Chapter 10: The Road To Training

Commander Kyle stood up, and the entire arena fell silent in response.

"Welcome, recruits," Commander Kyle said, his voice steady but commanding.

The arena erupted in cheers, with the sound of excitement echoing across the vast space.

Commander Kyle raised a hand, and the cheering gradually subsided. "You should know that the responsibility in the army is far greater than you can imagine. The wars you'll fight are more intense than what you've just experienced. The screening process is complete, but training is just beginning. That will determine your placement in the barracks. Face every challenge with diligence. There's no room for slacking off. Once again, welcome!" he said, smiling.

From his spot, Hazen watched Commander Kyle with admiration. "What power… he looks strong," Hazen thought, her eyes tracing the commander's sturdy physique.

"Hey, Hazen!" A voice broke through her thoughts.

Hazen turned to see the blonde guy she met at the gate approaching.

"Hey, you made it too," Hazen said with a grin, walking toward him.

"Yeah, and so did you," the blonde guy replied, grinning. "I saw you out there—you're already popular."

Hazen laughed softly. "I doubt that. Anyway, let's go find a room before all the good ones are taken."

As they began walking toward the exit, Hazen glanced at him curiously. "Hey, I don't think I caught your name earlier."

"It's Ghain," the blonde replied with a friendly smile.

---

Hazen and Ghain entered their assigned dormitory. The walls were painted in dark grey and black, the heavy curtains matched the atmosphere, and on the left stood a gothic-inspired statue, watching over the room like a sentinel.

"Exactly what I expected from the army," Hazen thought, taking it all in.

"Look at him! That's the guy Commander Kyle was watching for more than a second!" a voice whispered nearby.

Hazen glanced at two skinny recruits, staring at him intently. "What are they even talking about?" Hazen thought, frowning slightly as she walked into the room, already feeling at home.

Ghain followed, curious. "That's true, though. I noticed it too. Do you know the commander?"

"Nope. No clue why he'd look at me," Hazen replied lazily, heading toward a bed. "I wonder who our roommates will be."

"They've got to be decent—it's the army, after all," Ghain said, eyes darting toward the door.

Almost on cue, the door burst open with a loud bang. "I'm starving! I joined the army to get stronger, not to starve to death!" a chubby, pale-skinned recruit stormed in, followed by a tall, slim guy with tattoos running down his left arm.

The chubby guy suddenly froze, eyes widening as he spotted Hazen. "Oh my goodness! I'm in the same room as Hazen!"

He rushed over to Hazen, staring at him like a fan meeting a celebrity.

"Uh… hi. I'm—" Hazen began, a little startled.

"No need to introduce yourself! Who doesn't know Hazen?!" the chubby guy interrupted, smiling brightly. "I'm Caleb, but you can call me Fatty!" he said, waving enthusiastically.

Hazen chuckled, taken aback by the warmth. "Nice to meet you, Fatty."

As they chatted, Ghain and the tattooed guy exchanged glances, both feeling slightly left out.

"AHEM!" Ghain cleared his throat loudly, cutting into their conversation.

Hazen laughed apologetically. "Our bad. Sorry about that!" She turned toward the tattooed guy. "What's your name?"

"I'm Cain," the guy replied with a relaxed smile.

"Ooo, Cain and Ghain!" Fatty said mischievously, glancing between the two, his expression playful.

"I'm straight!" Ghain blurted out, his face turning slightly pink as he quickly looked away and moved toward his bed.

Cain's lips curled into a subtle smirk as he watched Ghain's flustered reaction. "Cute," he thought.

Fatty and Hazen couldn't hold back their laughter, and even Cain let out a soft chuckle.

They all turned to their beds, unpacking their belongings when Fatty let out a loud sigh, accompanied by a stomach growl.

"You're hungry again?" Hazen asked, sitting down on her bed and looking at Fatty with amusement.

"Yes! I've been starving since I got here," Fatty groaned, dropping to the floor dramatically.

Just then, a grumpy voice blared over the speakers. "Attention! Report to the canteen for dinner!"

"Food!" Fatty's eyes lit up, but then his expression dropped. "Wait… what if there's not enough?"

Cain held back a laugh. "Don't worry, Fatty. I'll talk to the kitchen staff. We'll make sure you're fed," he said with a reassuring smile.

---

They arrived at the canteen, a large, bustling hall filled with wooden tables and chairs, polished floors, and wide windows that let in a refreshing breeze. Above them, a grand chandelier bathed the space in a warm, golden glow, giving the place a cosy feel despite the noise of recruits.

"Wow, I didn't expect this many people," Ghain muttered, scanning the room.

"Me neither," Hazen agreed, her eyes also surveying the crowd.

"Let's hurry and get food before Fatty faints," Cain said, nudging Fatty, who was looking desperate.

They joined the queue, and slowly but surely, it moved forward. When it was finally their turn, Hazen and the others grabbed their plates and stood waiting for Fatty, who had somehow picked up the largest tray available.

"Hey! Everyone's taking plates—what are you doing with a tray?" the kitchen staff barked.

Fatty looked genuinely confused. "Well, I figured the plates wouldn't be enough for me, so I thought I'd use the tray. It's fine, I'll manage."

The kitchen staff scowled. "Put the tray back. You get a plate like everyone else."

Before Fatty could argue, Hazen stepped up, her voice calm but firm. "Give him four plates, then."

The staff and the other recruits turned to look.

Hazen continued, her tone steady. She stretched her hand forward pointing at the banner above the kitchen staff head "Rule 21 states that all army members must be well-fed. We're not here for a picnic—we're here to train. My friend here needs to eat enough to keep up. Unless you want him to collapse during training tomorrow and you can face the consequences. I suggest you follow the rules and feed him properly."

There was a pause before the canteen burst into applause and cheers.

"That's Hazen!" someone shouted.

The kitchen staff grumbled but, knowing they were outmatched, filled four bowls and handed them over to Fatty.

"That was awesome!" Ghain said, bumping Hazen's shoulder as they walked away with their food.

Hazen grinned. "Fatty's going to need all the strength he can get for tomorrow."

"Thanks, Hazen! I don't know what I'd do without you!" Fatty beamed, eyeing his four bowls with satisfaction.

"Alright, let's eat quickly and rest up. Tomorrow's training is going to be intense it won't be like the one we had in our homes," Cain said, already digging into his meal.

"Exactly what about you that haven't received any training?" Amoris said in Hazen's mind

"Yeah," Hazen thought to herself, "I'll be ready for whatever's coming."