Chapter 1

  Your home was unique, a state like no other on the continent, and you were proud to serve it from the bottom of your heart, for the great nation that was your Fatherland was carrying the future of humanity on its back. Through the sweat and blood of its people the Empire became a foundry without a need for steel, a superstate that truly learned how to harness the potential of its people, it was a fact that filled you with pride, for your Empire decided you had potential.

  As a mage you counted yourself lucky to be born in the Empire, no one except perhaps high nobility and royalty had an easier time gaining favour within the Fatherland, for mages were worth more than their weight in gold these days. Having been born with a decent head on your shoulders you were able to exploit that fact thoroughly, you showed the Empire everything it needed to see, and you were allowed to further increase your worth to the nation through attending the academy, a relative rarity for a mage your age.

  Despite one hundred and fifty thousand mages calling the Fatherland their home, less than four hundred of these mages were actually holding the rank of major, you among them. It was admittedly more than a bit exhilarating to become the one percent of an already so massively valued group of people, in private you would even admit that it was going to your head from time to time. But you managed to remain somewhat grounded despite your age and rank, the fact was that you would have to repay all the efforts of the Fatherland one day, and when that time comes your rank will surely make you a bigger target, in front of the combined fire of the French, it was a humbling thought.

  As the notion of being a living target goes through your mind, you can't help but consider yourself lucky once more for so quickly getting on the good side of your officers, it was truly a great idea by your instructors. All three of your captains had your back despite your young age and lack of experience being in the way, and you would make sure that you would have theirs in return. Roland in particular was a reassuring sight that dispelled your mental struggles and centered you in the here and now, so much so that you even quietly thanked the higher ups of the Personnel Division for sending him over.

  Please select the option you like the most: