War is a Game

"At last, a village!" Jack shouted, his voice echoing through the narrow streets.

"Minimize your voice, Jack," Haldrin chided, his expression stoic, "We don't want to attract unwanted attention."

"Now, let's find an inn," Master Xavier said, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

"Greg, find a safe place for the chariots, and the rest of you should come with us."

The children, their faces alight with curiosity, looked around in awe.

This was their first time visiting a village other than the one near their orphanage, a place where their days were consumed by training.

"Wow," Lumine whispered, her eyes wide with wonder. "It's bigger than the village near us. Right, Rethrus?"

Rethrus nodded, his gaze lingering on the vibrant marketplace, the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the air. It was unlike anything he'd ever experienced.

"Yes," he said.

"It looks like a village from a medieval era in movies." He said to himself. "It feels homey and fresh."

Elderwood Village was one of the prominent villages of the Province of Faeloria, known for its rich history and its peaceful, idyllic charm.

As they continued exploring, a group of children, their ages similar to theirs, approached them.

"Are they going to the academy too?" Suryu whispered, his voice laced with curiosity.

Rina nodded. "I guess so."

The two groups, their gazes locked, exchanged silent greetings.

The boys in the other group were stunned, their eyes widening in surprise as they gazed at Elizabeth.

"She's so pretty," they whispered, their gazes lingering on her. "Even prettier than Shane."

Shane, a young woman with a haughty air, snapped at her companions. "Tsk, shut up and walk!"

"Okay, kids, come here!" Xavier's voice boomed through the inn, drawing the children toward him.

They shuffled through the dimly lit inn, its warm, inviting atmosphere a welcome change from the chill of the evening air.

"Lemme help you with that," Jack offered, a playful grin on his face as he reached for Elizabeth's heavy bag.

"Thank you, Jack," she replied, a hint of gratitude in her voice, although a flicker of jealousy momentarily crossed her eyes.

She couldn't help but notice the way Rethrus was helping Lumine with her own belongings.

Rethrus, despite his earlier reassurance, seemed to spend an inordinate amount of time with Lumine, offering her a kindness and attention that he rarely extended to others.

The inn, a cozy blend of tavern and restaurant, exuded a comforting aroma of roasted meats and freshly baked bread. The children found a table in a corner, their laughter mingling with the cheerful chatter of the patrons.

"Eat, kids. You fought well earlier," Xavier said, his voice laced with pride.

"Master Xavier," Terra, her eyes filled with curiosity, asked, "What will we do after we arrive at the academy?"

Xavier, his smile laced with amusement, answered, "Well, first, I'm going to leave you for good. Then, there will be an entrance exam."

The children, their faces etched with astonishment, looked at each other, their expressions a mix of shock and disbelief.

"Eh?" Owen Exclaimed.

"What?" the group echoed in unison, their surprise evident.

Xavier chuckled, a deep, booming laugh that reverberated through the inn.

"Don't worry, y'all will pass. Trust me. If you're strong enough, you'll be put in Command Class, where you'll be taught how to lead an army."

The children gasped. Their eyes widened, their jaws slack.

"Really?" Elizabeth asked, her voice filled with wonder.

"Oh, yes!"

"Also, there, you'll finalize what class you're going to be in, in order to be taught, aligned to the class you chose," Xavier added.

He watched the children, their expressions a mix of excitement and trepidation. He knew this was a major turning point in their lives, a moment where their dreams and their fears intertwined.

The rhythmic sounds of the tavern below reached his ears, a comforting lullaby. He tossed and turned, unable to find solace.

He finally decided he couldn't stay in bed any longer. He slipped out of the inn, his sandals tapping softly against the wooden floorboards. He found a quiet corner in the dimly lit tavern, pulled a book from his sling bag, and sat down.

"Ah, I miss my phone right now," he thought, a touch of longing in his voice. "God, in the next life, I can have a phone again," he said jokingly to himself.

He continued reading, lost in the world of the book.

"Can't sleep, kid?"

"No, sir," Rethrus replied, looking up from his book.

"Gary Ferloin," the man said, extending his hand. "Owner of this establishment."

Rethrus shook his hand, his gaze falling upon the man's arm, which ended abruptly at the elbow, replaced by a perfectly crafted prosthetic.

"Rethrus is my name, sir."

"I've noticed," Gary said, his eyes twinkling, "you're quite strong."

"So, what's a kid like you doing here?" "You should be sleeping for tomorrow. Or are you excited for tomorrow?"

