Mark made sure to prepare himself physically and mentally before coming into the barracks. He had a proper good night sleep and trained with the one who honed him in the art of forging weapons and armor.

Mark was calm because this was a dream that he had longed for ever since he was still a child. Panicking now would ruin his good chance to fulfill his dream of protecting Gristos especially his family

According to General Ford the one who will be in charge of the enlistment program the army would recruit at least 500 young aspirants. They would need to pass a few tests in order to be accepted.

(Mark POV)

There were thousands of people inside the barracks if I could estimate the number of people in here, there would be no less than 3000 furthermore, this was only the first day of recruitment they would still hold more programs for tomorrow for the people who couldn't make it today.

20 minutes before the start of the enlistment program it looked like General Ford is about to announce something as he was standing on top of a huge wooden platform that looked like a stage, actually scratch that it was probably a stage

"Alright! aspiring soldiers of Gristos form a line consisting of 100 people each line we will be holding a calisthenics evaluation"

Calisthenics huh? so they're trying to evaluate our endurance and strength. In the military, strength is important. It will be your lifeline after all if you ever get assigned to battle.

I made my way to a line in the middle of the barracks there seems to be some placards held by some soldiers. I saw at the front of our line the number 33. in other words this line where I am is the 33rd line with 100 people.

Then General Ford announced the instructions and the venue of the evaluation.

"The first evaluation will be held inside the field! the field is located at the right side of the barracks, we will start the evaluation from line #1 any questions?"

No one raised a hand to ask a question it seems that everyone understood the instructions spoken by General Ford.

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The first batch made their way into the field and I made sure that I should preserve my energy for whatever task they will give us in the field. I'm sure it is not your average pushup test.

There was a girl in front of me, she was the only girl in our line as far I can see, some of the girls flocked together on a different line. It's a wise choice I must say if your competition is mostly male then you will probably have a bad time.

Her appearance stands out in the crowd her hair is the shade of a blazing lava; pure red hair it shines radiantly in the area as the sun is shone on it. it was tied in a ponytail fashion, she wore a normal plain blue shirt with jeans and boots. it seems she came prepared to take on the boys.

I look at her with a curious gaze and she must have felt that there was someone gazing at her, she looked behind and saw me. We locked eyes for a moment

Her eye color is blue; sapphire to be more specific, her gaze was as curious as mine she was probably curious as to why I'm looking at her with an interested look on my face. She might misunderstand something and that could be very troubling.

She initiated the conversation

"hmm? do you need something Mr.?"

She uttered in a low voice with a curious look on her gaze

"Ah no... nothing in particular I was just admiring your beautiful hair."

I was flustered, it was probably because the girl in front of me is very beautiful. She looks like someone who would have a hundred suitors on their doorstep daily. If I probably saw her in another place I'm sure I would not have the idea that she was aiming to become a soldier.

"Oh... thanks, you're probably the first stranger that I met that complimented my hair."

She was smiling. It was so genuine that I couldn't think on her reasons to aim to become a soldier, I'm pretty sure with her looks she could land a decent job at the central city. She probably have her reasons and its none of my concerns since I was a stranger to her.

"Oh, judging from its pretty looks, I'm sure other people would envy the beautiful radiant color of your hair."

"....."

She did not reply, the complexion of her face tells me that I should not pry into the matter any further I might offend her if I continue to do so.

"Ah sorry, if it offended you... I apologize."

"Ah no, don't worry about it..... I was just lost in thought that's all.", she replied with a "don't worry" look on her face it was like she was consoling me.

"By the way, I'm Mark, I'm an aspiring soldier nice to meet you."

"I'm Elizabeth, likewise, I'm also aspiring to become a soldier. I want to protect those I hold dear to me."

Her name is Elizabeth, it sounds like a name that came from royal bloodline it had a majestic feel to it I thought.

We shake hands and a new friendship arises.

We continued to chat while waiting for our turn in the evaluation program. I learned all sorts of things like she actually likes travelling; she wanted to see how the world was like and are people from the other side of the world curious about us too? she's a curious fellow. As for why she became a soldier she still can't open up to me, well I guess that's only normal considering that we only just met.

"The 32nd line finished already, It looks like some people are happy while the others.... well it's a shame.", Elizabeth said.

The people who looked gloomy, I can only assume that they did not meet General Ford's expectations. I wonder what kind of pushup regimen he made them do. I thought to myself.

This isn't the time to be worrying about others Mark, you have to pass this to fulfill your dream!

a flashback suddenly appeared in my thoughts.

("To become a soldier, you must be prepared to take hardships. that is what it means to become a soldier. You have to give your all to protect everything you hold dear!!")

While lost in thought. the soldiers announced that it was the 33rd line's turn to take the evaluation program.

"Finally!! it's our turn Mark! let's get fired up and finish this."

I nodded in satisfaction and we gave each other a smile full of confidence.

"Good luck to us Mark!, our dream lies beyond this camp."

"Yeah!!"

And the people from the 33rd line made their way into the field.