Even after adapting and improving the empire's techniques, sharing his insights, and outperforming all expectations, Baines never once smiled.
The higher-ups noticed, of course. His silent demeanor wasn't just a mystery anymore; it had become an enigma. Still, they couldn't demand answers. Asking why someone wasn't happy didn't sound right, not in a military as disciplined as this.
So, they sent others, even the talkative one who got the most of Baines's attention, but nothing.
On the ninth day since his entrance, Baines was promoted from recruit to Battlefield Commander. The youngest ever and the fastest ever. This was the first rank given in the army to those going up the leadership ladder, and it was usually earned after a decade of service.
Without surprise, his fame on the last front almost blew out of proportion, and it came with a new nickname: Young Sun Commander.
His achievements also robbed on the other recruits.
By the twelfth day, over 50% of the recruits in the combined training had perfected their training, with 2% of that number learning the battle formations and commands, and by the fifteenth day, 40% were ready to officially move to the main barracks as soldiers.
Of the 40 percentage, sixty percent were 3rd stars, twenty percent were 4th star, and Baines being the sole 5th star were considered next to be moved.
Word had it that this was the most talented the last front had gathered in the past 100 years.
On the last day, a little party was thrown for those moving to the main battlefield. Well, calling it a party wasn't the right word for it. They were told what to expect in the main camp, the higher-ups they would come across, and the code of conduct. Afterwards, they were allowed to have their last drink before hell.
However, as others were jubilating, only one person was indifferent, and he turned out to be the most celebrated of them.
Until the end of the training that was supposed to last months, Baines never spoke to anyone. The aura around him made unapproachable, even the trainers didn't approach him. He wasn't doing anything wrong, so why disturb him?
At the end of the short party, a salute was made by the entrants to their superiors, then they retired to prepare for their next day.
…
It was already the next day.
For some, it was just another day, and for a very selected few, it was a new beginning.
"Finally," Baines muttered, staring at his reflection one last time while facing the mirror.
He recalled how the training days passed, but he stopped.
It infutriated him so much that he was in so much pain, and some people were actually having the best times of their lives. And sadly, there was nothing he could do.
At least going to war against the outliers could relieve him a little of the pain. After a last glance, he pulled his scarf over his mouth, picked up his sword, and left his room.
Upon reaching the central grounds, he saw the thousands of recruits neatly lined up, ready to move to the main battlefield.
He couldn't help but stare longer at the army before him. There was a certain desire in him to have this kind of army. 'Will I ever?' He let the question hang as he moved in between the army.
Several people had varying expressions seeing him, however his commanding presence couldn't be taken from him. As a battafield commander, he was already higher than all these recruits and will be after they march to the main camp, so it was his role to lead the march.
The recruits were expecting some words from their commander and most talented, however, maybe it wasn't so shocking anymore.
Without a word, he led the recruits, in a march to the main barracks. There were no instructors to monitor or watch them. There wasn't even anyone to see them off, but they knew, they were being watched.
As the most talented of the bunch, a lot was expected from them.
They weren't going to another training ground. No, it was the real battlefield. This was where the main fighting, strategies, and formations they had all been learning about would come into play.
In this place, survival wasn't determined by the elites, survival was through grit.
As they crossed the boundary of the training grounds, they were met with another scenery. A thicker stench of blood than what was in the training ground wafted their nose, and the powerful aura that hung in the air, as if telling them that this wasn't a playground.
And as if proving to him, from the entrance, he was already sensing 5th star masters.
If he was a special thing in the training grounds, here, he was as common as these men. His only advantage over them was, he was younger.
As Baines stopped before the entrance of the main camp, waiting to be received, and surprisingly or not, a high rank personnel was here to receive them.
'6th star High Commander Dinkret.' Baines muttered, recalling the information that had been passed on to them.
He had a tall and slim stature, white hair that was neatly packed to the side, and an elaborate military dress.
One would ask. Why was a high commander here to receive them?
Normally, he wouldn't be present, but Baines's existence had become too significant to ignore.
With one final step, the new soldiers halted before five figures in ornate uniforms and saluted most respectfully.
All eyes, including Dinkret's, landed on Baines.
They had heard the rumors, his achievements, and now he was standing before them.
'Good temperament. Great talent. But those eyes…' Dinkret thought as he stared at Baines. Just like the panel Baines had faced, High Commander Dinkret could read his apprearance.
At the moment, he could see Baines looking at him, however, it was like he didn't even put him in his eyes.
'We should try and find out the reason.' After the thought, he said in clear voice,
"I accept you into the Last front." Then he turned to leave.
Then came the unexpected—
"Show respect!" A voice resounded, telling them to salute.
"The Darkan family is arriving!"