The sound of my alarm clock blaring in my ear is like a slap in the face, jolting me out of my dreamless sleep. I groan and try to roll over, but my body is already responding to the urgency of the noise. I reach out blindly, my hand fumbling for the alarm clock on the bedside table. I finally manage to hit the snooze button, and the room falls silent once again.
I lie there for a moment, my eyes closed, trying to fall back asleep, trying to ignore the fact that I have to get up.
'It's no use...'
The sleep that was so easy to find just a few hours ago is now out of reach, and I know that I won't be able to drift off again.
I know that I can't stay in bed all day, no matter how much I might want to. But it's hard to shake off the feeling of frustration and exhaustion that comes with waking up every day to the same routine. It feels like I'm trapped in a never-ending cycle of alarm clocks and responsibilities, with no end in sight.
I sigh and rub my eyes, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep. Another day as a member of the elite military unit, called The Sentinels on Avealon awaits me, and I know that I have to be alert and ready for whatever challenges it may bring.
Sigh...
I force myself to get out of bed and stretch, my muscles protesting after another restless night of working. I head to the bathroom to splash some water on my face and get ready for the day ahead. As I brush my teeth and shave, I can't help but take a good look at myself In the mirror.
"..."
If It was a few years ago, I would've seen a young man with short black hair and piercing blue eyes. My face was chiseled and strong, with a determined set to my jaw. Tall and fit, with broad shoulders and a toned physique from years of training and physical conditioning. Wearing my uniform with pride, knowing that it represents the discipline and honor of The Sentinels, ready to face whatever challenges come my way as I serve and protect the people of Avealon.
Now I can hardly recognize myself. I'll tell you, one of these days I would break down If I don't find a hobby that I would consider a big difference In my current lifestyle.
Thinking about appearances, I also wonder what the future hold for me. Will it be a routine day of patrolling the streets and maintaining order, or, preferably, will something harmless, but unexpected happen?
Only time will tell, hopefully.
...
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I finish getting dressed and grab my gear, making sure that I have everything I need for the day ahead. The military uniform that I wear is a white trench coat made of thick, durable fabric. It's designed to withstand the harsh conditions of Avalon, protecting me from the elements and any potential threats that I may encounter on my missions.
The coat has a double-breasted design, with buttons running down the front and a belt cinched around the waist. The sleeves have buttoned cuffs, and there are pockets on either side of the coat, perfect for storing my gear.
The uniform also includes a pair of white trousers, made of the same thick fabric as the coat. They have a slim fit, hugging my legs tightly and allowing for maximum mobility. The trousers have a pair of pockets on either side, and they're fastened with a belt and buckle.
I also wear a pair of black boots, made of sturdy leather. They have thick soles and sturdy laces, designed to provide maximum support and protection. The boots have a military-style design, with a pointed toe and a high ankle. They're comfortable to wear, but they're also practical, able to withstand the rough terrain and harsh conditions of Avealon.
Finally, I wear a white undershirt and a black tie, completing the formal look of the military uniform. The undershirt is made of a lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric, designed to keep me cool and comfortable even in the hottest conditions. The tie is made of a smooth, silky fabric, and it's fastened around my neck with a silver clip.
Overall, the military uniform is a symbol of my dedication and commitment to the unit. It represents my discipline and professionalism, and it's a constant reminder of the important work that I do.
I strap on my weapons, checking and double-checking to make sure that they are in good working order. I can never be too careful, especially not in these times of unrest on Avealon.
As I head outside the room, I take a look Inside my room, even though there's honestly much to look at.
Jack's room is small but functional, with a single bed in one corner, a desk with a computer in another, and a small closet for his clothes. There is a window that looks out onto the courtyard of the military base, but the blinds are always drawn to keep the room dark and cool.
The walls are painted a dull white color, and there are a few posters of military aircraft hanging up, as well as a couple of framed photos of Jack with his family when he was a small boy. Overall, the room is always kept tidy and organized, with everything in its place and no clutter.
There is a small bathroom attached to the room, which Jack keeps clean and well-stocked with toiletries. Overall, the room is simple and utilitarian, but it serves its purpose as a place for Jack to rest and recharge between missions.
I take one final look at one of my family pictures, It was taken when I was a naive, ignorant child. Just like my Father, I became one of the soldiers. My Father was amazing to me when I was a child, I always looked up to him. My Mother, on the other hand, was a journalist. She was really good at It too.
It's a shame that I know so little about my own family, but It's understandable enough, I was seven when they both passed away due to a car accident.
