Squad 9 trudged onward through the frozen wasteland, Gilbert's eyes scanning the endless expanse beneath a bleak, leaden sky. The ice beneath their boots glittered like shards of broken glass, interrupted only by skeletal trees clawing at the gray horizon and distant hills rolling like frozen waves. A biting wind cut through their layers, carrying the metallic scent of frost and something darker, something lurking beneath the silence.
"Does anyone know where the academy is? As far as I can tell, we're somewhere in the far north," Gilbert asked, his breath visible in the cold air.
"The locations of all the academies are common knowledge," Chen Mei replied calmly, her voice steady despite the chill. "The Dragon Knight Academy lies near the North Pole, deep in Styx-infested territory. I don't know the exact coordinates, though; the military keeps those classified."
Their watches chimed softly as they reached the one-mile mark, where a metallic supply box, half-buried in snow, gleamed under a thin layer of frost.
"I suppose a leisurely trek was too much to ask," Kean said wryly, donning a sleek black helmet etched with intricate filigree that caught the faint light. The helmet bore dents and scratches — souvenirs from past missions — and he gripped a well-worn pistol, fingers tight on the trigger.
Wolfgang stepped forward, smirking. "Do you even realize what you just picked up?"
Kean blinked, confused.
"Wolfy's right," Gilbert said, stepping up with authority. "We're tier III recruits. Mei, you're the closest thing we have to a veteran here. Help us figure out what's what."
Chen Mei approached the box and began inspecting the contents, her expression thoughtful.
"These are third-generation weapons and armor — two generations behind the current standard," she explained. "The latest, fourth generation, is just now rolling out, and the fifth generation has been in development for years. We won't see those for a while."
Adam frowned, holding up a compact laser sniper rifle. "Two generations behind? I thought we were supposed to get the latest gear."
William nodded. "Chen Mei's right. This equipment is battle-worn, but reliable. We'll have to make do."
"Kean and Wolfy have already chosen helmets," Chen Mei continued. "Each helmet includes a heads-up display with environmental data and battlefield sync. Though we lack engine units to unlock all functions, we can still share tactical info."
She handed Adam a Wyvern III laser sniper rifle. "Connect this to your helmet for a holographic sight."
"There are only two chest plates," she added, "so Gilbert and William — you're our strongest fighters. These plates house bio-engines implanted at the nape of the neck. They amplify strength and reflexes and power the helmets."
William received a pair of powered gauntlets, each fingertip ending in claw-like tips. Gilbert took an electro sword and a Serpent III power rifle. The weapons looked battle-scarred but deadly.
William raised an eyebrow. "Why do I get the gauntlets? Wouldn't it be better to give them to the guy with no sword training?"
Gilbert bristled slightly but nodded. "He's got a point."
Chen Mei smiled. "Power gauntlets are harder to control than a sword. I expect Gilbert to rely mostly on the rifle. He's got quick reflexes, so he'll handle the sword when necessary."
She handed Ana a reinforced backplate designed to carry her mechanic pack. "You'll handle repairs in the field. I'll take the medic toolkit."
Each received a laser pistol for close protection.
Gilbert stepped into his chest plate with Adam's help. Suddenly, a sharp injection at the base of his neck made him wince.
"What was that?" he asked.
"You don't have circuit gems yet," Chen Mei said. "So the bio-engine connects directly to your nervous system."
"Gilbert, we should move — the others are catching up," Adam urged.
"Let's go," Gilbert agreed.
At the five-mile mark, Kean signaled them to slow. Scattered footprints and claw marks in the snow surrounded low-tier Styx carcasses.
"The groups ahead have better weapons than us," Adam said.
"Got psychic powers or something?" Wolfgang teased.
Adam shot him a sharp look but pressed on. "Look at the damage. None of our weapons could do this much, and their tails are missing — that's evolved Stygian tech."
