The deeper they ventured into the Second Ring, the denser the Wilder Force became—pressing in like invisible fog. At one point, Marcus felt his lungs tighten, the energy suffocating… until, gradually, his body adjusted. His breath came easier, but the pressure lingered like a warning.
It took some time, but eventually, they emerged from the corridor of towering trees. As they passed through the natural archway, it felt less like an exit and more like crossing a threshold. Into another world.
The landscape was beyond surreal.
Gone were the bland, utilitarian structures of the First Ring. In their place rose graceful buildings shaped by ancient artistry—sloped roofs, tiled eaves, curved wooden bridges stretching across koi-filled rivers.
The architecture reminded Marcus of the old eastern traditions, preserved yet thriving in a world steeped in destruction. It wasn't futuristic. It was timeless.
The first checkpoint they encountered was a military terminal. Unlike the customs officers from before, the soldiers here exuded silent authority. Their movements were precise.
After a brief inspection, their truck was cleared to pass. But the atmosphere lingered—oppressive and heavy with unspoken rules.
Marcus could barely contain his wonder. His eyes roamed, trying to soak in every detail—the intricate stone carvings on building walls. Even the silent reverence with which people moved through the city.
He never imagined something like this could exist within the Empire. He wasn't just crossing a border. He was witnessing a truth the outside world wasn't meant to see.
The soldiers riding with him noticed the awe in his expression. A few considered letting him explore the city—but protocol demanded they report directly to base. Still, that didn't stop them from slowing their pace.
Marcus didn't notice the subtle kindness. His attention was too scattered—eyes darting and his thoughts spinning… until he saw the sign.
MILITARY ZONE – RESTRICTED ACCESS.
At once, his wonder cooled and his face hardened. The luster in his gaze faded and was replaced with vigilance.
Back to reality.
I'll have to be careful in the barracks until I can be sure no one here wants me dead… though that's going to be difficult to prove.
…
Elsewhere – Volune City. East Mansion's Palace Barracks.
Staff and Welfare Department.
Tension clung to the room like smoke.
"I cannot assign a soldier who hasn't even been officially registered in the Eastern Mansion to your squad," the older officer said, rubbing his temples with a sigh. "He must complete all onboarding procedures. If, afterward, he chooses your unit, and no superior officer claims him, then—then—I will consider it."
His voice carried the polished weariness of a man who had repeated the same statement far too often. His grey-stubbled chin twitched with restrained irritation.
Though he was a High Examiner, outranking Nexus by a full tier, he still treaded carefully. Rank didn't always determine who held the real power.
Across from him, Nexus stood unbothered, with his hands tucked behind his back. His expression was a mixture of smugness and insistence.
"Come on," Nexus said. "I told you—he's already on his way. My people are escorting him here. Moreover, he's already agreed to fly under my banner. That's all the approval we need."
"That is not—" the Examiner started, then caught himself. He sighed again. "You're making it harder than it needs to be."
Nexus grinned. "I make everything harder. It's how I win."
The old man closed his eyes. Spirits help me.
"Did he agree to do so of his own free will?" The High Examiner asked.
"What?" Nexus barked. "Of course he did. Do I look like someone who forces people into my squad? I have standards, Mark. High ones. You know that."
Yes, Officer Mark thought bitterly. That's why they created this tedious procedure—to keep you from snatching every promising recruit before anyone else even gets a chance.
The High Examiner rubbed his temples as his patience ran thin. Nexus had always been a thorn in his side, especially because he wasn't wrong. Despite his insufferable attitude, he produced results.
In the Eastern Mansion's Barracks, Nexus was infamous. Small in number—only ninety-nine members over ten years—but each one was monstrously talented. Recruited on purpose. Groomed into elites. Nexus hadn't added anyone in years, claiming no one met his standards… Some say that he had gotten tired of leadership.
But everyone believed the former.
So the officers had agreed on a bidding system. If a new soldier showed talent, squads from different divisions would be able to bid for them fairly. That system was designed specifically to stop Nexus from poaching without contest.
And now, here he was again. Trying to bend the rules.
"Officer Mark," Nexus said, leaning against the wall with a casual smile, "You're overthinking it. I swear, the kid's just a Level 0 Awakened. You really think someone's gonna bid for that?"
Mark gave him a long, exasperated look. "If he's so weak, then why are you here fighting to snatch him before the paperwork even lands?"
Nexus didn't blink. "Because I know that there are some people out there who live to spite me. They'd fight over a rock if I said I liked it."
Mark sighed deeply. "Fine. If the boy is really as unremarkable as you say, I'll let it go. But until his evaluation's confirmed, don't bring this up again. Please, Nexus."
Raising his hands in mock surrender Nexus backed away. "Understood. I'll wait. They should be arriving any minute now anyway."
If any of you actually try to steal my workhorse…
With a wicked smile on his face, he backed off.
…
Meanwhile, the convoy finally rolled into the compound, and Marcus stepped down from the truck. The place didn't look like any barracks he'd ever seen.
Mighty mountains surrounded the zone, with mist curling over their slopes. Trees grew in deliberate patterns, flanking beautiful stone paths. There were ponds, flower gardens, and large courtyards polished to a clean finish.
It felt more like a secluded resort than a military stronghold.
Still half-lost in awe, Marcus noticed the others quickly lining up and snapped back to reality. Instinct kicked in and he fell into formation with the rest, realizing that high-ranking officers were approaching.