Chapter 9

At this moment, the sun had yet to rise; it was 5:10 in the morning. Eight newcomers stood in a row, led by Aks. Gasty stood before them, calling out their numbers one by one in a loud voice.

They wore uniform black training suits, zipped up high, with lightweight, breathable military training shoes on their feet. After roll call, Gasty led the group on a morning run along the same road out of the village as the day before.

They ran at a steady pace. At first, everyone kept up with ease, but soon jackets were unzipped and tied around their waists, and their short sleeves were soaked through with sweat. Gasty turned back with an easy expression, took a whistle from her pocket, and blew it to rally their spirits.

Rough and gruff, Aks shouted the base motto loudly, and the others echoed him in unison. The rising sun revealed nine shadows stretching across the road, their handsome faces all glowing with smiles.

By seven o’clock, they returned to the base and devoured breakfast in the mess hall. Simple food tasted extraordinarily delicious to them: unlimited bread and malt milk, a slice of fried meat, and a boiled egg. The eight sat facing each other, silently focused on eating, with only fifteen minutes to rest.

Having showered, Gasty ate breakfast on the balcony, watching as Aks led the entire unit on three laps around the base. Here, Gasty maintained the relaxed style of her predecessor, unwilling to change the soldiers’ late morning drill time.

Change required leverage; she did not want to strain relations with the troops. After all, with their low rank, no good fortune awaited them anyway—it was better if everyone remained comfortable. Gasty only required obedience and discipline from her team.

While the soldiers ate, the eight headed to the communal showers to wash and change into their dress uniforms. To avoid disturbing others, the special training group took over one dormitory room.

After breakfast came the time for tidying quarters. Aks stood at the door, mouth agape, bewildered at how quickly the other seven cleaned the room to spotless perfection, even organizing his bedding and sheets.

Muttering gloomily, Aks said, “If you all go out, no one else would stand a chance.”

Sand, as if reading his thoughts, smiled and replied, “Captain, we only follow the officer.”

The hostility among the ordinary men dissipated, and Aks laughed, “Following the officer sounds good.”

The others learned quickly and silently took note.

At 8:30, the eight gathered in a classroom where Gasty gave a lesson. Knowing some were illiterate and most had low educational backgrounds, she taught using pictures.

They studied characters privately.

The screen first displayed various models of firearms, which Gasty introduced one by one before focusing on the weapons currently equipped at the base.

Because of their low rank, the base’s armaments were all outdated models. Having seen images of the latest energy weapons, Aks boldly asked, “Officer, if we win a good rank in the competition, will they give us the MF221?”

“Don’t dream. That’s only for the Knights.”

Vilian raised his hand to ask, “Officer, what is the Knights?”

“The Knights are an independent legion that answers only to the king. It used to be limited to noble descendants, but now merchants or children of top talents can join. The Knights have nothing to do with ordinary people.”

Gasty pulled up several images of knights on the screen—men clad in shining silver armor, armed with guns and swords at their waists and legs, looking especially majestic and imposing.

Aks and the others stared fixedly at the knights. Perin muttered, “That’s just too cool.”

They were stunned; they had no idea the Knights still existed.

After a morning packed with knowledge, the eight staggered to the mess hall for lunch.

That day’s meal was fried chicken, unfamiliar to five of the newcomers. After one bite, they were hooked, washing it down with iced drinks—it was paradise.

They cared little for the Knights; their focus was on the here and now.

Vilain asked Aks, “Captain, the officer knows so much—how did she end up here?”

Aks lowered his voice mysteriously.

“You can’t tell anyone.”

The seven promised silence, and only then did Aks reveal, “The officer had a bright future, but bad luck struck: her fiancé died, leaving her without backing. That’s why she was sent here.”

---

There was a one-hour lunch break. Aks lay down early and began snoring. The other seven couldn’t sleep—five were excited newcomers, while two harbored troubled thoughts.

Today’s lessons had shattered their understanding, breeding insecurity. They finally realized how isolated this place was.

If not for Gasty’s exile here, they would live in completely different worlds.

In the afternoon, Toran shadowed Frey to learn medicine, while Aks led weapons training—starting with pistol handling, then disassembly, naming each part, and reassembling in order.

After an hour, others at the base watched Aks run and yell, “Why! Why!”

Sand, a genius, and the other five newcomers memorized everything in one go, which was demoralizing.

Sand advised the five, “Don’t act too smart. Be a bit slow.”

Lucy asked, “Why?”

“If the captain gets discouraged, she won’t want to teach anymore.”

The five nodded in agreement.

So in culture class, they pretended to be slow-witted, balancing the captain’s ego. The gods had only opened a small window for them.

After culture class came equipment training.

In the evening, Sand prepared honey-glazed roast chicken for Gasty, the glaze shimmering seductively over roasted vegetables beneath.

