wanted to become an adventurer, so he picked that option for you,ÔÇØ Marin says.\n┬á\nÔÇ£Yeah, he knew. So you were on the Soldier path? WhatÔÇÖs the point of going to the Academy if you could enroll in the army anyway?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£To learn how to manipulate Mana and use magic, why else?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£If you know how to manipulate Mana, why havenÔÇÖt you attended the seminar for bonding with an Affinity? You look older than me, so at least a few years. In that amount of time, you never had enough money to go to a seminar?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£IÔÇÖve been in the army for four years. I send a portion of my earnings to my mother. SheÔÇÖs not well enough to work, so I need to help her survive.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Alright, IÔÇÖll give you enough money for you to attend a seminar for whatever you need. YouÔÇÖd be well on your way of being able to use magic in a fight.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£No,ÔÇØ Jetia responds. Why would he refuse? He has nothing to lose. ÔÇ£Instead of funding my education, fund the other guysÔÇÖ education on their first seminar for Mana manipulation. Only then will I agree to rally everyone up for your meeting.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nThatÔÇÖs four gold coinsÔǪ Is it really worth it? IÔÇÖm sure heÔÇÖs going to ask for more than that later. Without JetiaÔÇÖs help, thereÔÇÖs no way I can convince everyone to attend training. To be honest, I donÔÇÖt know who is really a part of our platoon. If we donÔÇÖt have a good showing at the Rising Champions, our platoon may not be allowed to attend the Inteiru Expota. WeÔÇÖre on a time limit too with the snake earring group and masked menÔǪ The faster we can go on our own investigation the better. The price to pay is not being able to attend more advanced seminars of our own for a while.\n┬á\nÔÇ£Okay, I promise,ÔÇØ I respond.\n┬á\nJetia smiles. ÔÇ£Great. Yer not going to take that back later, are you?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£No, a promiseÔÇÖs a promise. Do you know where RubyÔÇÖs at?ÔÇØ I ask. IÔÇÖm going to take everything back if he tries to act smart with me again.\n┬á\nÔÇ£Not sure. She said she was tired, so probably getting some extra sleep in her room.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Alright, thanks. IÔÇÖll see you and the others tomorrow for lunch.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Whatever you say, leader.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nWe continue our way back to the second level. Now knowing that RubyÔÇÖs back, we look for her. We knock on her door, but no answer. Maybe sheÔÇÖs completely passed out in there. We knock louder, but thereÔÇÖs still nothing. I could use my magic to go in there, but itÔÇÖs too risky to use right now, and sheÔÇÖs probably not in there.\n┬á\nThere are only a few other places where she could be. We check the mail station and meeting rooms on the third level and then all the training rooms on the first level. The clinic too, in case she was sick. SheÔÇÖs not in the outer hallways either. This isnÔÇÖt the first time sheÔÇÖs disappeared and each time, she said it was just bad luck of not running into her when sheÔÇÖs there. Or somewhere we wouldnÔÇÖt expect.\n┬á\nThereÔÇÖs no way she would be at the lower level. Only prisoners would be there and the unfortunate guard who keeps watch. She could be in the request center looking for potential requests to take. We havenÔÇÖt been on a request together in a while so she could be restless about that. Or maybe sheÔÇÖs lying about her whereabouts, but why?\n┬á\nÔÇ£Kai, she couldÔÇÖve been tasked with a mission on her own or with someone from another platoon,ÔÇØ Marin says. ÔÇ£Just like how you and Hina were.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£HmmÔǪthatÔÇÖs true.ÔÇØ Maybe IÔÇÖm reading too much into it. ThereÔÇÖs no reason why Ruby would lie to us.\n┬á\nWe return to my room for the time being. Since thereÔÇÖs only one more hour until the agreed meeting time, we donÔÇÖt do much. I donÔÇÖt want to tire myself out and throw our plan up in flames. We spend our time thinking about how we can incorporate our fighting styles together. We agree to meet up later in my room.