Chapter 94: First Assignment and Training
"Your training begins with a simple assignment."
The Commander's voice echoed through the tent. It sounded straightforward, but there was a sharp chill behind his words, the kind that hinted this task was anything but simple.
He tapped a button on the projection console. A moment later, a magical map flared to life above the table. It displayed a dark, mountainous region veined with red fault lines and littered with jagged craters. Labels scrolled across the display in bold lettering: Sector 9C – Dead Zone Perimeter.
"This is your destination," the Commander began, eyes scanning the map. "Sector 9C lies at the outer edge of the former Farming Zone. We used to grow crops in this region. Fields once stretched across the valleys. But not anymore."
He paused, his tone turned colder,
"The land is now unstable, overrun by Hollowfied creatures and remnants of fallen beasts. Their presence has corrupted the soil and destroyed nearly every harvest. The result is a growing shortage in food supplies. If this continues, we're looking at widespread loss of resources across multiple districts."
He let the silence hang for a second, then continued.
"Your mission is simple. You will be dropped off approximately two kilometers outside the perimeter. From there, you will move toward an abandoned outpost known as Blackhall Station. Your objective is to eliminate any Hollowfied creatures in the vicinity, assess the situation outside the outpost, and return within two days."
His gaze swept over each of them.
"But there's no need to engage too much. This is just a scouting mission. Once we have enough information we attack together at full force to completely wipe them out."
Luthor, ever composed, stepped forward slightly.
"I see. Shall we depart today, Commander?"
The Commander shook his head once.
"No. The operation is scheduled for tomorrow. You will be given time to rest and prepare."
"Understood. We will not let you down," Luthor replied calmly, his voice steady with quiet confidence.
The others exhaled softly in relief. Fortunately, they weren't being sent straight into danger the moment they arrived.
The meeting continued for nearly two hours. During that time, the Junior Blood Legion received a thorough breakdown of the scouting assignment. While it was officially labeled as a "simple mission," the layers of complexity beneath it told a different story.
They were to locate Blackhall Station without any navigation support, traverse dangerous and unpredictable terrain, climb cliffs, and move through corrupted zones riddled with Hollowfied threats. On top of that, they were instructed to chart a rough map marking hazard zones and record any anomalous activity.
For a newly formed squad, it was a tall order. But the Commander believed in their potential. Or at the very least, he believed pressure would either sharpen or shatter them.
Once dismissed, the six members stepped out of the command tent together. The sun had shifted slightly, casting longer shadows over the base.
They headed toward the main training field, where dozens of Evolvers were in motion. Some practiced hand-to-hand combat. Others unleashed their abilities on reinforced dummies or sparred with instructors. The air buzzed with kinetic energy and discipline.
As the group passed, soldiers began to take notice. Whispers followed them.
"Who are they?"
"I don't recognize their uniforms."
A few stared openly at their confident posture, the way they walked with purpose despite being newcomers.
Then someone said it, loud enough for others nearby to hear.
"Aren't they the six members of the Junior Blood Legion?"
That name sparked instant recognition.
"Yeah, I heard about them. These successors were selected by the Six Great Commanders. Chosen straight from some Survival Ships."
A wave of murmurs followed.
"But why them? Of all people, why pick newbies from broken-down Fortress cities? Are you telling me Atlas Skycity has no better talent?"
"Ah, huh. I've been thinking the same. It makes no sense. There's gotta be something more to this."
"Exactly. There's a bigger mystery here. You don't hand over the future of the Blood Legion to a bunch of brats unless there's a reason."
"Or maybe the Commanders finally lost their minds." Someone laughed in ridicule.
Just then, a figure appeared in front of the mocking soldier like a ghost.
"Did you say something, gentleman?"
Felix stood there, smiling. But beneath that smile was a chilling sharpness, like frost hiding behind sunlight.
The soldier, the same one who had laughed at them moments earlier, sneered without a hint of fear. Even after witnessing Felix's uncanny speed, he stood his ground. At level 25, he believed he had nothing to fear from some so-called chosen rookie.
"Yeah, I said it. You're all incompetent. What are you gonna do about it?" the man shot back, stepping closer and shoving Felix back with his broad chest.
Felix didn't even flinch. His smile remained, calm and unbroken.
"Then let's settle your doubts in a duel, Officer."
"Hmph. Like I'm scared of you."
With that, the tension burst like a flame touching oil. The training field lit up with energy as Felix and the soldier squared off, eyes locked, muscles tensed. Evolvers paused their drills and turned to watch. But no one moved to stop it. Duels like this were common. Almost expected.
Luthor stayed quiet, arms crossed. He didn't step in because he understood. This was necessary. Let the field judge their worth. Besides, even he felt a little thirst for battle rising in his blood.
Without hesitation, Luthor selected an opponent and stepped forward, his calm aura shifting into something more assertive.
Irina cracked her knuckles and joined the fray, her gaze fierce and unwavering.
Venus wasn't far behind. She walked straight up to a bulky, muscular man who towered over her.
The man laughed loudly. "Little girl, you should've picked someone your own size. Still, since you asked for it, I'll give you a proper beating."
Venus slipped on her gloves, the metallic edges gleaming under the sunlight.
"We'll see about that," she replied, eyes narrowing as energy surged around her.
Even Rudos entered the field, his cursed healing abilities making him an unpredictable fighter. Though his combat level was lower, he still held his ground against a level 20 soldier, weaving between blows and striking with eerie precision. His presence was unsettling, and that alone made his opponent hesitate.
Ryuzen was the only one left standing.
He scanned the field, quietly observing. He searched for a challenge, but oddly enough, no one approached him. Whether it was intentional or subconscious, every soldier's gaze seemed to slide past him.
He didn't know why.
Still, he didn't complain. He was not like the others. Not a battle maniac. He didn't crave the thrill.
But when he stepped into battle, he gave everything.
Every last drop.
Just then—
"You! Over there. Come here. I challenge you."