B1C22: The Last Member

Staff Sergeant Judas observed the scene with a mix of pride and admiration. These youngsters, despite their fatigue and hardships, displayed incredible determination and resilience. Running for 11 days with heavy equipment was no small feat, even for seasoned soldiers. As an experienced soldier himself, he couldn't help but be impressed by their commitment.

Their tired faces and the physical toll on their bodies spoke volumes about their arduous journey. The bruises, dust-covered skin, and sweat-soaked clothes were a testament to their endurance. Staff Sergeant Judas knew that these children had indeed accomplished what they claimed. He patiently waited for them to recover and regain their composure before continuing their conversation.

After a brief moment of catching their breath, the group stood up, ready to proceed.

"You're here to enrol, I presume. Follow me," Staff Sergeant Judas said, leading them into the Frontier Corps Academy. The sight that greeted them was a stark departure from their expectations. Instead of a traditional academy with grand buildings and organized classrooms, they found themselves in an army camp. Armed soldiers moved in groups, various leadership buildings were scattered around, and the training seemed to take place predominantly outdoors. It was an environment focused on pushing oneself during peaceful times to prepare for the realities of war.

As they reached the newcomer square, the orderly atmosphere they anticipated was shattered by the lively chaos of numerous children their age. Excitement filled the air as the recruits mingled and interacted with each other.

"Caleb, we were starting to think the Levi Clan had chosen a different academy," Alex and Osmos, accompanied by the children from the Silverthorn and Ironhide clans, approached Caleb. Their decision to enrol in the same academy had caught the attention of other prominent clans in the past three years. The reputation of the Levi Clan had spread throughout Moonlight Country, and many clans sought to learn from their training sessions.

After introductions were made, everyone began to get acquainted, sharing their experiences and stories.

"I can't believe you guys were crazy enough to run all the way here. And your elder even set a goal for you," one recruit exclaimed, amazed. "Your whole Levi clan must be training fanatics."

Caleb and the others chuckled, realizing how their feat might sound unbelievable to others. Yet, they had successfully completed the arduous journey, even if it took them one day longer than intended.

Curiosity sparked within Caleb, prompting him to inquire about the enrollment process and their experiences so far from Osmos and Alex.

"We arrived about a week ago, ahead of most of the other recruits. We managed to secure a campsite, and it seems we weren't the only ones with the same idea," Osmos explained.

"A campsite?" Caleb asked, seeking further clarification.

"Yes, a campsite. Unlike the Moonfire training camp, where the curriculum changes every two years, we have several seniors who have already been through the corps. They've provided us with valuable information about enrolling. Each student starts off as a recruit, just like in the regular army. You can progress through the ranks, from corporal to sergeant, lieutenant, and major. Each promotion represents one year spent in the academy," Alex elaborated.

"In addition, you can also become a commander. Commanders lead a 10-man team. You'll learn more about this responsibility later on. If you had brought a full team of ten people, you would have been able to register as a team with you as their commander. Since we still have four days until the final registration day, you can look around the camp for anyone who might be interested in joining your team. If you can't find a tenth member, your group will be split up, and you'll be assigned to form new teams," Osmos added.

Caleb realized that the other clans seemed to possess a more detailed understanding of the Frontier Corps and its processes compared to the Levi Clan. Nevertheless, he was determined to make the most of the situation.

"Thank you both for explaining. So, the Silverthorn and Ironhide units are already registered," Caleb acknowledged.

"Yes!" they responded, smiling. "My unit is called Ray of Light," Alex announced proudly. "And mine is called Eye for Eye," Osmos mentioned. Caleb and Alex could see that the majority of Osmos's team excelled in body cultivation. Their physiques were large, and their muscles bulged with strength.

Caleb glanced at his weary and anxious group. They had trained together all this time, and it would be ideal if they could continue as a cohesive unit. "Let's find a spot to rest first. We'll talk again later."

Leading his team, they settled in a relatively empty area nearby. Suddenly, loud noises filled the air, capturing everyone's attention. Members of the Levi Clan dropped their weapons and armour on the ground, causing whispers and curious glances from the other recruits. Some perceived it as a show of arrogance, while others recognized the strength they possessed.

Caleb addressed the onlookers with a single word: "Rest." Understanding his intent, the rest of the group followed suit, entering a state of cultivation to cut off their external senses and recuperate. Only Trojan remained vigilant, his wakefulness or sleepiness indecipherable.

Caleb sank into a deep slumber within the crystal ball, allowing his fatigued body to rejuvenate for six hours. While he still felt tired upon awakening, his fatigue had significantly diminished, and his body craved nourishment.

After a couple of hours of rest, the group rose to have a meal. Their bags contained the last portions of food from the clan, and they savoured each morsel, uncertain when they would taste home-cooked meals again.

Days passed, and children who recognized Caleb, Tobias, and Asher from their time at the training camp approached to say hello. Some expressed interest in joining them and filling the remaining spot to form a complete team. Among them was a young girl named Naomi, who had struggled during the training camp due to her lack of combat skills. Unlike Alex, who shone in battle with his blessing of light, Naomi had been relegated to the healing path, despite possessing a similar blessing. Three years later, she saw this as an opportunity to improve herself.

"Naomi, do you have a team yet? How about joining us? With you, we can finally register as a team," Caleb offered.

Naomi was taken aback by the offer. Caleb, the prodigy who had excelled three years ago and had surely improved even more since then, had chosen her, someone considered dead weight, over others who seemingly had more to offer. This was her chance, and she wouldn't let it slip away.

"Sure, I'd love to join. Please take care of me," Naomi responded, bowing gratefully.

"Don't think too much about it. We have a diverse group with a variety of skills, and we are used to working together. We lack a capable healer like you, so don't underestimate your worth. Welcome to the team. Let's go and register," Caleb declared, leading the group forward with newfound unity and determination.