I strolled down the corridor in my dress uniform. It was consider rude not to be in ceremonial wear when entering the Officers’ Mess if you’re not a commissioned officer.
My dress uniform is a black and red suit with a decorated peak cap displaying my rank as a corporal. The black strap that runs from left to right hoist my small medical kit. For whatever reason, I am required to have that with me at all times if I were to ever dress out like this.
The white walls and light blue floors make up majority of the corridor. I was growing sleepy as it was all bland until I finally spot the grand door for the Officers’ Mess.
Walking up to the door I knocked four times to announce that I am a guest. People tend not to hear it, but it’s customary to do so regardless. I pushed the door open and was greeted with a polish wooden floor with white walls.
At least the floor coloring changed…
There weren’t many people only five people were in the mess. Including the bartender at the bar counter.
A young man with gray eyes and brown hair sitting at a corner waved at me; 2ndLt. Simon Herig.
I walked over to him and saluted.
“Sir!”
“At ease, it’s nighttime.”
“Yes sir.”
I relaxed but stayed where I was standing. The table Simon was sitting at had several poker chips and playing cards. An empty wine bottle and two wine glass already drank were placed on opposing sides.
“Your blood brother came looking for you. He wanted me to give you this.”
Simon pulled out a parcel wrapped in brown paper and tied with a dark yellow string.
“Thank you sir.”
I accepted the package with both hands and bowed.
“Seriously corporal, I said at ease. Anyway I heard you are being summon to the Fifth Reassignment Office. Congratulations on being pick for the expedition force.”
“Thank you sir, but I feel like I’m being sent to be death.”
Simon raised an eyebrow.
“They pay the selectees handsomely you know.”
“I actually did not know that, sir.”
“Well, I’ll see you at the expedition station tomorrow. I was also selected to go.”
“I’m in your care sir.”
2ndLt. Herig is part of the Aerial Corps, chances are he will be the one commanding over the central aerial cruiser.
“We all are. Good night Cpl. Duvan.”
“Good night sir. Thank you for delivering this to me.”
“Your welcome.”
…
I tossed my dress uniform onto my bed and place my hat on a coat holder. After changing into my sleepwear, I folded up my dress uniform neatly and placed in a drawer. My spacious room is almost that of a typical five star hotel room only it has a kitchen making it like an apartment.
It’s quite luxurious, but simple.
I unwrapped the package that Mikail tried to deliver to me and was stunned by what I was given.
A silk cloak (without the hood) with the Kravlta national color, black and laced with red at the edge of the cloak. A golden epaulette was sewn on the shoulder adding more to the cost of the already expensive cloak.
Though I find the golden epaulette a bit out of place with its coloring.
The crest is a gemstone that is made out of sort of ruby stone and bears the seal of Kravlta’s national bird, the phoenix. The phoenix crest was sewn to the left side of the cloak where; a golden chain linked the crest to the left epaulette making it look more of a regal cloak than honorary.
But that’s not what makes it shocking. The cloak itself is actually blessed, meaning this cloak has enhancements. It’s blessed with powers.
The wearer can used any of the powers that has been enchanted on the cloak.
Oh? This brat!!
The Crest of the Phoenix isn’t made out of any gemstone!
It’s made out of mana crystal and refined to its purist form! They’re the hardest mineral ever created, many times more durable and harder than the hardest diamonds.
It’s priceless! Is he trying to get me killed? Many people would kill for this!
A pinging sound echo in my room as the mana crystal glows bright red. Startled, I place the cloak softly on the bed and step back.
The mana crystal send out several small red orbs and instantly shot towards me at the speed of light.
“…!!”
I couldn’t even react.
Mihr Duvan… Blood of God, Dahmiel. Forever link with this gift. Eternity.
“…”
It’s been personalized just for me? I no longer know what’s what anymore… This isn’t even a gift. It’s a… It’s… No words can express the sheer absurdity of this.
“A note…?”
I picked up a small note I finally notice after ogling the cloak. It was Mikail’s handwriting, neat and fancy.