"No," Rethrus said, his voice low. "I just can't sleep."

The two sat in comfortable silence, the only sound the crackling of the fireplace.

"You know, when I was your age,we were so excited to join the army. Even though I can't use magic, I had ways with the sword that helped me in the battlefield."

"Why are you saying this to me?" Rethrus asked, his voice laced with confusion.

"Because I have a feeling,that you are hesitant about going to the academy. Your friends were excited about it when I saw you all eating earlier, but you, I can't see the determination in your eyes. I wonder why that is?"

Rethrus felt a warmth spread through him. Gary's words, though unexpected, felt comforting, like a balm on a wounded soul.

"Mr. Gary,Do you regret fighting in those battles?"

A moment of silence hung between them, the only sound the crackling of the fire.

"Regret is a complex feeling," "While I mourn the losses and the pain, I don't regret my choice. I fought for a cause greater than myself, and that brought peace to our kingdom."

"It's not like it's our battle to begin with," Rethrus said.

"You're wise for your age, kid," Gary said with a chuckle, raising his glass of beer.

"Suppp. Ahh. You're right; it wasn't originally my battle. But when our people are threatened, everything we hold dear, it became everyone's fight. Sometimes, we must step up for the greater good, even if it wasn't our fight to begin with."

"How do you know that we're the ones who are getting jumped with?"

"It's not always about right or wrong, but about protecting what we value,"

"The other kingdom had its reasons, but their actions threatened our way of life. We fought to defend our people and preserve peace."

Rethrus, with a newfound clarity, found himself without any further questions. He stood up, a sense of purpose settling over him.

"Thank you, sir."

"In the end," Gary added, his voice laced with a touch of bitterness, "war is like a game. I participated, and somehow, I won."

Gary, his gaze fixed on his almost-empty glass, sipped the last bit of beer.

"Just play the game, kid," he said, "Maybe if you win, you can change some rules about it."

Rethrus nodded

"Thank you, sir."

Mr. Gary, a flicker of admiration in his eyes, walked to the back of the tavern, a small, cluttered space behind the bar, and placed his empty glass on a shelf overflowing with chipped mugs and dusty bottles.

"He seems smart," Mr. Gary muttered to himself, his gaze still lingering on the doorway where Rethrus had disappeared.

"Yes, he is," a voice said from behind him. Master Xavier, his face relaxed, a glint of amusement in his eyes, stepped out of the kitchen, holding a steaming mug in his hands. He'd been observing the entire conversation from the back of the tavern, his presence undetected.

"How's your talk with him?"

"Good,I think he actually listens."

"But I can see the doubt in his eyes."

"It's for his own good," Xavier said, taking a sip of his drink. "We both know we can't oppose this kingdom. It's a fight we have to win.

"I trained him to help this kingdom," Xavier continued, his voice filled with a quiet passion, "not just for himself. And I'll be damned if he gets used by some self-serving ideal."

"Don't worry, old friend," Gary said, placing a hand on Xavier's shoulder, "I'm pretty sure reality will hit that kid soon enough."

The two men, bound by their shared past and their unwavering loyalty to the kingdom, raised their mugs in a silent toast, their faces a mixture of hope and apprehension.

The morning sun cast long shadows across the landscape, painting the rolling hills in shades of gold and crimson. The wind, chilly and crisp, carried the scent of pine and dew-kissed grass, a stark contrast to the bustling streets of Elderwood Village.

The chariots, their wheels churning the dusty road, sped toward the capital city, their journey a blur of fleeting landscapes.

"Tsk, I wanna be with Elizabeth," Jack murmured under his breath, his gaze lingering on the two figures seated in the back of the chariot.

Elizabeth, her face a canvas of conflicting emotions, hurriedly slid into the seat beside Rethrus, a subtle defiance in her movement.

Rethrus, his thoughts still lingering on the conversation with Mr. Gary, smiled faintly as he recalled the old man's words,

"Win the game in order to change the rules," huh? That sounds kinda cool, he thought.

"Rethrus," a soft, melodic voice called his name, a voice as sweet as honey and as soothing as a summer breeze.

"Hmmm?"

"I'm tired," Elizabeth said, her voice laced with a hint of tiredness. "Can I sleep on your lap?"

Rethrus couldn't help but wonder why she hadn't had enough sleep.

"Oh, sure," he said, placing his sling bag, filled with his favorite books, on his lap.

