Along the way there, I learned that our campsite would be somewhere between Scythe’s Peak and the Black Forest.

It took about 30 minutes to get there. The specific place was a cave, tucked into a crag and well-hidden by snow.

We rolled down a ramp and into the earth before parking the Steeds and trucks in a way that turned them into an impromptu barrier. Everyone jumped out and headed into the cave’s clearing, a large space that was padded with dirt so as to not force anyone to sleep on bare rock. I noticed several signs of previous use such as the charred remains of a previous campfire and a large stack of firewood. This was a well established camping spot.

“Terry, start dinner.”

“Yes, Commander.”

Terry, our chef, went and started cooking near the middle of the cave. Everyone else started pitching their tents closer to the back, gathering into loose groupings with squads and friends.

I brought out my own camping equipment, finding a random open spot and throwing everything down. Pitching the tent was easy enough to do by myself. They were A-frame tents. Each one could also fit two people, even though everyone had one.

“Hey, John.”

“Oh. Hi Amary.”

Amary came over and set down her supplies as I started to tie my own down. Behind Amary were her friends, who also started tying down their tents in the area.

“Need help?”

“Appreciate it.”

One of the guys from that group came around and helped me tie down the other side of my tent. Once all that was done we greeted each other.

“Gabriel. Knight. Nice to meet you.”

“John. Likewise. Let me help you with your tent.”

“I’m okay, actually. I’m with Brisa. Amary can probably use your help though.”

“Yes please!”

“Heh, alright.”

I chuckled and went over to Amary, tangled in string and camping poles. I extricated her and helped her get everything tied down.

Gabriel and Brisa seemed to be a couple. Besides them, there was another man who didn’t seem as social but was definitely a part of the group as he started pitching right next to us.

I went to help him once I was done with Amary’s tent. He was tying down one of the strings so I grabbed the other end and helped.

“Thank you.”

“Sure. Name’s John. Nice to meet you.”

“Winston.”

We shook hands. The entrances to our tents faced a common center. It seems I had found a group for the night.

“Gather up, Pathfinders!”

Pollux shouted once everyone had finished their tents. We grouped up around a new fire. For a second I was worried about ventilation within the cave but when I looked up, I noticed a hole in the ceiling, one with crossbeams of rock that made it look like a gate. It was no doubt made by an earth warlock.

“You all will get a couple more hours of sleep tonight. We leave camp at 1100, and then we’ll scout out the rest of Scythe’s Peak before returning to base. I’ll need two pairs for night watch. Anulle and Eric, you two take first watch. Randal and Quinock, you’ll take second watch.”

“Yes sir.”

Randal was the only one to respond, the others sighing or scoffing discontentedly.

Pollux didn’t seem to care, simply waving at the huge pot of food being brewed by Terry.

“Otherwise, you all are free for the night. If you must go outside, at least have a partner. We killed a large Scout Troop but don’t know how they’ll react. Be on your guard. You all know that.”

“Yes sir.”

“This would be the best place to defend though.”

A few comments went around as Pollux retreated to his tent, leaving a few words behind.

“Amary, report.”

“Coming.”

Amary looked back at me before putting up two fingers in goodbye. I nodded to her, watching as she went to go give a report to Pollux.

People gathered around the fire, so I joined the coalescing group and sat down on my little chair, taking off my snow coat and enjoying the contrast of the hot fire and cold air on my face and hands.

At the same time, my ears tuned into the conversation between Amary and Pollux. My sight wasn’t the only sense that was enhanced.

“... was he up there? He performed very well but I want to hear what you think of him, as well as details about what you noticed.”

“... Right here?”

“He can’t hear us, not that I’m so concerned if he can.”

I felt their eyes land on me, as well as Pollux’s Aura. Needless to say, neither of them could guess that I heard them loud and clear, even though they were over 100 feet away and toning it down to a near whisper. At this point, I was pretty sure I could hear a fly fart, even though I rarely stressed my hearing. Like my vision though, it could be focused.

Once Pollux decided that I couldn’t hear them, he nodded.

“We’re fine. So tell me, what’s the deal with his weapons? I got a profile on him but information was limited, besides his record.”

“Well, I’m not too sure about them. They’re long metal tubes and he told me they shoot little projectiles like a bow and arrow. A bit like if you put our turrets and a bow together. They’re fast too. Really fast. When he was practicing I was able to catch glimpses of those little things flying across the Pass. They twisted the air with how fast they were.”

“Hm. Anything else?”

