chapter 5: Headquarter

Tatsuo stood frozen, awe-struck as the Fleshcutters Regiment Headquarters is in his view. The vast complex sprawled across Mount Shinryu's steep slopes, its many structures clinging to the heights like stubborn moss. The headquarters wasn't a single building—it was a village of its own. Even at an altitude of 4,000 meters, clusters of houses and watchtowers pierced the clouds, their roofs dusted with snow and framed by pines.

Kenji glanced at Tatsuo's stunned expression and smiled.

"Come on, Tatsuo-kun. Let's get you enrolled. This is the last week for new applicants."

Tatsuo nodded quietly and followed Kenji along the winding stone path. The chill mountain air bit at his skin, but excitement and nerves kept him warm. Eventually, the road led to a large wooden hall carved directly into the mountain. Its doors, wide and weathered, creaked as they pushed inside.

A single desk sat at the far end of the room. Behind it, an elderly man worked with quiet intensity, flipping through parchment and stamping forms with methodical precision. Kuruo remained outside as Kenji and Tatsuo approached.

"Fumio-san, how are you doing?" Kenji greeted, his tone light. "Look, I've brought a promising young man to join the Regiment."

The old man, Fumio, paused mid-stamp. He slowly lifted his gaze, examining Tatsuo from head to toe. His eyes were sharp, calculating.

"Details of the candidate," he said simply.

Tatsuo straightened his posture and recited his background, answering every question the old man asked. Once the interview was complete, Fumio grunted in acknowledgment and returned to his paperwork without another word.

Outside again, the trio resumed walking. Kenji gave Tatsuo a pat on the shoulder.

"Well, Tatsuo-kun, you've got four days to relax before your training begins. Today's already Tuesday, so your first official session will be next Sunday."

Then He pointed ahead.

"Your theory lessons and physical training will be held in that building over there."

Tatsuo followed his gaze to a towering structure nestled on a plateau. In front of it stretched a large open training field, where a few recruits were already running drills, their uniforms fluttering in the wind.

Tatsuo nodded silently, then after a few moments asked, "Where are we going now?"

"Oh, us?" Kenji replied, smirking. "We're heading to the Mission Hall to report our findings."

They walked in silence for a while. The Mission Hall was another large building carved into the mountainside. Two large bulletin boards stood at the entrance, each filled with neatly pinned scrolls and notes. Several Fleshcutters in uniform passed in and out, some with weapons slung across their backs, others carrying bundles wrapped in cloth.

Inside, they made their way directly to a counter. Without a word, Kuruo stepped forward and placed two scrolls on it. A clerk on the other side examined them carefully. After unrolling the first scroll and verifying the seal, the man gave a curt nod. He then reached under the counter and placed a small leather satchel on top. It landed with a metallic clink, the sound of coins.

As Kuruo received the payment, all three turned and left the Mission Hall. A broad grin stretched across Kuruo's face as he shook the leather satchel, the metallic clink of coins dancing in rhythm with his exaggerated steps.

"Looks like the pay's gone up for patrolling work," Kuruo said cheerfully.

Kenji shrugged and replied flatly, "Just don't forget to send Asami-chan her share. Deduct the mailing fee from her portion."

"Oh, sure, sure! I've no desire to be assassinated in my sleep," Kuruo chuckled.

With that, they began ascending the mountain path once more.

"So, where are we going now?" Tatsuo asked.

Kenji glanced back. "To our mentor's place. He lives a bit further up."

Tatsuo nodded and followed quietly. "A bit" turned out to be an understatement. They were now several hundred meters above the previous elevation, the air thinner and colder. The sky stretched clearer at this height, and snow clung to shaded crevices.

Eventually, they stopped before a modest wooden house nestled into the mountainside. A small flower garden bloomed in front of it. Simple, yet vibrant against the harsh mountain environment. The scent of pine and faint blossoms mixed with the crisp air.

Just as they stood outside, a voice drifted from within—both gentle and commanding.

"So, you've returned. How was the mission? And it seems... you've brought someone new."

Kenji bowed with a fist in his palm.

"It went smoothly, Master, without any threats encountered. But… the danger over Kuroki Village is lingering, just as you warned."

He turned slightly and gestured to Tatsuo.

"This is Takigawa Tatsuo. He's from Kuroki Village as well, and he's chosen to join the Regiment."

A calm but authoritative voice responded,

"Hmm… The Regiment is on the verge of a great change. Talented individuals are emerging one after another... and the same may be true for the other side. Be cautious from here on. You all may go."

"Thank you, Master," Kenji replied, bowing deeply before stepping away.

As they walked down the path, Kuruo leaned closer to Tatsuo and said with admiration,

"Congratulations, Tatsuo-kun. You were acknowledged by Master. That's a rare honor. Even Kenji-san only earned a sliver of recognition after training under him for a full month."

"Thanks…but does your master always talk so less?" Tatsuo replied, still a bit dazed.

Kenji replied, "He is never a person who likes to speak much but he has a great intuition it's like he has a third eye or something and he is not simple like us because he will soon become a Reaper"

Tatsuo asked in confusion, "Reaper? What that?"

Kuruo replied, "You will understand what we mean by reaper in a few days after you have joined the training"

As he nodded in understanding a question arise "But I'm just a regular boy from Kuroki Village… how did someone that powerful recognize me? he thought, eyes drifting toward the sky.