Elizabeth leaned against him, her head resting on his thigh. He gently brushed his fingers through her soft hair, a gesture both comforting and instinctive.

"It's a long ride," he murmured to himself, his mind struggling to stay awake, "I better sleep myself." His eyelids grew heavy, and he drifted off to sleep.

His mind, however, was not idle.

"Milo, Milo," a voice whispered in his ear, a voice that sent a shiver down his spine, a voice he knew, but couldn't quite place.

He opened his eyes, his vision blurry. "Huh? What's this? A dream?" he asked himself, his voice a mere whisper.

"Wake up, dear," the voice continued, its gentle melody filling his ears. "It's time for breakfast."

He looked up, and there she was, the girl of his dreams, Eska, her face radiating warmth and beauty.

"Eska?" he asked, his voice laced with a mix of wonder and confusion.

"Yes, dear," she replied, her smile as radiant as the morning sun.

"Oh, nothing," he said, his heart pounding with a mixture of joy and trepidation.

He realized his voice was deeper, and the world around him seemed to have shifted, as if he were in a different reality. He and Eska looked older, more mature, their features sharper, their eyes filled with a depth he had never seen before.

He glanced at Eska, his gaze lingering on her face, her beauty captivating.

"Yes, she's still beautiful," he murmured, a touch of longing in his voice.

Eska smiled, her gaze locked with his, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Rethrus, Rethrus!" He awoke with a start, his heart pounding in his chest. Elizabeth's face, her brow furrowed with concern, hovered above him.

"We're here in the county of Springfield," Elizabeth said, her voice laced with excitement.

"It's the first county on our way to the capital city."

Rethrus, his mind still reeling from the dream, looked out the window of the chariot. The landscape, a mix of rolling hills and verdant fields, was starkly different from the familiar countryside he had known.

The dream, so vivid, so real, left him with a lingering sense of unease, a nagging feeling that something was missing, something he couldn't quite grasp.

"Kids, we're in the mansion of Count Eamon Valeric," Xavier announced, his voice booming through the entrance hall. "Fortunately, he's one of my war comrades from back then. And we'll be staying here for tonight."

"Woahh," they whispered, their eyes wide with amazement.

"Wow, I never knew you had this kind of connection, Sir Xavier," Haldrin said, his voice laced with surprise.

"Haha," Xavier chuckled, a glint of amusement in his eyes, "It seems you underestimated me, boy."

From the balcony above, a voice boomed, "Xavier!"

"Eamon!" Xavier shouted in return. A portly figure, a man of immense stature, leaped from the balcony, the ground shaking slightly with the force of his landing.

Eamon, his face beaming with a smile as warm as the afternoon sun, embraced his old friend.

"You're fat," Xavier said.

"Well," Eamon replied, his laughter rumbling, "There isn't too much fighting anymore, so eating is what I've been busy off."

He then turned to the children, his gaze lingering on their faces.

"So, are these the kids?"

"Yes!" Xavier confirmed, his voice full of pride.

"I bet these kids are strong," Eamon added, his gaze fixed on the children, "Especially being taught by a teacher like you."

The two old friends laughed, their camaraderie evident.

"Hmmm," Eamon hummed, his gaze sweeping over the children, "They look strong."

His eyes lingered on Elizabeth, a flicker of admiration crossing his features. "And beautiful," he murmured, his voice barely audible.

"Let's go inside," Xavier said, his hand resting on Eamon's shoulder.

The children, their curiosity piqued, followed Xavier and Eamon into the mansion.

The air was thick with the scent of citrus and polished wood, a reminder of the luxurious life that Eamon enjoyed.

The hallways, lined with oil paintings and exquisite tapestries, whispered tales of a rich history.

Maids, their movements as precise as clockwork, carried their bags to their rooms.

"Okay, all of you should rest," Eamon announced, his voice booming, "A big dinner will be prepared soon."

"Wohoooo! A nice bed!" The children shouted, bouncing on their luxurious beds.

"Yes, these kids are ready for a war," Rethrus said sarcastically, his gaze sweeping over the children, a touch of weariness in his voice.

"Ah, so this is the feeling of being rich," Rethrus murmured, sinking deeper into the plush mattress, his body enveloped by the warmth of the soft, downy pillows.

"I want this kind of life," he whispered, a longing for a different reality creeping into his heart.

"Students! Prepare yourselves!" Xavier's voice rang through the mansion. "Dinner will be here soon."

The children rushed to the bathroom, their laughter echoing through the halls.

