Chapter 10

Those unfamiliar with entertainment products never felt time drag or boredom; they always had plenty to do. Daily training was fulfilling and far easier than their previous farm labor. Like sponges, they absorbed knowledge ceaselessly. Alex was pushed forward by them; even on holidays, they no longer went to town—each day was filled solely with study and training.

During their free time, Gasti would practice with her blade in her private training room, the robotic coach bearing countless knife marks. Soldiers at the base gradually began taking twenty-day home leaves, rotating in batches. Mechanic McKay also wanted a break—he hadn’t returned home in three years, but as the only repairman at the base, he couldn’t leave.

So he asked Gasti to allow the special training team members to learn repairs alongside him. He had long heard Alex boast that all the newcomers were geniuses. Gasti agreed, having intended for them to start early. Thus, evening lessons expanded to include mechanical repair, general knowledge, and physical training.

McKay was a gruff old man, always wearing a vest in the warehouse, his muscular arms solid, his scolding voice booming. The eight endured his curses, following his instructions with their hands and feet. It wasn’t that they were patient by nature; it was all for the sake of reaching Enisa.

One evening, after physical training, the eight passed by the robot training room and saw Gasti confronting five robots. Wielding a long blade, she could kill with every strike, but since these were robots, they never ceased unless their power was cut off. She moved with agility, her jumps astonishing; her swordplay was etched into the pupils of those watching outside. Alex admired her deeply.

“The commander is truly formidable,” he said.

The other seven remained silent, all their eyes filled with admiration. The five robots were all knocked down, their circuit boards damaged beyond function. Only then did Gasti sheath her blade. Suddenly, someone rushed in and hugged her, planting wild kisses.

After shedding his shyness, Raven had grown bold. Gasti, feeling uncomfortable, pinned him against the wall, standing between his legs, lowering her height to clamp his chin with one hand and kiss him deeply. Raven’s hands rested on her shoulders; he tilted his head, breath uneven.

The mingling sweat and excitement heightened their senses, the kiss urgent and deep. Raven’s wandering hands found her hips and legs, lifting her to press her against himself. Outside the window, several eyes widened. Alex’s mouth opened in shock as if to swallow an egg; Sander and Toran exchanged looks, silently blaming each other for not watching closely.

Vilian gazed at Raven as if he didn’t recognize him—the normally shy man had become unrestrained. That night, except for the deep-sleeping, snoring Alex, everyone else stayed awake, stunned by Raven’s boldness.

A faint sound of a door handle turning; a slender shadow slipped quickly into the dormitory, landing on tiptoe, silently bringing a refreshing breeze. Several eyes quietly opened. Toran whispered angrily, “Raven, shameless.”

Raven lay on his single bed, chuckling, “The commander isn’t yours alone. I’m no worse than you.”

“Enough talking. We have training tomorrow.” Sander stopped the noise. Then, rustling and shifting sounds continued; none of them could fall asleep.

At dawn, Gasti was still energetic, but everyone following behind her, except Alex, showed signs of sleepiness. Gasti was burned by their resentful gazes but remained indifferent as the whistle blew rhythmically. Those who hadn’t slept well seized the noon break to nap deeply. Alex wanted to find someone to talk to but had no chance.

The dormitory was spotless, cool air blowing from the central air conditioning. Outside it was hot; inside, blankets were needed. Whitewashed walls, pale blue bedding, blue skies with white clouds—it felt like paradise.

The midday nap was peaceful and sweet.

Among these people was a little-known custom: everyone baked bread, and offering one’s bread to another who accepted and ate it symbolized mutual acceptance and the possibility of marriage. Bread was never given lightly; it was precious, and so was one’s true feelings.

Gasti knew nothing of this. She had eaten babaka and meat rolls before. Today, she tasted honey bread baked by Raven: two connected squares, plump and white, with a golden crust only on the surface.

When torn apart, the soft bread layers were revealed. Gasti praised it endlessly, saying it was better than anything sold near her former academy.

“Raven, your bread could open a shop—it’s far tastier than what I used to eat.”

Gasti sat in the dining hall eating dinner. The others at the table looked at her with complicated expressions. Alex also reached out, wanting some, but Raven slapped his hand away.

“You can’t eat that.”

Alex was annoyed, shoveling rice with big bites. Gasti laughed, tearing some bread and telling Alex, “You should learn to bake too, so you can show off to your girlfriend—you’re getting married soon, aren’t you?”

“Commander, don’t say that, you’re jinxing it.”

“Last time you said you’d take wedding photos next year. What happened?”

Alex’s face darkened with sorrow. After gulping cold water, he said, “That woman complained I was never home and couldn’t help with farm work. She married someone else—she’s already pregnant.”

Gasti tutted, “Heartbreak is an essential part of life.”

“Commander, you’re pretty and have never been heartbroken; you don’t understand my pain.”

Alex’s rugged face looked grumpy. Though clean-shaven, compared to these men, he seemed like their stable hand.

Gasti raised her eyebrows, comforting him. “Who says I haven’t been heartbroken? When I was ten, I was rejected.”

Alex pretended not to hear and loudly asked, “How old?”

Gasti laughed. “Don’t just look at the locals. This place has beautiful mountains, good water, and beautiful people. Just find a local girl.”