Kenji then spoke,

"Alright, Tatsuo. We're heading back to our residence hall. You'll be staying at the inn near the base of the mountain for now."

He handed Tatsuo a few silver coins.

"This should cover five days. Once your enrollment is complete, you'll be assigned to one of the trainee residence halls."

Tatsuo's eyes widened, and he immediately shook his head.

"No, no—Kenji-san, I can't accept this from you."

Kenji smiled, firm yet warm.

"Think of it as an investment in you from me. When you become a great Fleshcutter, repay it—until then, take it."

He gently pushed the coins into Tatsuo's hands.

"Thank you, Kenji-san… I'll return it a hundred times over." Tatsuo said, bowing his head with sincerity.

Kenji only smiled and turned to continue walking.

After descending several hundred meters, they reached a fork in the path. Kenji and Kuruo waved as they headed toward their quarters, while Tatsuo continued downward alone.

Eventually, he arrived at the mountain's base, where a humble inn stood nestled between two great pine trees. He stepped inside and rented a room for the next five days, the warm interior a welcome contrast to the biting wind outside.

The following days passed uneventfully. The innkeeper provided daily meals, and Tatsuo spent his time chopping wood in the forests just outside the Regiment Headquarters. The crisp mountain air, laced with the scent of pine and damp earth, became a familiar companion during his training.

One day, as he returned from the forest—sweaty, sore, and covered in wood chips—the innkeeper called out to him from the counter.

"Takigawa-kun, where do you disappear to every morning? And return every noon looking like you've fought a bear?" he asked, half-curious, half-amused.

Tatsuo wiped his brow with his sleeve.

"I go into the forest to chop wood. It's part of my training."

The innkeeper nodded thoughtfully, then offered a proposal.

"If that's the case, how about doing it for us as well? We always need fresh firewood. I'll halve your lodging fee if you help out."

Tatsuo smiled, his eyes lighting up.

"Really? I'd be glad to!" He accepted the offer.

On Saturday, with a little free time before training began, Tatsuo strolled through the sprawling mountain settlement that made up the Regiment Headquarters. The air buzzed with activity—trainees running drills, armor clinking, and flags fluttering in the breeze.

As he turned a corner near the training fields, he spotted Kenji and Kuruo walking in his direction.

"Yo, Tatsuo-kun!" Kuruo called out with a grin.

The three exchanged greetings and had a small chat.

Kuruo laughed and clapped Tatsuo on the shoulder.

"Hahaha! You've already got yourself a job? That's impressive!"

Tatsuo chuckled, but then turned to Kenji with a serious expression.

"Kenji-san, I forgot to ask something… You mentioned before that danger was lingering in Kuroki Village. What exactly did you mean by that?"

Kenji fell silent for a moment, then sighed and spoke with a lowered voice.

"Tatsuo-kun… you told me your mother transformed into a Fleshbound after applying a wild herb to her wound, right? There are only two ways that herb could've carried the Plague: either it absorbed remnants from the airborne outbreak during the great epidemic... or it came into direct contact with an infected Fleshbound."

He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in.

"But the Plague ended fifty four years ago. There's no way she stumbled upon a herb from back then and used it. That leaves only the second possibility."

Tatsuo's breath caught in his throat.

"While you were saying farewell to your parents… I sent Asami-chan to investigate. She confirmed that multiple plants on Mount Kuro are carrying the infection. Which means... Fleshbound are living there."

Tatsuo froze. His heartbeat thundered in his ears.

Fleshbounds... were living among us? Hiding, this entire time?

The truth hit him like a blade through the chest.

'Then… my parents died because of them?' he thought to himself

A hot surge of rage swelled inside him.

Kenji gently placed a hand on Tatsuo's shoulder.

"But don't worry. Thanks to the report, the Regiment is dispatching three patrol squads and one combat unit. They'll secure the area."

Tatsuo nodded, clenching his fists.

"Thank you… Kenji-san."

After chatting a bit longer, Tatsuo returned to the inn, the weight of new truths pressing on his shoulders.

Despite that, his time at the inn had brought comfort. He'd grown close with the innkeeper and a few regular guests. In the evenings, the downstairs common room came alive—filled with warm lights, laughter, and clinking cups.

One evening, he sat near the hearth when a loud thud drew everyone's attention. Two large men were locked in an arm-wrestling match at the center table. Both were massive, but one had a long scar etched down his right arm.

The man without the scar eventually slammed his opponent's arm down, letting out a triumphant roar. Then he turned toward Tatsuo with a smirk.

"Hey, red-eyed boy! Come test your strength!"

Tatsuo raised both hands in protest.

"Ah—no, I'm fine watching, really."

But the crowd cheered and insisted, urging him forward.

"Come on, Takigawa-kun!"

"You can do it!"

With a reluctant sigh, Tatsuo sat down opposite the man. The table creaked as they locked hands.

The big man immediately pushed, muscles bulging… but Tatsuo's arm didn't move an inch. Whispers rippled through the crowd. The man gritted his teeth and applied all his strength, veins popping—

But then Tatsuo calmly pushed his arm down.

Thud!

The room exploded in cheers and laughter. Tatsuo gave a small bow, excused himself politely, and made his way upstairs.

Lying in bed, staring at the wooden ceiling above, he whispered to himself,

"Tomorrow… my training begins. I'll grow stronger, strong enough to kill every last Fleshbound. They're the ones who truly killed my parents."

His crimson eyes glimmered in the darkness—filled with fire, grief, and unrelenting determination.