Chapter 02-The Colorless Enigma
"Why is everyone gathered here? It's time to head to your posts."
"Yes, Sergeant, but the issue is Leon's Rank."
"What are you all discussing? Hand over that data."
The Sergeant appeared shocked, though he concealed it well, and stated, "Leon's Soul is Colorless, that's the fact. However, his rank remains at Rank F, and his Mana period (MP) is still Level I."
Codey inquired, "Sergeant, during our training, we were taught that colorless souls are only found in Demi species or their descendants, and only royals are allowed to possess Demi species due to their high mana manipulation and strong souls. Regular civilians can't have Demi species because..."
The Sergeant couldn't help but curse to himself.
"How would I know? This is new even to me. I've never witnessed or heard of a civilian having a colorless soul. What's even more astonishing is that his rank is still Rank F, and his Mana period (MP) is also Level I. Ordinarily, colorless souls start at Rank A or higher and Mana Period Level X or higher."
"Codey, why is the Sergeant immobile, and why is he studying Leon's data so intently?"
An unfamiliar figure arrived at the training base, calling out to the Sergeant, "Sergeant, Sergeant, Sergeant."
"What?!" As he turned around, he began trembling and stammered.
"Apologies, Madam Amelia. I didn't intend to raise my voice. May I inquire about the purpose of your visit?"
Everyone wondered.
"Look at our stern-faced Sergeant. He's like a puppy in her presence."
"I've come for Leon. The Commander-in-chief wishes to see him. Where is he?"
Shock rippled through everyone, including Leon.
"Yes, Madam Amelia. That white-haired soldier at the back is Leon. Leon, come here quickly."
"Yes, Sergeant."
Amelia ordered,"Leon, son of Cyrus Stronghold, pack your belongings and follow me."
"Yes, Ma'am."
Before Leon departed, he expressed.
"Codey, Ash, Sergeant, and everyone. Thank you for your assistance and for looking out for me. I realize I've caused problems and haven't interacted with everyone much, but still, everyone has been kind to me. Once again, thank you for everything."
"Leon, if anything happens, come directly to us. We'll be here for you. Isn't that right, Codey?"
"You've got the words right for the first time. Best of luck, Leon. Take care."
A few minutes after Leon left, everyone commenced their departure to their assigned Sector Units. Most of them were assigned to Sectors C and B. Each sector had distinct units based on their ranks and roles.
"Codey, can you believe that Leon is the son of Cyrus Stronghold, the ex-Commander-in-chief?"
"Indeed. Who would've thought? He should've at least informed us. Maybe that's the kind of relationship we had, huh."
An unknown voice called out them.
"What are you both prattling about, Dumb Duo?"
"Mickey!!! Why are you here? Sector C is above us. You loser."
"Hey, Codey. I heard you have a colorless in your squad. How did that come about? What's it like to be with that... Thing?"
"Don't ignore me, Glasses."
"That thing? Seriously, Mickey? Why do you still hold a grudge against Colorless? I don't know about others, but Leon is kind and a good guy and..."
Ash added, "...And he's our friend, right?"
"Ash, don't steal my line." Both of them grinned, and Cody said, "Look at us, at least we've cheered up."
"That's the Dumb Duo for you. Always in their own world."
Codey inquired, "Hey, Mickey, which sector unit were you assigned to?"
Ash prayed in his mind, 'Please don't be Sector B7.'
"Oh, it's Sector B7."
Upon hearing that, Ash lost his resolve and sank to the floor.
"Great, we're also in Sector B7."
"It's not unexpected. Ranks E (mana period, from MP Level VI) to Rank B are stationed in Sector B for our Mana manifestation training.
Ranks F and E (MP Level I to Level V) are mostly in Sector C, and Sector A mainly encompasses ranks A and Royals."
"Mickey, what's your rank? Mine is rank D (MP Level II), and Ash is rank E (MP Level VI)."
"Oh! Mine is similar to yours, Codey. Rank D (MP Level III). And what CS (Color of the Soul) do you possess?"
"Mine is Red, and Ash's is Green. How about yours?"
"Mine's Blue. Ash's Green? No wonder he's in Sector B. He narrowly escaped Sector C assignment."
"Yeah, you're right. Just one MP level below, and he would be in Sector C."
Three Common Color Attributes (Red, Green, Blue):
- Red – Among the three, their usual MP Level starts from II, and it's harder to increase their MP level due to the difficulty of controlling their potent soul.
- Blue – A common color among the three, their usual MP Level starts from II, and the rate of increasing MP levels and controlling the soul is balanced.
