AGATHUSIA

Patron

Year 845, Wall Rose

It was as unforgettable as the devastation on that day when a titan appeared and ravaged mankind’s trusted stronghold. It might not be etched on every man’s memory unlike what that very disaster has brought forth, however, this day is as good as remembering for those who have been chosen for the Paragon Assemblage.

Young men and women were standing in sequenced and perfect formation, their shadows slanted opposite to the direction of the setting sun. The dense forest surrounding the outstretched field was filled with reverberating silence and the crisp breeze welcoming the incoming nightfall.

Apart from the ones lined up and completely still, there were others trotting back and forth setting up torches scattered equally around the droughty clearing. Their situations were a bit dissimilar but there is one that is in resemblance. All of the people in the area were wearing almost the same clothing, dark brown knee-high leather boots, white pants, a dark brown sash around the waist,  and  a short light brown leather jacket with the insignia of two swords crossing over the other, in the chest, in both shoulders and a large one in the back portion. It is the uniform of the trainee corps, the womb of the military, where a soldier of humanity is made and born

Stygian blackness had begun to envelop the fiery horizon, if it weren’t for the torches, visions will be pitch-black as the night deepens. Yet the faces of the chosen children, nearly immobile in position, were as clear as the bright light of day.

Beads of sweat continuously trickle down the faces of the young cadets which even the chilly air could not help dry out. Mixed emotions were carved in their wearied eyes, the feelings of distress, agony, doubt, fear, and panic, all anxious about the outcome of their conduct.

Suddenly, a loud booming voice echoed from the rear.

“YOU ARE ALL STINKING RUBBISH!  IS THIS WHAT YOU WANT TO SHOW TO HUMANITY?! YOU WANT MANKIND TO ENVISION YOU AS IMPRACTICABLE AS ANIMALS?! YOU WANT TO PEOPLE TO KNOW THAT ALL OF YOU GARBAGES LACK PROPER DISCIPLINE?!!!”

It was a surprise that brought them to a slight quiver.

The man was about middle-aged, having brushed-up golden hair, a thin beard and moustache.  Strong and fierce with intimidating green eyes, embodied with valour and prowess. He was wearing an olive-green trench coat which made him stand out above everybody else.

He continued as he strolled casually frontward.

“If the lot of you think that you are merely here to foolishly frolic around, think again you bunch of useless filth! This is no time to squander!”

As the man spoke and spoke, heavy tension grew within the cadets. It made them recollect the happenings that led to this seemingly unpleasant upshot.

The events that took place nearly five hours ago…

It was midday and the heat of the scorching sun was exasperating. Though, it did not bother the newly arrived trainees. In one corner of a broad and almost infertile piece of land, a small group were flocked under a tree thick enough to give fair shade to everyone. The bunch was rackety, all willing to share his or her introduction speech and story.

There were also some who preferred only a small company, or no one else at all but themselves.

The atmosphere was pretty much rustic and secluded because of the thick woodland surrounding it and a mountain located at a short distance nearby. It seemed like it was isolated from the bustling city and human activity.

“Why would they keep us apart from other people? This place is so remote, we’ll get bored eventually. I couldn’t even imagine myself lasting a day here.” A boy from the group strongly complained and everyone nodded after him, agreeing to his opinion. Except for Bridgette Stern…