I did, thank you, Blood. Did you call me here to talk about those matters?

Yes, I wanted a moment when there wouldn't be many people around so we could speak more privately. That's why I chose this time.

To be honest, I'm surprised you arrived on time. I noticed you were late for the selection. You might not think so, but I notice everything around me.

Hey! You didn't need to mention that. I was late because I had trouble falling asleep and ended up oversleeping.

I'm just teasing you, no need to get upset. Well, let's get straight to the point. What would you like to know about me, Miss Blood? I'll answer your questions first, and then you can answer mine, okay?

Of course! I have a few questions about your goal. Why do you want so badly to defeat that soldier?

I can't accept that he's considered the best soldier in the world, so I intend to take that title from him myself.

It doesn't seem to be just that. Sergeant Oleg noticed a vengeful look on your face when the race began. Did something happen to make you want revenge so badly?

Okay, Blood. Here's what happened: when I was only six years old, this war began. My father was just 24 and had to fight on the front lines. He was killed by that soldier, and my goal is to eliminate him one day.

Any other questions, Miss Blood?

If your goal is revenge, wouldn't it be easier to come up with a plan outside the army? You might die before achieving it.

Even if that might happen, I don't plan to die easily. I will accomplish my goal at any cost.

I see… That answers my questions. Now, you can ask yours.

Well, I'm very curious about what happened ten years ago, especially what you said about Maksim.

Ah… yes. I don't know all the details, but I know Maksim still brags about helping to kill a soldier named Adrian, one of the best soldiers that day. Maksim set a trap that made Adrian fall and break both legs. Another soldier arrived and shot him in the head. I don't know who fired the fatal shot, but it was a well-coordinated plan.

So Maksim wasn't the killer, but he was directly involved in my father's death. I have enough information to start my revenge. I just need to execute the plan.

That's what I wanted to know. Thanks for telling me, Miss Blood. I'll return to my dorm now, as tomorrow is the last test to officially join the army. Good night, Miss Blood.

Good night, Ivan. Good luck on tomorrow's test.

Back in my room, I began planning how to take revenge on Maksim. I already had a plan in mind, just needed to figure out the execution. I'd need a mask and a voice modulator — I didn't want him to recognize me. I waited until everyone was in their dorms, then went out to buy both items.

This shop is run by the wife of one of my targets. It might close when I go after her husband, so for now I'll just buy what I need.

Good evening, I'd like to buy a mask and a voice modulator.

Don't you think you're too old for these childish things?

The mask is for me, but the voice modulator is for my son.

Ah, I see. Here are the options. Any particular one?

No, this one's fine.

That will be 100 Rubles.

Thank you.

Now I just need to get him to an isolated place. I have an idea.

I wrote a note and left it on his door. What should I write? I know.

"Soldier Maksim, I need to speak with you privately. It's extremely important. Please meet me in front of the barracks at 21:00. Signed, Commander Blood."

Note delivered. Now I just need to wear my mask, adjust the voice modulator, and wait.

Meanwhile, Maksim's perspective:

That recruit passed the tests too easily. I need to prevent him from being accepted… Huh? A note? Let's see… Blood wants to tell me something important? Could it finally be about how amazing I am? It's 20:30; I'll go meet her.

At that moment, Zephyr approached Maksim from behind, pressing a cloth soaked with a sedative over his nose. Maksim fell unconscious. Zephyr dragged him to an abandoned warehouse outside the barracks and chained him.

When Maksim awoke, he saw himself trapped, facing a figure sitting silently.

Who are you?! What did you do to me?! Help!

Ah, you're awake. Don't bother screaming — no one will hear you. You probably know me, but in case you don't, my name is Zephyr. I need you to answer a few questions.

Zephyr? Wait… You're that AEA soldier?! How did you get into Veldorgrad without anyone noticing?

I'm not considered the best soldier in the world for no reason. Now that your doubts are cleared, it's time for you to answer mine.

Hahaha… You think I'd answer a fool like you? You're deluded.

Oh, really? You care too much about your appearance, don't you — it would be a shame if it got ruined.

What do you mean?

You have two choices: answer my questions and leave…

Never!

You didn't even let me finish — fine.

Zephyr grabbed a metal rod and heated it in a fire.

What are you doing?!

Isn't it obvious? I'll make you talk.

Zephyr pressed the burning rod against Maksim's face, melting part of it.

Will you answer or not?!

I will! Please, stop! I beg you!

If you lie, you'll suffer again.

Fine, fine.

First question: why did you become a soldier? Soldiers exist to protect civilians, which you clearly don't care about.

I joined the army to gain the reputation as "The Best Soldier in the World." That was working until you showed up!

Were you involved in the incident ten years ago that ended Adrian Wolfe's life?

Yes, I was. He was one of the best soldiers, and I couldn't miss the chance to eliminate him.

How did you do it?

Why do you want to know so much about that incident? Wait… that soldier had a son, right? Don't tell me you're his son?! Hahaha!

Zephyr pressed the rod to the other side of Maksim's face, melting it too.

Answer my questions!

I set a trap that made him fall and break his legs. But I swear I didn't fire the fatal shot.

Do you know who did?

No. Everyone in the barracks was involved. It was a coordinated plan. I only knew my part. Let me go!

Who said I would? Sleep a bit, Zephyr injected more sedative.

I have enough information for now. I left him chained and blocked some exits. He'll have to flee if he wants to survive the fire I set.

Maksim awoke to smoke and fire. He broke a window to escape but was horribly disfigured. Terrified, he abandoned the army and gave up his dream of being the best soldier.

Zephyr resumed life as Ivan Pretov. With the new intel, he knew every suspect involved in his father's death would eventually fall into his hands, including General Friedrich, the hardest target. After being accepted into the army, he needed to gain trust, especially from Blood. With her on his side, approaching the other targets would be much easier. Now, the real revenge could begin.