\n┬á\nThe awaited hour arrives. \n┬á\nI arrive on time. The cafeteria is much more crowded than usual. Is it because of Captain Albius or the rumors that Hina and the others were spreading? ThereÔÇÖs the usual line of people waiting to get their food with the addition of groups of people sitting at tables without any food. Hina is standing at the center of the room. I walk up to her, noticing Captain Albius with his platoon nearby. An unknown man with him; must be Captain Citrio. With so many people around, IÔÇÖm a bit nervous, even though I shouldnÔÇÖt be. This should be nothing compared to when I confessed toÔǪnever mind.\n┬á\nÔÇ£Hey Hina,ÔÇØ I greet, ÔÇ£WhatÔÇÖd you wanna see me for?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Hey Kai,ÔÇØ Hina says with a smile. ÔÇ£Thanks for cominÔÇÖ.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nShe lowers her head. She switches between looking at me and the ground as she continues, ÔÇ£We-wellÔǪthe thing isÔǪÔÇØ\n┬á\nI try not to look at Captain Albius or anyone just watching. DonÔÇÖt want to make it look fake. I just hope Ruby doesnÔÇÖt see this. CanÔÇÖt imagine what chaos would unfold. ItÔÇÖs best if sheÔÇÖs on a separate mission.\n┬á\nÔÇ£For a while nowÔǪ I canÔÇÖt stop thinkinÔÇÖ about youÔǪ I have this uncontrollable urge to be by your side. To feel your touch. I donÔÇÖt want to spend every night not knowinÔÇÖ what couldÔÇÖve been, so I just want to let you know..."},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"that I really like you!"},{"insert":"ÔÇØ she suddenly exclaims. Now we have everyoneÔÇÖs attention. I donÔÇÖt know what the point of that was considering that Captain CitrioÔÇÖs already watching. She continues normally, ÔÇ£How do you feel about me?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£UmmÔǪthatÔÇÖs really sudden,ÔÇØ I say while trying to think of something better. If I get the point across that this isnÔÇÖt just a sudden confession, maybe itÔÇÖll be better at convincing this is real. ÔÇ£Well, youÔÇÖre cute, and if IÔÇÖm being completely honestÔǪ I had a small crush on you back in the Academy days. You had someone back then, so you know, nothing came of it. Recently, those feelings are coming back since weÔÇÖve been working together this past week. IÔÇÖve had urges any normal guy would have toward a womanÔǪbut kept it hidden because I didnÔÇÖt wanna destroy our friendshipÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£What do you mean urgesÔǪ? Are you sayinÔÇÖ that you like me?ÔÇØ she asks. \n┬á\nIt shouldÔÇÖve been obvious to any of these bystanders from what I just said. Does she want me to say it directly? I gulp and reply, ÔÇ£DonÔÇÖt make me say it directly. HavenÔÇÖt we drawn enough attention? LetÔÇÖs just say that only you can satisfy my hunger.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£OkayÔǪdo you want to go somewhere private?ÔÇØ she asks, holding a hand out.\n┬á\nÔÇ£YeahÔǪÔÇØ I answer and grab her hand.\n┬á\nClapping and whistling resound around the room. Someone shouts, ÔÇ£Go get him, girl!ÔÇØ\n┬á\nWe walk slowly out of the room side by side. WeÔÇÖve got to give Captain Citrio as much time as possible to follow us. We ended that on an awkward note. I donÔÇÖt know if our performance was good enough, but too late now. After weÔÇÖre in the Crossroads, I whisper, ÔÇ£How will we know if Captain Citrio follows us? ItÔÇÖll be too suspicious if we turn around.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£IÔÇÖve got my guys stationed around. TheyÔÇÖll give us a signal if thereÔÇÖs a bite,ÔÇØ she whispers back. Speaking of the devil, Luke is standing by the steps up to the second level with some other guy. \n┬á\nLuke waves with a smile and says, ÔÇ£Congrats, Hina and Kai. It went well?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Yeah, thanks,ÔÇØ Hina responds.\n┬á\nÔÇ£Good, good, good,ÔÇØ Luke says. A bit one too many goods. Was that the signal? \n┬á\nWe continue up the stairs. I whisper, ÔÇ£Are we gonna go to my room or yours?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Mine. Captain Citrio knows where my roomÔÇÖs at. ItÔÇÖs in the A block. Simon and Dennis are hidingÔÇÖ by the ÔÇÿCÔÇÖ and ÔÇÿDÔÇÖ entrances. Dennis will give Simon a signal if he sees Captain Citrio. Then Simon will give us a signal when weÔÇÖre by the ÔÇÿAÔÇÖ entrance. ItÔÇÖs perfect because of the wall that covers the stairs that lead upward.