Arriving in Sylvian, the capital of the Argean Empire, Luther exhaled slowly as he took in the sight before him. The streets bustled with people, their faces bright with smiles, their steps light, unburdened.

  “Wonderful, isn’t it, Colonel?” Oswell said, smiling.

  Luther shot him a sidelong glance. “What is?”

  Oswell gestured toward the city with an open hand. “This. Because of the sacrifices made by people like you, our citizens can live without worry. Unfortunately, those in high places think little of such sacrifices. That’s why I do what I can to support the heroes of our Empire.”

  Luther clenched his right fist.

  Without waiting for a response, Oswell stepped forward. “Follow me, Colonel. Keeping the Supreme Command waiting is not an option.”

  A car awaited them, two officers standing beside it. As they saluted, the one on the right stepped forward. “General, Supreme Command is expecting you. He requests that you make haste.”

  “That man really can’t contain his excitement.” Oswell chuckled before turning to one of his men. “Reginald, go and rest with the others. The Colonel and I will proceed from here.”

  Reginald and the officers saluted. “Take care, sir!” they chorused.

  Oswell turned to Luther. “Shall we?”

  As soon as Luther sank into the car’s plush seat, he felt his body ease against the cushions.

  “It seems you enjoy comfort,” Oswell mused. “Would you like a car like this for yourself?”

  Luther gave him a sideways look. “Being head of an important military organization should entitle me to a car like this. Do I need your permission for something so trivial as well?”

  Oswell’s eyes widened before he let out a chuckle. “Your grudge against the higher-ups runs deep. But don’t worry. With your new position, you’ll have the power to deal with the corrupt bastards yourself.”

  “Ironic, coming from someone in high command.”

  “Oho? While I’m no saint, I don’t indulge in corruption. Do you think otherwise, Colonel?”

  Luther didn’t answer immediately, watching the scenery blur past. After a moment, he muttered, “Don’t worry. If you were like them, I’d have killed you already.”

  The two officers in the front stiffened, their eyes darting to Oswell in uncertainty. But to their surprise, the general merely smiled.

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  “Thank you, Colonel,” Oswell said.

  “Yeah, yeah.” Luther waved a dismissive hand.

  Silence filled the car until they finally arrived. As Luther stepped out, his gaze lifted to the towering structure before him. He turned, expecting Oswell beside him, only to find him speaking in hushed tones with the two officers.

  “Make sure that conversation stays between the two of you. Understand?”

  “Y-yes, sir!”

  Satisfied, Oswell turned back with a smile and motioned for Luther to follow. “Come. The Supreme Command must be annoyed by now.”

  As they walked, Luther spoke in a low voice. “What was that about?”

  Oswell exhaled through his nose. “Those two don’t know who you are. No one knows you’re here, only my men, the Supreme Command, and I do.”

  “And?”

  “We can’t have them spreading rumors, no matter how small. After all, it’s not every day a Colonel says he’d have killed a General.”

  Luther merely nodded.

  On the fifth floor, they stood before a simple door. Oswell knocked twice, and a voice answered from within.

  “Enter.”

  Inside, Luther was met with a man clad in a sleek dark-green uniform, nearly as decorated with medals as Lieutenant General Kinsler. He had dark brown hair, sharp green eyes, and a shadow of stubble on his face.

  The man motioned toward the sofa. “Greetings, Colonel. I’ve heard plenty of your legends. It’s an honor to meet a war hero.”

  Luther sat, his gaze narrowing. “Thanks. But I think I’ve played enough of your games. I need answers.”

  The man chuckled, extending his hand. “Marshal General Fyser Variel. Don’t worry, I assume you don’t know me. That’s fine.”

  “Which is funny,” Oswell interjected, “considering he’s the highest-ranking officer in the military.”

  “It’s understandable.” Fyserl smiled. “The West Front was brutal. I don’t blame a soldier for prioritizing survival over knowing my name.” He exhaled and leaned forward. “Go on, Colonel. Ask your questions.”

  “What exactly is the purpose of this organization you’re creating?”

  Fyser’s expression darkened. “The war is over, but new threats are emerging. Opportunists. Corruption. Greedy men preying on a recovering Empire.” He pointed at the table with conviction. “That is what you’ll be dealing with. Your job is to protect the Empire from within and outside.”

  Luther stared at the table, lips pressing into a thin line.

  “This is not an order,” Fyser continued. “We’ve given you freedom since General Kinsler proposed this. I am merely asking for your help.”

  Luther closed his eyes, drawing in a slow breath.

  “Fine. What do I have to do?”

  Both Fyser and Oswell looked momentarily stunned before smiling.

  “Great!” Fyser said. “Frankly, we didn’t expect you to agree so easily.”

  Oswell chuckled. “We figured it was worth asking, but we weren’t counting on it.”

  Fyser nodded. “To start, you are now promoted to Major General. Your first mission? Recruit your team. We need trustworthy people.”

  Luther blinked, taken aback by the sudden shift. “Wait. You haven’t even told me the name of this organization.”

  Variel grinned. “That’s your highest reward, Major General. You get to name it. You are an independent unit, beyond my command. Whether you follow me is entirely up to you.”

  Luther frowned. “Isn’t that too much trust?”

  Variel’s gaze was unwavering. “Let’s just say I know your type. Your loyalty is to the Empire, not politics.”

  Oswell smirked. “Your exploits are legendary, Major General. Even your words…or let’s say, threats, have spread far.”

  Variel leaned back. “Now, go. I have business to attend with Lieutenant General Kinsler.”

  As Luther left the room, he exhaled sharply, staring at the ceiling.

  “The hell is their problem,” he muttered.