“And how am I supposed to know that there were intruders in town? I come to my hometown to relax, not to deal with bullshit. Damn, if I knew the army would be so demanding, I would have never joined!” The young Palmer exclaims, annoyed.

Veins begin to pop on Colonel Sol's face. “You – Received – The – Report. Two teams of scouts have died in the vicinity. What? Did you just think to ignore that!?” Colonel Sol exclaims, trying his best to hold in his anger.

Palmer scratches the inside of his ear with his finger. “Sorry, I couldn’t hear you. I’m on vacation.” He says, without a care.

Colonel Sol slams his fist on to the desk. “And what the fuck does that have to do with it!?” He exclaims.

Axel approaches and pats Colonel Sol on the shoulder. “Easy, Colonel. Young Palmer was preoccupied. His task to retrieve the Sword of Truth has been draining.” He says, calming the soldier.

Colonel Sol takes a breath. “When you joined the army, Palmer, your life no longer belonged to you. No, now it belongs to the country. Be a good tool and be used as it intends.” He says, his frustration fading. Colonel Sol stands up and turns. “If you see our targets next time, I expect you to act.” He says before exiting the room.

Palmer watches the Colonel leave before leaning back in his chair. “I don’t know what he’s so worked up about. It’s just a few kids.” He says, deciding to no longer care about it.

Although Palmer’s ranking in the army was quite high, he was also quite young, and maturity had yet to catch up with his standing.

In truth, Palmer never wanted to join the army. But life always seemed to be pushing and pulling. At first he just wanted a job, something to help his mother get by. Then he was tested by the army and was forcefully conscripted. Apparently he had talent for cultivation in the Heaven Path ny Steel route.

Palmer accepted his fate and decided that he would just work casually and not try to draw too much attention.

Unfortunately things didn’t work out as he desired. His cultivation just kept advancing, and he kept getting promoted. And now he was at the grandmaster stage.

Oddly enough, even here, life was pushing and pulling. Axel found him, and he presented the words Palmer has been waiting to hear for years, “Do you want to rest?”

To Palmer, the words were like music to his ears.

Axel explained that with his talent in cultivation, it was possible for him to push past the grandmaster stage. At that point, he would be at a stage where no one in this kingdom could command him.

And for that, he needed the Sword of Truth.

Axel lets out a sigh. Things were progressing smoothly. They had retrieved the key, and it would not be difficult for Axel to find the location of the Sword of Truth. Frey had also received the Godfox’s descendant. With these two things tied to their fate, their link to the heavens has been established, and a path forward could be created.

As for Siyu… Axel thinks. In truth, Siyu had the easiest path forward. But he refused to walk ahead. He preferred to hinder himself. Axel shakes his head. What good is your soul before heaven? He asks, wishing that Siyu would just rush forward.

Even with all of these things in play, Axel couldn’t guarantee any of these kids would make it past the Rubicon. Still, Axel did his best to push the circumstances past their breaking point, working behind the scenes to set the perfect stage.

Alas, fate worked in mysterious ways. Axel lets out a sigh. To the heavens, I’m no doubt a bug dancing on their palm. But even so. Even bugs have a part to play in the greater universe. He thinks, hoping his work would bear fruit.