Emberfall Chronicles

Rajiv and Liang Bai stepped through the massive iron gates of the Junior Soldier Selection Registration Office. The building was enormous, with towering stone walls and banners displaying the insignia of the White Soldiers, the elite force of A1 City. The moment they entered, the air grew heavy with tension. Soldiers, mercenaries, and warriors from different regions filled the hall, all waiting for their chance to prove themselves.

Rajiv walked up to the registration desk. "We're here for the selection forms."

The official behind the desk, an older man with a scar over his eye, looked at them for a moment before speaking in a flat tone. "You understand that this competition is deadly, right? People die here."

Rajiv's eyes widened. "Wait… what?"

Liang Bai remained silent, unfazed. After a moment, he finally spoke. "This is normal. Soldiers exist to protect, and dying in battle is part of the job."

Rajiv clenched his fists. He knew this wasn't going to be easy, but hearing it said so casually made the weight of the situation feel real.

Before he could say anything, a familiar voice called out from behind.

"Well, well, Rajiv… did you forget about me?"

Rajiv turned to see Yokudo walking towards them, his arms crossed and a playful smirk on his face.

Rajiv quickly shook his head. "No, no! I didn't forget! We were just training."

Yokudo raised an eyebrow. "Oh, really? You're already making new friends and leaving me behind?"

Liang Bai chuckled. "You two seem close."

Rajiv sighed. "Don't start."

After registering, they left the selection hall and walked through the crowded streets of A1 City. The sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the buildings.

"We need a place to stay," Liang Bai said.

Rajiv thought for a moment before suggesting, "Let's go to my brother's hotel."

They made their way to Sogo's Hotel, a small but well-kept inn near the market district. As soon as they arrived, Sogo leaned against the counter, looking at them with a lazy expression.

"So, you're here for a room?" he asked.

Rajiv nodded. "Yeah."

Sogo sighed. "I only have one bed available."

Before Rajiv could speak, he quickly added, "But nobody panic. I'll just sleep on the floor."

Rajiv smiled. "Thanks, Sogo."

Liang Bai, however, waved his hand. "I can sleep anywhere comfortably. Don't worry about me."

Sogo raised an eyebrow. "Suit yourself."

As they settled in, the atmosphere in the city seemed… tense.

Liang Bai glanced at Rajiv. "Have you heard the rumors?"

Rajiv frowned. "What rumors?"

Liang Bai's expression darkened. "Strays."

Rajiv's eyes widened. "What? They're still here?"

Liang Bai nodded. "I heard that since the underground tunnels were opened, Strays have been roaming the city."

Sogo, who had been listening, tensed up. "Are you serious?"

Liang Bai leaned back against the wall. "It's just a rumor. But people are saying strange things have been happening at night."

Sogo ran a hand through his hair and sighed. "Well, that's just great. I have to take care of some things. I'll be back later." He grabbed his coat and walked outside.

Rajiv sat down on the bed, his mind racing. If Strays were in A1 City… then the danger hadn't ended yet.

Late that night, as Rajiv and the others tried to rest, two White Soldiers patrolled the dark streets outside. Their armor shone under the moonlight as they whispered among themselves.

"Did you hear?" one guard muttered.

"Yeah… Strays were spotted near the market district. The tunnels were supposed to be sealed, but something's letting them in."

The other guard shivered. "Let's just hope they don't come any closer."

But as they continued their patrol, a faint, eerie growl echoed from the shadows.