With the dawn of a new day, I left Finder free to do whatever he thought best and headed toward the Order’s building.

  What I had imagined to be a place of study was, in fact, almost like a military barracks. At the front stood a large main building where the administration was located, along with some classrooms for educational purposes. The rest of the grounds were composed of several training camps where various activities were carried out throughout the day. At the back, there was a smaller building designated as a hospital.

  As soon as I arrived at the reception and presented my registration number, I was directed to a room where a soldier asked several questions about my physical condition, possible health issues, and the like. Since all my answers seemed satisfactory, I promptly followed him to the hospital building.

  There was something different about that place compared to everything else I had seen in the city so far. The entire process felt somewhat secretive. It was not even possible to see the other patients, and the guards there were extremely strict and cautious.

  I left with my training schedule in hand, the first enlistment payment, and a large question mark in my mind about that hospital. But since I was still new, I decided to simply follow the proposed routine and avoid causing any kind of trouble.

  On my way back across the field, I saw a large number of young people being trained in the use of various weapons. Among them, a smaller, excited group stood out, shouting loudly. Out of pure curiosity, I approached to observe.

  At the center of that circle was a pale young man, so frail he could barely lift a sword. His opponent was another young man, strong and confident, swinging his blade as if merely playing with him. Everyone laughed and mocked the frail boy. Cornered, he tried to raise his sword, but fell after receiving kicks from those around him.

  I could not bear to watch it any longer. I pushed through the crowd and helped the poor boy. Tired of the humiliation spectacle, they eventually dispersed, leaving the two of us alone.

  — Thank you. Are you hurt? I saw them push you while you were trying to intervene. Those bullies respect no one — he said, purple bruises covering his body. I wondered how such a gentle boy could be suffering such injustice.

  — Me, hurt? Look at you. Come here. I’ll at least help you sit down.

  As I carefully lifted him, I noticed how light he was. He should not have been in that camp, participating in such exhausting activities.

  — Thank you again. I’m Phobos. Nice to meet you.

  I introduced myself properly. While I showed concern for his situation, young Phobos wore a wide smile. Even injured and humiliated by his peers, he still displayed a gentleness I had never imagined possible in a situation like that.

  Intrigued by his perseverance, I asked what had led him to Surum and to military training.

  — My mother, my sister, and I came here seeking a new life. Our hometown lies on the border between nations, and with the war and the rise of the Plague, we joined a caravan bound for Surum. I know I am weak and even a little sick, but I need to earn the citizen badge to give them some kind of life in this new nation. A few bullies will never stop that goal — he said. With each word, his eyes shone brighter.

  The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  He was determined.

  We sat there for a long time talking. Phobos, with the experience he had gained over the months training there, gave me basic information about the exams, the military routines, and the written tests on the Order Code.

  Grateful for his help, I offered that someday we could eat somewhere in the city. In response, he invited me to visit the inn where he stayed with his family for a meal. I promptly accepted. At the end of the day, we parted ways, and I returned to the lodging where Finder was already waiting.

  He told me that during his walk around the city, he had found no information about his creator’s symbol. However, he had noticed something different from every other city he had passed through — there was barely any sign of the Plague. People seemed generally healthy, and the treatment centers in more remote areas were always empty.

  Not knowing what might be happening, we decided to continue investigating. There might be a clue there about Finder’s creator.

  With the rising sun, I was ready for my first official day of training in the Order. As a recruit, I needed to fulfill a series of basic requirements to align myself with the mindset and conduct expected there. The rigid format did not please me, but it was necessary if I wanted any chance of progressing in that city.

  I arrived at the training field on time. Some recruits were already running laps.

  I approached the man who seemed responsible for supervising the activities. He was tall and carried a unique sense of authority. His dark skin shone under the sun, as did his bald head reflecting the light. Though older, his body seemed solid, like an impenetrable barrier. In contrast, his kind eyes and broad smile created a sense of openness — as if one could easily find a friend there.

  He patted my back.

  — So you’re the young man who protected little Phobos yesterday, aren’t you? I saw the commotion, but I let you youngsters handle it. It was a fine attitude, boy.

  Before I could respond, his expression shifted.

  — Ever since he arrived, they trouble the poor boy every day. I try to put sense into those boys’ heads, but youth has as much energy to run laps as it does to be cruel. An impulse even I cannot fully restrain. It is good that now we have someone willing to welcome those who need it. You are brave. Now go — ten laps around the field to begin the day.

  As I ran, I felt a quiet satisfaction. Even confused by everything that had happened so quickly, I realized this was the first moment I was truly grounding myself. Breathing. Looking around calmly. Reflecting on what had happened — and what was yet to come.

  My attention shifted when I saw Phobos arrive and speak with the trainer. They seemed close. Soon he joined the run, and I approached him.

  — Good morning, Phobos. I came to thank you again for your help yesterday.

  — You’re welcome, John. It was the least I could do.

  Even on his first lap, he already showed signs of fatigue, sweat running down his pale forehead.

  — Are you close to the trainer? I had some time to talk to him.

  — Yes. Officer Askia is very kind to me. I think he was one of the few who could see my motivation to become a soldier of the Order.

  He slowed for a moment, coughing, then continued.

  — Some time ago he allowed me to run only two laps. And look — now I can run four. Soon I’ll catch up with the others and earn my place.

  We spent the rest of the day following our routine. Keeping company with my new friend helped me adapt to the new life ahead. Some recruits still tried to bother us, but they soon realized that with my presence, he was no longer an easy target. They searched for easier victims.

  Whenever he could, Officer Askia would stop to greet us, offer advice, or share stories as a veteran of that place. I believe he saw in us a better future for the Order.

  And so the days passed.

  A true friendship began to grow between us. Since the day I awoke not knowing where I was, for the first time I felt I belonged somewhere.

  The Order’s barracks was not so bad after all.