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nOh, right. Because of that wall, anyone by the ÔÇÿCÔÇÖ entrance has the best view of someone coming from the first level. Meanwhile, anyone by the ÔÇÿAÔÇÖ entrance canÔÇÖt see. I donÔÇÖt see the point though since she already had one signal from Luke. But I guess she didnÔÇÖt know whether the first signal would be successful. \n┬á\nWe reach the second level. I look over at the ÔÇÿCÔÇÖ region to see if heÔÇÖs actually there. I wouldnÔÇÖt have noticed him there unless Hina told me. ThereÔÇÖs no way Captain Citrio would notice him with his eye on the prize. We quicken our pace toward the ÔÇÿAÔÇÖ block and then wait by the entrance. Less than a minute passes before a speck of Mana appears near the ceiling at the center of the room. Hina tugs on my arm. That mustÔÇÖve been the signal.\n┬á\nWe head up one flight of stairs onto the second floor and walk all the way to A391. We go in and lock the room behind us. I figure this is the best time to tell her what Marin said.\n┬á\nÔÇ£So, MarinÔÇÖs fine with it,ÔÇØ I inform. ÔÇ£We donÔÇÖt have to act.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Really?ÔÇØ she asks, smiling. ÔÇ£Did you tell Ruby?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Yeah. I looked for her but didnÔÇÖt find her. SheÔÇÖs probably still on a mission. IÔÇÖll tell her everything as soon as I see her.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£We donÔÇÖt have a lot of time, soÔǪÔÇØ\n┬á\nCaptain CitrioÔÇÖs right on our tail. ItÔÇÖll be suspicious if he hears it from the start when we shouldÔÇÖve already started. I walk over to Hina and hug her. Her slightly parted lips entice me as I move my head closer to her, eventually kissing her lightly on those lips. My bottom half reacts immediately. Losing patience, I plunge my tongue inside, now wrestling with hers. \n┬á\nI caress the back of her body under her clothing, unclipping her bra in the process.┬áHer grip tightens on my back as I squeeze her nipples. As if to retaliate, she presses against my crotch with one hand. I pull away from her lips temporarily and stare deeper into her eyes, both of us panting. We both take off our top halves. I push her onto the bed and then climb on top of her.\n┬á\nI gently massage her breasts while kissing her on her neck, eliciting soft moans. I move my head down to her hard nubs and suck on one. I put as much pressure as I can using my lips while pinching her other nipple between my thumb and index finger.\n┬á\nÔÇ£"},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Ah!ÔÇØ"},{"insert":" she cries out loudly and stiffens her body. It only adds fuel to the fire. I move my kisses down to her stomach and take the opportunity to undress her bottom half. She stares at me blushing lightly with puppy-dog eyes. I gulp. I stretch out her last garment down her legs as loud as possible. There, her flower lays bare devoid of any hair. She mutters, ÔÇ£Stop starinÔÇÖÔǪÔÇØ\n┬á\nI slap her on her most sensitive part repeatedly. Her body shakes as I do. She mutters, ÔÇ£MoreÔǪÔÇØ\n┬á\nHer juices splash on my hand with every whack. I move my body parallel to hers, wanting to kiss her again. Our tongues mingle. This time, we take turns sucking on each otherÔÇÖs tongue. I slam two fingers inside her. She pushes my head away and whispers, ÔÇ£That feels so goodÔǪÔÇØ\n┬á\nI whisper back, ÔÇ£Is it bad that IÔÇÖve been anticipating this the entire day? I wanna thrust my entire body inside youÔǪ I even declined sex from Marin earlier because I wanted to be at peak performance for you.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nMy erection presses hard against my pants. I canÔÇÖt keep it together anymore. I climb off of her to take off my belt. And then my pants. And then my underwear. As if memorized by my body, she hasnÔÇÖt said a word the entire time. I crouch back onto the bed and grab both of her ankles, pushing them toward her head. She shakes her head and then gestures me to come closer. I let her down, still very excited. Maybe she wants a position where we kiss too.\n┬á\nSuddenly, she sits up and whispers in my ear, ÔÇ£I donÔÇÖt want to go through with this anymore.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£What do you mean? Captain CitrioÔÇÖs right there,ÔÇØ I whisper.\n┬á\nÔÇ£Ah! YouÔÇÖre so hard!ÔÇØ Hina exclaims and shakes the bed. She continues in a whisper, ÔÇ£I donÔÇÖt want to ruin you and Marin. I like you as a friend and Marin too. WouldnÔÇÖt want to destroy what you guys had already.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nIÔÇÖm a bit disappointed even though I was doing this as a favor for her. I push her down and thrust open air above her to shake the bed. We both pant and moan for the show. She reaches for my member and whispers, ÔÇ£Just this time, only sex is off limits.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nI gulp. "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"So sheÔÇÖs fine with kissing and touching?"