Driving down the dirt road in our off-road vehicle we are surrounded by long strands of tall white grass on either side that glow under the headlights of the car we are in.

  As I ride along in the backseat I keep practicing channelling mana into my left eye.

  Ferus, looking at me from the rearview mirror, begins his lecture.

  “This here is the region of Flowing White. It's located around 3,000km south of the capital city of Lux and around 1,000km south from the zone of Dawn and Dusk. As you have witnessed the Solar Pantheon’s grace reaches not these wretched lands.”

  The vehicle starts shaking and rumbling as we transition onto a gravel road.

  “Anomalies are plentiful around here. This whole region is a marvel on its own. As I am sure you’ve noticed the vegetation is all white and there are virtually no trees spare a few odd shaped ones here and there. The plants are filled with an enormous amount of water and when a storm happens rain ascends to the sky above. The clouds form by drawing the water from plants up to the heavens.”

  “...”

  “After absorbing the water, these clouds travel to an unknown location. We have been trying to follow these clouds, but they travel too far for our current reconnaissance team to follow so we are unsure of where they go. Our current hypothesis is that the water somehow get rerouted to the plants in a weird water cycle that we cannot quite comprehend yet. There are no caves or mountains in the vicinity, just slight hills here and there, so our range of vision is quite great. That is if we are given proper lights that can penetrate the darkness of this area”

  Sitting in the backseat I look to the surroundings. The tall grass became shorter and in the distance a city surrounded by gigantic stone walls and lights can be seen. Storm clouds with sporadic lightning strikes looming even further beyond it. A tower stands tall in the city and a faint magical light shimmers atop of it. Floodlights on every inch of the wall light up the vast plains surrounding the city.

  “Although it is wondrous, this region is classified as ‘Strong’ in terms of destructive power. That’s about 3rd strongest region type there is. You know how I said that water gets sucked up to the sky? Guess what else qualifies for that?”

  It sucks up water in the sky?

  “...”

  After a moment of consideration a horrifying realization dawns upon me.

  “Us?”

  Adla turns back to me and yells.

  “DING DING DING!”

  Ferus takes over.

  “Well that's somewhat correct. Not only us, but every living being with a body that consists of over 50% water. Which is almost every creature that’s within the empire. So having the region being a big field is less than desirable. There are no caves so only creatures that have low water content in their body thrive in this environment. Now that city-fort just ahead has some specialized magic that can protect us from that. There are also some deployable tools that can help with protecting against this region, but if you are unprotected you are basically dead.”

  Thunder from the lightning strikes reaches us and I gulp loudly. They never talked about the brutal Frontier in this way in the Empire. I mean I knew it was bad but what the hell is that?

  “Are all regions in the Frontier like this?”

  “Nope! There are much worse ones out there, like the upside down volcano cavern that spews molten rain or the floating islands that have rip currents in random and spontaneous spots that would tear us and this car to shreds.”

  Adla interjects in our conversation.

  “Stop scaring him Ferus! He’s already got enough on his plate already!”

  “You are right you are right… But he needs to know about the Frontier. You know how much information gets suppressed the closer you get to the capital.”

  Information gets suppressed from the Frontier?

  “Now for your responsibilities Osiris: Once you reach the fort-city of Fluidum you must report to Second Lieutenant Rox. Since you just got here, and you are so young, they will most likely put you in the officer training academy to learn the ins and outs of how to command your troop. You can’t expect them just to trust you with your subordinates right away just because you are an officer.”

  I nod my head in understanding.

  “Yeah it would be too much if they were to already give me a mission right away.”

  A bit more time passes and as the three of us are talking away we eventually reach the gates that guard Fluidum. The guards and Adla exchange words and papers before the heavy gates open, and we proceed through.

  Although this city is far from the reaches of the Empire, it is bustling with many people. Shops lining alleyways with hundreds of people wandering the eternal nightlife. Businesses receiving and sending orders. Neon lights are shining in the darkness and gas fumes fly past the barrier overlooking the city as the smell of street food assaults my nose.

  Ferus described this area as a Strong region, but the people here seem to not care as it is just a part of their everyday life.

  Gothic architecture and strange trees lining the streets and alleys mix with the vibrant neon lights. A stark contrast to the fields of flowing white outside. It’s as if the city chose these multitudes of colours to defy the rules of this region.

  We eventually go past an elaborate fence of stone and metal decorated with Corinthian leaves. Upon the metal gates sits an emblem displaying the symbol of Fluidum Academy.

  The academy grounds are quite massive, holding various dormitories as well as many lecture halls. Driving past these buildings we eventually reach the administrative building and Ferus drops me off.

  “Now then Osiris, head in there and ask for Second Lieutenant Rox– he will help you get sorted. This is only partially a military academy so you will see students from other departments. Play nice with them all.”

  Vroom—!

