Shipped off

"Alright, now that we got the interview part over with. Let's give you guys your selections."

Scarface said as he sat down and started fiddling with a projection that appeared out of his table. 

Sun was patient as this was the deciding moment as to where his next three years of service would be appointed. It was quite a while and he didn't want some shithole. 

While waiting he couldn't help but ponder for a moment on the other four's answers to Scarface. 

Ignis was straightforward, she didn't want to be constrained against her will and between the family and the army, the army might send you to your death but it interfered less with your personal life. While vice-versa, the family wanted you less dead but controlled more due to that. 

Val was rejected from higher education so he decided on finding work within the army. The pay was decent and not all personnel were pure combatants. 

Froid, dude was practically a hero template, he was from a long line of soldiers from the winterlands. He was the third generation. This explained his unique rank 6. 

Finally, hypno-frog, he seemed to be lying through his teeth with a smile and no one could notice. Except Sun. Something just felt off to him but he dismissed it as he might just be being overly cautious. Man just said he was from the rural areas and wanted to do something bigger than have just a village life. It seemed so normal yet his bloodline made Sun expect some secret military espionage group of green-eyed brain monsters. 

Espionage is probably the best suited for mind controllers according to Sun.

Seeing Scarface suddenly stand up, everyone came to attention. A large projected screen floated in the middle of the room after a few swipes from Scarface.

"Alright, here are the locations that are most suitable for you in terms of the value you bring and available resources for your specific needs."

Sun became expectant as he didn't predict the army not only considering your usefulness to the base you are shipped off but also your future growth within their sphere. Seems they weren't straight-up horrible to the recruits. 

Then again, it may just be the carrot before the stick. Sun knew nothing was free and considering the locations he wasn't sure if its worth while.

As each scrutinized the precise placements of their names, they began contemplating their options. Each person had been presented with two or three choices within the base's full sphere of operation. Sun, concentrating solely on his own name, noticed a sizable area on the map that appeared somewhat secluded.

He couldn't help but frown. Reading the notices next to his name. 

[New Development Project Nexus, Sector 7, East Jungle Frontier]

[Expansion of Nexus Academy Research Grounds]

[Development of New Settlements and Academic Research Centers]

"Oh?" Sun raised a brow seeing the details. Wasn't this too good? 

Seeing Sun have some weird expression from his location, Scarface guessed he might be confused.

"I would advise you to work hard at your base, compared to the other three, this one has quite a few benefits for you specifically but the danger is equivalent, those jungles have quite the reputation and dangers within some of which even we aren't aware of." 

Scarface advised in a serious tone. 

'I think he's motivating me... maybe. That face doesn't help.' Sun couldn't help but think after hearing the pep talk from him.

"Thank you, Sir, I'll make sure to work hard." 

"Alright, now you may be off, rest and tomorrow we'll be in the main hall departing for your locations."

Shipping them out quickly, Scarface returned to his desk and sighed. Relaxing and puffing on his cigar, he looked over at the demon goat king and had a wicked smile form once again.

If Sun were here, he would have felt the killing intent from the Goat king noticeably flickering with weakness compared to earlier. 

"So where you guys getting shipped off?" Val asked with curiosity as they walked in the hall.

"Winterlands," Froid answered curtly. 

Nobody was surprised, he mentioned it earlier and it was almost tradition considering his abilities were overpowered in the winterlands. 

"That's nice, you're closer to home, I'm getting sent off to the Nexus frontier. Why is my luck so bad." Val said as he sighed.

"Oh relax, it's not even that bad. I'll be there too, we can stick together and get through it." Ignis said calmly as she strode forward.

"Sun, I think I've fallen in love, the fiery beauty will protect me!" Val emotionally leaned on Sun in a joking manner which got a few chuckles. 

"Sorry young man, but I don't plan on dating anytime soon." Ignis flat-out refused even though she knew it was a joke, considering her past, she was blunt with these affairs.

Val didn't take it personally and they kept chatting. 

"What about you and Lux? Where are you two getting sent off?" 

Lux was just smilingly tagging along as they were headed in the same direction. He was quite social so he somehow fit right in. 

"Ah, seems I'll be heading to the southern battlefields. It seems I can get ahead if I work hard enough over there." 

Hearing this, Ignis, Froid and Val were quiet. 

"Are you scared?" Val asked softly. 

Sun was confused at the change in mood but listened. 

"No, I won't be thrown directly into the battles and there are resource points there as well. My fighting abilities are pretty good so I'm not too worried, after all I joined to have a different life." 

He explained naturally and it seemed so normal but Sun's intuition triggered again as though something was wrong. 

Ignoring it for the moment, he continued. 

"Guess where I'm going hehe."

"We already heard you going to the nexus development, snort." Ignis replied while doing a cute snort.

"Ah, true." Sun realizing this just smiled awkwardly. 

"Though I am pretty surprised you are getting sent there, those guys related to the nexus development are quite quirky. Guess you have some pretty good rune skills for that to be an option." Froid mentioned that he had heard a few things about the nexus development. 

"It's what got me out of poverty so of course I'd hone my skills in it." Sun said matter-of-factly as they finally reached a crossroads. Seeing this, everyone paused for a moment.

"It was a pleasure meeting you all, if ever you are in my area, feel free to reach out, I'll get me a spot of my own while I serve there." Sun said smiling at everyone, even the green-eyed Abra Kad [censored]".

"Likewise, stay safe, we might meet again if you do." Ignis continued and the rest followed before splitting apart.

Walking alone towards his quarters, Sun was happy at the turn of events he went through, although their meeting was short, he managed to make some sort of army friends. Moving on, he started reading up on the base and the priority organizations involved. 

He had to know what he was getting himself into after all.