As the following fortnight dissolved into the fabric of time, the momentous evening of the Major's address finally arrived. The group found themselves herded into an expansive hall situated close to the mess hall. One by one, trainees trickled in, filling the capacious space with their hushed whispers and anticipation. The captains joined them once all the trainees had settled, lining up solemnly at the front of the hall.

The idle chatter that once hummed through the hall fell into an eerie silence as a formidable figure in a black army uniform emerged onto the stage at the front. Major Alessandro was a towering figure, his height easily crossing the two-metre mark, his imposing silhouette further accentuating his hardened features. His rich brown skin stretched taut over chiselled features; a pair of dark, piercing eyes and lips pressed into a thin line mirrored the stoic expression he bore. The Generals trailed behind the Major, taking up positions on the wooden stage.

"Welcome," Major Alessandro’s voice boomed through the hall, his stern gaze sweeping across the sea of trainees. "I, Major Alessandro, alongside the Generals and Captains, welcome you to the most gruelling years of your life. We expect your utmost dedication as we hone you physically and mentally. Six years from now, you will depart as a transformed individual."

Pausing, he continued, "The Emperor is initiating a monumental change, aiming to industrialise our lands and bring us on par with other territories. Despite this bustling activity, your focus on training must not waver. Factories will spring up, providing employment for our citizens. Post training, a wider array of jobs awaits you."

His stern gaze swept across the hall, ensuring he had the undivided attention of the trainees. "In the first two years of your training, your regimen will focus on muscle building, sword skills, hand-to-hand combat, archery, horse-riding, stealth training, among other areas. After that, you may specialise in your chosen area of expertise, while refining other skills. Details will follow in your training schedules two years hence. For now, put in your all and seek guidance from the Captains and Generals as needed."

Turning to his Generals, the Major murmured something inaudible, before addressing the trainees again, "Considering the size of this year's cohort, you will be split into groups of fifty, each under the supervision of a General and three Captains. Respect towards all is non-negotiable and indiscipline will not be tolerated. Remember, we are not here to indulge you and neither are you here to dabble."

His gaze hardened as he reiterated, "We have deliberately mixed trainees from different villages in each group, to promote interaction and learning. Important announcements will be communicated during morning roll calls or in such gatherings. Be mindful, absences or tardiness without valid reason or prior intimation will invite punishment. Is that clear?"

An echoed chorus of "Yes, Sir!" resonated through the hall in response.

Dismissing them with a curt nod, Major Alessandro concluded, "That will be all for now. You are dismissed." With that, he exited the hall, leaving behind a group of trainees filled with a newfound understanding of the journey that lay ahead.

In the aftermath of the assembly, the friends remained, allowing the exiting crowd to thin before they ventured out. As each one stood absorbed in their own thoughts, they were jolted back to the present by the sound of Captain Oriana's voice.

"Storm! Adara!" The captain’s call echoed behind them, causing them to halt in their tracks and pivot towards the source.

"Yes, Captain?" Storm responded as they watched her jog toward them.

"The Major and General Adryan have requested to see you both. Come, follow me," she commanded, her finger indicating the direction of a dimly lit corridor. Astrid and Kenji, their brows arching in surprise, gave a nod to their friends before melting away into the dispersing crowd.

Exchanging a glance, the cousins followed Captain Oriana through the dark stone corridor, their eyes flickering over the glowing fire lamps lining the walls. Their path ended at a large wooden door. After knocking twice, they waited for the faint "enter" from within. With that, Captain Oriana swung open the door, gesturing for Storm and Adara to step inside.

Once inside, the captain took her leave, closing the door behind her. The room, large yet minimally furnished, now housed only Storm and Adara along with General Adryan and the Major. The Major sat on the other side of the room, a solitary candle illuminating the surface of his large wooden desk. General Adryan maintained his rigid stance to the right of the Major.

"Approach," commanded the Major, his resonating voice ricocheting off the room's high ceiling.

The cousins swiftly moved forward, halting before the imposing desk. Their salute to the Major and General was sharp and disciplined.

"At ease," the Major responded, his gaze dropping to the papers scattered on his desk.

Obediently, the cousins relaxed their posture, hands still clasped behind their backs. The Major leaned back in his chair, an intimidating figure with his fingers interlaced across his abdomen. His silent appraisal of the cousins was piercing, adding to the tense atmosphere.

"You've been summoned here," began the Major, his tone grave, "because General Adryan here harbours some concerns regarding your well-being."

Their surprise was conspicuous as their eyes darted from the Major to General Adryan and back again.

"He observed that the two of you might be on the verge of malnourishment," the Major continued, noting the cousins' eyebrows arching upwards in a mixture of surprise and confusion.

© Crimson B