Michael was strolling to the empty barracks, hoping for a positive answer on his request to increase his level. Being one of the lucky ones, left out of the attack that proved catastrophic to his unit, he spent the last two days forming a request for him to form a party and quickly level up. He submitted it and it was now under review. He was moderately certain he wasn’t going to be refused, seeing as they strength was almost completely depleted. The rebels that operated from the prison pushed more and more into the city and only the return of Carmen from her task stopped their advance. Worse yet, the routing soldiers still hadn’t returned in full force, with scarce individuals who did said something along the lines of broken morale and complete refusal to go back, spearheaded by the people who were lucky enough to escape after being spared by the rebels the first time. Desertion was now a widespread problem, even outside Camp Hearth proper and Michael himself was contemplating desertion, but for different reason than a lot of his colleagues. Listening to the description and fighting style of the rebel troopers called “Doom”, Michael had a strong gut feeling it was Lucas. And while in normal situation he would be pleased to surrender himself only to get back with new information for the General, the man inspiring tremendous devotion and loyalty in him, he was fairly certain there was no mercy waiting for him if his instincts proved correct. He still remembered the hate in his friend’s face last time they faced off and his memories about how easy he was beaten were even clearer. And here he was now, routing scores of men. What hope did Michael have to stand against such force? So, he needed betterment and he was ready to go directly to the General himself if his request was denied. The man would certainly understand the need for Michael to ensure his survival, as the societies in the pre – System Earth, back when there was order and justice instead of this anarchy, encouraged a man to better himself to be able to help himself and his loved ones more.

“Corporal Michael Stewart” a pleasant feminine voice echoed, snapping Michael back to attention.

“Here” he responded.

“You may enter, the decision has been made” the short woman declared. Michael nodded and entered, finding the only remaining colonel in the base seated at the desk on which numerous stacks of papers stood. Michael admired the resilience the man possessed, combing endlessly through this much work. Standing beside him was the unit’s archivist, a Loremaster family class and the one who was responsible for the implementation of the block on experience gain, the one who brought normalcy back into lunacy that was the current Earth. Michael was emboldened by the fact he was present as he was certain that marked the fact he was getting his block raised to accommodate for his request. He even wrote it down as and range from level 35 to 50 in his request, not wanting to pressure anyone.

“Corporal, we left your request for the end, seeing as you have a unique set of circumstances. I can assure you we have reviewed it very carefully, but ultimately decided against granting you permission.” Colonel briefly explained to Michael before dismissing him. Shell – shocked, Michael didn’t even register the first dismissal, only reacting when Colonel repeated his orders, this time a lot harsher. Managing only a sloppy salute, he quickly exited the room and before five minutes have passed, he was halfway to the General’s office. There had to be a mistake during the review process. Hadn’t he served competently and faithfully, except the lapse he had when Lucas managed to escape? His track record was spotless and they were promised promotions if they showed themselves capable? No, this had to be a mistake, any different conclusion meant they were lied to and just exploited for someone else’s gain, a very thing they were fighting to stop, the powerful exploiting and torturing the weak. He arrived to the office and collected himself before knocking, hearing from the voice inside to enter. He found the General sitting behind his work desk, the chair opposite to him occupied by Carmen. The handsome woman was cut short in the middle of the sentence and with a meaningful look shot toward the man, she stood up and took her usual place by the General’s side. The man himself looked and Michael inquisitively and after a quick salute, Michael spoke.

“Sir, I had to come directly to you. I just finished with the commission for blocker raising…” he was interrupted by the raised hand of his commander and he immediately stopped talking.

“I am aware. I personally oversaw the process.” the man said, his deep voice radiating calmness.

“But why, sir? My track record is spotless and I’m one of the longest in active service” Michael asked, once again too shocked to came up with anything else.

“Your motives are questionable. You need to trust your colleagues to protect you against any unsavory attempts. Institutional power before individual power” the General explained.

“And what about advancements we were promised?”

“Haven’t you advanced enough? Without any formal training, you are already a corporal and first in line to both Sergeant and Lieutenant. You will be the fastest advancing officer, a real star.”

“Made up ranks in the made up world” Michael shouted, overwhelmed by anger at the moment. He immediately realized what he had said, but it was too late now to take it back.

“Watch your tongue, Corporal. I will write this off because of your disappointment with the commission decision and I suggest you leave before you said something that will force a disciplinary measures. Or worse” the General stated, anger seeping into his usually calm demeanor. The power that started radiating from the man awoke a great fear in Michael and he did a quick salute and exited. His next destination was his favorite tavern, where he hoped to wash out the sorrows from the day which only started.

“I’m such an idiot. I betrayed my friend, my brother and for what. For a bunch of pussies and old farts who only sits in their offices while fine men and woman give their lives for the cause” Michael was deep in thought, his current torment fueled by the alcohol he freely consumed. Since that night, that fateful night when he made a choice, he had a lot of tavern visits like this. Sitting in the corner, alone, drinking and tormenting him. He usually defended his actions as a sacrifice for the greater good, that his unit and their vaunted commander will fix everything that is wrong with this new world. But it looked like he was wrong and so that line of defense fell, his mind ravaged by dark thoughts.

“No, Michael, you piece of shit. There never was greater good in your actions. You were always jealous of Lucas. He was the more powerful one, the one who always got the biggest glory and even got more ladies. You are petty, self – absorbed fuck who took the chance to right the perceived slights. Grow up and accept that” his conscience whispered to him and he stood before it, naked, staring at the abyss that waited him as the punishment for his wrongdoings.

“Not punishment, but justice” his conscience corrected him maliciously, enjoying at the sight of him squirming trying to find a way to fight back. But whatever he thought to say, any line he could use to defend himself fell on its face. Every piece of the torment fueled the monster that was his conscience even more, and the beast was laughing and laughing. That laugh grated Michael more than anything else and he decided to fight back more energetically.

“No, I only had good intentions. If this unit doesn’t live to what it preach, I most certainly will” Michael shouted mentally at himself, standing up and storming out of the tavern, not before sending the innkeeper a huge tip in addition to paying his drinks. He was back at the base in record time and he found his rifle and some more bare necessities, packing them all up before heading back into town. He did his best to pace himself, trying to avoid the patrols, however few in numbers they were, and rebels which were sure causing havoc somewhere in the settlement. He had made his decision, he is going to right everything that is wrong, just as his oath said, the one after the massacre a year ago, when he realized what unchecked individual power will be able to do. He also wanted to avoid the fact that he was planning to desert, instead calling it leaving the organization mired in corruption and part of the problem. He was determined to clean his name, somewhere far, far away from Camp Hearth and all of the bad memories that resided here. Street by street, he was further away from the crumbling skyscrapers that were the heart of the town and closer to the gate. Once at the gate, he found some more of the troopers waiting to exit and an exasperated guard, who was forced to process everyone alone, as the unit faced a serious depletion in the manpower. The other troopers were getting restless and soon rifles were starting flying. One of the louder troopers, a brute whose most impressive attribute was the long nose that showed signs of multiple fractures, opened fire on the guard gate. The man fell and every single trooper started running through the open gate. Michael joined them and he soon found himself on the outside of the Camp Hearth’s wall. He continued in rapid pace and was nearing a forest, hoping that once he successfully enters it, it will mark a beginning of the new chapter for him. Just as he neared the tree line, even passing a tree or two, he heard a voice that froze the blood in his veins.

“Well, well, it looks like it’s time for your reckoning” the man said and as Michael slowly turned he saw his friend, his brother and the man he tried to kill – Lucas.