The little demon reappeared, bringing with him a map.

-Welcome everyone to your geography class. Today we are going to continue our lesson about the Crimson Continent, more specifically about Cetus Country. Cetus Country is one of the larger countries on the Crimson Continent and is composed by 5 main cities controlled by the Nation: Ara, Serpens, Crux, Antlia, and Octans. Octans City is a city different from all the others. Not everyone can enter its domain, not even members of the Nation without the permit. This city is known as the forbidden city and is closed to the world most of the time. There are no citizens living there and no Nation troops are stationed for more than a month. The city control is passed down from Nation commander to Nation commander, who supervise special trials and training of certain Nation squads. Usually this city is deserted, as most trainings are done in campaign mode. However, there is a unique time every year where there are free trials across the whole Crimson Country, where the ones that qualify get to enter the Nation academy. The best new talented rookies are taken to Octans city to be trained with the best teacher available to their special traits. After their training, the new recruits join different troops and ranks among the Nation.

A school bell is heard.

-That’s all for today! I hope you study the things we learn about today and continue to pay attention to all the things surrounding us. Don’t blink or you will miss it. Hihihihi

*****

The hot scorch sun was high on the sky, contemplating all the living beings below. The brothers Leo and Jax follow the travel expert Kai to avoid the Nation eyes. For the past 10 years Kai traveled across the whole Crimson Continent, knowing each mile across the Nation Road.

-After that rock point, we are going to be at the Deep Crossroad, which is the point where we got two pathways: one to Octans City, and another one to the Wildwood Overpass, that gives access to Jade Continent. We would take the first path crossing Octans City, as it is a small distance to reach our next goal: Crux City. But we are going for the second choice and make a little detour to Jade continent. It’s going to take at least 2 more weeks, but it’s still on schedule.

-Why do we have to be doing that detour?

-What do you mean why? Because of all things that happened on Serpens City. It’s true that the rebels claimed Serpens City and the politic games seem to be protecting it from being reclaimed by the Nation. Nevertheless, the Nation didn’t waste time to mobilize more troops across the globe to fortify strategic points. This time they placed forces on the country where more turmoil has been caused.

-But frontiers are also strategic strongholds. So why we should go in that—

-Because this is Octans City. This city is like a living organism, it’s not a fixed location; it’s special. We have to be careful not to get caught in any camps they have. We will be in trouble if we are spotted.

-Huh, like this one? I guess that we don’t have to be careful anymore.

The traveling trio is surrounded by more than two dozens of people wearing the Nation outfit, on combat position. They take one step at a time, reducing the distance to Leo and the others. Until they halt. One of the soldiers got in front of them, with a plankboard on his hand and stare at them.

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-Who are you? State your names and purpose.

-Huh…

-Are you deaf? State your names and purpose to be here. This is Octans 6th trial camp.

-Wait, wait, wait. We are here for the trial. My nephews are going to be drafted, I’m sure of it.

-Huh, what nephews? W-

Leo was quickly quieted by Kai, who saw an opportunity to not get caught.

-Names?

-Stan and Eric Stoch.

-You don’t seem to be on the list. Are you from the free areas?

-Huh, yeah. We heard about the trials and my nephews are ready to grab this once in a lifetime opportunity.

-Since the Serpens City incident, all these peasants think it’s easy to get on the Nation roster… why did I have to be one of the supervisors this time? Let’s get this over with. Follow us.

*****

The Nation squad escort the brothers and Kai to their camp. The location was a flatland where several people were gathered to try joining the Nation. People from everywhere in the Crimson continent who wants to enter the Nation troops rankings, with all the advantages and rights that come with it. Kai was moved to the visitors area while the brothers were brought to a reserved area for the newcomers. There were some nervous, some confident and some resting before the trials. Depending on the season and the instructors, the tests are different from each other, in order to testing the adaptability of each candidate. This time on the 6th trial camp the instructor was no other than Sir Alex Denver.

Known for his role on Warrant Wars and countless battles against the rebels, Alex Denver is one of the most respected men in the entire continent. This year to celebrate the 30 years of service on Nation behalf, he was sent to appoint new talents for the Nation academy new scholarship in his name. His grey strands were not long enough to hide his boredom, but he is a man who gets the job done no matter what. His blue eyes contrasted with his light color clothing and matched the sheath of his dual swords on his back. He briefly talked to his men who were to supervise the trial to set up a wide area for it. After a couple of hours that was accomplished and the contenders for Nation spots were assembled there. Before holding his speech to them, Denver decided to pay a visit to the watchers area, who included the visitors, family, and spotters for guilds.

-Good afternoon. I am pleased to announce that this trial camp edition is going to start soon. It was concealed from everyone outside the Nation official ranks supervising these event that this trial camp was going to be somewhat special. In honor for the 30 years that I have been in service of Nation it was created a limited number of scholarships to the Nation Elite Academy. This time the trial is at my mercy, and I decided to hold a rumble all for all to choose the candidates for the spots. I am proud that your proteges, familiars or friends choose to participate the examination and have come from every corner of this grand crimson continent. In order to show my gratitude to you all, we are to offer 100 gold coins to any participant that shows promise even if he isn’t chosen to the Elite academy.

-Oh lord Denver we are not worthy of that at all.

-That’s right just giving an opportunity to some nobodies like us it’s already amazing.

-You don’t need to be so humble about it, I already decided to do that. So, let’s greet our applicants, shall we? Huh, Kai? Is that you? What are you doing here?

Kai caught Denver eyes as everyone was exiting the room. Kai tried to hide himself but that was in vain apparently.

-Oh, Denver didn’t see you there. How are ya?

-Don’t “Denver didn’t see you there to me”! I told you when you needed to travel to tell me so that I could help you out.

-But I left the Asmund Trade association and started my own so I thought that was something that could be a battle of interests and…

-Nonsense! It’s not that gold grabbers association that I have to thank for, it’s you. You were the one who help me out when no one could.

-Yes, but that was because I was working with them. I alone could not do it without their…

-Don’t be so humble, God damnit! We have much to catch up. I want to know how and why you get here.

-Sir what about the trial?

-Oh, that’s right. Let’s get that started before we talk. Let’s go everyone.