  Ferus and Adla drive away and leave me behind.

  I turn towards the administrative building and take in my surroundings.

  A gothic architectural building with numerous arches, windows, railings and pointy tops greets my eyes. A sign above heavy wooden doors displays the name ‘Administrative Services’.

  I push the door open and similar aches and a rib vaulted ceiling stretches out above with railings overlooking the lobby from the second and third floors. At the opposite side of the lobby is a wide reception desk with people lining up and asking questions of the administrative clerks.

  I stand in one of the five lines, and soon I am greeted by a short black haired woman wearing a suit and thin rimmed round glasses.

  “Greetings, how may I be of assistance?”

  “Hello, I am Osiris Arkenia. I was just dropped of here and told to find Second Lieutenant Rox to get started.”

  She shuffles some papers around and then interacts with her terminal workstation to pull up something.

  “Ah yes– Osiris Arkenia. Please fill out this student registration form.”

  She slides a pen and paper over the counter and starts typing away on her terminal.

  I grab the pen with a weird feather at the end and begin filling out the form.

  This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

  I put the pen down and the clerk grabs it and stands up.

  “Thank you for filling out the form. Now if you will follow me I will guide you to Second Lieutenant Rox.”

  She leaves the counter and leads me down a long hallway lined with doors of various military and faculty members on the left. On the right the darkness of the outside can be seen past the windows with neon lights in the distance. We reach the Second Lieutenant’s room.

  The clerk knocks on the door and announces herself.

  “Second Lieutenant Rox, this is Administrator Roxy. Osiris Arkenia has arrived.”

  From behind the door a deep voice resounds.

  “Send him in.”

  She opens the door and lets me inside before closing it.

  “...”

  “...”

  We stare at each other a bit before he breaks the silence and points at the seat in front of him.

  “Please take a seat, there is a lot to discuss.”

  “...”

  I step closer, pull the chair to make leg space, and then sit down. He wears a similar military outfit that I am wearing, but his clothes are adorned with the insignia for the rank of Second Lieutenant. His black hair is neatly slicked back, and his beard is neatly trimmed. Sharp black eyes seem to be studying my every movement.

  “I am sure that you have many questions and I will allow you to ask them, but first you must answer three of my questions first. They will decide the course of this conversation.”

  Gulp–

  He opens a drawer on his desk and pulls out a singular piece of paper and slides it across the desk in front of me.

  Looking at it, the large text displaying ‘The Villain Behind Massacre of Ains Square” hits my eyes first. Below the title is a picture of me, that must have been taken a year ago during my portrait creation alongside my full name ‘Osiris Arkenia’.

  I grab the paper and begin reading the article. This is my first chance to see what the media has released about the incident due to Interitus’ manipulation.

  It’s all bullshit.

  All of it.

  It’s saying that under the control of Tenebris I, alongside the Cult of Tenebris massacred the people of Ains Square.

  79 dead, and 123 injured.

  As I stare in disbelief, Rox looks into my eyes with a deathly serious gaze.

  “Is it true?”

  I pause to think for a moment. My blood pact with Interitus never mentioned anything about the truth of Ain Square, so I think I can safely talk about it as long as I don’t talk about the 9th knight. If I were to talk about him, I would eventually be forced to tell people who it is.

  “All of this–”

  Rustle–!

  I say as I am shaking the printout of the news.

  “–is utter bullshit.”

  Then I gently put paper onto the table.

  “...”

  Rox seems to be in thought.

  After a bit of mental deliberation, he says in a stern voice.

  “Very well Osiris Arkenia, I choose to believe you. I will always be skeptical of news coming out of Lux, and it seems I was right to be this time around.”

  He takes the paper and puts it into a shredder by the side of his table.

  –-KRRRRK–

  “As for my next question, I must ask you something about your current position– As I am sure you are aware, you have been given the opportunity to become an officer working for New Frontier. Many haves had to have practical experience or some sort of notable feature and or leadership qualifications to get to where you are. Their personality was called into question and only the best of the best have been given the opportunity to become officers here at the academy. I know there are some rotten ones here and there, I am not the only one responsible for the process of recruiting officers, but since you fall under my purview I must ascertain what manner of human you are.”

  “...”

  “I know we talked about the Ains Square massacre, but as you so eloquently said that all of it is utter bullshit. So answer me this Osiris Arkenia, have you ever killed somebody?”

  A deathly silence envelops the room. The longer I wait, the harder it is to answer. Technically I have tried to kill the 9th Knight, as well as myself, but both of those ended in utter failure.

  “I… I have tried to kill someone– but I failed.”

  His sharp eyes that are studying me eventually soften.

  “I understand, thank you for your honesty. I will ask you one final question before I let you ask your questions. What type of leader do you want to be? As you know, as an officer you will be responsible for your own subordinates, so this is an essential question I ask of all recruits.”

  “...”

