The Mechanical Era

14th of Sunt, 5018.

The bright yellow sun was at the top of the sky, looking down at the small rural town. Carson, followed by his troops holding guns, walked through the paved roads, waving and smiling at the locals. The locals replied warmly, recognizing him, waving and smiling back.

"Hey, Kila! That is a nice gown you got there!" Carson complimented.

"Thank you, Major Carson!"

"Hey! Antonio! I hope to see you on my birthday! I would love to hear use your flute!"

"Sure, Major Carson!" Antonio replied, before continuing to play his flute.

"Hey! Harmonica! It is good to see you and your brother have recovered!"

"Thank you, Major Carson. We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you! We are truly grateful!" they replied.

He had become somewhat of a local hero after the Minotaur incident. Not only a few good void crystals were being gathered, but also a lot of knights managed to come back home safely thanks to his efforts. Many reunited with their wives, husbands, and children, and the people were grateful for it.

Carson and his team of sergeants and privates had just finished up a mission. They had to take care of a pack of demonic boars threatening the town. They had managed to take care of the demons pretty easily.

Carson and the troops came up to the gate of the barracks. Seeing that it was them, they opened up the gate, allowing the troops to pass through.

"Another great mission, Major Carson?"

"It sure was, private!" Carson replied. He walked backpack to the barracks and went straight for the bed, along with everyone else. It was a very hectic day, and Carson felt as if he deserved a little nap, to catch up on some sleep he had been missing out. The others went over to the cafeteria, to talk with their comrades.

Just as he was about to doze off, the sound of a low-pitched voice grabbed his attention. It appeared to be a private, who just stood there, beside the table.

"What do you want, Private?" Carson asked.

"Major Carson, The lieutenant colonel wants to see you." The private replied. Carson's eyes widen, as the phrase enters his ears, and gets processed by his brain.

"Oh... I see." Carson gets off his bed and turns to the man. He appeared to be standing straight, and keeping eye contact with Carson, as a sign of respect he has for the man.

"Where is the colonel, currently?" Carson questioned the private, politely.

"He should be in his room, right in this building," the private replied.

"I see. Thank you." Carson turned around and walked over to his door. He made sure to give it a firm knock and wait for his approval, before heading inside.

"Come in." he heard. Carson turned the doorknob and opened the door. There, he saw the lieutenant colonel, sitting on a chair, looking outside the window.

"You called for me, sir?" Carson asked. Leroy turned his head to meet Carson's eyes. As soon as he noticed it was him, he immediately got up.

"Ah, Major Carson! You came by pretty quickly! I was just enjoying the view."

"I see, sir. So... what did you call me here for?" Leroy walked over to his bed and grabbed a torn envelope off the sheets. He then hands the letter over to Carson. Carson took the envelope and searched inside. There turned out to be a letter, straight from the capital.

"They had managed to find out some mysterious ancient jungle in the middle of the forest, supposedly built with the help of demonic humans.

The place appeared to be abandoned, and now Vallina wants the place searched. They believe that the place might hold some information that could be useful to defeat the demons," Leroy debriefed.

"Due to the discovery, the palace has formed an expedition of archeologists and demonologists to search the place, in and out. They require protection, and that is where you come in.

You see, the palace had decided to send in a few of their knights, as well as some musketeer troops. Now, the palace is going to be giving a couple of privates. All you have to do is to choose 3 Sargents to go along with you on the journey."

"Do you have any questions?" Leroy asked Carson.

"Yes, sir."

"Well, what is it?"

"Why was I chosen? Wouldn't any other people have the same, or even better qualifications as me?" Carson asked.

"Well, there certainly are. However, considering your recent entanglement with that minotaur, the fact that you fought in that specific environment, made you perfect for the job. Her empress chose you, herself! Go be grateful, Major Carson!" Leroy claimed.

Although Carson kept a stoic face, he felt a giant ego boost upon hearing that the Imperial Queen herself had chosen him for the job. For that, he felt great gratitude and honor.

"I see. So, how do I pick?" Carson asked.

"Just go ask someone and see if they coming. Once you have confirmed, report back to me."

ραпdα nᴏνa| сom "Alright, sir. When will we be departing for the area? You haven't specified that information for me," Carson asked.

"You will be departing tomorrow. The team is said to be investigating the area on the 21st of this month. So be quick." Leroy replied.

"I see. I will report back to you as quickly as I can."

"Alright. As I said, be quick Major." Carson leaves the room and searches the other barracks. There, he chose three people. That being Herrold, and two other sergeants that had just assumed the rank. They had all faced the minotaur back a few days ago. Carson felt as if he should take the ones that he needs.

He asked them to see if they can come. Thankfully, all three agreed to join, for their own various reasons. Herrold, despite being more cautious, was rather excited to go. Exploring an abandoned demon fortress was not something that not many can claim they have done.

With that, they started to prepare. Carson made sure to inform Serena of the news, before he started getting prepared.