Every soldier in sight snapped to attention, saluting sharply as their superiors stepped into view.
On the parade ground just beyond the parked trucks stood a formation of high-ranking officers—High Examiners, Lead Sentinels, and figures whose presence alone made the air heavier.
Marcus could feel every heartbeat pounding in his chest. It was as though he were surrounded by apex beasts—each one staring through his bones. His skin prickled and his breath got hot in his throat.
"At ease." One of the High Examiners said.
The assembled soldiers relaxed, but tension still remained in the air. Even the veterans—men and women long assigned to the Eastern Mansion Barracks—had rarely seen so many high-ranking officers gathered without something truly consequential at play.
Then came the call.
"Iron Marshal, Marcus Black," Officer Mark said, holding a manila file in one hand.
"Sir!" Marcus stepped forward, spine straight, stopping a few feet from the officer before snapping into a salute. "Iron Marshal Marcus Black, reporting for duty!"
Mark circled him slowly, scanning Marcus like a hawk. Then, reading from the file:
"Marcus Black. Sentenced to three years of mandatory service in the Second Ring. Top percentile of the 2443rd batch. Best in Biochemistry. No recorded awakening during his time at Eawan. No history of theft or misconduct against the Empire."
He paused, narrowing his gaze slowly.
"Stay still. We need to confirm your level and stats."
Marcus replied with a slight nod.
Not long after that, he felt a wave of energy wash over him. It was cold and invasive, like a hand peeling his mind open. He resisted the instinct to shudder.
"Confirmed Level 0. No trace of Wilder Force," Mark said with a hint of disbelief in his voice.
Though the scan revealed Marcus's basic attributes and stats, it couldn't penetrate deeper—his comprehension state remained concealed, which was normal. Still, what Mark could see left him speechless and underwhelmed.
These stats… they're abnormal, but not extraordinary. No Wilder Force. Why in the name of the Empire would Nexus bother with someone like this?
Officer Mark resisted the urge to pinch the bridge of his nose. He was somewhat certain that Nexus was playing a prank on them. This has to be an elaborate joke, right?
He turned to the other officers and announced the findings. One by one, their expressions soured.
Is this it? This is the recruit we were summoned for?
Whispers passed between them like static.
We thought we were here to bid on some prodigy Nexus was trying to hoard. This… this is a joke?
They all turned toward Nexus. He was standing at the edge of the parade ground with his arms folded and a grin on his face that shouted Gotcha.
The conclusion was unanimous: This is a prank.
A lot of them started wondering why Nexus was playing such a prank years after he had gone silent. At first, when they heard that he had left the Second Ring for the First, a lot of factions began to move, in fear that he was going to do something crazy.
However, they found out that he was just going out with his team. Thinking he was bored and tired and wanted to stretch, they all let him be. But now he was here playing a prank on them?
Mark sighed, already regretting his earlier decision. He should've just let Nexus have the boy and saved everyone the trouble. Still, they were here now. And protocol demanded they proceed.
"Let us begin the bidding," Mark began with a tight voice. "Direct placement into your squad would start at one hundred Credits and increments by twenty."
Are they treating me like produce? But I haven't even had the chance to go through the list of possible teams I can join. This definitely has something to do with Nexus. His thoughts simmered with annoyance. Was this the "business" he said that he had to take care of?
"100," Nexus called out smoothly, wearing a smug grin on his face.
A wave of irritated sneers passed through the gathered officers. They all felt played—but couldn't quite put their finger on how.
Not one of them raised a counter-bid.
Officer Mark didn't bother dragging it out. "Going once. Twice… gone!"
He shut the file with a sharp clap.
"Iron Marshal Marcus Black will be assigned to the Oasis Squad under the Exploration Sub-Division effective immediately. If you have any complaints, forward them to the Staff and Welfare Department. Dismissed."
Without another word, Mark turned and strode off, shame clinging to his shoulders. So did the other High Examiners—each of them muttered curses under their breath.
Nexus stood among the flurry of departing officers, soaking in their fury like it was sunlight.
"The payment will be deducted from your salary, Sentinel Nexus!" Mark shouted back over his shoulder.
"But I'm already in debt," Nexus replied cheerfully. "Every credit I earn already goes straight into the treasury's black hole!"
This crazy troublemaker. Can't you at least let me save some face? Mark vanished.
The parade ground soon emptied, leaving only Marcus, Nexus, and the rest of his squad behind. As if on cue, they burst into laughter—all except one.
Marcus stared at them like they were insane. Auctioned off… for a hundred Credits. Is this supposed to be funny?
"Marcus, my boy," Nexus placed a hand over his shoulder and pulled him in like an old friend. "This is a moment to celebrate. Those crusty old fools have no idea what they just let slip through their fingers. Just wait—they'll be gnashing their teeth when they realize your worth. They'll wish they had bid thousands."
He broke into laughter again, unbothered by Marcus's scowl.
"Wait. Don't tell me you were seriously thinking of joining a different team?" He asked, narrowing his eyes. "Did you forget our little agreement?"
"No," Marcus frowned.
He lied.
Right now wasn't the time to argue. Not when even High Examiners seemed wary of this man. Until Marcus understood why, he wasn't about to test his limits.
"But I don't like the fact that I was auctioned out." He complained.
"Ah, that? Not my fault," Nexus said with a dismissive wave. "Just protocol. Out of my hands." He chuckled again and gave Marcus's shoulder a light shake.
"Now come on. It's time to meet the rest of the squad."
Marcus allowed himself to be pulled forward. Silently giving in to his fate…