“Dear Corporal Mihr Duvan,
Please accept this gift from me and the top command of this fine military. I had heard from the Commander in Chief that you were selected to join Kravlta Expedition Force.
All selectees of the expedition force will be provided special gears to protect themselves from hostile and unknown environment in Nevyniu. However, the Commander in Chief had this cloak created just for you as a gesture of thanks for your service. It will aid you greatly if you were to fight on the field in Nevyniu.
Good luck big Brother,
Specialist Mikail Baert
P.S. The cloak is called Night Phoenix, but you can name it whatever you want it. I provided the cloak and designed it, the brass implanted the crest on it.
P.S.S Night Phoenix is given top enhancement: Levitations (Anti-gravity), Diamond Graded Kinetic-Field, Healing Field, and Minor Energy Manipulations (You can shoot energy beams and create energy swords! Cool huh?).
P.S.S.S. I’m also selected to join the expedition force. We’re in the same squad! See you soon!
P.S.S.S.S. Wear it tomorrow morning at all times. Even to the briefing room and Reassignment Office, don’t worry Night Phoenix has been approved and is recognized as yours and yours only by the highest military authority.”
You gotta be kidding me…
“But why would they give me something like this? It’s practically a national treasure.”
I done a lot of covert operations, so that’s… A lot actually. Half of the things I do is enough to get the new Kravlta into a world shattering trouble, but giving me something like this kinda defeats the whole secrecy thing.
“Might as well try some of the enhancements… Levitation first?”
I put the cloak or Night Phoenix as they called it, on.
Now this is a Freestyle Weapon Type since it relies on the users mind in order to work. There aren’t many people who could put on a Freestyle weapon and make it work, it takes practice.
Lucky my time in the Military Police has cover Freestyle weapons.
My body suddenly felt light and I began to hover. This is a nice feeling…
I float around my room like a fish in an aquarium. I floated into my bathroom and out of it, upside down…
Okay maybe I’m getting this power into my head. I mean, this IS a treasure.
I stopped in midair above my bed and picked up the note that was on my bed.
“Energy manipulations. Huh, just like those gauntlets that fires off those plasma beams. Let’s see… How did I condense energy into my arm to create a sword…?”
It’s been a while since I done this. Aside from that I also saw some testers using experimental weapons and creating scythe like blades on their arms to cut down testing dummies.
Each mental incarnations differs from person to person. For example, if I wanted to levitate I would invoke in my mind
But for another person, they might invoke
It’s complicated stuff. Whoever made this system wasn’t doing a good job.
“I believe it was… Blade of Arm?”
Purplish light manifest on my right arm turning it into a saber of light.
“Oh this is nice too.”
I glance down from the levitated position and dropped Mikail note and picked up the parcel wrap. Letting it go, the brown paper swayed slowly down and split in two as a slashed it.
If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
With this kind of power, I don’t really have to worry about being harmed. I believe Mikail said that Night Phoenix have Diamond Graded Kinetic-Field. How neat.
I should write him a thank you letter.
I floated down onto the bed cross legged and thought of a few sentences before setting to work on the thank you letter.
…
I woke up and check my cloak. It’s almost seven. I yawned and stretched then kicked off my bed sheets.
My cloak, Night Phoenix, was placed neatly in the drawer that also holds my dress uniform. Now that I think about it, I was not told on how I should present myself. Better safe than sorry… My dress uniform will be put to use again.
I went into the bathroom and brushed my teeth while taking a shower. Two birds with one stone, although it does waste a good portion of water used.
Drying myself, I decided to test the personalize mark on the cloak. Personalized Marked Equipment can be summoned to the user if they were the one to mark it. Although the mark doesn’t have to be visible.
Night Phoenix materialize from thin air and adjusted itself instantly to my current position.
Wonderful, I can’t wait to do all sort of stuff with it on the field. Aside from my standard weapons, I don’t have any other marked equipment I could summon.
Time to get some breakfast, but not with this cloak on. Should I keep it on or not?
Despite Mikail playful nature around me, when he says I should keep my cloak on, it means I really should keep it on.