A low growl echoed through the frozen wasteland, and suddenly, five wolf-like Styx emerged from the shadows. Standing over five feet tall, their white fur bristled with metal spines, and their saber teeth glinted dangerously.
Before the squad could fully react, the creatures lunged.
Gilbert fired first, blasting the lead beast backward. Holding his rifle steady with his left hand and sword in his right, he braced his arm, using it as a steady support to aim.
William closed in, crushing one snarling Styx between his powered gauntlets and hurling it at another attacker.
Kean wasn't so lucky—one snapped at his ankle. Adam's sniper round through the neck saved him, but Kean limped, clutching his wound.
"Form up!" Gilbert barked. "William and I hold front and right. Kean, stay with Ana and Mei. Mei, distract them with your pistol. Wolfy, blast any that close in. Adam, take shots when you can."
Despite the chaos, the team moved into formation.
Gilbert drove his electro sword through a Styx's chest repeatedly until it stopped moving. Suddenly, a massive maw lunged at his face, but William's gauntlets clamped the creature's snout, squeezing fiercely.
Gilbert fired his rifle, taking advantage of the distraction.
Wolfgang's shotgun blast knocked another beast back, while Kean and the girls struggled to hold off their attacker.
William charged one beast Wolfgang was pinning, while Gilbert ran low on rifle ammo. His last shots held it at bay, but when the clip clicked empty, he dropped the rifle and drew his sword with both hands.
A quick jab forced the creature back, but it lunged again. Gilbert dodged, then felt a paw slam into his chest, shoving him to one knee.
Regaining balance, he used his shoulder to block a vicious bite, then drove his sword deep through the creature's chest. It twitched weakly; he energized the blade, sending a jolt that ended the fight.
Standing, he looked around to see the last beast dead—its leg torn off, head crushed.
The watches beeped loudly.
Gilbert checked his HUD: 'Squad 9 eliminated Tier 5 Stygian with evolved spinal column. Awarded 3 military credits and $100 ona each.'
"Well, at least someone gets paid for this mess," Wolfgang muttered, glaring at Kean, who was bandaged and pale.
"We don't have time for this," Gilbert said sharply, his injured arm hanging limp. "We'll deal with Kean's mistake later. Right now, we're injured, exposed, and have fifteen miles left."
Wolfgang opened his mouth, but Gilbert's steely glare silenced him.
Mei worked quickly on Kean's shoulder while resupplying Gilbert's rifle battery.
"New formation," Gilbert announced. "Wolfgang stays back with Adam. Kean moves center with Ana and Mei. William and I lead the front. I'll scout where Kean was."
They nodded in understanding.
William sidled over to Adam. "Not bad for someone from your background."
Adam said nothing.
William shrugged and walked off. Gilbert smirked faintly.
They pressed on, fighting off lone Styx and small packs.
At the nineteen-mile mark, Gilbert spotted a body slumped on the ground, clad in full armor. He approached slowly, recognizing the buzz cut beneath the scratched helmet.
Minutes later, the squad gathered around in silence.
William knelt, inspecting the fallen warrior. His eyes closed briefly; a single tear escaped. Wolfgang stood frozen, unable to move.
The group paused, the weight of loss heavy in the cold air. William rose, wiping his face, and the march resumed.
Passing by Wolfgang, Kean gave a brief, supportive pat on his shoulder.
Two hours and forty minutes later, the frozen wasteland gave way to a massive citadel perched on the edge of a deep canyon.
The walls rose a hundred meters high, spires stretching three hundred meters into the sky. Dragon statues coiled around the tallest spire, their eyes seeming to glow with ancient power.
The iron gates stood open beneath a wing-shaped sign carved in metal:MUSTALEEM DRAGON KNIGHT ACADEMYBeneath it, a quote read:"Dragons Fear Nothing; They Bring Deliverance Upon Their Enemies."
Gilbert swallowed hard, the weight of what lay ahead settling on his shoulders.
This is only the beginning.