},{"insert":" \n┬á\nWe continue acting as if we have our bodies locked together, but really weÔÇÖre only touching each other. Closing in on climax, we both exclaim each otherÔÇÖs name. I shake the bed more violently in the last few moments.\n┬á\nÔÇ£"},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Hina-ugh"},{"insert":"!ÔÇØ"},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":" "},{"insert":"I exclaim and explode my juices in short bursts all over her upper body. I flop onto the bed beside her. Faint footsteps resound outside the door. Captain Citrio should be gone now. Just in case, I whisper, ÔÇ£Sorry, made a mess.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£ItÔÇÖs okay. ItÔÇÖs just this once. I didnÔÇÖt want to make you stop again because of my selfish request at the last second.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£ItÔÇÖs not selfish. YouÔÇÖre looking out for me and Marin, right?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£YeahÔǪbut things will be hard from now. I donÔÇÖt want to keep actinÔÇÖ like this when you get nothinÔÇÖ out of it. Maybe itÔÇÖs enough that Captain Citrio believes we did it once. He wouldnÔÇÖt want a woman who does these things on a whim.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£From what you told me about him, I donÔÇÖt think that will work. I donÔÇÖt mind if we continue to act. WeÔÇÖve already put the plan in motion. IÔÇÖll see it through. Besides, I had fun "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"acting"},{"insert":". With Marin, itÔÇÖs moreÔǪquiet. We canÔÇÖt have it be openly known.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nShe giggles. ÔÇ£Yeah, that was fun. I wonder what was goinÔÇÖ on in Captain CitrioÔÇÖs head while we were doinÔÇÖ that.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Well, you should be safe from Captain Citrio from now on. Wanna get dinner now?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Oh, now I know why you agreed to do this.ÔÇØ \n┬á\nÔÇ£WhyÔÇÖs that?ÔÇØ I ask, not knowing what sheÔÇÖs referring to.\n┬á\nÔÇ£You want access to the cookinÔÇÖ station. Since weÔÇÖre a couple now, it would be strange if we didnÔÇÖt eat meals together,ÔÇØ she says with a grin.\n┬á\nÔÇ£YepÔǪÔÇØ I answer devoid of any energy. ÔÇ£ThatÔÇÖs "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"exactly "},{"insert":"it. I just hate cafeteria food that much.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Let me clean up and we can go,ÔÇØ Hina says and walks to the bathroom. \n┬á\nI start to get dressed. ÔÇ£By the way, whatÔÇÖd you end up telling Simon, Dennis, and Luke? Do they know that our relationship isnÔÇÖt real?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£I told them about Captain Citrio, butÔǪwell things happened.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£What does that mean?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£They already knew I had a thing for you, so I couldnÔÇÖt really get out of it. They think weÔÇÖre in a relationship for real. I didnÔÇÖt tell them about you and Marin either.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nSeriously? ThatÔÇÖs a bit bad because I told Captain Albius it was all an actÔǪ But IÔÇÖm sure he wonÔÇÖt spill the beans because heÔÇÖs only trying to help me now. The only loose string here is Ruby. Captain Albius should be alerted when sheÔÇÖs back from her mission, right? IÔÇÖll ask him to tell her to find me as soon as possible when she gets back.\n┬á\nBoth of us get dressed and head down to the cafeteria. Captain Albius is in one of the cooking station rooms, so we go there instead of her contact. I introduce her to everyone, giving Captain Albius the idea that our relationship is as real as it gets or at least it needs to seem that way to everyone. He plays along. I confirm from him that Ruby is on a separate mission by herself. So I tell him to tell her to find me as the first thing she does once sheÔÇÖs back.\n┬á\nI part ways with Hina after dinner and return to my room. I still have quite a bit of energy and fire in me despite my encounter with Hina earlier. I have a lot of unreleased energy because we never got to do it. \n┬á\nMarin meets me in my room where I explain to her what happened with Hina and the game plan from now on. I deliver my promise from earlier and get fairly busy that night with her.\n┬á\nÔǪ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Kai!ÔÇØ someone exclaims and bashes on my door.\n┬á\nIt jolts me and Marin awake. I sit up from the bed and ask, ÔÇ£Who the hell?