Now do I go and look out of place, or stay in my room until presentation? Mikail said that Night Phoenix is approved and recognized meaning that anyone who questions my wear can get a confirmation that my clothing is not violating any codes or laws. Especially since it holds the Crest of the Phoenix, which is consider sacred even after the fall of the old regime.
Only those who are awarded by the highest military authorities can wear the crest proudly. Covering it up is fine oddly enough, but only under certain circumstances however.
Question is should I cover the crest or not?
Screw it, I’ll order room service.
I went towards the phone attached to the wall and dialed room service.
…
It’s almost ten. I quickly navigate out of the corridor and into the open. A lot of people were giving me a glance, but most resume their duties.
A few more minutes… It’ll be a pain to walk through this crowd, although it isn’t much of a crowd a lot of people would be giving me some attention if I walk.
I decided to fly to my destination since it was quicker. Besides, it’s not against regulation as long as it’s not disruptive. Activating the anti-gravitation enhancement from Night Phoenix, I flew several meters above ground towards my destination.
It’s a nice having the cool win blow on your face. Summer in Kravlta sticks around in the fall, so we often refer the early Fall as late summer.
My destination is in sight, a large white building with two outdoor Kravlta flags hanged on two pillars. The number five was written on top of the building in bronze.
The Fifth Reassignment Office handles reassignments requests and submissions from NCOs and commissioned officers. Although it’s mostly from commissioned officers that will be crawling around the office area.
First handles enlisted soldiers
Second handles medical staff
Third handles military researchers
Fourth handles military administrators
Lastly fifth handles military officers.
I landed gracefully on my two legs and ignored several stares from people. I’m still somewhat early, but this would give me some time to find the room.
“Mihrrrr!”
Someone shouted my name; I turned around and spotted Mikail waving his hands and running towards me in his dark blue marine uniform.
“Mikail! Hey!”
I waved back.
“An opening!”
Mikail propelled forward using some sort of anti-gravitational device, right fist out directed towards me.
“Not even in your dreams!”
Pushing my left leg back and bending my right knee, I shot towards Mikail leg and forcefully pushed it sideways causing him to spin in the air.
“Damn itttt!”
I watched Mikail spin five times before regaining control and landing.
“Hmm… Specialist they call you.”
“Not against you. Did you miss me?”
Mikail acts like my annoying little brother, we also look alike. Blond hair, similar hairstyle, but not the eyes. His is grey, mine is green.
“I did, here. A thank you letter.”
“Oh thanks. Did you like the cloak? What did you name it?”
“I kept its original name. Night Phoenix.”
“I’m honored, Brother, that you decided to go with the name I decided. Normally you’ll rename my trophies that I took from my tour of duties.”
“Your naming senses is way off! Who names a knife Edgelord? Sakiel sounds better.”
“You and your –iel’s. I think your obsession with angel names is just as bad as the Holy Tyrian Republic’s religious naming.”
“I’m nothing like those fanatics. Anybody would think your naming senses is off.”
“Not those my age…”
Mikail murmured something about me having a grandfather personality.
“By the way, how am I supposed to present myself? I’m using my standard dress uniform to present myself and Night Phoenix, but is this alright?”
“Big Brother, you’re way too formal and traditional. I’m shock. The administration will issue you the uniform you’ll be need once you meet them. Come on.”
“You’re the one making me late.”
We rushed into the building and headed towards the main room that is located near the end of the office building. Despite it being called the main room, it barely see anybody.
Its main purpose is to receive honorary people and high ranking officers and politicians.
Down a wide corridor lies a large wooden door with decorations of vines and flowers carved into the woodwork. Two guards stood outside, both of them are from the Military Police.
Both saluted me when they saw the Crest of the Phoenix. Now that I think about, some of the personnel I pass by gave me a salute. Though if I can remember, it’s not mandatory but encouraged.
The guard on the right marched forward and saluted me again.
“Cpl. Duvan, the Commander in Chief is waiting behind this door. Please enter. Specialist Baert, the Commander in Chief also awaits you.”
