The Big Guy Upstairs
Adam was called into a tent with Captain Kumre standing there. Eyeing Kumre's hand, Adam could see a blue cast on it.
"What do you think he wants?" [Krino]
("Try guessing.") [Adam]
It wouldn't be surprising if Captain Kumre wanted a little more revenge. There was just one thing that Adam felt strange about.
("Is he… nervous?") [Adam]
He could see Kumre shifting anxiously. Either way, Adam had to introduce himself.
"Private Adam, reporting for duty." [Adam]
Saluting the officer, Adam's body stiffened.
"At ease." [Captain Kumre]
With that, Adam broke off his salute.
"I've called you here since someone from above wants to speak with you." [Captain Kumre]
("...Someone from above?") [Adam]
Captain Kumre glanced behind Adam, which caused him to salute.
"Welcome, General." [Captain Kumre]
"At ease, soldier." [???]
A familiar voice spoke behind Adam.
("Huh?") [Adam]
Turning around, Adam found himself face to face with the old man sponsoring him.
"...General?" [Adam]
"Have I forgotten to introduce myself?" [Old Man]
He then cleared his throat.
"My name is Oswald Brine. I am the 44th general of the superpower that is Stradori. As of now, I am 82 years old. Is that enough for an introduction?" [Old Man]
"Er… What do I call you?" [Adam]
"Just refer to me as General." [Old Man]
Adam nodded.
"Okay… General. So you're the guy from above that wants to see me?" [Adam]
"Yes. I've seen the reports, but I wanted to see how you were actually doing." [General Oswald]
As he said that, the Old Man's trusted bodyguard unveiled himself.
"Sir, our time is short. You have five minutes." [Ricky]
The Old Man waved him off.
"I'm well aware." [General Oswald]
He then turned towards Captain Kumre.
"Your antics have gone on far enough, Captain." [General Oswald]
Captain Kumre felt a lump in his throat as the Old Man spoke to him.
"P-Permission to speak, sir." [Captain Kumre]
"Permission granted." [General Oswald]
With a loud gulp, Captain Kumre spoke.
"Private Adam holds a level 1 ability. Regulations say-" [Captain Kumre]
"Regulations don't include stealing Soul Weapons." [General Oswald]
Captain Kumre's voice trailed off.
"Ah, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to cut you off. Continue." [General Oswald]
He held a relaxed expression, but Adam could tell he was very displeased.
"Sir… I… People with low level abilities are not meant for combat. I can't assign him to any worthwhile jobs." [Captain Kumre]
"Oh. So you admit that you haven't been giving him any important jobs? What jobs have you been giving him?" [General Oswald]
Captain Kumre froze. It felt like a mouse being cornered by a cat.
"I… um…" [Captain Kumre]
He tried to form words to no avail. The only thing that exited his mouth was stuttering of unfinished words as Kumre tried to find some sort of excuse.
"I think I've heard enough." [General Oswald]
He motioned to his bodyguard, Ricky.
"Yes, sir." [Ricky]
Stepping forward, Captain Kumre flinched.
"N-No! I'm sorry! Please! Give me another chance!" [Captain Kumre]
He made it seem like he was fighting for his life, but all Ricky did was rip off the badge on Kumre's shoulder.
"You are hereby stripped of your rank and will be punished according to article 92 of martial law. Afterwards, you will be monitored as a second lieutenant for three months. If you do not perform well, you will be dishonorably discharged with the customs of article 31 of martial law." [General Oswald]
Kumre stood there in disbelief.
"I… I will reflect on my actions. I won't let you down." [Second Lieutenant Kumre]
The Old Man nodded with satisfaction.
"Good. Ricky, please inform him of his duties." [General Oswald]
"Second Lieutenant Kumre, you will have command over two squads. This includes the one Private Adam is a part of. Be sure to keep in mind he is recommended by General Oswald." [Ricky]
"I will." [Second Lieutenant Kumre]
With that, Ricky faded away with his ability.
"Then that settles it. Be sure to give the boy "worthwhile" jobs this time. Ah, and Adam?" [General Oswald]
"Yes?" [Adam]
"I have high expectations for you." [General Oswald]