Sacred Arts

48. Squad Captains

The four captains looked down at the four warriors standing on the fighting stage. "I am Jack Astor, and I am the captain of the Rising Sun Squad," the first captain announced. He was a tall, athletic looking man with long red hair. His eyes were orange, and his skin was brown. He wore very luxurious red armor, and he carried a huge greatsword on his back. "I will be the first to choose," Jack Astor said.

Suddenly, Jack vanished from everyone's sight. Amon began to sweat and didn't know why until he felt a light tap on his shoulder. "How did he?" Amon asked himself before hearing what the captain of the Rising Sun squad had to say. "I choose you," Jack Astor said as he stood by Amon. "From today onward, you will fight alongside me and join the Rising Sun!" Captain Jack announced.

"Yessir!" Amon said as he filled with joy. "I can tell by looking at him, his power can't be taken lightly," Amon thought to himself. "He was chosen by the strongest squad in the kingdom," Nico thought enviously as he clenched his fist. "Relax kid, you're with me," a voice said from behind Nico. Nico quickly turned to face the voice that had startled him. It was Lex Walker, from the Slashing Dawn Squad.

He was about average height with a slim build. His sky blue hair was short, and it complimented his dark blue eyes. Lex wore blue armor that had streaks of gold all around it in a sort of pattern that gave off a feeling of high status. Nico felt like he was looking at a ghost as he laid his eyes on Lex's pale white skin. "Alright," Nico said angrily.

Nico didn't mention it, but he was upset because he wanted to join the number one squad and not the squad that held the second-highest position. Daisy was chosen by the Lunar Eclipse, which is the third-strongest squad, and their captain, Empress Dania.  Mark was chosen by the Night Brigade and their captain, Alex Myers. All four of the warriors followed their respective captains and left the arena. Meanwhile, the other four warriors were taken to the reserves.

Captain Jack Astor and Amon walked for sometime as they made their way back to the Rising Sun barracks. "Ease up a bit new recruit," Captain Astor said to Amon in a friendly tone. This made Amon feel a little more relaxed when he realized how down to earth the captain of the Rising Sun is. "I know there has to be something I have to do," Amon stated curiously. "Yeah, you're right, and that something is an assessment test," Captain Astor informed Amon.

"This kid likes to get straight to the point I see," Captain Astor thought to himself, impressed. "Basically, you are going to fight me in front of the entire squad so we can all assess your abilities and see where you would fit best," the captain continued. "I take pride in my entire squad, all of us are the best of the best, and arguably the strongest squad in the kingdom," the captain said with a hint of pride. "I will also add the fact that we are the smallest squad too." "My ideology is quality over quantity," Captain Astor said laughing.

"Alright, I understand," Amon responded eagerly. "When is my assessment?" He asked. "Tomorrow morning, bright and early," Captain Astor informed him. "This kid doesn't even have the slightest bit of fear in his eyes," Captain Astor thought to himself surprised. "I can't wait to test myself against him, I just need to see where I'm at," Amon thought to himself. 

"What sort of missions will we be going on?" Amon asked. "Our missions typically rank from B up to S," the captain replied. "B rank missions are typically done by anyone in my squad, but A ranks are always done with at least one person in a higher position within the squad," the captain informed. "The S ranks are done with either me or the vice captain," Astor added. "This is a very organized squad from the sound of it," Amon muttered under his breath.

"Sir, I have a question," Amon said nervously. "Yeah, what is it?" Captain Astor said as he stopped to look at Amon. "Why did you choose me to join your squad?" Amon asked curiously. "Isn't it obvious?" Captain Astor said with a grin. "I watched you battle, you are leagues above those around you despite you being years younger than all of them," the captain said with amazement. "Your potential is limitless, at least that's what I believe," captain Astor continued.

"Compared to the rest of the Rising Sun, how is my strength?" Amon asked. "Hmmm great question," the captain replied, scratching his head as he thought deeply. "My squad has a little over fifty members, you'd probably rank somewhere in the forties," the captain answered honestly. "The forties!" Amon said with wide eyes. "Yeah, you are actually one of the few ascended realm warriors, most of my squad is in the Demi-human realm, with the top ranking members reaching the transcendent realm."

"I have a very long way to go," Amon thought to himself with a uneasy look on his face. "Naturally, you are going to rise in strength fast, because you are going to be surrounded by powerful comrades," Captain Astor chimed in, after he noticed the look on Amon's face. After some time, Amon and his captain made it to Rising Sun headquarters. Upon entering the squad headquarters, the squad's banner can be seen.

It was a reddish, orange sun beginning to rise just above the horizon. Everything had a reddish orange sort of theme to it. The paint on the doors, walls and even the armor the squad members wore. The headquarters had a cafeteria, a training field, a cultivation room, a blacksmith, medical facilities, and many more amenities for the members.

Captain Astor showed Amon the squad barracks and his room. "Alright, get some rest kid, tomorrow's going to be a busy day for you," Captain Astor said, before turning to leave Amon's room. Amon watched his captain walk away before sighing and sitting on his bed. "I've come this far, I refuse to let anything stop me now," Amon muttered under his breath with a determined look in his eyes before lying down to rest for the next day.