The guard did a 180 degree turn and marched back to his position before turning around, the left guard knocked on the door three times. The large door slowly opened revealing seven individuals inside a glamourous room.
I gulped as we walked inside the room, the door closed behind us with a soft click leaving me face to face with the Commander in Chief of the entire military in Kravlta.
Four guards stand behind the Commander in Chief. I recognized two from the Special Forces when I was assigned for covert operations. Another one was from the MP while the other one is unknown to me.
All four wore bright white and yellow dress uniforms with peak caps of same color palette; standing straight with their arms behind their backs.
Standing on the right side are two administrators who run the entire office. They stood stiffly and appear to be nervous.
The Commander in Chief himself was a man well into his sixties with short gray hair and a small mustache. Dressed in a black and red dress uniform that dons a lot of medals, I was able to identify only one fourth of the medals on his uniform.
Both Mikail and I saluted the Commander in Chief before dropping it when it the Commander in Chief begin to move.
The Chief raise a fist to his mouth and cough. Clearing his throat, the Chief then focus on me.
“Apologies Cpl. Duvan, but before we get started I wish to address something. Cpl. Duvan! From the Marshal of Kravlta Military Police, you are relieved of duty from the Public Safety Force and reactivated as the Third Enforcer of the Kravlta Military Police. Welcome back Enforcer.”
The Chief hands me an official scroll wrapped in a red ribbon and stamped with the wax bearing the Marshal’s seal; a phoenix surrounded by oak leaves and ancient Kravltian language inscribed near the bottom.
Everyone, the Commander in Chief, Mikail, the bodyguards, and of course the administrators saluted me. They were also saluting the Crest of the Phoenix, it’s one of Kravlta’s Medal of Honor.
I saluted the Chief.
“Thank you sir. It is great to be back.”
That was a half lie. Being an Enforcer, especially the Third Enforcer makes you a huge target for those who are corrupt or planning on committing some sort crime.
There are five other Enforcers. They hold one of the highest position in the military, the head of the Military Police is the Marshal whose rank rivals that of the Commander in Chief and Prime Minister.
The First Enforcer is basically the Marshal’s right hand man, the rest are secondary concerns. In other words we often do our own thing and carry out investigation requests from other officers.
Out of all the Enforcer, I was the only one who was able to keep my identity a secret and is the youngest. My operations placed several high ranking officers and influential people in prison. Compared to the other Enforcers achievements, I hold the highest record of imprisoning powerful individuals.
This also placed me in a terrible position since half of those I imprisoned were influenced by foreign nationals.
I’m considered a valuable military asset, so the Marshal placed me on Standby while the intelligence agency and MP deal with those screaming for my head.
“Indeed, I am sorry that our meeting is quick but we have an upcoming issue on our hand.”
The Chief motioned towards the two administrators. They rushed towards the side where a panel was implanted and pressed a series of button. The room dimmed, the four guard and the Chief moved out of the way as the floor collapse.
A neon light blue table rose and flickers several holographic images before stabilizing.
“This was taken from our Recon Drone several hours ago.”
The hologram showed a large group of people marching in old fashion uniforms displaying bright colors. They carried old styled artillery and weapons. Wagon pulled by horses and several other transportation creatures were also used in mass.
Several flags were fluttering in the air, one of which was familiar to me.
A flag bearing green, light blue, and yellow. Green and light blue separated vertically with two yellow swords crossed in the middle.
A kingdom from the Nevyniu Continent, the Kingdom of Uclaria.
“Where are they marching?”
“Towards one of our land claims in their forest. We currently hold land in the Kingdom of Uclaria, near their border regions. We also constructed several mining facility in that region and it is heavily guarded. However, it seems like the Uclarians have been planning this assault for some time. We believe they have a way to deal with our defenses.”
“Which is why the Expedition Forces are being send out for?”
“Correct. Despite our abilities to map out most of the land on Nevyniu, it is still unknown territories. We sent minimum forces if required, but rarely. All our presences is being upheld by our drones. Not to mention the dangers of other nations from our continent interfering with our work.”
“I see.”
