Back with the lore for Chapter 7!
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Chapter Seven
Training Days
[Frost’s Eyes]

An hour later, our Humvee slowed to a stop at a checkpoint. We were here, our training grounds. A heavily armed guard approached the Driver’s side of the vehicle. “ID and Clearance Code.” He said to him. From my view, his face expressed that they know each other but are just following protocols. Hansly provided his ID and gave his code in which were both verified. “The other two with you?” The guard asked. “Yep, new recruits, orders from the President herself.” He nodded, “Well, let’s hope they can keep up. This is extremely difficult.” He nodded in agreement as the guard gave the signal to open the gates. He gave us a nod as if to say, “Good luck in there.” We both nodded back and entered the training grounds that would start to make us who we are down the timeline.

We all got out and were met by the Navy Fleet Master Chief himself, who appeared to be in his early 50s. “Pleasure to meet you both.” He said as he gave us all firm handshakes. “It’s an honor, sir.” Raijin said to him, even bowing in respect. “I will admit, I’ve never trained someone like you before. But I always love a challenge.” She smiled, “I like this guy already.” They both shared a laugh before we got down to business. “I’m sure you both have been told that this isn’t an easy test. This will be the hardest, energy-draining, mind-breaking training there is out there. Normally, I’m hard on those who are under my command, but I’m rooting for both of you, for the sake of everyone’s survival.” We both nodded… We all knew what was at stake; The fate of the world rested on us. “Let’s get to work then.” I bravely said as the Chief smiled. “That’s what I like to hear.” He said as he first gave us a tour.

He showed us all the training areas, living quarters, and everything. It’s not cozy like a luxury mansion, well, it’s not supposed to be anyway. We began our first training right away, which was basic firearm and combat. Well, it was more of just him trying to be funny since it was Call of Duty 4 all over again. “Right then, grab that assault rifle off the table over there.” For the first time in my life, I was holding a real firearm. It was a little heavy, but nothing I couldn’t handle. As if on instinct, I inspected my weapon, an M4A1 chambered in 5.56 x 45mm NATO. A 30-round magazine with a holo sight and foregrip. Right up my alley.

“You sure this is your first time holding a gun, son?” He asked me, interested in my approach to getting acquainted with my new partner in defense. “It is, sir… I guess it’s an instinct.” I said, confused about just how fluid I was with it. He chuckled, “Maybe it’s your lurking fighter spirit. We’ll wake that up soon.” He said before he resumed his 101 training. “Alright, I want you to aim down that target down the range. Get into a stable position. You must hold your gun correctly and efficiently. It could mean the difference between life and death. Try shooting down those targets out there.” I took a breath and pulled the trigger for the first time…

I took the recoil like it was nothing as I hit my target in the center mass, even shooting down two more targets near the same area. “Excellent, you’re a natural. Now pick up that sidearm next to you.” It was a Sig Sauer P226R. Reliable, accurate, and fits snugly in my hands. “Remember that you have two firearms. In most cases, switching to your pistol is going to be faster than reloading. But also know that pulling out your knife will be faster than reloading your secondary.” I nodded as I focused on target practice and weapon handling, all the basic stuff.

After a few hours of training, we got to take a rest. The Chief was impressed by both mine and Raijin’s skills. It’s like we were born for this. “You know, for someone who’s never handled real guns until today, you two acted like pros. You could’ve fooled me.” Raijin giggled, “Well, I’m not exactly human, so it’s easy for me to learn and get things done.” He smiled and chuckled, “I suppose you’re right. I have a feeling in no time, we’ll have you two ready for the front lines.” I allowed myself to smile at that. Maybe I can do this after all…

Over the next few days, we were pushed to our breaking points both physically and mentally as we were pushed through lots of merciless training. Before we knew it, we earned our uniforms, gear, and all. Though half of the reason is because we were called to assist with an invasion of a neighboring city. “Alright, normally I’d be training you both way longer than this, but we’ve been called down to assist with an attack on a city not too far from here. According to insider sources, multiple troops have been taking civilans hostage and even killing them if they don’t find them useful. We have the green light and execute authority. I hope you two are ready to go into combat on very short notice and with little training.”

We both nodded, confirming all the details and accepting the task at hand. “We have no choice but to be ready, sir,” I said, being completely serious with my tone. This would be our first combat mission… And we’ve only had around a week and a half of training. That’s not much to go off of, but I guess combat will fill in the blanks. “We know the risks, we’re ready.” He nodded. “I damn well hope so. The fate of our kind rests on all of us. If one falls, it’ll be a domino effect.” Raijin looked at me as I looked at her. We both knew we only had one shot. No slip-ups, no second chances. We had our foot in the door, now we have to get in there and put what little knowledge we have to use. “Sir, yes, sir.” We both responded. “We leave in two hours. I’ll see you two at the convoy.” And with that, things officially got real… How real it was going to get is what we both underestimated that operation… In fact, it even changed my identity… Quite literally, too.

To Be Continued in Chapter Eight.