Supreme Visit

Zain had been informed that the Supreme General would soon be visiting him, but he was never given an exact date. As he drew a hazy breath, he took a fleeting moment to observe the chaos around him. Soldiers rushed back and forth with brooms and mops, scrubbing every visible surface. Others frantically unfurled banners and arranged paper wraps, attempting to decorate the grim military base. The scene was a spectacle of hurried preparation, almost comedic if not for the underlying tension.

Amid the commotion, Zain tried to piece together what was happening. His keen eyes darted from one soldier to another, analyzing their frantic movements. His thoughts, however, were interrupted by a sharp voice behind him.

"Zain! You still have push-ups to finish. Don't think you're done yet," Lady Kara barked.

It had been two months since Zain began the hellish training regime under Lady Kara's supervision. To his surprise, it had done miraculous wonders for his physique. His once scrawny body was now lithe and defined, with rippling muscles that hinted at his growing strength. Despite this transformation, Zain had not grown accustomed to Kara's unyielding discipline.

Zain shrugged, muttering under his breath, "I know, damn it."

"What was that?" Lady Kara snapped, narrowing her eyes at him.

"I mean, understood, Lady Kara, ma'am," Zain corrected quickly, his voice louder and more formal.

"That's more like it. Now, on with the push-ups."

Forty-five grueling minutes later, Zain collapsed onto the dirt, panting heavily.

[1000/1000 Push-ups Complete.]

The harsh exercises had become routine, but Zain couldn't shake the suspicion that Lady Kara was planning to push him even harder. She had hinted at increasing his running requirements, but the military base was too small to accommodate her ambitious plans. When she finally spoke, her mischievous smile sent a chill down Zain's spine.

"Zain, you'll be running with a timer now. I expect you to complete fifty laps in thirty minutes."

The memory of her words made Zain glance at her as she stood beside him, her expression as commanding as ever. He shuddered inwardly.

"Lady Kara," Zain asked cautiously, "what's going on with everyone? Why are they so busy?"

Lady Kara turned to him with a knowing smile. "Oh, I almost forgot. The Supreme General is on his way."

Zain's eyes widened as her words sank in.

"She'll be here in about ten minutes," Kara added, glancing at the old wristwatch on her arm.

Zain's gaze lingered on the watch. It was similar to General Garry's—a relic from a bygone era. But Kara's words jolted him back to the present.

"Wait, ten minutes?!"

---

The announcement of the Supreme General's imminent arrival turned the already chaotic base into a frenzy. Soldiers lined up in perfect formation, their faces taut with a mix of anxiety and anticipation. The air grew heavy with a sense of expectancy, and even the wind seemed to carry the weight of his authority.

A low rumble broke the tense silence. Moments later, a convoy of sleek, armored vehicles appeared on the horizon, their black exteriors gleaming ominously under the sun. The lead vehicle, a massive transport with reinforced plating, came to a stop at the center of the courtyard.

The Supreme General stepped out, his movements deliberate and poised. He was a man in his early fifties, with streaks of gray running through his neatly combed black hair. His face was chiseled, with sharp cheekbones and a jawline that seemed to have been carved from stone. His piercing blue eyes surveyed the base with a quiet intensity, and the faint lines on his face told the story of a man who had endured countless battles and carried the weight of a nation on his shoulders.

He was dressed in a black military uniform adorned with golden insignias that reflected his unmatched rank. His polished boots gleamed under the sun, and a long, dark gray trench coat billowed lightly in the wind as he walked. A ceremonial sword hung at his side, its hilt encrusted with intricate designs that hinted at both power and history.

Flanking him were five elite guards, their faces obscured by high-tech helmets and visors. Each carried a sleek rifle slung across their back and moved with a precision that spoke of countless hours of training. Behind them, a team of aides and officers followed closely, each carrying documents, equipment, or weapons.

The Supreme General's presence was magnetic. Even without speaking, he commanded the attention of every soldier in the vicinity. His gaze swept over the courtyard, sharp and calculating, as though he could see straight into the hearts of those standing before him.

Zain found himself holding his breath as the General's eyes briefly settled on him. A cold chill ran down his spine, and he instinctively straightened his posture, even though he wasn't part of the lineup.

"At ease," the Supreme General's voice rang out, deep and commanding. It wasn't loud, but it carried a weight that silenced the entire courtyard.

Lady Kara, standing beside Zain, gave him a sideways glance and whispered, "Impressive, isn't he?"

Zain nodded, unable to tear his eyes away. The Supreme General's every move, every gesture, radiated an unshakable confidence. He wasn't just a leader; he was a force of nature, someone who seemed larger than life itself.

As he approached the soldiers, Zain couldn't help but wonder why the Supreme General had chosen to visit this remote military base. Whatever the reason, one thing was clear: his presence alone had already left an indelible mark on everyone, including him.