And so it begins...

It is finally the day. The day we had all been waiting for. Our lives were about to change. Some for the best and for some of us... the worse.

"Troop! Attention! Present Arrrms!"

We all lifted our rifles up off the ground and held them high into the air in show of respect to our commanding officer Lieutenant General Talmon.

The General, a small yet intimidating man, took his place at the podium ahead of our formation. He slipped his pearl white gloves onto his hand as he reached for the microphone. Tapping it a few times he cleared his throat.

"Ahem. Cadets of Class 2475. You all have successfully completed your initial training into becoming highly trained soldiers for our High King, King Rubin the Fifth. With my authority bestowed upon me by his majesty, I officially recognize you all as soldiers of his majesties royal army."

A smile crept across my face as I looked over at my two childhood friends. We had done it. All of our hardwork had finally paid off. All these years had been leading up to this moment.

"Order Arms!"

We all lowered our rifles in unison with a loud clash as the stocks hit the ground.

"Troop dismissed! Proceed to the check in desk to recieve your official orders."

"Roger sir!"

We all broke formation and grabbed our bags. I ran over to my friends. We all grinned at each other. Amelia, the girl who has been my friend since I can remember and my childhood crush reached in for a hug. I blushed and hugged back.

"Congrats Chain. Your dream has finally come true. You did it!"

I smirked.

"Thanks Amelia. I really hope I get put in the capital. I would be honored to guard his majesty."

Jacob, my buddy since primary school, pat me on my shoulder hard.

"You wish man! With your luck you'll get sent to Deves!"

I hunched my back a bit and shivered. Deves is the entire head of the Kingdoms wartime effort against the Holy Kensington Empire. More soldiers meet their end there than on any other front of the war.

"Theres no way they'd send me there. I just graduated the academy. That place is for experienced soldiers. Its not a place for us newbies."

I looked over at Amelia who seemed to have a concerned look on her face.

"H-hey. I'm not actually going there. We were just joking Amelia."

Her face got worse.

"I just have a bad feeling for some reason Chain. Like something bad is going to happen."

I put my hand on her shoulder in an attempt to comfort her. Though I was just scared as she was at the possibility.

"I'll be fine! You don't have to worry about me!"

She forced a smile.

"Dont worry Chain. I'll protect you no matter what. Nothing will stop me from protecting you. Not even Deves."

I smiled back and blushed a little.

We all started making our way to the check in station.

Jacob was the first in line to get his orders.

He opened his orders and had a face of disappointment.

"Damn... Academy duty... Guess I have to take care of the academy grounds."

Amelia was next. She opened hers and her face lit up.

"It says here that I've been chosen to protect his majesty in his court for my bravery and commitment during my years at the academy!"

I smiled with excitement at her.

"Congtats Amel! You earned it!"

It was my turn. I grabbed my paper. My hands, shaky and sweaty, I slowly opened the paper. My face went from excitement and nervousness to that of pure horror. I was going the one place I never wanted to go. The place every soldier dreads going. I was going to...

"I-it says... *gulp*... I'm going to. DEVES"