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£ItÔÇÖs Luke. Kai, youÔÇÖve got to come quickly!ÔÇØ he exclaims quickly. ÔÇ£Open the door!ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Hold on, let me get dressed,ÔÇØ I say and get up from the bed. It would be really bad if he saw Marin. I signal her to go into the bathroom. She walks there quietly careful not to make any extra noise. I hide her clothes under the bed and then get dressed. I open the door, Luke standing there, panting. ÔÇ£WhatÔÇÖs wrong?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Hina and Ruby are fighting in the cafeteria,ÔÇØ he informs.\n┬á\nI widen my eyes. "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Oh shit! Fuck!"},{"insert":"\n┬á\nHe continues, ÔÇ£ItÔÇÖs bad. Ruby suddenly attacked her. Everyone evacuated the cafeteria because they started using magic.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£"},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"What?!"},{"insert":" Magic? Are you serious? ThereÔÇÖs no one there to stop them?ÔÇØ I ask, quickly shutting the room behind me and following Luke. We practically sprint there.\n┬á\nÔÇ£Apparently all the Lieutenants and above are having a meeting. ThatÔÇÖs where everyoneÔÇÖs running to now. YouÔÇÖve got to stop them before it gets worse.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nWe reach the center of the second level. People are running up the stairs. We go down into the Crossroads and into the cafeteria. \n┬á\nImmediately, witness a scene of pure fire and water. ItÔÇÖs too much to take in. Both of them scream while launching magic attacks at each other. How the hell did this happen? I know I should be stopping them, but this fight is on a larger scale of a fight than I thought. Almost the entire room has been affected. The tables are in the air encapsulated by Water magic. Other tables are burnt or bunched up together in one side of the room.\n┬á\nNo, I know how this happened. Ruby mustÔÇÖve heard about Hina and me. I did this. I walk into the chaos and exclaim, ÔÇ£Ruby! Stop this right now!ÔÇØ\n┬á\nShe looks at me but a moment but turns away. ÔÇ£WhatÔÇÖd ya do ta my Kai?! Ya fuckinÔÇÖ "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"bitch"},{"insert":". Ya did somethinÔÇÖ ta ÔÇÿim didnÔÇÖtcha?!ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£HeÔÇÖs not yours.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Yeah, he is! ÔÇÿNÔÇÖ ya knew that! "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Fireball barrage! Fireball barrage! Fireball!ÔÇØ"},{"insert":" she exclaims while running around Hina. Two pairs of three miniature fireballs appear from the tip of three fingers that gradually increase in size as they fly toward Hina. A larger ball of fire follows. SheÔÇÖs not playing around. IÔÇÖve used Fire magic enough to know that sheÔÇÖs using Rich Mana to build those attacks.\n┬á\nHina stands still, seemingly ready for her attack. The floating balls of water around the room with the tables inside them slam down on RubyÔÇÖs magic. More clumps of water appear in front of Hina too. The magic collide. Smoke and steam spread throughout the room. I canÔÇÖt see. I continue walking forward to where Hina was standing. I leave only a tiny sliver of my eye open as a gust of wind blows over me. The smoke and steam clear up.\n┬á\nIt looks like RubyÔÇÖs preparing another attack. I take this chance to run in front of Hina and spreading my arms apart, guarding her.\n┬á\nShe yells, ÔÇ£Kai! Get outta the way! SheÔÇÖs got ya under ÔÇÿer spell. I know it!ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£No! You need to listen to me! Stop attacking her right now or, IÔÇÖm never gonna speak to you again!ÔÇØ\n┬á\nShe drops her arms down as if defeated. Tears stream down her eyes. ÔÇ£But, why, KaiÔǪ?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nI turn around to see how HinaÔÇÖs doing. Her left arm hangs in front of her, covered in second-degree burns. I grimace. That looks quite painful. ÔÇ£Go ahead and go to the clinic. IÔÇÖll handle Ruby now. Sorry about this, Hina.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nShe just looks at me and nods. I think sheÔÇÖs trying to keep herself together. Luke runs over and lends her a shoulder. I walk over to Ruby, now kneeling on the ground head down and crying. ÔÇ£Ruby, I was looking for you so I could explain.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nShe sniffles and asks, ÔÇ£That yer throwinÔÇÖ me away?