“He can shoot far. He was shooting the dead Scout from Shield hill. It was around 800 meters away. I’ve only heard of archers that can shoot something that accurately from so far away. That’s not considering the fact that he’s only Authority Five.”

“Mm. He’s powerful for his level. And yet, he’s a summoner. No wonder the Sovereigns are looking at him.”

Pollux sighed, brushing back his hair and taking out a notepad. I could hear him write, but couldn’t possibly see what.

“Alright. What about his vision? He could pick out a Scout from that far away. That’s not normal. Did he have a tool for that? A summon?”

“No sir. Just his eyes. He was watching Squads Three and Four as well, guiding them to the sensors with the map from his view on the hill.”

“That’s definitely a Crown, then. I don’t see any other explanation.”

“I would agree. I tried to ask about it but he dodged the question. Still, he all but confirmed it.”

“Indeed. I’m not sure why he hid it from the military, but an eye enhancement is hardly something to be concerned over. It just makes him like those Scouts. And frankly, that’s something we need. So long as his name doesn’t cause me trouble, he’ll be a valuable member of this platoon. Would you agree based on his other actions today? I could hear him from the great beyond but you were still the one beside him.”

Pollux glanced at Amary. She took a look back at me in silence, thinking.

“... I think he’s nice.”

“Think?”

“Let me rephrase that. He is nice. Of course, that asshole Eric wouldn’t agree, but he picks fights with anyone who gives him the time of day. You’ll have to ask Colonel Polly about his communication, because I couldn’t hear him talk at all. He says he controls his Aerial with his mind. But when we talked, he was nice. He looks like a good fighter too. He took out plenty of those spiked wolves today, all from the hill. It looked easy, but he was eager to help you guys.”

“Yes, he started shooting without asking.”

“I think that’s just how he works. He’s fragile but powerful and loud. He’s probably used to keeping his distance and helping from afar, where everyone can hear him but nobody can touch him. Plus, he just came out of the Magisterium. I wouldn’t-”

“I understand, Amary. I’m not saying what he did was wrong. In fact, he did everything right. I’ll be promoting him to Sergeant when we get back, after I talk to the Marshal. Now, last question. Do you think he needs someone watching over him? I know you might enjoy sitting around all day instead of working sensors, but putting that aside, how much of a liability is he? Can we trust in his abilities?”

Amary glanced over again, staring as she spoke.

“... I don’t know. It’s only been a day. I mean, he’s survived so far. But regardless, he’s still a summoner. If something gets close, he’ll be in trouble. I don’t think it’s a matter of trusting him or not.”

“True. I’m still waiting for an Orb to show me the recording from the Magisterium’s Crowned Championship. I’ve been told it’s something I’ll want to see. But no matter how good it is, his records always said he was in a squad. His weaknesses are clear.” Pollux snapped his notebook shut. “Alright, thank you for the report. You’ll stay with him for another couple weeks. I might also form another squad. Then we’ll reevaluate his position after we put him through some more missions. Today was a surprise, but it’s far from everything we’ll need him to be doing.”

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

“Yes sir.”

Amary gave a short salute before trotting back over.

After retrieving a blanket from her tent, she came to the fire with everyone else and sat down beside me.

We watched Terry work the huge cauldron of stew. A positively heavenly scent diffused throughout the area, the mixed aromas of meats and vegetables and spices simmering away, gracing our noses with promises of salivating deliciousness.

The wait was almost excruciating, but Terry finally finished. He brought out a large stack of metal bowls and got everyone in line.

There were several eager eaters who jumped right in. I waited a bit before going up with Amary, getting a bowl and spoon before sitting back down and chowing down.

It lived up to its expectations.

I slurped everything down, surprised that the single bowl filled my stomach. After that, I lounged back as Amary and the knights went for seconds and thirds to satiate their powerful bodies.

Then, once my stomach wasn’t bulging anymore, I had a thought and pulled out my guitar.

“What’s that?”

“A guitar.”

I answered Amary’s question before strumming a few strings. The tuning hadn’t changed at all. These strings were high quality, or just straight-up magical.

After finding my sound, I started playing some suitable songs. Whatever chatter there was shrunk to a whisper. I took it as a compliment. Nobody wanted to interrupt the guitarist.

Well, except one.

“By the way, did anyone ask you to-”

“By the almighty, Eric! Start bitching like a little girl and I’ll turn you into one!”

Amary snapped, genuine anger surging out as Eric’s voice cut through the melody.