Rethrus, standing before the mirror, looked at his reflection.

"Huh, I just realized, I look the same as I did in my past life," he thought, "but I have black hair in this world instead of brown."

As the grand dining room doors swung open, a hush fell over the children.

"Everyone, meet my wife, Gwen Valeric."

A beautiful woman, her grace as captivating as her beauty, descended the grand staircase, her presence filling the room with a delicate perfume of lavender and sandalwood.

Beside her, two young women, their faces a mixture of charm and innocence, followed closely behind.

"And the kids behind her are our children,"

Eamon announced, his voice booming through the room. "My daughters, Celine and Celise."

The children stared in awe, their mouths agape, as they gazed at the Countess and her daughters.

"Hello, everyone!" Countess Gwen said, her voice as soft as the whisper of the wind. "I hope you enjoyed your stay here."

"Yes ma'am!" The children responded in unison, their voices filled with admiration.

"Wow, she's beautiful and kind," Terra whispered, her gaze fixed on Countess Gwen.

"And her husband?" Terra added, her voice tinged with a note of disdain, as she glanced at Count Eamon, whose plump features and boisterous laugh were a stark contrast to his wife's elegance.

Rina leaned over and whispered back, "To be fair, he's rich and strong. That's why."

"This is my family, everyone. And by the way, my two sons are already in the academy for the entrance exam. You know how crowded it will be, so I made them travel early."

"Huh, in the movies, families like them are bad people and full of hypocrisy, but I guess this one's different," Rethrus thought.

"Everyone, let's go eat," Eamon said, his voice loud and welcoming.

Xavier, with a quiet smile, stepped forward and whispered to the children.

"Manners, everyone, okay?"

"Yes, sir," the children replied, their voices low and respectful.

The children, led by Xavier, made their way to the grand table, its surface laden with an array of delicacies: roasted meats, freshly baked bread, rich sauces, colorful fruits, and overflowing bowls of exotic dishes.

The air was thick with the aroma of rich spices, the clink of silverware against porcelain, and the murmur of conversation.

"Xavier," Eamon starts a conversation, his voice a gentle rumble,

"Your whole life you've served this kingdom. When do you plan to have some time for yourself?"

The children, their faces aglow with the warmth of the fire, continued their conversations, unaware of the unspoken tension brewing at the head of the table.

"I'm fine, my friend," Xavier replied, his voice calm and measured.

Eamon, his smile fading, a hint of sadness in his eyes, asked, "You're still in love with her, right?"

Xavier, his gaze fixed on his empty plate, remained silent, his face an unreadable mask.

"I admire your loyalty, Xavier," Eamon continued, his voice laced with a touch of melancholy. "You're already 40 years old, but your love for her is still the same." His words echoed through the silence, a testament to Xavier's unwavering dedication.

"To be loved by you, Xavier," Eamon said, his voice barely a whisper.

Suddenly, Eamon's demeanor shifted, a sharp change that startled the children. "Anyway, children," he said, his voice regaining its usual cheerfulness, "Do you like it here?"

"Yes sir!" The children responded in unison, their faces reflecting their admiration for the luxurious surroundings.

"Since you're off to war, like we did in your age," Eamon said, leaning forward, his eyes locking with theirs, "I'm going to tell you something."

The children, intrigued, fell silent, their eyes fixed on Eamon.

"I own this county," Eamon announced, his voice filled with pride, "thanks to the king's favor. Of course, I fought for him and for this country." He paused, allowing the children to absorb his words.

"In my life in the war," Eamon continued, his voice laced with a sense of nostalgia, "I can say that it was a dream come true. I gained something and lost someone. That's the true nature of war. But it's very noble to fight and die for your country. You will protect everyone here in Starglade, and you'll be rewarded by it."

"Do you want an adventure?" Eamon asked, his voice booming.

"Yes!" The children shouted in unison, their enthusiasm palpable. Even Rethrus, caught up in the moment, joined in the chorus.

"Do you want to meet new people?"

"Yes!"

"To protect this kingdom?"

"Yes!"

"To harness your power?"

"Yes!"

"And to have a beautiful house and wife like I do?"

The children, their faces alight with a mix of excitement and ambition, shouted, "Yes!" Jack, Hans and Haldrin, always eager to please, shouted "Yes!" louder than anyone else.

Rethrus, his mind racing, knew that Eamon's words were a form of manipulation, a subtle attempt to twist their sense of purpose. But this time, something felt different. His thoughts, once clear and resolute, were now muddled with a sense of unease.

