Promotion

Marc recovered his physical injury throughout a couple of days. His passion for killing the Emporer has been freshly renewed.

He went and secretly brought the exosuit onboard the ship to his room. He had to pay off a few of the guards, requiring his entire first month's pay, but it was worth it to get the suit onboard.

His promotion to Corporal had gotten him some perks, such as being able to have his own living space. Plus, he can command all those below his rank. The rank of Corporal didn't interest Marc so much compared to the position after.

The rank of Sergeant would allow Marc to get on the Emporer's guard detail, and that was his final goal.

Marc sat on his bed in his now private quarters. Looking into the eyes of the wolf's helm, he couldn't help but shiver in fear.

It was the closest he had ever felt to death when he fought Inian in the exosuit. He was overpowered so easily, and he only lived because Inian had recognized him before killing him.

Marc wanted the Emporer the same way he feared his impending death.

Marc snorted, it would be ironic to kill the Emporer using this suit of armor.

Suddenly there was a knock on his door, making Marc jump and kick the exosuit under his bed. "Who is it?" He called out. "This is private Max, and the lieutenant requires your presence."

Marc groaned, "I'm on my way." Marc made sure that the exosuit was well hidden before opening his door.

His eyes opened in shock as he realized who had spoken, it was a man who looked very similar to Oliver, his old mercenary captain. "no way..." he muttered. Max's eyes widened as well, "is that you, Marc? The one who joined with my brother?"

"Yeah, how are you here? What happened?"

Max's exhaustion was visible on his face, "I had no choice but to be here. The Empire gave an ultimatum to mercenaries saying to either join them or be destroyed along with Seyukha. Because all mercenaries must be related to Seyukha!" Max said sarcastically. "I've been looking for my brother since I've been 'conscripted' into the Empire. What about you?"

Marc's shoulders tensed, he didn't know how to tell Max his brother was dead.

"Max, I'm not sure how to say this, but Oliver died a while back. We were fighting a mid-tier monster, and things went wrong. I'm sorry."

Max stepped back but didn't look as shocked as Marc would have thought. "I might've guessed," Max began, "I haven't been able to communicate with him for a while now, and many mercenaries have been slain. I guess I was already preparing myself for the worst...anyway; you should hurry to the lieutenant. You shouldn't keep him waiting." Max walked away, downcast to perform some other duty.

Marc silently watched him leave and then went up to the lieutenant's office. He knocked on the solid door that stood in front of him, "come in." a voice said.

Marc walked in, and the lieutenant was sitting at his desk, writing some reports about the recent battle. "Sit," he said, so Marc sat.

"I'm not sure if you are aware young Marc, but you are not the only one who hates the Empire. Some of us in the higher ranks despise the Emporer."

Marc's eyebrows shot up, he knew many hated the Empire, but for someone from the officer, side to hate the Emporer was surprising.

"Why would you tell me that sir? What's your reasoning?"

The lieutenant stopped writing, "it's because I need you. I'm sure you've had the same idea, but I believe that you can assassinate the Emporer by getting on his guard detail. Officers are not allowed to guard the Emporer. But we can recommend guards. So once you reach the rank of Sergeant, I'm going to recommend YOU."

Marc was shocked that he had a plan, and this officer was going to help him do exactly what he was planning to do. He leaned forward, "can you tell me about other security around the Emporer?"

The lieutenant nodded, "once it gets closer to that time, then I will tell you, but until then focus on not getting in trouble and get yourself promoted. Are we clear?"

Marc smiled, "yes, sir!" He walked out, happy that his plan was moving forward.

..........................................

"Janae, wake up, we're here," Inian said as they drove up to Segar's gate. Janae snorted and sat up, wiping the drool off her chin, "this is the city? Are you sure?"

"Positive," answered Inian. The city was located in the middle of dry flatlands with only some specks of grass here or there. The walls were rusted and small, and there were no guards situated anywhere on the walls.

There was a little slit for someone to shoot through, and when they saw Inian and Janae coming, they opened up the gates.

Inian slowly drove inside, and the gates were closed behind him. "Hey Inian, I have a bad feeling being here." Inian nodded in agreeance.

Several men wearing nothing but random rags came up to the vehicle with rifles or spears or spiked clubs. A lead man with a gun spoke up, "Welcome to Segar, a place of luxury and safety! For a few. The payment for staying here is oh... everything you have. So hop out and make this easy on us."

Janae grabbed a pistol she brought with, and Inian was shaking in anger. They had just escaped safely, and now they're in danger again? He was put in charge of taking care of Janae, and this was unacceptable!

He stood up when a man wearing a gas mask walked up to him. Inian was prepared to start fighting when the man sprayed him in the face a few times. He instantly became drowsy, 'damn it,' he thought before he passed out.