A New Path Forward
I crouch down, every muscle in my body primed and ready to explode into motion. The crack of the starting pistol echoes around me, and we surge forward. I find my pace, keeping my movements controlled and measured.
As we complete the first kilometer, I maintain a spot in the middle of the pack. But as we continue, I gradually lose ground to the runners ahead, slipping back to sixth place by the second kilometer. I grit my teeth, determined to hold this position for as long as possible, even as the leaders begin to pull further ahead. I sustain this spot until we reach the fourth kilometer mark, where the real test of endurance begins.
It's around this point that I start to feel the strain in my muscles. The Mana I've absorbed beforehand is helping, but it can only do so much. I grit my teeth, pushing through the pain as I watch the leaders pull further ahead. By the time I cross the finish line, I've dropped to seventh place.
I collapse onto the grass, my chest heaving as I gulp in great mouthfuls of air. The burly man approaches, clipboard in hand, and jots down my time.
"How'd I do?" I manage to gasp out, my voice barely louder than a whisper.
He glances down at his notes, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "17 minutes and 38 seconds," he says, and I can't help but feel a rush of pride. It's not a world record by any means, but it's a personal best—one that I've worked incredibly hard to achieve.
"So, am I in?" I inquire, my voice tinged with hope.
The burly man looks up from his clipboard and meets my gaze, a hint of approval in his eyes. "Congratulations, Carter," he says with a gruff nod. "You're in. You'll be stationed at Fort Haven. Training starts tomorrow, but you'll need to report there today. There's a clerk inside who'll help you fill out the necessary forms to be officially recognized as an Awakened recruit."
A sense of anticipation fills me as I look forward to joining Fort Haven, Alstropia's foremost military training facility. The prospect of structured training and access to their resources is an exciting one. I'm eager to explore the military's commitment to integrating Mana into fitness training, hopeful that I'll be able to enhance my abilities and build upon my muscle, strength, endurance, speed, and explosiveness more effectively than ever before. Though I remain uncertain about the specific guidance they can provide for Mana Core compression, I'm optimistic about the opportunities that await me at this premier military compound.
The world of Mana research has indeed become increasingly shrouded in secrecy. Most nations, including Alstropia, have restricted the flow of information to the public, prioritizing caution and control over the remarkable physical capabilities that Mana grants. Public discourse has been stifled, as the government fears the potential for misuse of such power. As a result, the most comprehensive knowledge about Mana is now closely guarded by government agencies, placing it out of reach for the average citizen. This reality is a frustrating one, as it limits the potential for open collaboration and discovery. However, with my impending enlistment, I'm hopeful that I'll soon be able to tap into the military's hidden troves of Mana research. Fort Haven may not be the ultimate training facility in the world, but it is the best Alstropia has to offer. It's a place where I can hone my abilities and deepen my understanding of Mana, all while being supported by a system that values the potential of those like me.
I can't help but feel a twinge of anticipation at the prospect of using the specialized weaponry being developed for the Awakened. The media has been abuzz with reports of experimental firearms that were previously too heavy and had too much recoil for normal human soldiers to handle effectively. These weapons, with their potential for devastating firepower, are now being researched and tested for use by the Awakened, whose enhanced physical abilities may allow them to wield these firearms as extensions of their own bodies. This development is seen as a potential game-changer on the battlefield, especially when facing the unknown threats that emerge from the mysterious gates.
The need for these specialized weapons has arisen due to the unique challenges posed by the monsters from the gates. Some possess armor-like skin that normal human-operated weapons struggle to penetrate, while others demonstrate regenerative abilities that require more potent countermeasures. Rumors have circulated about the development of poisoned bullets, but the high costs associated with such advanced ammunition have limited their widespread deployment thus far. The military's hope is that by harnessing the abilities of the Awakened, they can overcome these formidable foes and secure a tactical advantage in the face of the unpredictable dangers emerging from the gates.