- Green – Among the three, it's very easy to control their soul, and their ability to harness mana is usually high. Thus, their usual MP levels start from V.
"Who would've thought? The three of us would end up under the same roof again. Isn't it thrilling? Ash? Ash? Ash?"
Ash repeated, "Why, why? Last year was so peaceful without this idiot, why?"
After that, Cody dragged him to Sector B7.
In the meantime,
Amelia told, "Leon, we're heading to see the Commander-in-chief. He's in Sector A. He asked me to analyze your body and bring your data."
"Yes, Madam Amelia. May I ask you a question?"
"Go ahead. What is it?"
"Have you ever worked with my father?"
"No, but I've glimpsed your father on occasions and nothing else."
"I see..."
"Why are you here, Leon? In all my years, I've never come across a soldier as weak as you, and your affinity for Mana manifestation is also very low."
"Because my father and mother were here. He often talked about his missions and how he met my mother here, how they fought side by side. I wanted to see what kind of place this is."
Amelia suddenly seized Leon's throat and, her anger evident, she snapped.
"Mother? And what kind of place is this? Are you kidding me? Do you think this is some sort of school where we teach peace and diversity? We're in the midst of a war, do you comprehend how many lives are lost each day? And you tell me you came here to visit the places your father wistfully spoke of in his stories?"
"Madam Amelia, Madam Am..." Leon's consciousness began to fade.
"That's enough, Amelia." An unfamiliar voice reverberated through both their souls, and after that, Madam Amelia couldn't maintain her grip, letting him go.
"You can leave him here. We'll take care of him from now on."
After hearing that Amelia thanked him politely, "Thank you, I'll be on my way, Doctor Che Cadell."
The doctor extended a hand to help Leon stand and remarked, "In a way, your father is much like you. Please excuse Amelia's behavior. She's resolute in her fight against the Voids and has little patience for the feeble."
"It's fine. I comprehend her perspective. She's correct. In times of war, there's no place for reminiscing about pleasant yesteryears and dreams."
"You seem to possess the same sagacity as your father. Yes, Amelia's viewpoint regarding the war is accurate, but reflecting on tranquil memories and aspirations warms our souls, setting us apart from the soulless Voids."
"We're here, Leon. Welcome to the Soul Advanced Soul Search and Ancient Link Technology."
A magnificent structure, an expansive and remarkable research institute, stands as a nucleus for profound intellectual explorations, resonating with the melodies of curiosity within its grand chambers. Adorned with the threads of groundbreaking ideas, the radiant revelations of knowledge illuminate the boundless boundaries of species understanding.
"Leon, step inside. We're about to administer your test."
Entering the elevator, Leon ascended through the institute's floors, encountering walls embellished with technologies and enigmatic life forms that eluded conventional comprehension.
"Leon, we'll administer a sedative to calm your soul for the test. Don't worry."
"Understood, Doctor."
"Wake up, Leon. Wake up." A faint voice reverberated in his mind.
"Codey?"
"Don't drift off. Wake up."
"Ash?"
Amidst the cacophony of battle, Ash's voice resounded like thunder. "We're encircled by Voids everywhere. It's a trap, Leon, a trap."
"Leon, wake up. The test is concluded."
Emerging into consciousness, Leon found himself entwined in fragmented memories, uncertain if he had entered a dream, glimpsed a vision, or brushed against the fabric of the future.
"Dr. Che, how did the test go?"
"You'll learn about your results from the Commander-in-chief at Soul HQ. Your SMT result has already been sent. You can rest here or do you want to meet him right away?"
"I'd like to meet him."
"Very well. We'll arrange for someone to guide you. Wait here."
What manner of man is the Commander-in-chief, and what insights might he hold about his father? Until the next chapter.
[End of Chapter]
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Name: Leon
Position: Private
Rank: F
Soul: Colorless
Species: Human
Description: Leon is a nice guy who is timid but cares deeply about his father, Cyrus Stronghold, the Former Commander in Chief. He strives to protect everyone, much like his father did. He is determined to uncover the truth about his father's death and is acquainted with Codey and Ash.
About Cadell Family :
The Cadell family is descended from heroes of the Sun's Wrath War and is renowned as one of the largest and most influential families. Since the war's inception, they have played a pivotal role in the development of advanced technologies.
They are widely regarded as neutral parties among the royal factions and have acted as advisors in various fields. The family's core strength lies in its members, the majority of whom are dedicated researchers and technology developers.
About Che Cadell:
Position: Top Researcher in Soul Advanced Soul Search and Ancient Link Technology
Rank: S
Soul: White
Species: Human
Description: A caring father, but he prioritizes his research before family.
***