Alex’s eyes scanned one by one, defeated voice. “Commander, I want to. But do you think any of those girls would want me?”

Gasti encouraged him. “Why wouldn’t they? You’re the base’s second-in-command, strong and capable, well-paid, can fight and work—what’s not good?”

Alex still frowned. “Marriage costs here are high. You have to pay a lot to the bride’s family.”

The seven locals began examining Alex. Each had sisters or older siblings; after spending time with him, they knew he wasn’t a bad man.

Toran said, “Not all families demand exorbitant fees. Captain, if you want to marry, you can buy a house in town. Someone will want to marry you.”

“Really? I’d accept spending big money on a house.”

Alex brightened. Marriage and children were an indispensable part of his life. The seven scrutinizing gazes grew more critical.

A month later, at lunchtime, Toran’s sister, Marcia, came to deliver something to her brother. The guard’s eyes remained fixed, dazed, as they watched her. After registering as family, she was allowed in.

After lunch, on the way back, Alex stopped, staring blankly. Standing before the dorm was a great beauty, and the others began laughing at him.

Marcia smiled, “Hello, I’m Toran’s sister, Marcia. May I speak with him?”

Alex snapped back to reality, nodded, blushing, and said softly, “Sure, as long as you want.”

The laughter erupted again behind him. The usually loud Alex became quiet and shy. He glared back but softened his expression, smiling kindly to avoid scaring the girl.

Marcia quickly pulled Toran aside, seemingly intimidated by him. Inside the dorm, Alex’s heart pounded rapidly. He collapsed on the bed, saying, “God, I’ve met true love.”

His honest words burst out unexpectedly. Laughter broke out; Alex’s face flushed as red as a cooked lobster. He buried his head in the blanket, ears attuned to the door.

In the shadows of the building, Marcia frowned deeply and said to her brother Toran, “He’s so ugly.”

“He can buy you a house in town, so you won’t have to live with your parents.”

Marcia relaxed her brows but was still reluctant. “I’ll think about it.”

“He’s simple but very caring.”

Marcia fixed her gaze on Toran. “Why do you want me to marry him?”

“If the commander leaves, our family will still have a captain looking after us. You don’t want to go hungry again, do you?”

Marcia’s brows furrowed again. “You’re planning to leave?”

Toran’s voice was low, “Yes.”

Marcia kicked a stone. “He’s so ugly.”

“Pretty men can’t give you a good house and enough to eat. The captain can install an oven so you can bake bread whenever you want.”

Marcia pushed aside the hair from her forehead. “Alright, I’ll give it a try.”

The dorm door opened; a shadow appeared before Toran’s eyes. Alex’s gaze sparkled as he watched him.

After lying down, Toran pushed Alex away gently and said, “Captain, go to sleep.”

Alex couldn’t sleep. Squatting nearby, he whispered questions, “Does Marcia have a boyfriend? What does she like...?”

Toran was annoyed and pulled the blanket over his head. The others all had younger sisters, not quite of marriageable age like Marcia, enduring the incessant buzzing.

Alex was already dreaming of the future. He asked Gasti to accompany him to town to buy a house. She agreed, driving early in the morning while the eight followed on foot for exercise, all searching for a house for Alex.

Three hours later, the eight were exhausted and climbed into the back of the vehicle to rest. Water sprinkled on their faces, morning breezes blowing coolly.

The town was not bustling but much larger than the village. Streets were wide, houses orderly, with a few nice shops and restaurants, a hospital, and a school.

Sander’s family was well known in town. His father, Kahl, worked as a real estate agent. Based on Alex’s finances, Kahl recommended a property.

The truck arrived in a new district where all the houses were newly built, the neighborhood clean, each home with a small lawn in front.

They stopped before a white house. Kahl scanned his fingerprint to open the door. A group entered, exclaiming in admiration.

The house was recently renovated, furniture new, two stories plus a basement and a garage, with a small backyard.

Kahl emphasized the kitchen and bathroom, telling Alex the previous owner had spent a fortune on renovations.

Alex wandered through the house, others dispersed to explore as well.

Gasti stood in the living room with Kahl and asked, “Why sell such a new house?”

Kahl replied, “The owner’s son got into a prestigious city academy. To pay tuition, they must sell.”

Unlike free compulsory education, the academy’s tuition was very high. Gasti nodded; selling made sense.

Alex quickly decided to buy. While he went to the bank to withdraw money, Kahl contacted the owner to proceed with paperwork.

An hour later, the owner arrived, but Alex had not returned. Suddenly, alarms wailed down the street. The owner’s face turned pale and terrified. Kahl quickly shut the door and ushered everyone into the basement.

Gasti asked, “What’s happening?”

The middle-aged couple trembled, speechless. Kahl answered, “There’s a gang of bandits in town. They often rob and kill.”

“Where are the police?”

Kahl said angrily, “The police are afraid of them and do nothing.”

“Where do they appear?”

“After robbing the bank, they feast in restaurants.”

Gasti looked at the seven and said, “There’s a bounty opportunity. Shall we go?”

“Yes!”

Gasti and the others borrowed the owner’s car and left. Kahl comforted the fearful couple, “They’re imperial soldiers and will deal with the bandits.”

The owners’ worries eased slightly. They sold their home to escape living in constant fear and planned to move to the city.