Mark gazed out the window as the military craft neared the campus, his eyes taking in the impressive sight below. The silver city, a massive military establishment, sprawled majestically within its formidable 40-meter-high walls, shimmering like stainless steel in the sun's light. Mark couldn't help but feel a sense of superiority, thinking about how he was part of such a grand and powerful structure.
The city's skyline was dominated by three imposing black towers, each soaring over 200 floors high and about 150 meters wide. Atop these towers, gigantic lenses, surrounded by hundreds of smaller cannons, surveyed the land with an air of unchallenged authority. Mark observed this display of military might with a sense of pride, imagining himself in command of such power.
Surrounding the circular wall, an arsenal of weaponry reminiscent of ancient belt-fed machine guns stood ready to defend against any threats from the barren desert beyond. Cannon-like devices, strategically placed at intervals, added to the city's formidable defence system. Mark admired the tactical placement of these armaments, envisioning how he would strategize their use in battle.
As the craft continued its approach, Mark noticed soldiers patrolling the walls every 100 meters. Dressed in military uniforms and armed with their preferred weapons, the soldiers' diversity was a sight to behold. Giants, elves, red noseless creatures, and even goblins were part of this formidable force. Mark looked at them with a sense of entitlement, already seeing himself as a leader among such diverse beings.
In his mind, Mark's ambitions grew. 'One day, I will command a city greater than this, ruling my domain with unrivalled strength. I'll rise to become a lord of the lattice and beyond, surpassing the elites who govern across the solar system. My rule will be absolute, my power unchallenged.'
The craft made a scenic loop around the city, giving Mark a final panoramic view of its might before approaching a landing platform near a large structure resembling a sports stadium. As they landed, a group of students awaited them. Clad in military forest camo, some bore the signs of recent combat, their uniforms covered in soot. Mark stepped out of the craft, his gaze sweeping over them with a mix of condescension and anticipation, ready to take his place among the ranks of the elite.
As Mark and his team alighted from the craft, the awaiting students immediately launched into a barrage of comments, their tones a mix of admonishment and admiration. "Well, well, well, looks like you all had a bit of a rough day?" Mark quipped, unfazed by the scrutiny, his confidence undimmed.
A chorus of responses met his remark. "You almost burnt down the entire forest!" some students complained, their voices laced with a mixture of awe and reproof. Yet, amidst the complaints, a note of respect emerged.
"It was a great trick, burning down the forest, really caught us off guard," admitted a short, ginger-haired boy, his words carrying an undertone of grudging admiration.
A few girls chimed in with playful commendation, their giggles and winks directed at Mark, suggesting an appreciation for more than just his tactical acumen. The atmosphere was electric, a blend of camaraderie and rivalry that defined the military academy's ethos.
As Mark disembarked from the craft, he was immediately met with a mix of reactions from the assembled students. His casual remark, "Well, well, well, looks like you all had a bit of a rough day?" was met with a flurry of comments, ranging from complaints about nearly burning down the forest to admiring acknowledgements of the clever distraction his team had employed.
Amidst the chatter, a figure emerged from the crowd, his presence cutting through the noise like a knife. Steve, with soot staining his uniform and ash dulling his blonde hair, moved forward with purpose. His green eyes, rimmed with a yellow ring, burned with a mix of anger and entitlement.
The confrontation that unfolded was charged with intensity, a palpable tension that drew the attention of all present.
Steve's aggressive approach, grabbing Mark's collar, a clear challenge, his words dripping with venom. "Mark Flowers, you fucking bastard, you almost killed me! Do you have any idea who my family is? You should be bowing down to me. The Nevu Federation, which my family leads, has more bases across the solar system than any other nation!"
Mark's response was calm, almost eerily so, his voice soft yet laced with an undeniable confidence. "How many times must I tell you, Steve? You might be second in class scores, but the gap between us... it's something you'll never bridge."
With a swift and precise movement, Mark neutralized Steve's grip, his actions causing a series of subtle cracks to emanate from Steve's arm, the pain visibly registering in his adversary's eyes. In a fluid continuation of his defence, Mark's leg swept out, unbalancing Steve and bringing him to his knees with a resonant thud.
Hovering over the now subdued Steve, Mark's whispered words carried a chilling edge. "So, you've chosen to bow down after all. Wise decision. Remember, I'm being lenient this time. But don't expect such mercy if there's a next."
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Raising his voice so that every student could hear, Mark's declaration was both a dismissal and a warning. "Unfortunately, I'm not in need of any more companions, but thanks for the offer, Steve." His tone, tinged with mockery, elicited a mix of reactions from the crowd, from nervous chuckles to outright laughter at Steve's expense.
"Alright, alright, enough of this nonsense, go get changed and cleaned up. At 1600, make sure you're all in the auditorium for the final scores and your departing brief," Major Charles commanded with an air of finality. "Dismissed." With that, the students dispersed, each carrying the anticipation of the impending ceremony.
