Outside Building A of the Central, the 99th Division appears ready to embark on their first mission.

...

Warin explains, "As I mentioned earlier, the plan is straightforward. We need to escort an armory truck filled with next-generation ammunition to the East Department."

Aki inquires, "What exactly is next-generation ammunition?"

Warin responds, "It's highly classified, for sure. Even I wasn't privy to this information."

Daw jokes, "Maybe it's just food and booze for a surprise party! You know, since we just became a new Division."

Aki retorts, "You're hopeless, Daw."

Daw quips back, "And you're ugly. I'd take hopeless over ugly any day of the week."

Aki warns, "Say that again, you—"

As tensions rise between the two Division members, Warin's voice cools the atmosphere.

Warin intervenes, "Really, guys? Stop this cat and mouse game for a moment, for God's sake."

Aki states, "I am an atheist."

Daw jests, "...I would be too, if God made me that ugly...HAHAHAH."

Aki threatens, "You son of a—"

Warin firmly says, "STOP. Seriously, time is of the essence."

Silence follows.

Warin details that the shortest route from Central to the East Department takes 3 hours. The plan is to reach the East Department by sundown, stay a day, and leave the next day. The route will be displayed on a map, taking the main path of East Road (E-00). All paths are named after their cardinal directions and numbered accordingly.

...

Before departing, they gather equipment and supplies from the armory. Armed and ready, they take two military vehicles, with Aki and Daw driving the front vehicle, Miro and Karen the rear, and Lieutenant Radboud in the armory truck passenger seat alongside Lexo, the driver. They exit through the East Gate of the Central.

...

Two hours into the journey, Warin announces a 15-minute break. The group engages in casual conversation, sharing their favorite foods and resting.

"Bread with honey, is there even something better?", Miro exclaims in full confidence.

Karen reacts a bit disgusted to the weird combination of food, "..that's an interesting choice...I guess? I will keep it simple however, and just go for a scoop of chocolate pudding..."

"...soo basic of your, Karen.", Aki says. "I am telling you, try out the melon flavored pudding for once!"

"Maybe next time...haha", Karen answers a bit shaky.

Once the break ends, Warin gathers everyone to resume the journey.

"Sorry to end the chatter here but it's time, let's move, 15 minutes are over!"

...

Upon arrival at the East Department's security checkpoint, Warin announces their mission to deliver the ammunition. After passing the security checks and receiving a Receipt Token, they are informed they can only stay for the night due to space limitations.

"We're nearing full capacaity here, 1 night is all we can offer for you, Lieutenant Radboud. Our apologies.", says the East Department Guide.

Warin, smiling, declares his heartfelt gratitude, "No worries, thank you for making something possible regardless!"

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Lieutenant Warin Radboud is assigned his own room, while Miro and Daw share a room, as do Aki and Karen. Warin commends their work and advises them to rest up for the next day's departure.

As the sun dipped low, painting the sky with shades of orange and purple, Warin found himself aimlessly wandering the halls of the East Department. His feet carried him through the echoing corridors, each step a testament to the day's exhaustion and accomplishments. It was during this aimless journey that he stumbled upon a figure whose presence in the East Department was as unexpected as it was significant—Admiral Kenzo Furaka, the esteemed Admiral of the East Department.

Curiosity piqued, Warin approached the Admiral with a respectful nod. "Admiral Furaka," he began, his voice steady yet filled with intrigue, "may I inquire what brings you to the East Department this evening?"

The Admiral, a man of stern appearance but approachable demeanor, turned to Warin with a thoughtful look. "Lieutenant Radboud, isn't it?" he replied, recognizing the young officer. "I'm here on official business—discussing war plans with the leadership of the East War Department. My duties often take me between the East and the Central for such matters."

Warin's brow furrowed in surprise. "I wasn't aware that war meetings and plans were centralized at the Central," he admitted, revealing his novice understanding of the military's inner workings.