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£No. Look. You have it all wrong. The truth is, there was someone doing things to Hina that she didnÔÇÖt like. The only way for them to stop was to pretend that she had a boyfriend. So weÔÇÖre just pretending. None of itÔÇÖs true.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nShe looks up. ÔÇ£Really?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Yeah. But you canÔÇÖt tell anyone. No matter what. "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"No one"},{"insert":" can find out.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Okay, I got itÔǪÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£And howÔÇÖd you find out about this so quickly? Captain Albius told me you were on a mission. DidnÔÇÖt think youÔÇÖd get back this early in the morning.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£OhÔǪyeah. There was a small errand he wanted me ta run. NothinÔÇÖ hard, but took a while.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£This isnÔÇÖt the first time that youÔÇÖre nowhere to be found. This time was a mission, but other times werenÔÇÖtÔǪ Is there something else youÔÇÖre not telling us?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£WellÔǪIÔÇöÔÇ£\n┬á\nÔÇ£What in tarnation?!ÔÇØ someone exclaims behind us. I know him. HeÔÇÖs one of the three Majors. One of the older ones, early 50ÔÇÖs maybe. ÔÇ£Identify yourself!ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£WeÔÇÖre both Sigma 4. IÔÇÖm Sergeant Kai. This is Corporal Ruby. Sir, I can explainÔÇöÔÇ£\n┬á\nÔÇ£What the hellÔÇÖs wrong with you adventurers? Do you think you have some kind of special privilege to cause trouble?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Of course not, sir, butÔÇöÔÇ£\n┬á\nÔÇ£The Sigma platoons were created so you could have more freedom and didnÔÇÖt have to start as a Soldier like everyone else. But it wasnÔÇÖt enough, huh? You two, youÔÇÖre coming with me to see General Nero. HeÔÇÖs still in the meeting, so youÔÇÖll have to wait.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nWe follow him to the third level to General NeroÔÇÖs office. He comes by with Captain Albius sometime later.\n┬á\nÔÇ£What do we have here, Major Galan?ÔÇØ General Nero asks.\n┬á\nÔÇ£The culprits for the chaos this morning.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£I see. Thank you. IÔÇÖll take it from here.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Yes, sir,ÔÇØ Major Galan says with a salute and then leaves.\n┬á\nÔÇ£Well, come inside Sergeant Kai, and Corporal Ruby,ÔÇØ General Nero says and goes into his office. We follow him. Captain Albius right behind us. ÔÇ£Tell me what happened.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Yes, sir. I was informed by someone from Sigma 8 this morning about a fight between Sergeant Hina and Corporal Ruby and went to check it out. I stopped the fight immediately. Sergeant HinaÔÇÖs being treated in the clinic as we speak. I apologize for the trouble,ÔÇØ I say and bow my head.\n┬á\nÔÇ£I see. Well, IÔÇÖll let you off with a warning this time since no one else was hurt. YouÔÇÖve been doing a great job recently other than this little incident. Captain Albius has said many great things about you. IsnÔÇÖt that right?ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Yes, sir. Sergeant Kai has changed a lot these recent months. HeÔÇÖs been doinÔÇÖ a great job under my supervision.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Thank you, sir. IÔÇÖll make sure something like this never happens again. Ruby, apologize too.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nRuby frowns and looks away. ÔÇ£IÔÇÖm "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"sorry."},{"insert":"ÔÇØ\n┬á\nI hit her on the arm lightly. ÔÇ£IÔÇÖm sorry about that, sir. Come on Ruby, try again more sincerely.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nShe looks at them this time and answers, ÔÇ£IÔÇÖm sorry. Please forgive me.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£DonÔÇÖt let this happen again, Corporal Ruby. YouÔÇÖve got a great leader. Listen to him,ÔÇØ General Nero says. ÔÇ£YouÔÇÖre free to go.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£Thank you, sir,ÔÇØ I say again before leaving with Ruby. I walk a good distance away from their office before turning back to Ruby. ÔÇ£Ruby, I canÔÇÖt have you acting like this toward General Nero and Captain Albius anymore.ÔÇØ\n┬á\nÔÇ£ButÔÇöÔÇ£\n┬á\nÔÇ£Captain Albius only means good to us. HeÔÇÖs helped me a lot and we cleared up a lot of misunderstandings. I wonÔÇÖt tolerate any ba