“Once again Enforcer Duvan, I apologizes for the rush. Please don the uniform that you will be provided. I understand that you wish to remain secretive, but lately there has been some suspicious activities within our Expedition Force. Either it is excitement of exploration, nervousness, or something sinister. With your presence and reputation, the activities might cease.”
“And if I find anything suspicious?”
“You have every right to apprehend them. However, unless you find something truly suspicious the officer that has been assigned as acting overseer and the General will be your superior officer.”
“I understand.”
Due to the ‘melting pot’ of enlisted personnel from all sort military branch and division placed in the Expedition Force, the brass have a strict rule. Officers who are selected as the Overseer is in command, no exceptions. Well two exceptions.
The only one who outranks the Overseer are the senior officers such as the Generals, the Commander in Chief, and the Marshal, but not the Prime Minister oddly.
The second is where the Overseer or those acting in command are in violations of Military Codes, thus allowing MPs on board to restrain them and take control.
“The expedition fleets will take off in an hour or so, please hurry. There will be transportation for you and SPC Baert that will take you to the airfield.”
“Understood!”
The room return to its original version instead of the covert style.
The Chief saluted me which I and Mikail saluted me.
“Have a good day Enforcer Duvan.”
“You too, sir.”
The Chief turned around and walk towards a backdoor followed by three of his guards. The only one who stayed behind was the guard from the MP.
He walked forward and saluted me.
“Enforcer Duvan, sir! The Commander in Chief has assigned me to guide you. Please follow me, sir!”
…
“Oh wow. You really do like royalty.”
My new dress uniform is a black overcoat with six buttons, three on each side left and right. Several decorations that are actually enhancements are placed on my left chest. Red braid ropes, or aiguillette as they call it is attached on my left breast pocket and linked to the back over my shoulder.
Followed by a red strap from top right of my shoulders to bottom left.
A new peak cap that bears the MP symbol, a shield with ribbons and a winged dragon. The number three was written from ancient Kravltian numeric system.
An armband that blends in with my overcoat holds the word in white MP on it with the ancient Kravltian number three behind it.
“I feel like they are trying to make me some sort of scapegoat for the fallen regime.”
“Nah, you haven’t seen the high ranking officers in full dress uniforms. I bet half of the shiny colors are made out of precious metals!”
“Still, I was hoping for a more practical looking uniform. One that you’re currently wearing.”
Mikail was wearing a dark blue and black uniform that bares a naval anchor mark with a shield around it. It’s plain, but practical.
The Naval Type 093 uniform functions as a training uniform, but it can also be used for field operations. It’s the type you would sleep in and go into battle with. I heard it’s comfortable.
Mines on the other hand is fancy and ceremonial. Despite all the bling and extra accessories, it’s not stiff. But it does make me stand out, something I don’t enjoy very much.
“But I’m just a lowly specialist who’s only good at handling drones. Even if I am gifted and ambidextrous, I’m nothing like you.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means I’m not the guy who’s upholding military laws. You’re important and it sucks to be you.”
“…”
“No target painted on my back, bro.”
“Maybe so… But if…”
“Sir! Ready when you are!”
The MP outside shouted through the slightly closed doors. I forgot that we’re on a tight schedule.
“Let’s go.”
I pushed the door out and followed the escort down the corridor.
After a few twists and turns, we were underground the building. There awaits six black cars with tinted windows. A squad of armed men and women surround the premises.
“This is where I part, sir.”
“Thank you, I believe I didn’t hear your name.”
I think I had, but better safe than sorry.
“Sgt. Jack Dexter, sir. It’s an honor.”
“Many thanks Sgt. Dexter.”
We both saluted each other.
Jack then turned and walked towards the armored cars in the front, he opened the door and got in. The car start up and drives down the tunnel.
“Looks like he was in a rush.”
“It seems so.”
Two of the escort stand attention as we walked towards them.
“Enforcer Mihr Duvan, sir! Our destination is New Ferris Naval Fort! There has been a sudden development, the General strongly recommends that we depart as soon as possible!”
“Understood, I kept them waiting long enough.”