The Hidden Empress

CHAPTER 1

Her POV

“Lumi,” Keith called, a military soldier who turned to look at me. He was tall and bulk man with green, blonde hair, pale brown eyes, and rather bland features— well for me, at least. I even asked him why he dyed his hair with green, and he has to audacity to tell me that he looks good at green. No, he looks like a green dung.

“What?” I said as I was trying to tie my boots. “Didn’t I told you to get lost?” I said with much irritated voice.

“Come on, stop treating me like that! We know each other ever since we were kids! How could you treat me…” I look at him with raise eyebrow as he tries to continue what is he saying. “Hays, never mind. I’m just going to tell you again that you must participate for the new exploration of the brigade” slowly walks in front of me and grab both of my shoulders as he tries to make me look at him.

“And I’m going to say it again, no” I break free from his hands as I walks towards the window.

He started to act childish again which irritates me more. I really don’t understand why he wants me to participate at the new exploration. I never wanted to join the military in the first place, it just that I didn’t have a choice but to be in this situation.

Twenty-eight years of my life in world, and here I am spending my life trying to survive in this harsh world of being a soldier. At the very young age I grew up alone without any family and place to call home. The major general and the other soldiers found me near at the base camp, together with Keith. It has always been a mystery on how and when did we end up being at that place.

It never really bothered me at all. I grew up in the military camp, eat, sleep, and trained. I was practically raised as a soldier. Every time someone asked me if I feel anything for my parents, I will always say nothing. I mean, how could I feel any emotions for people that I haven’t met in my whole life.

“Lumi, you really need to be in this exploration! I can’t explain but you must!” frustrated as he speaks, I’m also frustrated as he is.

“How can I understand you if you don’t even bother to explain in the first place?” I said as I pushed back the window cover and peeked out the window at military camp. “Explain so that I could understand you.”

I shifted my weight as I saw the general walks towards our camp. I quickly move to the front door. Stand straight, arms at shoulder level, and doing a salute. Without even a second, the door reveals our general.

“Good morning soldiers how was your sleep last night?” general asked. General Robert Thoma Arguille, a major general that commands us under the division. Divisions are made up of three to four brigades and include 10,000 to 15,000 soldiers, including us. He recognized our salute and that was our que to bring our hands down.

“It was fine before someone tries to ruin it, General” I speak and give a quick glance to Keith.

The General fully entered our camp and swiftly make his way to our table. We watch him and observe what he’s planning to do. He reaches out for a small cup and without a couple of minutes, he’s starting to prepare his own coffee. We didn’t bother to ask if we can help him, as a matter of fact, he hates when someone tries to make him a coffee.

“Take a seat, both of you” he said as he sips from his coffee. We immediately grab the nearest stool and sit. “I was in the meeting, and it just end a while ago. Since Lieutenant Adramelech is here, I would take it as a yes for my question.”

“What meeting?”

“What question?”

Both of us, simultaneously ask. Ever since I woke up today, a lot of unusual things are happening. Well, except that Keith is being his usual annoying self, it just that… I feel that something is bound to happen. Maybe I’m too paranoid, okay I’ll just stop bothering at all.

“Oh? So, you haven’t told her yet, Lieutenant?” after that question, I look at Keith whose face lighten up in recognition. “Well, I’m going to say it anyway, ahem!” General Arguille take another sip from his coffee, after that he stands and face us. We also stand and look straight ahead.

“In the meeting we talk about the SSS rank information that we have started to investigate. Lieutenant Adramelech was there together with me to assist on holding and making notes about the meeting we have”

“An SSS rank information…” I mumbled.

Every information has an equivalent rank based on how many factors that we have. The lowest rank of information starting from rank E to rank C, this type of information can be easily gathered using machines and technology. Rank B information usually requires soldiers who’s a veteran in the field of using snipers. The rank A information can be gathered using the soldiers who’s specialized in assassination and spying.

While all types of information cannot be easily gathered with such an ease, rank S, SS, and SSS are on another level. Only the trained soldiers that underwent enhancement and experimentation can sent to this type of missions. Knowing that they have a meeting about this type of information and Keith pushing me to do the unknown exploration means one thing…

“Captain Roffigion, you are about to sent on a new exploration together with other chosen soldiers to gather more information for this SSS rank information.” General said. I knew it, damn it!

“Excuse my words General, but you cannot do that. I’ve already…”

“Yes, yes, I know. You already passed your resignation letter.”

“Your what? But you never told me this before!” Keith asked in confusion

I didn’t give my attention to Keith instead I move forward to the General.

“Yes, I already passed my resignation letter, so I’m very much confused right now General Arguille!”

“I’m sorry Captain Roffigion but… the board decided to deny your resignation letter. We cannot afford to lose our highest captain in the brigade”

After hearing that, my knee sudden feels weak and I just sat down on the floor. I just cannot believe what I just heard.

I planned this all along. I plan that before entering the thirty years of my life, I want to settle down somewhere… find my own happiness and peace, perhaps even just away from this kind of life. I just want to live my own life, that’s all.

“Lumi…” Keith called. I can’t even look at his face right now, I don’t even know what to say. “Lumi, I’m sorry I didn’t know what your plan is all about, but I promise you this is for the best.” He followed up

“What kind of best are you talking about” I asked, still being mess.

“Maybe through this exploration you will discover more valuable things in life” he said, and I look at him. He startled by my sudden gaze, “you know, there’s more to life, isn’t it?” he followed up as he scratches the side of his forehead.

“Hays… what can I do? It’s an order from above, I cannot say anything more.” I said as I stand up to face General Arguille. “But let me be clear on something General Arguille, this mission, will be my last mission and after that I’ll resign. Nothing more, and nothing less.” I said with so much conviction.

After looking at my face, the General starts to laugh.

“Sure kid, this one will be your last mission. I promise you.” He said but I look at him with suspicious gaze.

If I just know that this would happen, I guess staying in the bed would be the best decision, geez so much regret!