Chapter 2: Sign Here
Right outside the inner city wall, next to one of the Ten Great Gates, stood one of the barracks that were distributed evenly to welcome every man or woman who decided to join the Army. At the entrance, the guards let some space for a group of sergeants to pass. They were discussing about the campaign that was being conducted against the Country next to theirs, while heading to the outskirts.
"Anyway, I bet that General Graccus will defeat them in no more than three years. Those weaklings are tired after fighting against the Thousand Horses Empire. Maybe we can swallow them all if we strike quickly." said one of them, a colossus with a well-grown beard. He appeared to lead them, showing a face full of arrogance and disdain. Even if they had the same grade, what truly mattered was strength so there could be superior ones.
"Perhaps we'll be called on the frontline so we might harvest some fortune. At least it can't be as boring as staying here in garrison" added another with a hint of greed in his eyes.
"You're damn right ! I've had enough of keeping an eye on those f***ers. There is just no one who is worthy of our attention" agreed the colossus.
One of the others seemed to disapprove of his words as his eyes fixed the loud mouth while frowning. "You sure can speak... But you seem to forget that you were once one of them. It's only because of your family that you acceded to your rank."
"Ha ha ! Yes ! That's true ! But I've heard nobody who complained before. Do you, Serta ?" laughed the bearded man while looking at his interlocutor with a smirk.
Knowing that he could do nothing about it, Serta looked away. "No, Hillman. I don't." There was a way to solve every matter in the army, and that was to fight till death. The only rule was that no weapon was accepted. But Serta knew that he'd inevitably lose. His opponent had too many advantages, from his first grade armor to the many serums that evoluted the body his family had bought for him. Serta was strong, but his clan wasn't powerful and he could not enjoy as many benefits as Hillman. So he could only shut up.
Seeing Serta avoiding eye contact, the provocator snorted. "That's what I thought. You poor peasants should not talk that much."
As they were walking fast while talking, they soon arrived at destination. The putrid smell assaulted their nostrils, making them scowl. "Pouah ! I don't intend to stay here more than necessary. Let's split up ! We shall meet again right here in an hour" ordonned Hillman without asking any advice.
Every one went their own way, radiating in every direction in a military formation. Serta did not think much about it, as he was still sulking and acting like he didn't care. He went through a lot of districts, looking all around him and spotting every men, women and children, assessing their capabilities in a single look. "Not worth anything."
But as he was about to turn back to return at their point of rendez-vous, he saw something that made him stop. There, only a few dozen yards from him, a young boy was staring at him intensely. Even with the distance, Serta's enhanced eyes could see a strong will in his pupils. A will so profoundly anchored in his soul that it made Serta shiver for a split second. "Hm. Physically apt even though not impressive. But his will... I wonder if he could be... Yeah ! Let's try it."
Approaching the boy in a few steps, he opened his arms in a peaceful way, hoping that he wasn't one of those mad child who fought whoever went their way. It must be said that the environment was harsh and it wasn't rare to see children who went mad because of it. They usually died early, either because they went against someone stronger or because people would group up to get rid of them.
The boy wasn't showing any reaction so Serta stopped at a reasonable distance and started by introducing himself. "Hi ! I'm Sergeant Serta, of the Third Recruiting Unit. Have you ever consider to join the Army, boy ? There are a lot of advantages and you eat your fill."
Still, the boy wasn't responding so Serta tried a better approach. "You seem fit for combat, boy. You should take this chance. The better part is that I can propose you to pass a test. If you fail, you'll go through the usual stuff, but if you succeed... Then you can pretend to the Officers High School. And that means a lot ! So ? What do you say ?"
Still waiting for the boy to speak, Serta was now wondering if he was a mute. But as he was ready to try one last time, the boy opened his mouth. "No school. I want to fight."
"Don't be ridiculous ! I offer you a chance to rise to a whole new level ! It can't be compared with going through all steps one by..." but as he was arguing and trying to make him understand, he was interrupted. "No school."
Not knowing how to react to this, Serta scratched his head then sighed. "Well, I can't force you on this. Anyway, I'm not that kind of recruiter. But I guess I can show you where to go. Come with me." On the way, he tried a few times to make the boy talk, but he would never even open his mouth or look at him. Usually, it would anger him easily but he couldn't care less this time. So he stopped trying and the rest of the walk was quiet.
They were the first to arrive at the rendez-vous point, so they waited. One by one, the others arrived. Some had a girl or a boy with them, some didn't. Every one of these children had in common their strongly built body and a fierce look. They stared at each other for a while, then showed disinterest. But when they saw the boy who went with Serta, the light in their eyes changed, showing a hint of mockery. He was sitting there with crossed legs, his eyes fixed on the horizon, not caring about anything that happened around him.
Serta and the others talked about their search, waiting for the last to arrive. It was Hillman who came after everyone else, showing a great smile as he was dragging a tall and large boy who looked somewhat like a small version of himself. The boy was swearing and trying to get off his grip.
"Only if they're willing, for the love of war. No need to be a mentalist to know that he doesn't want to come" joked one man while watching the scene with an amused expression.
"Whatever... He will thank me later. I cannot stand to let this promising one stay in the shadows." It was obvious that he was proud of his finding. Not that he loved to fulfill his duty but there would be rewards if they found new potential genius of the Country. So Hillman was of course happy. When he saw Serta and the boy, his face turned even brighter as he laughed. "Ho my ! You sure found something interesting today, Serta ! Maybe he can become a cook or something. We need that as well. Ha ha !" The others joined him in the laughter, but Serta didn't care. He simply shrugged then turned away.
"Okay, let's return !" The group then went back to the barracks with the ten children they found. It took them more time since they had to take them along, but they arrived before nightfall. On the way, the children were amazed by what they saw. None of them had left the district in their whole life, so passing by all those magnificent structures made their eyes open wide. More and more people could be seen on the streets as they went deeper in the city. Especially when they passed by one of the Ten Great Paths that connect every Outer Gate to its respective Inner Gate, giving the city the look of a giant wheel from the sky. Thousands of people could be seen walking, arguing, or shopping in the open market.
When they arrived, Serta separated from the others and went with the boy to another location. It was an office accessible from the street where dozens lined up, waiting for their turn. With the authority of a Sergeant, they cut the line and went straight to the end where a Corporal was making the people sign a paper on which was described the contract that would bind them to the Army.
Serta saluted the Corporal who understood the situation as soon as he saw the boy standing there, cool-headed. He threw a paper on the table then pointed the bottom with his index. "Sign here."
For a few seconds, the boy seemed to hesitate. Serta thought he was reconsidering so he interrupted. "It is not too late. Do you want to try your luck ?" But the boy shook his head, then answered something that Serta did not consider. "I don't have a name."
Comprehensive, Serta smiled and then explained. "You don't need to. A cross suffice."
The boy then took a pen and drew a simple cross on the contract.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone