Chapter 2: The Army

The British Army Training Camp is a place of discipline, hard work, and determination. The sun has barely risen, but the sound of heavy breathing and panting fills the air. The newly appointed British soldiers are already hard at work with their morning workouts. They march in perfect unison, their feet stomping on the ground, while their shirts are already drenched in sweat.

"Left!! Right!!" they shout, moving their feet according to the words. They are determined to succeed in their training.

For those who have just arrived, it will take five months of rigorous training to become a private in the British Army. However, those who have graduated from the National Army University will start as an officer cadet. They will need at least a week to train and test their capabilities to become official soldiers.

The high-ranking officers, Lieutenant Colonel Sir Calliax Andres and Major Sir Rowan Milton greet the new cadets. One of the troops lines up and salutes the officers, who nodded in response.

"Good morning, everyone. Welcome to the British Army Camp," Rowan says as the moderator of the day. The troops stand stiffly, listening intently.

"We are honoured to accept such people from such a prestigious institution as the National Army University. Congratulations! You will be part of the most fundamental military in the world, the British Army. However, there are a few tests to determine whether any of you are capable of becoming a real soldier. Don't worry too much! This is also a procedure to sort you into the divisions preferred to your skills."

The new cadets feel anxious and terrified, but some are calm yet indifferent, while others are excited and thrilled to hear the news.

"You will be under the care of our Black Dragon, Sir Calliax Andres, the Lieutenant Colonel of the British Army," Rowan says as he politely gestures towards Calliax, who is coldly standing beside him.

As a senior leader who commands a regiment, a Lieutenant Colonel is responsible for the training and discipline of their troops, as well as leading them into battle. Success in this role is determined by several skills.

Firstly, Lieutenant Colonels need to be excellent leaders, able to inspire their troops and make quick decisions in difficult situations. They also need to be good strategists, able to plan and execute complex operations.

Strong communication skills are essential, as they will need to be able to give clear orders and relay information to their subordinates. Finally, they must be physically fit and capable of leading their troops on long marches or through combat.

Calliax, in his early 30s, has already risen to be a Major before recently being promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. Not to mention that he had been the main factor of the previous wars and mission's success too. The skills, talents, and capabilities that he possesses are more than enough to earn him the title of the Black Dragon of the British Army. In battle, he is horrifying and ferocious, yet cold and stoic when at work. His reputation precedes him, and even high-ranking officers and members of the imperial royal family are amazed by him. New cadets are in awe of his appearance, status, and abilities. Some admire him, while others are jealous of him, and still others consider him their greatest rival.

Lieutenant Colonel Calliax Andres steps forward to introduce himself and deliver a speech.

"Hello. I am Lieutenant Colonel Calliax Andres, and I have been serving the British Army for almost 20 years. I will be the head captain in charge of training the new cadets for the upcoming year. I welcome you all. Show me what you have learned in college, and never disappoint your country. I hate repeating myself, so make this loud and clear." He speaks in a very intimidating yet cold-hearted tone of voice.

The cadets can feel his demeanour all over their bodies, and it almost seems like they might die at any time in his bare hands.

"First rule, FOLLOW THE RULES," he says straightforwardly, his eyes piercing through each of the new cadets, scrutinizing them. "Second, feel nothing. A soldier shouldn't have any special feelings in battle," he adds. "Lastly, die for the country. If you're afraid of dying, then go ahead, go back home, and never return here." He says this once again, and the last words seem almost like a warning or a threat.

"That's all. Dismiss," he says aphoristically.

As soon as the captain hears it, he directs the soldiers to their barracks.

'What a quick introduction, I must say.' Zayden, who is also part of the troop, has a glance at the lieutenant before marching back to the barracks. It is his first time seeing him up close like this. 'What a cold soldier he is.' He thought.

Seeing all of the new cadets had gone to their barracks, Rowan, who is also Calliax's right man, turned his body back to him. Unstratified as the greeting ceremony was rather briefly introduced.

"That's all, sir? Why don't you have some time more to talk about how things work here?" He asked. Calliax, who is maintaining his expression as earlier, turns to Rowan. Sighing before answering.

"Action speaks louder than words. Let them learn themselves." He said sternly.

Rowan just nodded. Upon hearing his answer definitely, there's a point there. As the welcoming ceremony of new cadets had done, all of the officers returned to their positions, and the day went by just like any other normal day at the training camp.

"Ah, Rowan?" Calliax, who is just walking now, suddenly stops and turns his body to face Rowan as he asks. "Do contact Sergeant Kim regarding the update of the threats by the borders and the sea borders. Let him know and update anything to me, understood?" He said strictly.

Rowan frustrated, nodded in response. "Yes, sir. Loud and clear, crystal clear." He said.

"Make sure to get all the reports too. We'll need to present it to the higher-ups later." Calliax," he added.

"Of course, sir. Surely, I'll get that done in no time." Rowan saluted him as he said that. "Good, now dismiss." Calliax remains stoic turns back away and starts to walk off from the place.

The Barracks, where the new cadets. It's a rather simple yet sufficient place filled with many good facilities. The newly appointed cadets entered their room and started to unpack their belongings and made the bed perfectly as there would be a roll call from the captain to check on them. One of the new cadets is Zayden. He sat on his bed and arranged his items in the locker beside the bed.

The standard working hours for soldiers in the Army are from 8 am to around 5 pm, Monday through Friday. Soldiers usually work at their base, utilizing their trade skills or learning new ones. Officers spend time with their soldiers and hone their leadership abilities.

When engaged in exercises or operations, soldiers are away from their daily routine. Operations can last up to six months, but you will be given ample notice.

Joining the Army provides more than just a job - it provides you with a home. From the beginning of your training, you will be provided with a place to live, typically with other members of your course. When you join your regiment, you will have more options, including a family home for you, your partner, and children, if needed.

You will have plenty of free time in the Army. Most days, you will finish work with the option to spend your evenings however you like. You can take advantage of on-base facilities or leave the base to explore the surrounding area. You can also go away for the weekend most of the time, as long as you are back in time for work on Monday. You'll normally work 8 am to about 5 pm, Monday to Friday.

If you're a soldier you'll usually be working on your base using your trade skills or developing new ones. Officers will usually spend time with their soldiers, as well as building on their leadership skills.

When you're on exercise or operations you'll be away from your routine life. Operations can last up to six months and you're usually given plenty of notice.

Being in the Army doesn't only give you a job, it gives you a home too. From the moment you start training, you'll be given somewhere to live. This will be with other people on your course. You'll have more options when you leave to join your regiment, including a family home for you, your partner and children if you need it.

You'll have plenty of free time - most days you'll finish work and will be able to spend your evenings however you like. You'll be able to take advantage of facilities on camp or leave the base to spend time in the local area. Most of the time, you're able to go away at the weekend too if you want - as long as you're back in time for work on Monday.

Entering the army offers a unique way of life that many people may crave. After completing the first 5 years of service, soldiers are given a title for their hard work, and some even become respected officers. Some can ascend to the ranks of duke or noble, receiving their title from the royals or even the king himself. That's the life you get once you enter the army. The life that many could crave. After completing the first 5 years of service, the army will be given a title for their hard work and eventually become well-respected officers even rose to be dukes or nobles given the title or name by the royals themselves or the king himself entitled them.

With a whole new life awaiting him, he is determined to do his best and serve his country with pride. Despite his best friend Averyn's dislike of the army, he is motivated to make her proud by dedicating himself fully to his new role as a soldier. As he sorts through his belongings, he feels a fire burning in his heart. He knows that he will face many challenges along the way, but he is resolute in his determination to pursue his dream and achieve greatness.

Chapter end