Read Sovereign Soldiers :: Chapter 6: The First Division

The training grounds were unrecognizable in the aftermath of the Harbinger attack. Jun sat on the edge of a makeshift barricade his damaged exo-frame resting beside him. The scars of the battle were still fresh, but his resolve was stronger than ever.

Around him, murmurs filled the air as high-ranking officers surveyed the trainees. The attack had brought out the best-and the worst-in everyone, and now decisions had to be made. Jun's mind raced as he watched the captains of the Sentinel strike force divisions arrive, each wearing a distinctive uniform denoting their continent and division.

The Sentinel strike force had divided itself into four powerful groups that protected the earth.

Kael approached Jun, her usual sharp demeanor softened slightly. “You made an impression out there, Yoshida.”

Jun glanced up, his expression unreadable. “Impression? I disobeyed orders and barely survived.”

“And yet,” Kael said, crossing her arms, “you held your ground against a Harbinger leader with no powers and saved lives. That doesn’t go unnoticed.”

Before Jun could reply, a shadow fell over them. He turned to see a tall figure clad in sleek black and gold armor, the emblem of the Eastern Continent’s First Division shining on his chest. His presence commanded respect, his piercing eyes scanning Jun with an intensity that made him stand straighter.

“You’re Yoshida, correct?” the man said, his voice deep and steady. “I’m Captain Ren Saito of the Eastern Continent’s First Division.”

Jun nodded, unsure of what to say. Beside him, Kael raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

“I observed your actions during the Harbinger attack,” Ren continued. “You’re reckless, inexperienced, and lack powers. Yet, you demonstrated qualities we value: courage, quick thinking, and the ability to adapt under pressure.”

Jun clenched his fists. “I just did what I thought was right.”

Ren’s lips curved into a faint smile. “And that’s exactly why I’m here. The Eastern First Division needs people like you—unconventional thinkers willing to act. I want you to join us.”

Gasps and murmurs rippled through the trainees and soldiers nearby. Being chosen by the First Division was an honor most could only dream of. For a powerless trainee like Jun, it was unheard of.

Jun hesitated, his mind racing. Why me? I’m not strong like Alya or skilled like Kael. I don’t have powers. He glanced at Kael, whose expression gave nothing away.

“Why?” Jun finally asked. “Why pick someone like me?”

Ren’s expression grew serious. “Because strength isn’t just about power. It’s about the heart. And you’ve shown more heart than most people with ten times your skill.” He extended a hand. “So, Yoshida, what’s your answer?”

Jun looked at the offered hand, the weight of the decision pressing down on him. He thought about his promise to stand up for humanity, to fight for those who couldn’t. Taking a deep breath, he reached out and shook Ren’s hand.

“I’m in.”

Ren nodded, satisfied. “Report to the Eastern base tomorrow. Training starts at dawn, and it won’t be easy.”

As Ren walked away, Kael stepped closer to Jun. “You realize what you’ve gotten yourself into, right?”

“I’m not backing down,” Jun said, his voice steady.

Kael smirked. “Good. Then don’t let them break you.”

Nearby, Alya watched the exchange with a mixture of pride and frustration. She approached Jun, punching him lightly on the shoulder. “You better not forget about us, hotshot.”

Jun grinned. “Like I could.”

That night, Jun stood on the outskirts of the training grounds, staring at the stars. The weight of his decision settled over him, but he felt no regret. He was no longer just a powerless trainee. He was a member of the Sentinel strike force’s Eastern First Division.

This is just the beginning, he thought. I’ll prove I belong here, powers or not.

As the distant sounds of rebuilding filled the air, Jun clenched his fists, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.