The Captain's Story from the Past

June 12, 347

Everyone looked to be feeling much better after a few days. I, on the other hand, am in a bad mood. I was the polar opposite; I couldn't get myself to grin, yet today was our first day of training. We all entered a large room that resembled an old school classroom. We all took our seats at our desks, strange machine-like items in front of us. The same man entered the room and walked to the front as he had done the day before.

"Greetings, fellow troops! The items in front of you are known as Dragon gear, and they are required for fighting on the battlefield when you confront a humanoid creature. They allow you to gain high ground, move faster in the air, and swing from tree to tree, object to object. When we get to the training course, you'll find out more! Before training, it's important to understand that the monsters have weak points based on trials and observations. Back on their heels and their nape. They're dead if you slice them."

The information provided to us was both practical and straightforward.

"This looks like fun," Misakana said to me.

"I know right!" Nekonya replied.

We were all led outside to a large course with large wooden giants whose nape and heels were made of thick rubber. Everyone formed a line and waited for the whistle to blow. We were taught how to use them during the meeting; it appears simple, but the trick is to use your core muscle to keep you stable. I don't have the strongest core muscles, but I told myself that I was going to give it my all.

When the whistle blew, everyone threw themselves into the air, swinging from obstacle to obstacle. I was in front of them all, slicing each wooden creature that reached me; the cuts were deep, and I avoided hitting any of the obstacles. The wind was howling, and the speed I was travelling was incredible. I completed the course while everyone else was still working on it.

"Wow, you've got some talent," a lady behind me said.

She was tall and had long raven black hair when I turned around.

"30 seconds, that's incredible!" she exclaimed, surprised.

I looked down at my swords, which were still straight and free of dents, and I was amazed that everyone was still going, despite the fact that I had arrived at the finish line. When everyone had finished, the lady began calling out the timings one by one.

"Nekonya, 4:40, Misakana, 3:57, Muki, 6:54... *blah blah blah* Yuki, 0:30."

Everyone looked shocked at me, Misakana's jaw fell, and Nekonya smiled broadly at me. I stared at them, puzzled, and wondered aloud, "What's their problem?"

We returned to our rooms and put our belongings away once training was completed for the day. My friends were pleasant, jovial, and not at all like they had been on the first day. I stared out the window, wishing I could see past the walls to see the wonderful view, and to imagine for a moment that we were free, that I wanted to see the ocean, that I wanted to see nature. But I can't, and it's also wrong, because we cut ourselves off from the rest of the country when everyone else is in danger from those humanoids.

We entered the dining room, which was large and dark, with several tables strewn around. I took my lunch and sat in the back of the restaurant. Everyone else was laughing and talking, but I couldn't face anyone since the day the creatures stormed my school still haunted me. Sadako, seeing my buddies being eaten and their blood dropping to the ground... I didn't think I could talk to anyone because I didn't think I had the energy.

"Yuki!"

A voice sounded from the door, and I turned to see who it was. It was the man from earlier in the day.

"Please meet me in my office after supper." he said.

After he finished his sentence, he closed the door, and I quickly began eating. Once I finished, I strolled over to his office. I saluted as he opened the door after I knocked.

"No need for that captain," he chuckled.

'I'm sorry I'm not following."

"Come in I'll explain," he invited me into his office.

"We saw your incredible abilities in the course today, and it was incredible!" "Our teachers convinced us that you should be the captain, frontline, and commander of elite squad one," he explained.

I felt honoured and elated, but I couldn't seem to show it. "Thank you, sir," I responded monotonously. "I will take the part."

"Before you earn it, we will be setting an expedition outside the city," he added.

"Yes sir," I agreed.

We were leaving the city and the chat appeared to go on for a while as we tried to learn more about these critters. What if someone died? I was concerned. What if none of us ever return? I knew I had to put the worst-case scenario out of my mind. I returned to my room after we finished talking, where Misakana and Nekonya were interrogating me about what the teacher wanted. I simply ignored it.