Chapter 27: Hidden intent

Chapter 27: Hidden intent

Jet was lost in thought as he adjusted his new suit. He savored the feel of the knight armor against his skin, the material reminding him of the robes he'd usually worn back home, before he was essentially forced into becoming a Renegade. Thanks to his "genius" sister, this path was the only way he could prove himself and finally surpass her. When he became a Warden —or better yet, a King, his father would finally be forced to acknowledge him.

So far, being a Renegade had proven far easier than he had anticipated. His family's status had allowed him to bypass years of service as a lowly sentry. He had been immediately chosen for the knight trials a few weeks after his registration. Even the position of Knight, was merely temporary. He possessed both the skills and connections necessary to become a Vanguard, and then a Captain, in record time.

A small smile spread across his face as his thoughts turned to the Heart shard. A source of endless power, strictly limited to those within Renegade ranks. Something most Mornan families had been coveting for Milleniums. He couldn't wait to obtain those abilities and rise further than anyone in his bloodline had ever managed.

Finally satisfied with his preparations, Jet turned to survey the male Knight trainees in the men's room. Most were hurriedly checking equipment or exchanging nervous glances. He cleared his throat, and immediately all eyes fixed on him.

"Well, it seems like we've finally reached the end of our training together," he announced, his voice carrying a practiced warmth. "The last few months have truly been enjoyable. It's a shame some of our fellow trainees couldn't make it this far."

He paused, allowing his expression to soften into something resembling vulnerability.

"I want to thank you all for the faith and trust you've put in me. I'm quite a sheltered person, you see. I try my best to act confident and all, but the truth is that's only a facade. I've always experienced isolation for the better part of my life, so it's a natural defence mechanism I developed. Getting to know all of you, and then becoming friends with you, has truly been one of my most treasured experiences."

The effect of his speech was immediate. The Blue Mornans perked up, their faces lighting with pride at being acknowledged by someone of his status.

Ron, a stocky Blue Mornan trainee shook his head vigorously. "No, don't say that. We should be the ones thanking you. We've heard so many things about Mornans of higher ranks and how they look down on others below them. But you weren't like that at all. You treated us like equals and helped us whenever you could, despite it affecting your own training."

"Yeah, he's right," Maze, another Mornan trainee added. "Without you, most of us would have already failed this training."

A chorus of agreement rippled through the room. A few trainees remained silent, not entirely convinced by Jet's facade.

'Well, it seems like this worked out well in the end,' Jet thought with an inward sneer. 'It's only natural I suppose, these Blue Mornans are mostly after what I can do for them, now and in the future. How predictable.'

"Alright, as you all know, that time has come." He said with a sigh, his tone becoming more serious.

The room instantly fell silent. The lighthearted atmosphere evaporated in a moment, as they recalled the plan they'd spent months preparing for. Thanks to Jet's connections, they had already known exactly what the final mission would entail. Which was why it didn't come as a surprise to them. Naturally, they'd still feigned ignorance to avoid arousing suspicion from the Head Instructors.

"This mission is extremely important if we wish to become knights," Jet continued, choosing his words carefully, aware of the monitoring systems throughout the base. "But let's not forget the equally important mission that we've all agreed to."

"This is our opportunity to truly show our loyalty to the cause of the Renegades. To help correct a mistake that could cost thousands — if not more, their lives. To prevent a future disaster."

The trainees expressions hardened as they remembered the massacre on Terytl-b. The star system was still recovering from the loss despite the months that had passed.

"This is our chance to showcase the true spirit of a Renegade!" Jet's voice rose with each word. "Now, who's with me?!, who's ready to do what it takes for the future!?"

The room erupted into synchronized cheers as trainees pumped their fists in the air. "FOR THE RENEGADES! FOR THE FUTURE!"

In the women's dormitory, a similar scene unfolded. Female trainees prepared their weapons while chanting in unison, led by Alina, one of the blue Mornans that followed Rin the most.

"For the future!"

The others responded with fervor: "FOR THE FUTURE!"

Rin herself remained silent, as she simply loaded each of her guns in advance. Today marked her first step toward vengeance against the Reincarnators for everything they had taken from her. Yet for some reason she didn't really feel like she wanted to do it. Her thoughts went to Arbus and how much he cared about his mom, a citizen of this universe. For some reason she didn't truly feel like he was as uncaring as the Reincarnators she had heard of and met. She shook her head as she pushed the unwelcome thought aside, loading up her final weapon, before following the others out.

Eventually all the trainees returned to the hangar as the massive doors slowly parted, revealing Tomber's harsh snow filled landscape. Bitter winds carried in the harsh, stormy air of Tomber.

The administrative staff stood on standby, offering one final salute as the trainees filed out into the snowstorm to begin their final mission.

All of them besides Arbus and Alexander exchanged knowing glances, before advancing toward the jagged, snow-covered mountains looming before them. The white expanse seemed to stretch endlessly.

High above on one of the ice-crusted peaks, a creature observed the trainees. Its body was an unnatural hybrid of a fish-like creature and wolf, covered in iridescent scales that reflected the dim light. A single unblinking eye studied each trainee in turn, as if committing them to memory.

Once satisfied, it released a piercing shriek that was instantly swallowed by the howling wind before melting back into the snow, leaving no trace of its presence.