Demonic || Seventeen

Demonic 13

Three Weeks Left

The morning sun had barely risen when the recruits gathered at the training grounds.

A cool breeze swept through the field, rustling the banners lined along the perimeter. Despite the crisp air, tension settled heavily over the recruits, thick and unshakable. Today felt different.

All the captains and lieutenants stood before them, their postures rigid, their expressions unreadable.

And at the very front, Seungcheol.

His piercing gaze scanned over the gathered recruits before he finally spoke, his voice firm and commanding.

"Listen here, recruits!"

His tone cut through the air like a sharp blade, immediately silencing any murmurs.

"You only have three weeks left in this camp." he announced, his deep voice carrying across the field.

Mutterings broke out among the recruits at his words. They had all been aware that the end of training was approaching, but hearing it from Seungcheol made it feel more real.

Seokmin remained calm. He had already heard this from Jeonghan and Joshua during their night training.

Seungcheol continued, his voice unwavering.

"In two weeks, a final selection will take place."

At this, the murmurs intensified. Some recruits exchanged nervous glances. Others stood rigid, their jaws clenched, fists tightening at their sides.

Seungcheol waited for a moment before resuming.

"There are currently 127 of you standing here. But the Armed Forces will only select 70 recruits."

The tension doubled.

Some gasped. Others swallowed thickly. The realization sank in. Over half of them would not make it.

"For those who are not selected." Seungcheol continued, "you will be sent elsewhere. However, do not think of this as failure. You will still serve a purpose."

His sharp eyes scanned the crowd before adding,

"You will be assigned as volunteers in the town. You will assist in helping civilians, providing aid, and ensuring security. It is an important duty."

Seokmin noticed some recruits sighing in relief. Even if they weren’t selected, at least they wouldn’t be left without a purpose.

"For those who are chosen." Seungcheol's voice deepened, "you will be sent to the real camp."

Silence fell over the field.

"There, you will undergo three more months of training."

His words rang in their ears.

"Unlike here, you will be using the flying contraptions you have been studying."

A few recruits tensed, their minds immediately flashing back to the difficult aerial lessons they had taken.

"You will also begin real combat training with swords." Seungcheol added.

Seokmin’s heart skipped a beat. He had seen Jeonghan and Joshua’s skills firsthand. If he wanted to survive the next camp, he had to keep up.

Seungcheol stepped back, and this time, Soonyoung stepped forward.

Soonyoung’s sharp eyes flickered over the recruits. He exhaled, crossing his arms before speaking.

"Now that you all know what’s coming." he said, "it’s time for you to understand exactly what will happen in the next two weeks."

His words immediately captured their attention.