It Is What It Is, things happen, It's In our hands to decide whether or not we're gonna let things outside of our control break us, or build us, I chose the latter, mind you. While I sometimes have my own moment, doesn't mean I haven't accepted my current situation.
When I noticed my thought pattern, I shook my head to get these thoughts away from me. I know that I shouldn't let my feelings, such as this, get the best of me, but it's hard to shake off the sense of monotony that comes with the same routine every day.
Then I finally closed the door.
...
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As I head down to the mess hall for breakfast, my stomach growling at the smell of food, I reach into my pocket and pull out one of the small devices called the Meta menu that we use to order our meals. I tap the screen and a blue holographic menu appears in front of me. I quickly scan the options, Mindful of the need to maintain my strength and stamina throughout the day, I carefully consider my options and select a balanced meal of eggs, toast, and coffee. I grab a tray and load it up, trying to fuel my body for the long day ahead.
I sit down at an empty table, as usual. I am not in the mood for social interaction with my fellow soldiers, who are all feeling the strain of the increased workload due to the recent success of The Eclipses. The nova recruits, that are the lowest rank in The Sentinels, are responsible for carrying out orders and following the direction of higher-ranked officers, they are typically eager to engage with others and ask for advice on various topics, they're the only ones on the mess hall who seem to be in good spirits, despite the recent setbacks.
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It's also important to set clear boundaries with them in order to avoid being overwhelmed with requests for guidance. I understand their enthusiasm and recognize that I also had to have a similar behavior if I wanted to climb the ranks when I first joined the unit.
Of course, all the dignity that I sold by being a dog for the people above my rank, all the work that I slaved away In pursuit of making It, finally paid off. It Isn't for nothing that now I'm a skilled, full-fledged Nova Corporal, a non-commissioned officer responsible for enforcing discipline within the unit. In some cases, If talented enough, they may also assist Astral Sergeants in the training and supervision of new recruits.
Sadly I wasn't one of the talented ones, yes, I was skilled, but all that was from hard work, which I'm definitely proud of.
While I'm grateful for the things I've achieved, I still wish there was something else I could also do for the sake of humanity. Having been serving for several years has made me tired, but not cause of lack of sleep. It's the lack of purpose that's catching up to me.
I've turned Into someone that I would've hated with a passion, If It was me a few years ago, someone with no purpose. Don't get me wrong, despite my own personal struggles, I'm still a soldier, but the fire inside me vanished a long time ago.
And the fact that I'm only Twenty-one, feeling like an old man, Is ridiculous enough—
The loud sound of a siren Interrupts my useless thoughts, then suddenly our commander was speaking as a hologram through various devices, such as my poor Meta menu.
The commander of The Sentinels is known as the Sentinel Supreme Commander, the highest rank in the unit. He is responsible for leading and directing the unit's operations and is highly respected and feared by all members of the unit.
While he's over 5'5 feet tall, he's an imposing figure, with broad shoulders and a muscular build. He has short, cropped dark-brown hair and piercing green eyes that seem to see right through you. His face is chiseled and handsome, with a strong jawline and a thin mustache.
He is always impeccably dressed in a crisp white uniform, adorned with a variety of medals and badges that symbolize his many accomplishments and achievements. He carries himself with confidence and authority, exuding an air of power and command that is hard to ignore.
"Important news! Several prisoners have escaped from the detention center and we need to find them as soon as possible. All units are to be on high alert and search for any signs of the escapees!" he says. "Be warned, one of the prisoners Is an Arcanist, she's a dangerous individual and should not be approached without backup. Report any sightings immediately. Share yourselves Into a group of four, make haste!"
I could feel the tension In the air as we all quickly gather our gears as we are divided into three groups. Each group is led by a Sentinel Squadron Leader, a mid-level rank responsible for leading a squad of Sentinels. We are all heavily armed and equipped with advanced technology, including night vision lenses and tracking devices.
Not a favorable way to start off the morning, but, at least, It was a change.
Now I just wish that there wouldn't be any casualties from this.
...
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I join my group, which consists of three other Sentinels, three of whom I have worked with before. We nod at each other silently, acknowledging the gravity of the situation and the need for quick action. Our Squadron Leader gives us our assigned search area and we set off, scouring the streets and alleyways for any sign of the escapees.
The tension is palpable as we cautiously enter each building and check every corner, our senses on high alert.
As we set out to search the various corridors and rooms of the military complex, I can't help but feel a sense of unease. Even though I'm not the kind of person to underestimate my enemies, I know for a fact that the Arcanist on the loose Is the biggest threat here than the other criminals, I believe so do others In this group.