As I make my way toward the clerk's office, my mind wanders to the myriads of theories floating around on social media. There's a vocal group that insists on returning to traditional combat methods, favoring swords and bows over modern firearms. They argue that the close-quarters combat these weapons necessitate are more effective against the monsters that spew from the gates, drawing comparisons to fictional fantasies where melee weapons reign supreme. The proponents of this view theorize that in this new age of Mana, the advantages of modern firearms will be diminished, and humanity will once again turn to time-honored close-range armaments. It seems like a needless risk to me, but I suppose everyone has their own preferences and fantasies when it comes to the future of warfare.
The most intriguing theory I've come across is the idea of infusing materials with Mana. There have been attempts to force Mana into various materials, but so far, the results have been less than stellar. Mana seems to disperse upon contact with most materials, leading experts to suspect that our current level of Mana control is the bottleneck. It's only a matter of time, they say, before we overcome this limitation and unlock even more potential.
This theory is why some people have speculated that militaries will turn to traditional melee weapons like swords and bows over modern firearms. They suspect that infusing Mana into small objects like bullets may prove impossible or a waste of time and resources, while larger items like swords or bows could be more receptive to Mana infusion. The concern is that as the threats from the gates evolve, standard bullets may prove ineffective, potentially shattering upon impact with the monsters' reinforced skin. While the gates are manageable for now, there's always the possibility that stronger, more formidable creatures could emerge, necessitating a shift in combat strategies and weaponry.
The clerk at the desk gives me a quick look-over as I approach. He hands me a stack of forms to fill out, along with a pen. I work through them methodically, signing my name on each dotted line until I reach the last page. It's there that I see it—my new salary. My eyes widen at the figure: $5,000 per month. That's nearly triple what I used to earn at my old job. It's a staggering amount, but I'm aware that even with this increase, I still won't be among the top earners in Alstropia. I can only imagine what the pay will be like once I'm promoted through the ranks of the Awakened division.
With the paperwork completed, I step outside the recruitment center, pulling out my phone to share the good news. I dial my mom's number first, and she picks up after the second ring.
"Ryan, how did it go?" she asks, her voice tense with anticipation. She already knows I went for the Awakened recruitment tests.
"I made it, Mom," I say, my voice brimming with pride. "They've enlisted me, and the pay is really good."
"You did it!" she exclaims, her voice filled with relief and joy. "I knew you could do it. I'm so proud of you, sweetheart."
Despite the pride in her voice, I can detect the underlying worry. "I know you're worried, Mom," I say reassuringly. "But this is a great opportunity, and I promise I'll be careful."
"I just want you to be safe, Ryan," she says, her voice tinged with motherly concern. "With everything that's been happening, I can't help but worry."
"Well, how about we celebrate tonight?" I suggest. "I'll take you and Emily out to that fancy restaurant you both love. My treat."
"That sounds wonderful," she says, her voice brightening. "I can't wait to tell your sister. We'll see you soon, okay?" Her voice is reassuring, and I know she'll be happy for me, even if she's still a little scared.
I smile, already picturing the look of excitement on Emily's face. "Absolutely, Mom. I'll see you both tonight."
Next, I send a message to the family group chat on BumbleBuzz. "Hey, Em, got some news for you. I'm officially an Awakened recruit. We're talking about a serious pay upgrade here," I type, punctuating the message with a grinning emoji.
I know Emily will be thrilled to hear about my enlistment, and I can already imagine her excited response. I make a promise to myself to take them out to a nice dinner as soon as I can. It's the least I can do to thank them for their unwavering support.
"We should celebrate tonight," I suggest in the group chat. "Dinner's on me. We'll go to that fancy restaurant you both love. I'll have to head to Fort Haven soon, and I'm not sure when I'll be able to see you again."
As I wait for their replies, I can't help but feel a sense of excitement for the journey ahead. There are challenges waiting for me at Fort Haven, but I'm ready to face them head-on. With my family's love and support, and the power of Mana at my disposal, I'm ready to carve out my own path in this brave new world.