The secret sauce was finger-licking good.

Gasty enjoyed it immensely, carving and eating without pause. Sand stood on the balcony, watching the sunset with a cigarette between his fingers.

With almost no expenses at the base, after sending money home, much still remained.

“Officer, aren’t you going home to visit family?” Sand asked.

In the hot season, many at the base could visit relatives.

Gasty’s voice was steady.

“I have no family.”

Sand turned his head.

“How did you grow up then?”

Wanting to know more about her, they shared everything but the matters of love and sex.

Gasty stirred her iced lemon water.

“In an orphanage.”

Sand’s eyes softened with sympathy.

“You must have suffered a lot.”

Laughter broke out.

“That orphanage is under my father’s foundation. Though my family went bankrupt, I’m the largest shareholder there. The director and priests treat me well.”

Gasty saw Sand’s face flush instantly and laughed louder.

“When you win first place, I’ll take you all to visit Ainisha, the imperial capital.”

Sand was delighted.

“Really?”

“Mm.”

That night, lessons continued, followed by physical training.

Afterward, Sand shared the good news; Aks cheered and hugged him, slapping his back hard.

“No wonder you’re the officer’s number one. That’s great! I’m definitely going to Ainisha!”

To them, Ainisha was a distant, bustling metropolis.

The empire was vast; some never even visited the capital. Aks came from a small town, so he was overjoyed.

The eight couldn’t sleep that night, chatting excitedly about Ainisha and their imagined adventures.

“There must be lots of shops.”

“And many vehicles.”

“I want to see the Imperial Silver Academy.”

“The officer graduated there. I want to see it too.”

“We have to win first place.”

“Absolutely must.”

---

Victory meant a trip to the capital; the eight were inspired beyond measure, determined to overcome any obstacle.

That same night, Gasty lay awake, sleepless. She wondered whom she could visit—her family had been uprooted, leaving only her.

Unable to rest, she went downstairs for a walk. The bright, serene night contrasted with the turmoil inside her young heart—unwilling to be ordinary, it was raw with frustration and struggle, trapped here until retirement.

When Raven saw Gasty, he stammered, “Officer, still not asleep so late?”

Gasty noticed him watering a potted plant.

“What’s that?”

“Breadflower.”

“Hmm? Such an odd name.”

Raven smiled and explained, “Breadflowers bloom in the morning and live a long time...”

Young Raven collapsed beneath Gasty, shy but offering himself wholeheartedly.

After becoming familiar, he improved and learned how to kiss.

By the third time, he wanted to pin her down, his body ablaze with uncontrollable passion.

Raven returned late; Aks asked where he’d been.

“Turning the soil for the plants.”

Aks grumbled, “Go to sleep quickly; training’s tomorrow.”

“Will do.”

---

The next day, just before dawn, Gasty led the morning run, quizzing them on the previous day’s lesson as they ran.

Aks was first; he hadn’t expected to think during a run and failed to answer, falling to the back.

Next was Sand, who only recalled the pictures, also moving to the rear.

Toran, despite less study time, answered as a medical student and passed, slowing down at the side to fall behind.

Vilain and Lucy, fifth and sixth, also only recalled images.

Seventh was Raven, blushing as he repeated Gasty’s words and passed.

Lacla, the quietest and most concise, couldn’t answer.

Last was Perin, who answered better than all and scored highest.

Those who failed faced punishment.

A whistle blew and the slogans rang out behind them, full of vigor.

Raven’s gaze kept sneaking toward Gasty ahead; his sweat-drenched body felt no less burning than his ears.

---

One month later, the well-fed and trained newcomers transformed as if reborn. Their chests grew solid; their belts tightened by three holes; their features sharpened, making them stand out in any crowd.

They were jokingly called Gasty’s harem. No one minded; they were willing and unbothered.

Base soldiers secretly envied them.

At night, Raven and Gasty kissed in a corner. His hands circled her waist; his body rubbed against hers with hunger.

The spacious yard was filled with military vehicles, their cramped interiors fueling desire.

Gasty’s final restraint broke; she claimed all these handsome men as hers.

On sleepless nights, they were the comfort she needed.

No matter how chaotic the night, she was always ready for morning runs.

Gasty always appeared fresh and unaffected by the previous night’s indulgences, leading the run with ease.

Aks followed, eyes dazed.

Sand’s mind was sharp, pondering various knowledge questions.

Toran yawned repeatedly, legs moving mechanically, having nearly exhausted herself with Gasty the night before.

Vilain prayed to be asked simple questions.

Lucy thought about what to eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Raven glared at Toran, secretly cursing him for being flirtatious.

Lacla silently recited vocabulary.

Perin listened to music on a portable device lent by Aks.

Though harboring many thoughts, the eight shared one voice—following Gasty’s pace.