CHAPTER 3: THE JOURNEY

That night, Arek returned home to find his mother and sister waiting for him. As soon as he stepped inside, they smiled proudly.

"You did well today, Arek," his mother said. "Helping the injured during all that chaos… I'm proud of you."

Arek sat at the dining table, sharing everything that had happened. His mother listened closely, then asked, "Do you really want to become a soldier?"

"Yes," he answered without hesitation. "Just like Father.

His mother smiled softly.

Turning to Aiko, he asked, "How are your studies?"

"Everything's going well," she replied.

That night, Arek lay awake, excited for the days ahead.

Monday marked the start of Arek's final week in school. That Sunday was the farewell ceremony, and two days later, his fifteenth birthday. In a world filled with war, students could either continue their education or join the military after completing their school. Arek had already made his choice.

On Friday, their last day, the teacher made a request.

"As a farewell, I'd like you all to perform a dance," she said to the 24 students, including Arek, who had chosen the military path.

Before he could respond, Amaya stood up. "Arek, will you dance with me?"

He was surprised but agreed. They danced together, sharing a rare, lighthearted moment before the night ended.

The next day, Arek went shopping for his birthday and upcoming training. At a mall, he unexpectedly ran into Amaya.

"You're here too?" she asked.

"Yeah, getting things for tomorrow," Arek replied.

"Ah, for military training?" Amaya asked.

"Kind of," he said. "It's also my birthday."

Amaya blinked. "Oh… I didn't know. I'm sorry!"

Arek with smile on his face told. "Come to my party."

She hesitated, then smiled. "Alright."

Arek asked, "You here too for shopping." 

Amaya replied, " This is my father's mall."

Arek's birthday was filled with laughter, and Amaya was among the guests. When she mentioned that her father was away, Aiko invited her to stay for dinner.

They ate together, and Arek felt something change—his admiration for Amaya was growing into something deeper.

The next morning, Arek arrived at the Japanese Military Training Center in Tokyo. Hundreds of hopeful recruits stood in line.

One by one, names were called.

"Arek Takahashi."

He stepped forward, standing tall.

"Amaya Kuroda."

She followed.

Out of 476 recruits, only the strongest would make it through.

Arek clenched his fists. His journey had begun.