The drive back to Elmridge was a blur, my mind consumed by the day's events and the path that lay ahead. As I neared the outskirts of town, a small group of protesters caught my eye. They were waving signs and chanting slogans, their voices echoing against the quiet suburban backdrop. I recognized them as the same type who had rallied for the goblins' rights, a group I had previously dismissed as nothing more than misguided idealists.
Shaking my head, I reflected on the videos I had watched on Chatter. The monsters that emerged from the gates had shown no signs of communication or interaction with humans - their actions were solely focused on destruction. And the gates that had swallowed up entire squads of soldiers? They continued to spew forth these dangerous creatures. It didn't take much to see the misguided nature of the protesters' cause.
I couldn't help but feel a twinge of frustration at their ignorance. Didn't they understand the very real threats posed by these mysterious gates and the horrors they unleashed? Those monsters had killed countless people, torn families apart - what would these protesters say if they had lost loved ones to those abominations? Would they still champion the rights of such mindless, destructive creatures? The thought made my blood boil. As I drove on, I steeled myself for the challenges that awaited me at Fort Haven, determined to make the most of this opportunity.
I pulled into the driveway, pushing thoughts of the protesters aside as the familiar sight of home came into view. The front door swung open, and my mom stepped out, her face lighting up with a smile that warmed my heart.
"Ryan, you're home!" she exclaimed, crossing the distance to pull me into a tight hug. "How did it go, sweetheart?"
I returned her embrace, savoring the comfort of her presence. "It went great, Mom," I said, my voice tinged with pride. "I made it through the tests, and I've been enlisted."
Her eyes widened in surprise, and then she was laughing and crying all at once. "Oh, Ryan, that's fantastic! I always knew you could do it."
Emily appeared beside us, her curiosity piqued. "So, how much are they paying you?" she asked, her eyes gleaming with sisterly interest.
I chuckled and shook my head. "That's top secret information, Em," I teased. "But let's just say it's a significant upgrade from my old job."
"Well, whatever it is, you definitely need to buy new clothes," she said, scrutinizing my outfit with a critical eye. "You look like you're wearing hand-me-downs from a little kid."
I rolled my eyes and laughed. "Thanks for the fashion advice, sis." The truth was, I had noticed the way my clothes hung differently off my transformed physique. My chest was broader, my shoulders wider, but my legs hadn't changed as much, despite all the running and sprinting. I realized I had been neglecting dedicated leg exercises like squats and lunges, focusing too much on upper body workouts. As a result, the growth in my legs hadn't kept pace with the dramatic changes in my torso and arms. Still, I knew the specialized training regimen at Fort Haven would help address this imbalance and ensure my lower body development caught up to the rest of my physique.
"Actually," I said, grinning at the memory of the clerk's words, "I think I can afford a whole new wardrobe now."
I had been saving up my modest paychecks from my old job, always conscious of stretching every dollar. But with this substantial pay increase from the military, I no longer needed to be so frugal. I could indulge a bit and treat myself to some much-needed new clothes that actually fit my transformed physique.
"Oh, that's right! You're Mr. Fancy-Pants Military Man now," Emily teased, poking me in the arm.
I flexed my bicep, making her laugh. "I'm going to need a haircut too," I mused, running a hand through my shaggy hair. "But I guess it doesn't really matter. The military will probably just shave it all off anyway."
The idea of a buzz cut didn't bother me as much as it probably should have. It was a small price to pay for the opportunities that lay ahead.
"Since we're celebrating at that fancy restaurant tonight," I said, "how about we head to the mall afterwards? I could use some new clothes that actually fit my, uh, transformed physique."
Their enthusiasm was infectious, and I knew I'd made the right call. It was going to be a good day - a chance to revel in my achievements and look towards the bright future that awaited me. And for once, I was genuinely excited for the uncertainty that lay ahead.