The sun hits her face as she wakes up on her bunk bed.
'Argh... It's this sun again... Do they really have to open the windows?!'
Dropping down from the bunk bed, she scans the room. The room is fairly small and only has another area with a small shower, a toilet, and a mirror resting above a sink.
Going inside, she takes a shower and then proceeds to brush her teeth. While she brushes her teeth, she analyzes her body and face. She has short black hair, and even though her face is feminine, she could easily be mistaken for a boy, especially since the military jacket given to her hides the feminine aspects of her body.
She has been forced to take out her ear and mouth piercings. Cleaning her mouth, she walks outside.
Walking through the long steel hallways, she sees more people starting their days. Ignoring them, she heads to the cafeteria.
'So every day is going to be like this, huh... Could be worse.'
She enlisted a few days ago, after her mom kicked her out for not wanting to enlist in college.
She had planned to enlist in the army anyway, but being kicked out still hurt.
Reaching the cafeteria, she grabs her plate and sits in one of the corners. Alone.
'Whatever, I don't need anyone to eat with me anyway.'
When she was just a kid. A sergeant had saved her family using one of the 'Mech suits' during the beast outbreak. Ever since, she has been striving to become like the gracious soldier.
Finishing her food, she heads outside. Each person gets in different lines as multiple women at a stand call out the rookies' names. A few minutes pass.
"Seva Lione. Line Front 2."
Hearing her name being called out, she heads to the line in front.
A few minutes pass. Suddenly, the name-calling stops, and a loud voice barely breaks through the conversations.
"Silence. Silence."
Nobody listens. The loud sounds of chatter still fill the massive square of the military base.
The man at the stand snaps his fingers. A ringing sound comes from the snap. Multiple people cover their ears from the horrible noise.
"Now, let's get this introduction started. My name is Lou Spelt, I'm one of the first commanders of the army. I'm glad to welcome you into the army."
The soldier coughs, then continues.
"Joining the army, I hope you realize what's to come and what's been left. Any sort of status has been left in the past. In here, we're all brothers, and we will treat each other as such. You will start a new life, giving it your all to improve yourself every single day, until the day you inevitably die. Be proud, be content. A new future awaits you all."
The square explodes in cheers. As they slowly die out, each line is called for inspection. Lou shares some last words for the army.
"We will proceed with the inspection, then you will be guided around the base. Everything inside the base is available for use as soon as you go through the right procedures. The sergeants waiting for you will explain the rest. Best of luck, and may god bless you in your journey."
Looking around, Seva sees the sergeants who were patrolling the lines seconds ago, now standing a bit farther to the side of the square, ready to hand out military IDs to every rookie in line.
Behind them stands a tall man. His blond—almost white—hair is swept back. His muscular physique and strong features make anyone who looks at him look away in fear.
'That's Jold, one of the queen's guards. Army leader. He is as scary in real life... But what the hell is he doing here?'
It's rare to see someone of such high rank at this type of event. For the rookies, it's exciting, as if they're special...
Seva doesn't care, though. If anything, she wants to speed through this ceremony as quickly as possible.
Her line is called to meet one of the sergeants, the military leader paces behind them as they hand out the IDs.
Every single person avoids Jold's gaze.
Every single one... except for Seva.
She locks eyes with the army leader, who has stopped behind the sergeant giving her ID.
"What do you want, boy?"
Still locking eyes with him, she takes her ID and responds, her voice cold.
"Nothing... Just staring."
Pushing the sergeant aside, Jold stands in front of Seva. His towering body is enough to make the people beside her cower.
Their eyes remain locked.
"What? I can't stare at you now?"
The leader responds, his voice cold.
"Interesting... It seems I've got to teach you some manners..."
Grabbing her by the neck, Jold easily lifts her to eye level.
"First, you don't speak unless I allow you to. Second, I'm your leader. You should know how to address me... right?"
As Seva's face turns purple, she mutters.
"S-sir... y-yes sir..."
Releasing his grip, she falls to the ground, gasping for air in front of Jold. Turning around, he shares some last words with her.
"Also, I didn't know you were a woman. I'm sorry about that. Let this be a lesson for the rest of you."
He walks away, disappearing deeper into the base. Soon, he is out of sight. All eyes turn to Seva instead. Whispers coming all around.
Looking up, Seva mutters to herself.
"This little fucker..."