The moon, a silver disc suspended in a velvety black sky, cast an ethereal glow over the sprawling estate. The night air, cool and fragrant, was filled with the scent of pine and dew-kissed grass. The wind, a gentle caress on Rethrus's face.

Rethrus, unable to find solace in his bed, had slipped out onto the balcony. The banner of the Valeric family, depicting a majestic mountain range.

He thought about the events of the past few days, his mind plagued by doubts and insecurities.

"Why am I wavering right now?" he asked himself, his voice barely a whisper. "I'm almost thirty. I should know what I'm doing."

"To live a comfortable life like this is one of my dreams, too," he thought. He closed his eyes, imagining the life he could have, a life of opulence and ease.

"I miss my mom and dad," he thought, his voice a mere sigh.

"What are you doing here, child?" A voice, familiar yet commanding, broke the silence.

Rethrus turned to see Count Eamon, his imposing figure standing against the moonlight, his face a mix of curiosity and amusement.

"Good evening, sir," Rethrus replied, his voice filled with respect.

"I just can't sleep. I'm sorry if I disturb you."

"Nah, I just can't sleep either," Eamon replied, his voice a gentle rumble.

He gestured towards the empty space beside him. "You can stay here with me as you like."

The two men stood side by side, their gaze fixed on the moonlit horizon, the silence broken only by the gentle rustling of leaves and the murmuring of the wind.

"You're strong, kid," Eamon said, his voice laced with a hint of admiration.

"You feel it, sir?"

"Of course," Eamon replied, a knowing smile on his lips.

"But I can't feel anything with you right now," Rethrus countered, a note of uncertainty in his voice.

Eamon laughed, a deep, resonating sound that seemed to shake the very foundation of the mansion. He then, with a casual gesture, loosened a portion of his mana, a sudden surge of power that sent a shiver down Rethrus's spine.

Rethrus, taken aback by the sheer force of Eamon's power, felt a wave of fear wash over him. He realized the vast gap that separated them.

"As expected from an ex-Vice General," Rethrus thought, his heart pounding in his chest.

"How?" Rethrus asked, his voice trembling slightly. "There's no saying of hiding mana in the mana books I've read."

Eamon laughed, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Haha, you'll learn in the future, trust me."

"What was that?" Rethrus thought, his mind reeling. "Such immense power. I don't think I can take a punch from him. Is that also for Master Xavier, too?"

"Haha, you look so worried," Eamon said, his voice laced with amusement. "Don't worry, you're stronger than me when I was your age." He paused, his gaze lingering on Rethrus's face. "Somehow, I find myself comfortable speaking with you."

"Sir Eamon," Rethrus asked, his voice low, "Is it all worth it?"

Eamon, his gaze fixed on the moon, said,

"Do you know, I was like you back then? Maybe not an orphan, but we were so poor. Maybe this country is rich, but there's still poor people like us. Joining the magic military is one of the biggest choices I've ever made. To think that a peasant like me became a Vice General and owns land. I'll thank God for that. So yeah, I didn't regret it. I believe that even if we're not in war, we're in constant battle. We might just take it to a real battlefield, as well."

Rethrus, his mind filled with a mix of confusion and intrigue, was left with more questions than answers.

"I guess that's it," Rethrus thought, his mind wrestling with the implications of Eamon's words. "I might really have to follow." The thought, once a distant possibility, now felt closer, more tangible, a path he was slowly beginning to embrace.

"Thank you, Count Eamon," Rethrus said, a quiet respect in his voice. "I'm going back to sleep now."

"Of course," Eamon replied, his voice a gentle rumble. "Sleep, kid. You'll need it for tomorrow."

As the children gathered in the hallway, Xavier addressed the Valeric family. "Thank you for your hospitality, Count and Countess Valeric." The children bowed their heads in unison, their expressions a mix of gratitude and respect.

"Nah, it's fine," Eamon said, his eyes twinkling. "Nice to see the young blood rising up."

"Goodbye, girls," Celise and Celine said, their voices laced with warmth, as they exchanged farewells with the girls in their group. It turned out that the two sisters had spent the evening getting to know some of the girls, forming a bond of friendship despite their different backgrounds.

"Take care, kids," Countess Gwen said, her smile as radiant as the morning sun. "Okay?"

"Yes, ma'am!" the children responded, their voices a chorus of farewells.

"Okay, kids, let's go!"