  He patiently waits for me to formulate my answer in my head. I scratch the back of my head and with slight embarrassment I begin speaking.

  “If I am completely honest– I am kind of useless on the battlefield. I have the spatial attribute but I can only move my own body and things that are within reach of me. I am a weak and insignificant person who can barely keep himself alive. I know how to use guns, but martial arts escape me.”

  Taking a short breath I continue.

  “As for what sort of leader I would be– I have always aspired to be like the generals of old. I have read the myth of the Fracture 10,000 years ago and read stories of the Great Generals. Spes, the one who at humanity’s darkest hour gave hope to the troops and held the line against beasts of unimaginable horror. Bestia, the one who single-handedly defended the capital city of Lux in the final hour when Spes and his troop died holding the line as the last of the citizens of towns, cities and villages evacuated to Lux. Hasta, who once the Fracture occurred spearheaded the exploration operation and helped establish the Second, Third, and Fourth Capitals for the Solar Pantheon. Helix, who held the public order and established various laws to ensure humanity’s survival. And lastly, the Nameless General who throughout it all stood by humanity and took on responsibilities too heavy for one man to bear.”

  Looking into the eyes of Rox, I say with complete confidence.

  “If I can live long enough out here, I hope to be like them. Like Spes, Bestia, Hasta, Helix and the Nameless General, I wish to help with everything I have and to inspire others like them.”

  With sharp eyes, Rox nods.

  “I understand, thank you for your candid answer. I see some youth out there have not forgotten where we came from. I know the myth might have some falsified or inaccurate facts, but that what happens with the passing of time. The truth fades, and we become unsure if something has happened or not.”

  The Second Lieutenant stands up from his seat and approaches me.

  “You have earned the qualifications to wear this.”

  He opens his clenched hand and upon his palm sits the insignia for Sergeant.

  “As of today, you are a student of Fluidum Academy. Welcome, Sergeant, I will be watching your career and I hope you live up to the big words you just said.”

  He heads back behind the desk after I take my insignia. I put it on my clothes over my heart.

  “Now you may ask all the questions you want Osiris.”

  Now that the Second Lieutenant has satisfied his curiosity it is time for me gather information.

  I open my mouth and benign asking the plethora of questions I have had in my mind.

  * * *

  Walking out of the administrator’s building I start heading towards the Crowe Dormitory. I have had all of my questions answered by Rox, and now I must mull over his answers.

  First and foremost, I have found out that the population of this sector of the Frontier is actually quite high. This region is a ‘Strong’ region on the scale of Micro, Minor, Light, Moderate, Strong, Major, Great in terms of severity. This scale accounts to ‘threats to life’ and the ‘destructive power’ of creatures and environments in the sector.

  Since the effects of the weather can be mitigated using devices that can be carried on someone's person, it has been deemed a suitable place for living. There are also many villages as well and smaller towns deeper into the region.

  They get a lot of their supplies from the Empire, like the air drop that they just received with me aboard, but they also produce a lot of goods here as well that are sent back, so it’s symbiotic relationship.

  The main exports in the region seem to be water and various unique beverages. The most popular in the entire Empire seems to be Spirit, which is a fizzy drink filled with sugar, white lemon and white lime.

  As water is in abundance here, they mostly import food and equipment that's difficult to get around here, but apparently prominent iron mines as well as various steel plants exist here as well despite the lack of caves.

  I have also found out that the training I have to undergo will take about two years before I am put on the front line. I will be responsible for a squad of my own and the training will begin here at the academy with the very same squad.

  There are many combat and magic students here that are already en route to joining the New Frontier once they graduate, so they have combined the officers with these combat students.

  Furthermore, there is also academic studies such as Scribes and Scholars, as well as craftsmen such as the Magi Artisans, Magi Blacksmith, and Magi Crafter that help the New Frontier with technologies for this specific region.

  I have been auto enrolled into the officer courses so starting tomorrow I will have to attend classes to be able command my own troop.

  As I am lost in thought at the new information I got, I eventually reach Crowe Dormitory and find my room on the fourth floor of the building. My room is clean and organized, with new sets of clothes prepared for me. There is a bathroom attached to my room as well. I was afraid that I might have to go to a communal shower but it seems that with the rank of Sergeant I am allowed this luxury, at least in the academy.

  I put down my ornamental dagger that has been attached to my belt and undress. I jump into the shower, and shower for the first time in a month.

  How has no one told me that I stink?

  I felt filthy for a whole month, so as I clean my skin a sense of elation washes over me.

  I step out of the shower, and clean myself up.

  I look in the mirror and as I have for hours upon hours today, I channel mana into my left eye, but alas, it still does not work.

  With a mix of happiness and sadness I head toward my bed.

  I start thinking of my day as well as the whole past month, but within 15 seconds of laying down, I fall into a deep slumber while trying to channel mana into my left eye.