Admiral Furaka offered a knowing smile, the kind that spoke of secrets long kept. "Indeed, the most critical meetings and strategic decisions are made within the confines of the Intelligence Chamber, or I.C., as we call it. It's a closely guarded secret, known only to those at the Commodore level and above."

Warin's eyes widened in awe, the mythical I.C. he had heard whispers of was real. "I always thought the I.C. was just a legend," he confessed.

"The I.C. is very real, Lieutenant," the Admiral assured, his tone serious. "And it's because you're seen as a promising officer that I'm sharing this with you. Consider it a test of your discretion and loyalty. As you climb the ranks, such tests will become more frequent. Are you prepared to keep this secret?"

Warin felt a surge of pride at the Admiral's words, a mix of honor and responsibility filling his chest. "I won't let you down, Admiral Furaka. Thank you for trusting me with this information," he vowed, the gravity of the moment not lost on him.

With a final nod of mutual respect, they parted ways, each absorbed in their own thoughts.

Later, alone on the balcony of his room, Warin stared out into the night, the stars twinkling like distant beacons of the unknown. The revelation of the I.C., the weight of the secret now shared, and the trust bestowed upon him by Admiral Furaka swirled in his mind. It was a pivotal moment, a crossroads in his military career that whispered of the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead. As the cool night air brushed against his face, Warin couldn't help but wonder what the future held for him and how the path to the I.C. would shape his destiny.

As dawn broke over the East Department, the first rays of sunlight chased away the shadows of night, casting a soft glow over the compound. Warin, alongside Miro, Daw, Aki, and Karen, were already up and bustling about, ready to depart back to Central HQ. Their brief stay had been surprisingly peaceful, a stark contrast to the war-front's chaos they had imagined.

"I didn't expect it to be so calm here," Aki remarked, packing up his gear with a hint of disappointment.

Miro nodded in agreement, "Yeah, the rumors had us believe otherwise."

Karen, always the voice of reason, chimed in, "We're quite a distance from the actual East War front. That's why it's peaceful."

Aki and Miro exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of annoyance and relief; the myths of the front had been debunked, at least for now.

With their gear secured and spirits mixed, the team set out toward the Central, retracing their steps along the main East Road (E-00).

...

...

Meanwhile, in a starkly different setting, a cold, snowy forest became a battleground of chaos and fear. Colonel Sam Foster, amidst the cacophony of explosions and gunfire, bellowed orders to his brigade, which was caught off-guard by an ambush.

"How did they ambush my whole brigade like this?" he roared, frustration and disbelief in his voice. "And what's that new weapon they have? It explodes on impact, killing instantly, and its range is absurd. We can't even see where the shots are coming from. Being in this forest puts us at a severe disadvantage!"

"Private Splyce!" he called out over the din of battle. "Send out a rescue signal to Central!"

"Aye, Colonel!" Splyce responded, his fingers already moving to transmit the distress call.

As more soldiers fell to the unseen threat, the scene shifted to the Central Communication Unit (CCU), where the distress signal, urgent and desperate, was received.

"Damn those UOM fools; we're shorthanded!" Vice Admiral Herto Stessler cursed upon hearing the news. "Who can we send?"

At that moment, a second messenger entered, breaking the tense atmosphere. "Sir! Lieutenant Radboud has returned from his mission and wishes to deliver the Receive Token."

"Radboud? That newbie?" Stessler thought, skepticism laced with a begrudging acceptance of the limited options available. "Well, let him in!"

Warin, unaware of the situation he was about to be thrust into, stepped forward with the Receive Token in hand. "Lieutenant Radboud of the 99th Division reporting, Vice Admiral Stessler."

"Good job," Stessler dismissed the formalities, his mind racing with the urgency of the moment. "Listen, I have a new mission for you. It's very urgent."

Warin's confusion was palpable, his face a mask of questions as he processed the sudden shift in expectations.

...

Warin: "...?"