He scoffed out a snide remark, but I ignored him, opting to continue playing, bouncing between a bunch of the songs I knew and occasionally humming lyrics.

Everyone else ate and finished their stew, gradually wrapping up and getting ready to retire for the night. Many stayed to listen and stare into the fire, and a few couples manifested and held onto each other.

I sighed when I saw them. How I wished Umara was here. It had been about two months since we last saw each other, and although we kept in frequent contact, it couldn’t substitute for seeing her face and hearing her voice and kissing her all I wanted.

Not to mention the lack of sex. I had the military to distract me, but it still felt like I was being withheld from the drug that was Umara’s body.

I really needed to find my way into whatever special operations division the Kingdom ran so I could see her. But I had a feeling that I’d need to get much stronger for that. It didn’t matter how lethal guns were if I was limited to killing Authority Six weaklings.

It all came back to that damn advancement formation.

I looked at the time after finishing my song. People were beginning to disperse and I needed my sleepy time as well. That, and time to work on the formation. I had been putting it off with everything going on, but it was time to kick back into gear.

Once I stood up, Amary opened her closed eyes.

“You going to bed?”

“Mm.”

“Well if the music's over, there’s no reason for me to stay out here.”

She followed me back to the tent after I put my guitar away. I could feel Eric’s gaze track me as we left.

I didn’t like that guy.

I climbed into my tent, as did Amary. She gave me a goodnight wave from her half open tent flap, which I returned before arranging my blankets and getting comfortable.

I sealed my tent flap and took out my advancement formation, manipulating the Orb and projecting its information into my mind. I was getting used to the new patterns of this formation with its greater complexities, so I could start making actual progress on the first of many.

An hour passed and I was steadily breaking my way into it, comprehending just a small part that would act as my foothold in the future.

Unfortunately, I was destined to be interrupted.

My eyes drifted over before Eric even stood up. Talk about precognition.

Then, I watched as he walked over to my tent, standing outside it.

“Can I help you, First Sergeant Eric?”

Right as I asked, his hand tore away the flap of my tent. It was dark but I could see him and the rest of the cave around him clearly.

He sneered.

“Get up. I don’t want to do night watch.”

“That sounds like a personal problem.”

“You better crawl out before I make it yours too, smartass.”

“Hey man, I get tired easily so I need my slee- oh.”

I was interrupted by my ankle being grabbed. Eric dragged me out and tossed me on the floor outside like a wet rag.

I groaned a bit after hitting the ground. Thankfully it was dirt.

I glanced back at Amary’s tent. She was deep asleep.

“Get your sorry summoner ass to the Steeds and take first watch. If you need me to throw you over there, I’d be happy to oblige.”

“... Fine.”

I thought for a second and stood, brushing myself off and walking over.

“Good dog.”

“...”

I glanced back. What a creep.

But I kept walking, making it to the Steeds and climbing to the top to watch.

There, I saw the other guy who was doing night watch, Anulle. He was a peak Authority 6 warlock, and he watched me climb up with pity.

“So he forced you over, huh?”

“I came willingly, not that I had a choice. I’d prefer not to break any bones.”

“Mm.”

He nodded as I took a seat nearby.

“You know, you can jump inside the Steed and sleep if you want. There’s really no need for two of us.”

“I think I’ll watch for a bit, but thanks for the offer.”

“Suit yourself. I’m going to read.”

“Sure.”

Anulle took out what looked like a Grimoire, similar to one of Umara’s. I glanced at him before focusing outside the cave.

We were surrounded by forest, so finding us wouldn’t be easy. But the forest would hide us as equally as it would hide something that had found us.

Time passed as I just stared off into the darkness, keeping alert for any movement whatsoever. I needed something. An excuse to nip this in the bud.

For a time, I thought that wouldn’t come. Hour after hour passed. Even Eric went to bed, and the fire turned to smoldering embers.

But I kept watching as we got close to finishing the first watch. Then, my saving grace arrived.

I saw faint movement deep in the forest. A Scout, not a Cyclops, but still a Scout. It was searching around, walking in our direction.

Anulle naturally didn’t see it; both due to lack of ability, and the fact that his face was buried in his book. But I stared as it, along with a small escort of spiked wolves, approached.

Then, it got in range, finding a spot next to a tree to stalk us. It didn’t look like it was intending to attack in any way, instead opting for a more passive information-gathering stance. In any other situation, nobody would ever know it had come, and it would silently slip away later. This cave was definitely already known to the Scourge. They probably stalked it every time the platoon camped here.

I took out my Garand. The Scout was around 140 meters away, well within range.