The students' preparations were meticulous, a blend of routine and reverence for the tradition they were about to partake in. Showered, fed, and impeccably dressed in their full dress uniform, they made their way to the grand auditorium, a stark contrast to the usual classroom settings, its vastness echoing with the footsteps of the future defenders of humanity.
As they gathered, the auditorium buzzed with a cacophony of voices, each sharing stories of trials, laughter, and the forging of unbreakable bonds over the gruelling three years. This was more than a mere gathering; it was a celebration of their collective journey, a testament to the friendships and alliances formed in the crucible of rigorous training.
The military had long understood the value of such bonds. This camaraderie could only be forged through shared hardship and triumph, and moments like these encapsulated the essence of their training.
The atmosphere shifted palpably as Major Charles entered, his presence commanding immediate silence. The room stilled, every eye fixed on him as he began, "Congratulations, you have all passed your mandatory service in the United Earth military. It is now time to announce your final results, which will dictate your military endorsement. Following this, I will provide your final briefing, essential for our continued efforts to conquer the lattice and expand our influence across the universe." His voice carried a mix of pride and expectation, the weight of his words not lost on anyone present.
The announcement of the results began, marking the culmination of their hard work and dedication. "In last place, the team led by Alice Fawl, at 16 hours and 52 minutes," he started, moving up the ranks until he reached the penultimate position. "In second place, with a remarkable time of 5 hours and 3 minutes, the team led by Steve Nevu."
A round of applause filled the auditorium as Steve's team was acknowledged. "For your outstanding performance and strategic acumen, each member of the second-place team will be awarded a one-time, ash-infused token. This token will grant you additional rewards on a dungeon run, a boon that could tip the scales in your favour in the challenging environments of the lattice," Major Charles announced, bestowing a unique honour upon them that underscored the value of their achievement.
The anticipation built to a crescendo as Major Charles finally declared, "And in first place, clocking in at just over 1 hour and 43 minutes, the team led by Mark Flowers." The auditorium erupted in cheers, the significance of their victory resonating deeply with everyone present.
"Mark Flowers, and your team, please come to the front," Major Charles beckoned. As they stepped forward, the pride in their accomplishment was palpable. "For breaking the school record and securing first place in your cohort, you are to receive the full endorsement of the United Earth military, plus..." The major's words trailed off as he looked at the auditorium entrance, leaving a moment of suspense hanging in the air, a promise of greater things to come for these exemplary students who had proven themselves ready to face the challenges that lay beyond the academy's walls.
Before Major Charles could further detail the accolades awaiting Mark and his team, the auditorium's atmosphere shifted palpably as a figure of high military distinction entered. The man, appearing to be in his 70s, commanded immediate respect with his bald head, neatly trimmed moustache and thick eyebrows. The four golden stars adorning his shoulders identified him unmistakably as a general.
"I will take it from here, Major," he stated, his voice soft yet laden with a gravity that seemed to make the air itself heavier, commanding the undivided attention of all present.
"Young man, come over here," he beckoned to Mark, who promptly approached, saluting and standing at attention before the general. Mark wasn't sure what happened but he felt that no one else could hear the conversation between himself and the general.
"So, you're his grandson, huh?" the general began, his words tinged with a recognition that went beyond Mark's personal achievements. "Well, if you weren't, I wouldn't be bestowing this privilege upon you, despite your commendable performance here." He handed Mark a black orb, about the size of an orange. "With this, you are officially granted permission by the United Earth military to establish your own stronghold in the home dimension. This orb will equip you with the defenses necessary to safeguard a city of up to 100,000 inhabitants in environments with low to no atmosphere. Exercise this power judiciously when you've amassed sufficient strength."
Leaning closer, the general's voice dropped to a whisper, meant for Mark's ears alone despite the feeling of a nose restriction barrier, "Mr. Wildevor, extend my regards to the old fella, will you?" This subtle nod to Mark's lineage and the legacy of Tyson, the former Hero of Earth, hinted at the general's deep-seated knowledge of the Wildevor family's prior accomplishments and their deliberately low profile.
The barrier dropped before Mark could say anything and, the general loudly announced an additional boon for Mark and his team, acknowledging their exceptional teamwork and strategic insight.
"As a token of recognition for your team's exemplary performance, each member will be awarded a small Class A ash-infused android designed for basic scouting tasks within the lattice. These companions will prove invaluable in navigating and understanding the complexities of the lattice, enhancing your team's capabilities on future missions."
With these words, the general departed as swiftly as he had arrived, leaving a trail of whispered speculations and awe in his wake. Major Charles, reclaiming the floor, shifted the focus to the broader picture.
"With the individual endorsements now conferred, it's imperative we turn our attention to humanity's overarching strategy in the universe and the pivotal role the lattice plays in securing our precarious position amongst the stars," he articulated, setting the stage for the graduates' next chapter in their service to the United Earth military and their continued contributions to humanity's legacy.