Chapter 7.2

10 years passed by in a bliss.

Mark is already a young man. 19 years of age and he was brimming with a charismatic look he had a sturdy body because he was training to build up his strength throughout the years he looked a lot like his father. He was ready to take on the journey to become a soldier of Gristos.

Mark's father is already retired as a soldier guard, in short he was now always together with his wife.

Mark graduated at the academy at the age of 15 but he still needs to wait for 2 years in order to be able to apply as a new recruit soldier.

In order to not waste time, Mark took on several jobs in the central city, he took on jobs such as a clerk in a jewelry store, working at a baking shop and honing his skills in the art of blacksmith, Mark is able to become an apprentice blacksmith in the city.

When Mark turned 9 years old. Mark became interested in the art of how armors and swords were made, becoming a soldier means that you will entrust your life to the equipment that you wore. It was important for mark to learn the basic aspects of how to make his own sword and armor, of course the armed forces of Gristos will provide him his own armor and sword when he becomes a soldier, but you never know when it might come in handy, there was no hurting when you take necessary precautions.

Finally it was the day where the army of Gristos is holding a huge enlistment. It was time for Mark to fulfill his dream.

"Mom, Dad, I'll be off now wish me luck"

Mark's mother had tears in her eyes, it was because the child that she took care of ever since he was an infant is now a splendid young man. Furthermore, he was now going to fulfill his dream

Mark's father had teary eyes in his eyes as well he was smiling proudly lile telling his son, "I'm already proud of you" it was a genuine smile that will make anyone's heart melt.

Finally Mark gave them his last hug. It was because he would not see them for 3 years. Mark will be training in boot camp in all those period.

Mark finally took of from the house.

From the perspective of his parents it looked like they had finally saw their child sprout his own wings, and was able to fly out of the nest without their help.

Mark made his way into the western city, it was because the western city is where the Gristos army is located, it was a huge land where the barracks is located.

Before Mark took off there were several things that he brought along, it was a huge backpack with change of clothes and he wore a necklace with a photo from his mother and father, in that way even if they are apart, Mark can always remember them.

Finally Mark arrived at the western city of Gristos, he made his way into the barracks. He saw the gate of the place where he would spend his next 3 years

The structure of the barracks is a full stone wall it was similar to a castle like appearance, from a bird's eye view the walls look like a huge square stone wall with pillars at all 4 sides, it looked like it was a scouting area, apparently it was called a quoin.

Finally he was near the gate he saw around a hundred soldiers that was standing idly on the outer walls of the barracks it looked like they were on guard duty.

"Welcome brave new recruit, are you here to enlist to become a proud soldier of Gristos?"

"Yes, I would like to enlist to become a soldier"

Mark replied proudly to the man that questioned him. The man in question is a tall guy with a dark skin tone, he wore an eyepatch around his left eye. it looked like it was a battle scar. His body build looked extremely buffed, he has large muscles building around his upper body in any case, he looked like a bigshot.

"Hahahaha... very well in order for you to become a recruit you need to pass a series of tests be sure to prepare yourself."

"Yes!!"

The man in question is actually the person who will be in charge of the enlistment program of the army.

Mark made his way inside and saw that there were numerous people on all sides it looked like he was not the only one who was aspiring to become an honorable soldier.

People of all ages gathered in the barracks, judging from the appearance of the majority, the people enlisting in the army ranged from 17-25 years old.

The population of the enlistment program is 80% male and 20% female it was natural that most aspiring soldiers is majorly consisting of male candidates. There were women candidates as well but they are at least 1/4 of the population of the males in the barracks.

"Good morning everyone, my name is General Ford and I will be in charge of the enlistment program."

"I knew he was something like that"

Mark has good intuitions about people he meet, he was able to discern people whether they are of high stature or not he has good perceptions after all.

"Today! All of you! are aspiring to be soldiers, but only the brave and the strong will be able to pass the series of tests. The program will start in one hour be sure to prepare yourself!"

Finally it was time for Mark to take his first step to become a soldier.