We do things we don't like, and in return, we're rewarded… but what do we do when our conscience weighs more than recognition?
That night, I had nightmares.
I still remembered taking the lives of those guardians. Especially… the one I killed face to face.
I dreamed he stood before me, but he wasn't the same. His skin was gray, his eyes white… as if his soul had left his body. Mud splattered across his face… and worse, I could hear his voice.
"Why did you do it? Why did you kill me? You're a monster…" he echoed, with a hollow, ghostly tone.
I couldn't move away from him. When I looked down, I realized the sword wasn't in him—it was in me.
I looked up. His face had turned horrific, now just inches from mine. He smiled with a twisted, sinister grin.
"Tell me… how does it feel?"
I started coughing up blood. I tried pulling the sword out of my stomach, but it was no use. He lifted me off the ground with it still impaled, laughing.
"Repent, Traytros…"
I tried to break free, but I couldn't. I had no strength. I didn't even feel like myself anymore.
Suddenly, all the guardians were behind him. They too stabbed me with swords. They were now decaying skeletons.
They threw me to the ground and started biting into me. I tried to defend myself, but there were too many. I felt them tearing off my skin.
I was about to die…
"AAAHHH!"
I woke up gasping for air. I looked at my hands, my body… nothing. Just a dream.
But someone was knocking at the door. I heard voices outside.
"I can't believe he didn't wake up early on a day like this…"
"Probably had some things to do… you know, guy stuff, ha ha."
The voices sounded familiar. I shouted:
"ONE SECOND!"
I rushed to the shower, brushed my teeth while getting dressed, and in less than five minutes, I was ready.
I opened the door.
It was Thomas and Captain Frederick.
"Thomas! Captain!" I exclaimed, surprised and relieved. "It's good to see you."
The captain looked at me with a sarcastic smile.
"Well, kid… you've got the energy to take down a whole town on your own, but not to get up early."
Thomas laughed. I scratched my head, a little embarrassed.
"Well… I had trouble sleeping last night, and when I finally did, I couldn't wake up."
The captain let it slide. The three of us walked together down the hallway.
"So tell me, Thomas," asked Frederick, "how did Traytros do on his mission? You never finished telling me."
"Honestly, I was surprised. I thought I'd have to rescue him again, like in the simulator. But this time… he didn't end up passed out."
"Glad to hear it. And you, Traytros, who did you face? How was it going outside the Citadel for the first time?"
"Well… it was surprising. Outside, there's barely anything. It's like everything is concentrated in the capital. Everything felt different… from the air to the people. And the enemies… I'm not proud of what I did to them."
The captain stopped. He placed a hand on my shoulder.
"Son… there are things we don't like doing. But they're necessary. Everyone here depends on us. If we fail, they fall too."
"Yes, sir… but I don't want to kill just to kill."
At that moment, I thought about telling him what I had discovered. But I decided not to. Not yet.
"I have a question… why is everything outside so contaminated?"
Frederick looked at me seriously.
"Even before your father died, there were many wars. Coups, invasions, territorial conflicts… Recently, nuclear weapons were used. Many areas became uninhabitable. Luckily, our continent was the least affected. The government tried to rebuild, but met resistance. So, they focused on stable regions like this one and shut down the rest. Around the Citadel, the contamination is low. It won't kill you, but it will make you sick over time. Here, though, we have tech that purifies the air. We're blessed."
So… the world collapsed because of war. But not everywhere.
Could there still be untouched places… full of life?
The thought excited me. Maybe if I rose in rank, I could explore them.
"There are other regions like this," added Thomas. "In fact, there's one called Aroa. Much bigger than the Citadel. It's divided into five sections. Section 1 is the most important. Maybe someday you'll want to go there."
"Wow… sounds tempting."
"Well," the captain cut in, "let's not waste time. Thomas, can you give us a moment alone?"
"Of course. I'll see you at the chapel."
"Chapel?" I asked, confused.
"Follow me," said Frederick with a smile.
We walked together.
"After your performance in Fortul, you were recommended by Kraf, Thomas… and myself. Though I already wanted to promote you before, they thought you still lacked maturity. This mission… we knew it would make you reflect. And it did."
"What do you mean?"
"That you have skills above average. Thomas even said you might surpass him."
"He really said that?"
"Yes, Traytros. We all have faith in you. Some even believe you might match—or surpass—Aruka."
"Who's Aruka?"
"You don't know him? Strange… everyone does. He's the strongest soldier. They say he was born with that gift. He can go toe-to-toe with Thomas, Leonidas, and other Second-Class soldiers without issue. Thank God he's on our side."
I had never heard of Aruka… but now, I wouldn't be able to get him out of my head.
"Today, we'll name you a First-Class Soldier of the Rangers. It's our strongest unit. Aruka, Leonidas, Thomas, the president… and some special guests will be there."
"Wow… why so much ceremony?"
"Because very few reach that level. Only the best of the best. Shall we?"
We arrived at the chapel.
It was a solemn church. As I entered, I saw everyone the captain had mentioned. He was no longer at my side. I had to walk alone to the podium, where the priest and president waited for me.
As I walked, everyone began to applaud.
Is this a dream… or am I dead?
The lights dimmed. A spotlight lit the priest.
"Today we're grateful to have with us a young man who, despite being a soldier, still dreams of a better world. For his bravery, he's been recognized by the Four Pillars: The Great Plague, the Messiahs, His Supreme Mercy… and the President. With 4 out of 4 votes, we grant him the honor of being promoted to First-Class Soldier: Traytros."
The lights came on. People applauded. They signaled for me to step up.
I knelt before the priest.
"I bless you with health, strength, and wisdom," he declared.
The president approached and removed my A1 plates.
"Congratulations, Mr. Traytros. I hope you continue to grow."
I stood up and waved to the audience.
Then came the celebration.
I approached Thomas, who was with two men.
"Traytros! Congratulations. I knew you'd make it. Come, let me introduce your new teammates."
He introduced me to Leonidas: medium-length black hair, tanned skin, elegant, refined.
And to Aruka: long reddish hair, pale, eyes like a cat's. Tall. Quiet. Both had an intimidating presence.
Leonidas raised his glass.
"Congratulations, Traytros. That was an impressive performance in Fortul. I've been watching you. You've done incredible things… though your technique needs refining. But you have honor. And roses… though beautiful… are still plucked."
He drank.
Aruka was more direct.
"Congratulations, Traytros. I didn't expect a new member in the group. I have matters to attend to. Excuse me."
He wasn't disrespectful. Just… different.
"Well," said Thomas, "enjoy your day. It won't come twice."
I left the church and walked to the lake in front of the chapel.
I leaned against the railing and thought about everything.
Do the captain and Thomas have a point?
Are there things we must do—even if we hate them—for a greater good?
Despite it all… despite being promoted…
Something inside me still didn't feel right.
Is that normal?
And then… someone approached.
I turned.
It was her…