The next morning found the trainees assembled on the training field, each donning their beige-brown uniform. Some of the new recruits were idly watching the second-year trainees as they warmed up, a preview of what their future might hold. The third years and higher had been allocated separate training grounds, each division a clear demarcation of the years of training under their belts.

In the heart of the crowd stood the band of friends, their eyes roving over the landscape of activity before them. A note of excitement tinged Kenji's voice as he said, "Oh, look! There's Reign and Phoenix!"

Heeding his indication, the rest turned to see their two new friends. Astrid waved enthusiastically, catching Phoenix's attention. After receiving a gentle nudge from Phoenix, Reign followed suit, and they navigated through the sea of trainees to join the group. Their greeting bore a hint of nervous energy.

"So, how's everyone holding up?" Phoenix asked, her palms absentmindedly rubbing against her training trousers.

Storm and Kenji responded with nonchalant shrugs, while Adara seemed preoccupied with looking over at the bustling crowd of new trainees. Taking the initiative, Astrid replied, "We're all pretty on edge. We've got no clue what's coming, and the prospect of getting split up into different groups doesn't help."

Reign nodded sympathetically. "True, however, we'll form new bonds soon enough."

Phoenix's lips formed a pout. "I know, but I'd have preferred if we were all together."

A hush fell over the field as the Major, flanked by the Generals and Captains, made their way towards the training grounds. Instinctively, the trainees fell into neat rows, hands raised in salute.

Upon reaching the forefront, the Major wasted no time in addressing the gathering. He greeted the assembly and proceeded to read out the allocations of each General's group.

"Astrid, from the South-West Village."

The sound of her name left Astrid jittery, her anxious eyes locking on her friends beside her.

Reign's name soon followed, evoking a grin on his face as he turned towards Astrid. "Guess we got lucky."

"All those whom I have mentioned may follow General Eros to your assigned training area," the Major announced, before receiving another list of names from an aide.

Phoenix gave Astrid and Reign a rueful smile, "Guess we'll see you both at lunch then," to which they responded with affirmative nods. They watched as Astrid and Reign left with their group before refocusing their attention on the Major.

Several more groups were called before Kenji heard his name. With a sigh of resignation, he sighed, "Looks like I'm on my own."

Storm clapped Kenji on the shoulder, a semblance of reassurance in his tone, "Cheer up. Even if we were in the same group, there'd hardly be time for socialising."

"Mm," Kenji murmured, his gaze falling upon his newly assigned group that was beginning to follow their General, "See you all later then."

"See you," Adara responded, her ears straining to catch her name amidst the Major's announcements.

Phoenix was the next to be summoned. She let out an exasperated sigh, "Ugh, I'm on my own too. See you both later." With that, she trudged towards her assigned group, enthusiasm clearly lacking in her steps.

Three Generals remained on the field, their poised figures looming over the final cluster of trainees. Storm cast a glance at Adara, saying, "At least we can be sure we're in the same group."

Adara nodded in agreement, her eyes on the commanding figure stepping forward. "General Adryan's up next. Guess it's our turn."

With the list of names announced, the trainees fell in step behind General Adryan and his accompanying Captains. They moved towards their designated training area, anticipation humming in the air. Upon arrival, the sight of the Major sent a frisson of unease through Storm and Adara; they were well aware of what awaited them.

As if on cue, the Major summoned them to the front of the group. His explanation of their unique training regime, which would sometimes set them apart from the rest of the trainees, was met with blank stares from the trainees. The Major emphasised the importance of respect, warning that anyone causing them trouble would face severe consequences.

Once the Major had left with a terse, "Good luck", General Adryan took centre stage. He introduced himself and the three Captains by his side: Captain River, Captain Oriana, and Captain Iris, all of whom would play a key role in the trainees' instruction. The expectation of respect and obedience was stressed once again. "Yes, sir!" The trainees responded in unison, their salute sharp and practiced.

Captain River, matching the General's height, held an imposing stance. His complexion fair, eyes green, nose slightly pronounced and lips thin, he was a man of considerable build. His gaze bore down on the recruits, a silent command for attention.  

Captain Iris stood slightly shorter that Captain River. Her physique was just as impressive, her muscled thighs prominent against the fabric of her uniform trousers. Her grey eyes, slender nose and plump lips set against olive skin shone under the morning sun, mimicking Captain River's stern stare. Captain Oriana afforded the cousins a brief smile before returning her focus to the General.

"We'll start with what we call the 'crushing boulder'," General Adryan announced, his voice echoing across the training grounds, "This will serve as your first assessment, a measure of your strength, and a benchmark to judge your progress by the end of the year."

The trainees followed him through the forest flanking the training grounds, emerging into an open area coated in a sea of sand. There, they saw three roped-off rows, each housing a gargantuan boulder over two meters high.

Led to the rear of the boulders, they looked up at the colossal obstacles, a mix of anticipation and fear etching onto their faces. "I'll call up three at a time," the General instructed, "Your task is to push the boulder with all your might from this side to the end of the row."

Dozens of eyes followed his pointing hand to the end of the row. A collective gasp went up at the sight of the 200-meter stretch. What seemed a feasible distance to traverse on foot felt daunting with the prospect of a massive boulder in the way.

A wicked smirk played on the General's lips as he took in their stricken expressions. "First up, we'll have..."

Adara was among the first to be summoned, along with two other trainees. After a shared nod of camaraderie, they took their positions behind their respective boulders.

With a nod from the General, their first trial began. "Go."

© Crimson B