Anulle looked over, but before he could say anything, I fired.

The explosion reverberated through the cave as the Scout crumpled to the ground. Then, I took out my Lewis Gun and started unloading.

The noise and muzzle flash attracted the wolves, who came charging over after a brief moment of shock. I let off small bursts as they weaved through the trees, gunning each of them down one by one with ease. They were barely Authority Five.

Then, when the last one was killed, I let off the trigger. I could then finally hear the sounds coming toward me.

“...op! Stop, dammit! Are you trying to make everyone deaf?!”

I turned back. Everyone, without exception, was outside their tents and very much awake. I barely hold back a laugh as the Commander jumped and landed on the Steed.

He yelled, definitely irritated.

“What the hell are you even doing on night watch?!”

“Sir! I spotted a Scout and a troop of spiked wolves making their way over! Right there!”

I pointed. I had let some of the wolves get close, the closest being somewhat visible in the dark about 30 meters away.

After taking a few breaths, Pollux scoffed and looked back at me with narrowed eyes.

“I asked, what the hell are you doing on night watch?”

“Sir, First Sergeant Eric assigned me to this post. I was just following his orders.”

“And you needed to wake up the entire damn mountain? While in the field, and especially on night watch, we don’t engage unless the enemy is clearly attempting to mount an offensive or subvert our operations!”

“I apologize sir. I wasn’t familiar with protocol here. I won’t do it again.”

“... Fuck! So much for extra sleep!”

Pollux jumped down, walking back into camp.

“Cooper! I don’t ever want to see you on fucking night watch again! God forbid you make my ears bleed!”

“Yes sir!”

“I was planning on promoting you when we got back to base too, but I think I’m going to be too tired to give a damn now! Eric! Get to your fucking station!”

Eric walked over as Pollux was giving the order. I jumped down, the two of us passing each other.

And the asshole was actually smiling at me, as if proud. I even heard him whisper.

“So much for being a rat. You just lost a promotion, little bitch.”

“...”

I had to hold back my own cackle as I walked off. This guy was an idiot.

I'd never have to do night watch again! He thought I gave a damn about an infantry promotion? I was going to be getting that shit within the week anyways.

I really couldn’t fathom this guy’s stupidity. I had a feeling Pollux was helping me out too. Pulling a stunt like this might make him mad at me for a little bit, but for what I was getting? Easily worth it.

I had a wide grin on as I got back to my tent, Amary looking at me with questioning eyes.

A foggy breath escaped my lips.

“Now I can sleep in peace.”

“Thanks for waking me up. Quite rude.”

“Heh, not sorry.”

“Sly bastard.”

She snickered at me. I chortled in response as I climbed back into my tent.

I had no flap since Eric tore it off, but I hardly gave a damn. I felt at ease.

And I fell asleep with a smile on my face.

……

…

As morning arrived, the platoon rolled out on the dot.

I got a call from Polly not long after.

“Handler to Liaison. Good morning.”

“Liaison to Handler. It really is a beautiful morning out here. You should see it.”

“And step out into that cold? No thanks. What’s your status?”

“All normal over here. Just finishing up our recon before heading back.”

I looked around. We were driving around Scythe’s Peak, taking a look at the last of the traps and sensors. Pretty soon we’d be on our way back.

“Copy, Liaison. Check in before you reach the Black Forest. Communications go dark under that canopy. I need to know when you’re passing through.”

“Will do Handler.

“Good. Compile your mission report too. Handler out.”

I set down my Aerial with a smile almost as bright as the rising sun around us.

Commander Pollux reaffirmed how good my eyes were in the morning when he saw the corpses. Not many could see in that darkness, let alone hit a shot through the trees from where I was.

Well, it was good that my value as a long ranged fighter was apparent. That way I’d be able to keep my distance from all the battles.

The recon concluded promptly and with no issues. The convoy started their return to base and I checked in before we went into the Black Forest.

I took off my hood and mask when I felt the blast of warmth under the canopy. I once again marveled at the beauty of this place, simultaneously feeling Amary’s arms tighten around my waist from behind.

I was the one driving the bike, so I didn’t mind that she had to hold on. I did the same with her. But a part of me was wary. Perhaps I should take another bike next time.

It was another hour or so before we made it through the forest and sighted the tips of the watchtowers over the thinning forest cover. They had seen us – and our trail – and the gates swung open just wide enough for us in perfect time with our speed, snicking shut mere seconds after our last Steed glided through the gap.

First Mission: Complete.