The morning sun filtered through the mist as Ryuzen and Venus boarded the military airship bound for Garrison No. 7.
Behind them, they left Evangeline in Maki's care, trusting the older girl to keep her safe. Meanwhile, John had already set off in another direction, determined to find steady work as a City Guard.
They understood each other's goals and limitations without needing to say much. Cooperation came naturally. Each of them was working toward something greater, and that quiet understanding was enough.
After nearly six hours of flight, the military airship descended toward the western borders of the territory. Below them stretched a sprawling stronghold, surrounded by thick concrete walls embedded with turrets and barrier runes that shimmered faintly in the sunlight.
Garrison No. 7 loomed like another fortress born from war. Watchtowers lined the perimeter, their sentries scanning the skies and horizon with practiced precision.
Inside, the base buzzed with activity. Uniformed soldiers moved briskly from one post to another, their expressions sharp and unwavering. Conversations were rare, and when they occurred, they were clipped and professional. There was no space here for idle chatter.
The air reeked of iron, oil, and sweat. Fighter jets lined one side of the runway while combat drones hovered on standby. A training field echoed with grunts and the clash of weapons. Evolvers in combat gear were locked in mock battles, their abilities flashing like streaks of lightning, fire, and shadow.
A junior officer approached the duo, barely giving them a second glance before pointing toward the largest tent near the center of the base. It was massive, reinforced with black alloy poles and covered in thick tarpaulin, draped with the Garrison insignia stitched in gold. This was where the Garrison Leader Boron Varn resided.
Without delay, Ryuzen and Venus followed the path laid out for them. Every step felt heavier beneath the stares of passing soldiers who sensed the unfamiliar aura around them. Yet none dared to stop them. Whether it was respect, indifference, or something else entirely, they were allowed to pass.
As they stood before the entrance of the tent, Ryuzen cast a glance at Venus.
Her eyes gave a curt nod of approval.
They stepped inside together.
The voice cut through the air like a blade the moment Ryuzen and Venus stepped inside the tent.
They paused, eyes drawn to the source. At the far side of the room sat a stern-faced man at a circular steel table cluttered with maps, magical projections, and reports.
He was commander Boron Varn, the leader of Garrison No. 7.
He wore a sharp green and red military uniform, each fold pressed to perfection. A four-star insignia gleamed on his chest, signifying his rank—Commander of Garrison No. 7.
The man wasn't imposing by size. His build was lean, almost wiry, but the atmosphere around him was heavy, pressing down like a stormcloud. His presence alone demanded attention, his every motion calculated and precise. There was no warmth in his gaze, only razor-sharp focus and the silent expectation of excellence.
There were three others already present in the tent. Irina, Luthor, and Felix stood at attention around the command table, silent and alert.
From the look of things, they had arrived on time. Ryuzen and Venus clearly had not. The subtle stiffness in the air was enough to make that fact obvious.
But Rudos was still missing.
"Sorry, Commander. This will not happen again," Ryuzen and Venus said together, their voices steady and respectful.
They knew better than to offer excuses. A man would see through them in an instant. Sincerity was the only way forward.
"Good. At least you realize your mistake," the Commander replied, his tone still sharp. "But where is the little one?"
"Commander, Rudos should be here any minute. As the elected captain of this Junior Blood Legion, I offer my sincere apology," Luthor stepped forward, keeping his tone calm and humble.
Commander Varn's eyes locked onto Luthor. The silence stretched for a few seconds, heavy with tension.
"He has two minutes. If he is not inside this tent by then, he will be prohibited from today's meeting. No exceptions. Understood?"
"Yes, Commander," Luthor responded without hesitation.
Ryuzen glanced briefly at Venus, who gave him the smallest nod. There was no doubt now. This place was strict, uncompromising, and without mercy for those who lagged behind.
Garrison No. 7 was not just a military base. It was a forge. And only those who could endure the heat would come out stronger.
It hadn't even been a full minute before the tent flap was pushed aside and Rudos walked in, unhurried and perfectly calm. His steps were confident, and although he gave a formal bow and spoke with respect, the cocky smirk on his face never once disappeared.
"My apologies for the delay, Commander," he said, voice smooth.
The Commander eyed him without blinking. For a tense moment, no one knew how he would respond. But eventually, he gave a subtle nod and turned his attention to the group.
"Now that everyone is here, let us begin."
He stood up, hands resting on the table as he looked over each of them. His gaze was sharp, deliberate, like he was taking the measure of their very souls.
"First of all, the six of you should understand the honor that has been placed upon you. You were not selected by accident. The Six Great Commanders of the Blood Legion do not make decisions based on whim or luck."
He paused for emphasis.
"They saw potential in you. Raw, untapped, and dangerous potential. And they believe you have what it takes to succeed their places in thr near future."
The air in the tent grew heavier. Even Rudos's smirk faded slightly.
"As their chosen successors, you are being entrusted with a future most could only dream of. If you succeed, you will one day command Blood Legion. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers will be under your command."
He walked slowly around the table, letting the weight of his words sink in.
"But power without discipline is chaos. And ambition without control is suicide. That is why you are here. You are not yet ready. But you will be forged into something greater. You will be shaped, tested, and broken if needed, until you become worthy of the role you've been offered."
His eyes landed on Ryuzen.
"This is not a title. It is a responsibility. A burden. And only those strong enough to carry it will survive."
"Your training begins with a simple assignment."