Arcanists are individuals with advanced magical abilities, and they are highly coveted by various factions for their power. That's why even the implication of It Is on the loose Is enough to make me expect the worst, this could be a very serious threat to the safety of the unit and the civilians in the area.
As we continue our search, I start to notice something strange. The tracking device that we use to locate the escaped prisoner is not functioning properly. It's as if the signal is being jammed or blocked. I bring this to the attention of my partner and our Squadron Leader.
The communication device, called the Hoagra Is currently fine, though.
"Do you think someone is intentionally interfering with the tracking device?" My partner asks, a look of concern etched on his face.
"It's possible," Our Squadron Leader replies, his brow furrowed in thought. "It could be that someone is trying to throw us off the trail and make it harder for us to locate the escaped prisoners, or by a chance, It doesn't work due to technical issues, at a convenient time. Either way, It doesn't really matter unless we find more proof."
But one thing's clear," Our Squadron Leader says, his voice stern and determined. "We can't let this interference slow us down. We have to find the prisoners before it's too late."
We nod in agreement, knowing that our mission is more important now than ever. We continue our search, our resolve unwavering, determined to bring the escaped prisoners to justice and protect the people of Avealon.
As the morning wears on, we search every nook and cranny of the complex, but there is no sign of the escaped prisoner. The lack of progress is frustrating, and I can sense the growing tension among my colleagues as the hour's pass.
After a while, our Squadron Leader finally receives new orders from the commander. "We will divide into smaller groups in order to expedite the search for the escapees" He announces. We nod, understanding the logic behind the decision.
Splitting into smaller groups will allow us to cover more ground and increase our chances of finding the escaped prisoners. We quickly divide into two-person teams and set off again, our eyes peeled for any sign of the escaped Arcanist.
The search is intense and grueling, as we comb through every inch of the complex, our nerves stretched to the breaking point. Even though I've been through this more than I can count, It's still nerve-wracking.
"Hold down." We all stop, as our leader has something to tell.
"We received a report from another team indicating that they had located the escaped Arcanist," our Squadron Leader explains. "However, they were unable to transmit the coordinates before their communication was compromised. It is clear that there is an intentional effort to obstruct our search efforts. This leads me to suspect at this point that the escape was premeditated and planned by a larger organization."
My mind is racing with the implications of this information. We are no longer simply searching for an escaped prisoner, but potentially facing a well-coordinated and highly organized enemy. I grip my sword tightly, my adrenaline pumping as we prepare for whatever may come our way.
"Let's move, quickly!" Our leader orders. We quickly set off toward their location, our hearts racing with excitement and fear. As I run along with others, I noticed where we were exactly running.
'The Emperiea City...'
The Emperiea City was a bustling metropolis, home to millions of people from all walks of life. It's a place of endless possibility and opportunity, a place where anything can happen. But unfortunately, the city has also been caught in the crosshairs of the ongoing conflict between The Eclipses and the government.
The Eclipses are opposed by the government and its forces, and they engage in a violent and bloody conflict with the government in an effort to achieve their goals. Meaning, they're nothing but a terrorist organization that's simply grown too big.
As a member of the elite military unit known as The Sentinels, I have seen firsthand the destruction and chaos caused by The Eclipses, a group of rebels who seek to overthrow the government of Avealon and seize control of the planet. I have watched in horror as they bombed cities, destroyed homes, and tore families apart in their quest for power.
But what truly fills me with hatred towards The Eclipses is the way they go about achieving their goals. They have no regard for the lives and well-being of the people of Avealon, using brutal tactics and ignoring civilian casualties in their pursuit of victory. They claim to be fighting for change, but all they bring is suffering and destruction.
Even worse, there are still people who praise The Eclipses and see them as heroes, blinded by their propaganda and rhetoric. It's sickening to see how easily they can manipulate and deceive the masses, and it only fuels my determination to put a stop to their atrocities.
I have dedicated my life to defending Avealon and its people from The Eclipses, and I will do whatever it takes to bring an end to their reign of terror.
Even If I can only do so little.
Despite my own opinions, which I certainly share with the majority, The Eclipses are indeed highly skilled and well-equipped, and they are able to mount a formidable challenge to the government's power and authority.
In recent months, the fighting has escalated to the point where entire neighborhoods have been bombed and destroyed. The Emperiea City has become a warzone, with civilians caught in the middle of the fighting.
I can't even begin to imagine the horrors that these people have faced, even though It might sound like I don't care, It breaks my heart to think about it.
"Tch!"
I glance to my left, seeing one of my comrades, seemingly annoyed. It seems I wasn't the only one who got a reminiscence of the past.
...
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