"Captain Xuuuu!"
From a distance, the sharp voices of Lieutenant Eisha and Leigh rang out. They carried baskets filled with food for the captains and lieutenants attending today’s ceremony.
Captain Xu glanced their way and smiled.
"Eisha, Leigh, looks like you two have your hands full today," she remarked.
Eisha immediately complained about how her meticulously styled hair—prepared just for the occasion—would get ruined. But Captain Xu and Lieutenant Leigh only laughed before urging everyone to head to the ceremony grounds.
The atmosphere was joyous, with the laughter of children and adults echoing around. Hiyosko was truly beginning to embrace peace.
The scars of darkness seemed to fade from memory. Decades had passed, leaving only echoes of that era behind.
When Captain Xu arrived at the gathering, the captains and their lieutenants were already seated at a table near the stage. The Captain-Commander stood atop the platform, ready to deliver his address.
The graduates stood in neat rows below, their eyes fixed on the steadfast Captain-Commander as he spoke.
"Each squad has dedicated years to preserving this peace. Let it inspire you to continue protecting this land and its people. You’ve worked hard to reach this moment—do not betray the trust placed in you. Give your all. I’m not asking you to die for this nation, but to live for it. Let the love you hold for this place take root in your hearts. Never forget it. Today, I declare you official graduates of Hiyosko Academy. Congratulations!"
He bowed, and the graduates followed suit. Cheers erupted as squad lieutenants began calling out names, assigning the new recruits. Some were transferred to different squads based on their skills, but they accepted the results without protest—though a few were visibly disappointed.
Before the ceremony ended, other captains shared brief messages. Then, the celebration began.
Tables lined the edges of the square, while the center was left open for graduates to showcase their talents—dancing, music, or anything else.
Captain Masashi sighed into his sake.
"I just hope this joy doesn’t come at a cost."
Lieutenant Ren slung an arm around him and laughed.
"Captain Masashi, I’m not used to you being so pessimistic."
"Just being cautious. Hah! Doesn’t matter—as long as I have sake." He took a deep swig, coughing violently. His lieutenant rolled her eyes and sipped her drink with exaggerated delicacy.
"Make sure your drinking doesn’t interfere with our schedule. We have paperwork, and the squad can’t afford to mimic your laziness." She emphasized the word *"sir"* with a pointed glare.
Instead of taking offense, the captain laughed. She wasn’t wrong—but old habits died hard.
"Sorry, Lieutenant. The sake’s just too good to refuse."
"Since when did sake pledge itself to you? If you stress out Visha, she won’t help with the paperwork. You’ll regret it~" Lieutenant Eisha teased, sparking laughter from those nearby. Captain Masashi could only scratch his head sheepishly.
As the laughter subsided, Leigh sidled up to Ren and whispered:
"Captain Zeid looks so serious. Stressed about the exam results again? Your squad barely accepted anyone this year, right?"
Ren pulled away from Captain Masashi and studied Leigh, then stroked her chin thoughtfully.
"The Captain’s standards are higher than ever. That’s the downside of our squad handling most missions outside Hiyosko." Her gaze drifted to Zeid, now deep in conversation with the Captain-Commander.
"I bet they’re still discussing Hiyosko’s problems. Typical Captain Zeid." Lieutenant Leigh punched the air, her eyes sparkling.
Ren sighed and resumed eating. The festivities lasted well into the afternoon. Eventually, Captain Zeid stood, preparing to return to headquarters and tackle the mountain of paperwork awaiting him.
Over the past two decades, Squad 4 had grown stricter in recruiting.
The past was fading from their minds. Leaders like Zeid were now fixated on securing lasting peace—so future generations wouldn’t endure what they had.
But even he couldn’t predict when the danger would truly end. Nothing was certain.
He looked up, watching the sunset.
---
23 YEARS AGO
"Wow! You’re Captain of Squad 4? I heard your team responds fastest in the city—since your HQ’s right in the center! And they say you’re amazing!" Mira gushed, her face alight with admiration.
Zeid frowned and ignored her. Her cheerfulness grated on him. He couldn’t accept being forced into marriage with someone so frivolous—undignified, weak, and *annoyingly talkative*.
"Hey, Zeid, why’d you want to become captain?" Mira plopped onto the chair beside his desk.
He stopped and glared.
"Shut up. I’m working."
Unfazed, Mira smiled and watched him.
"You know, I hope one day, future generations can live in peace. Where no one has to struggle just to survive. Where we can step outside without fear. I want to watch the sunset without wondering if I’ll wake up tomorrow. When that day comes… maybe I’ll be ready to go. Because I’ll know people like you will protect what comes after."
Zeid froze. His eyes flicked to hers—just long enough to see her cheeks turn pink.
He exhaled sharply, the memory lingering.
"Even if it’s temporary… you got the peace you wanted, Mira."
Life in Hiyosko and beyond thrived. But maintaining it required doubled vigilance. Expedition teams patrolled beyond the borders, shielding outlying villages. Mages reinforced barriers in every settlement.
Each year, a special exam was held for aspiring squad members—no academy background required. Potential alone could earn a captain’s selection. Those who failed had to train harder or enroll formally.
This year’s exam would take place in the arena, drawing lords, duchesses, and other influential guests. Preparations had everyone scrambling—even Captain Masashi, who was stuck negotiating with visitors.
After the exhausting prep, they reported their progress.
Lieutenant Eisha slumped, groaning.
"If Captain Kiro wouldn’t murder me, I’d quit."
Ren laughed and slung an arm around her.
"You need to recruit more examinees this year. Or Squad 8 will be in trouble."
Eisha blinked.
"Says the squad that only accepts ten applicants annually. Captain Zeid’s filters might be too strict."
Ren scratched her head, grinning.
"Even if I picked more, the Captain would still vet them. Only the deserving get in."
"Speaking of Captain Zeid—there he is. Good luck!" Eisha bolted, leaving Ren behind.
She approached Zeid, discussing tomorrow’s patrols to secure the arena and civilians.
"Captain, what about the supply mission to Poz?"
"Handle it." Zeid walked off.
Ren gaped.
"But—tomorrow’s—!"
"Start early if you want to finish both."
She sighed, rubbing her temples.
"Guess I’m waking up at dawn."