Traces of the Past (Sub-chapter)

The sound of engines throbbed on the red dirt road, mingling with the distant booming of cannons. It was the time of the Eastern campaign, when Nation launched a fierce war to expand its territory, attacking the resource-rich colonial lands of United. Nation Force under Lockon's command assigned the task to the young Stratos, who was still part of Nation Force, to lead a deep penetration into enemy territory and destroy a crucial defensive outpost.

Stratos, at that time just a young captain but favored for his high evaluations in command talent and loyalty, led Company VIII-W, consisting of 200 soldiers. Lockon, holding the rank of general, had full command of the campaign. The differences between the two began to show clearly from the earliest days.

Lockon was a victory fanatic. For him, war was not about people but about numbers, and soldiers were just pawns to exchange for glory. Meanwhile, Stratos always valued the lives of each soldier beside him; to him, they were not just comrades, but family. He believed that victory only had meaning when those under his flag were alive to witness it.

After advancing deep into United's territory, Lockon's army encountered strong resistance at Dravol Pass, a dangerous terrain with overwhelming enemy numbers. He summoned all high-ranking commanders, including Stratos, the youngest commander, to discuss strategy.

"Attack head-on," Lockon said, his voice firm as if it was the only way.

"We don't have time for complex schemes. Hit them straight in the center and crush them."

"General, Dravol Pass is not a place to be taken lightly. The enemy has set up traps, and the narrow terrain makes us easy to be surrounded. If we attack head-on, we will lose many troops," Stratos frowned.

"Are you doubting my ability?" He slapped his hand on the table, his sharp eyes looking at Stratos.

"No, sir!" Stratos replied, trying to stay calm.

"But I believe we can use a different plan. Divide the army into multiple spearheads: one spearhead attacks from the left flank, another creates a diversion from the front, while the others support from behind. That way, we can weaken them before starting the main assault."

"No need. I give the order, you follow it," Lockon dismissed his suggestion.

"Your company will lead the attack. Prove that you're not just good at talking."

Stratos looked straight at Lockon, anger smoldering in his eyes. But he had no other choice. An order was an order.

The attack unfolded exactly as he had predicted, a nightmare. The enemy had prepared hidden traps, continuous artillery fire from above, and soldiers of his company fell one by one. He fought until blood soaked his entire armor, his sword broken in half, but he didn't stop. He ordered the remaining men to retreat, trying to maintain the formation even though their numbers were less than a tenth of the original When the battle ended, he stood in the middle of the battlefield, surrounded by the bodies of his comrades. From 200 men, only 18 remained, including himself and 17 other soldiers, all exhausted both physically and mentally.

But Lockon, sitting on a high hill, just looked down with a faint smile.

"Victory!" He declared, paying no attention to the blood that had stained the entire battlefield.

Despite the disastrous failure in this campaign, he and his company had completed the task, causing enemy casualties that paved the way for Nation Force's victories on the Eastern front. Thanks to those notable feats, Lockon's path to advancement soared like a kite catching the wind, gradually becoming one of the key figures of Nation Force. However, the sacrifices of the soldiers left behind were completely forgotten.

After the success of the Eastern expansion campaign, Stratos was no longer the same person. He went to meet Lockon one last time, standing before the arrogant general with eyes full of disappointment, still holding the hatred for the campaign at Dravol Pass.

"Sir!" His voice was low.

"On the day at Dravol, I followed orders, and the price was the lives of 182 brothers. For you, that's victory. But for me, that's failure."

"War is like that. Everyone has to pay the price." Lockon just shrugged.

"So, that's how you command," Stratos replied, each word like a knife stabbing into Lockon's pride.

"I'm leaving Nation Force. I will protect those who trust me, in my own way." He handed over his shoulder straps and badge of Nation Force to him. For him, those things were completely worthless, as they followed the ideals of a general who was ready to sacrifice an entire legion for his own bloodlust.

Stratos left immediately after that, without looking back. All 17 surviving soldiers who had fought beside him at Dravol Pass went with him. They became the first and founding members of section W, the precursor to Nation Guard later on, an army he founded with entirely different ideals. An army that not only fought for Nation but also for the sons of the nation.

Stratos opened his eyes, his cold gaze returning to reality. The memories of those days in Nation Force were still there, like a scar that never heals. He looked around; it was still the same place, the field hospital of Nation Force, just like 10 years ago. He slowly sat up, realizing that the campaign at Ashgel Valley had ended. Although he and many others were still alive after breaking through the enemy's defensive line, the pain in his body and soul remained. Looking at the notice board announcing the victory and Lockon's interview after the campaign in the valley, he knew that when he had to cooperate with him again, the conflict between them was unavoidable. But this time, he swore not to let any of his subordinates sacrifice themselves in vain.