A man stood before an imposing black structure. Rows of ard guards patrolled the
periter, their watchful gazes scanning the area and the man within it, but they knew who he was.
Barrack A3 was like Erik imagined. A heavily fortified building that housed elite soldiers in Frant.
Erik observed the scene; his disguise as the soldier "Ben Fink" was what allowed him to be there.
He took note of the patrol patterns, the number of guards, and any potential entry points.
This information would be critical for his plans. When his clones were ready, attacking this place was just one of the things he would do.
Erik entered the imposing black structure. His heart was calm, despite knowing he was about to et the person who would be his ntor: Silent Scream.
As he stepped through the threshold, the interior was just as fortified as the exterior.
Disciplined blackguards moved with purpose, hiding behind masks and black attire.
Erik was the only one without a mask, but that was obvious. He wasn't a blackguard yet, just a potential Initiate, the lowest rank within the blackguards.
While outsiders would have treated him with respect regardless of his rank, among the blackguards, an initiate was just a mule to exploit.
Though everyone there already knew who he was, Ben Fink, the new soldier under observation.
New potential blackguards were not that common, after all, and it was only natural that a potential recruit would attract many people's attention.
He made his way through the main hall, where there were so people waiting. Suddenly, one of them rose from its chair; it was a man, of course, hidden behind a mask.
"You must be Ben Fink," a low, raspy voice said. "I've been expecting you."
Erik tensed, but maintained his composure. "That's . Are you my ntor, perhaps?"
The man nodded. "Yes. I'm Silent Scream. Now co, we have much to discuss." They turned and gestured for Erik to follow.
Erik trailed behind the mysterious individual. The man led him to a secluded office; the door shutting behind them with a soft click. Erik surveyed the room, taking in the sparse furnishings and the single, unadorned desk at its center.
"Have a seat," the hooded figure said, motioning to a chair.
Erik complied, his eyes never leaving the figure as they moved to the other side of the desk and settled into a chair.
"As I said, I'm Silent Scream," the figure said. "I've been tasked with overseeing your integration into our ranks. I also have the duty to evaluate your progress and potential."
Erik maintained a neutral expression. "I'm honored," he said, his voice level and controlled. "I'm ready to prove my worth."
For a mont, Silent Scream studied him; his gaze was intense. "We shall see, Ben Fink. We shall see."
Silent Scream stood up and retrieved sothing from a box behind him. It was a blackguard initiate's attire, complete with a mask.
"Put it on."
"Must I do it here in front of you?"
The man teased, "Are you embarrassed?"
Erik said, "I'm not." Like that, he donned both the attire and the black mask.
The uniform felt strange on Erik's body, with the mask obscuring his features, but it wasn't like he never wore one.
When he stole Quakestrike's attire, he did the sa. Although the armor-like uniform was different from the one he was currently wearing, there were so similarities. Mainly in the black color and the various embroidery on it.
Silent Scream observed him. The mask concealed his features.
"Good. You will need to get used to wearing this. As a potential blackguard initiate, it will be your armor and your shield."
Erik nodded, adjusting the mask slightly. "I understand."
"Now," Silent Scream continued, "let us discuss your duties and expectations."
Erik stood in front of Silent Scream, the unfamiliar blackguard uniform and mask, feeling strange but necessary. He listened as his new ntor outlined his duties and expectations. "We will head to the eastern district to search for rebels," Silent Scream said. "But first, did you retrieve the study materials they provided at the enlistnt center?"
Erik nodded. "Yes, they were sent to my phone. I've already been reviewing the content."
What Erik didn't reveal was that he had already absorbed the knowledge through his biological supercomputer shortly after he got back to the gate.
He had no intention of wasting ti studying things. It would take him 10 seconds to learn. Besides, having a firm grasp on this information would make things easier for Erik, since he would need and anticipate what the blackguards were going to do when he faced them.
The supercomputer had allowed him to process and integrate the study materials, granting him a comprehensive understanding without the need for extensive review.
"Good," Silent Scream said.
"It's important you familiarize yourself with our protocols and tactics. We can't make any mistakes out in the field. Since you already received basic training at the military school and advanced training within the army, you went past most of the hardest stuff. You had been lucky. Most individuals do not enjoy such privileges. People from the army usually stay in their diocre roles for the rest of their lives."
Erik maintained his composure. "I know that, sir. Thank you for the opportunity..."
"There is one other important thing I need to tell you," Silent Scream said, his masked face giving away no emotion.
"What is it, sir?" Erik asked, keeping his tone respectful.
"Your new na," Silent Scream said. "From this day forward, you will be known as 'Savage Blood.""
Erik raised an eyebrow beneath his own mask. "Savage Blood?"
"Yes. That is the nickna the other Blackguards have given you after observing your skill in the last battle against the thaids. The higher-ups liked it, and so that will be your na from
now on."
Erik mulled over the na, not dissatisfied by it. "Savage Blood," he said. It had a certain ring about it-fierce and unyielding.
"Wear it with pride," Silent Scream said, a hint of approval in his tone. "You have shown potential, and this na reflects the ferocity we value in our ranks, and what we expect from
you. Do not sha this na, private."
Erik nodded, accepting the new moniker. "I understand, sir. Savage Blood it is."
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