Chapter 1510 (2/2)

“Sir yes sir!” The two hundred recruits bellowed. The Ghosthound snorted, as though deeply disappointed with their response. But he walked into his portal and vanished without another word.

Instantly, Raymund sagged as the immense pressure of the Ghosthound’s presence no longer gripped him by the throat and held him in place. Around him, the other recruits were similarly exhausted from enduring their trainer’s scrutiny. Yet Raymund could also sense the way that the attitudes of the surrounding recruits changed after that brief speech. While the training was undoubtedly difficult, seeing the Ghosthound was confirmation for most of these individuals that they could grow strong by listening to him. This was their chance.

In the Nexus, power was worshipped. And Randidly Ghosthound was more powerful than all of the recruits here combined.

“Alright, those of you who are too weak for the Ghosthound’s training, and you know who you are,” Overseer Helen said lazily. “Come to me. Here, here, there is no shame in being weak. From what I understand, most insects and invertebrates start out as pathetic and useless as you. It took most species thousands of years to evolve past these worthless states. So really, you are in tenacious company. Where your ancestors failed, we are giving you a marginally better chance to succeed!”

While several pale-faced and exhausted recruits trudged over toward the widely grinning Overseer Helen, the rest started to gather around Overseer Heiffal. As Raymund shifted into position, he passed by the massive grey dog. The dog seemed to notice Raymund out of the corner of his eye and sneered at Raymund: the dog had been the one to defeat him in the earlier tournament.

Raymund did a very poor job of suppressing his temper and his lip began to curl upward to reveal his fangs. You self-important creature. You are a domesticated and neutered wolf. One small victory while I am adapting to the circumstances means absolutely nothing in the grand scheme of our lives…

Very quickly, Raymund forced his gaze away. He was here to impress his instructors and earn as many accolades as he could during the reclamation of the invaded planets in the Fifth Cohort. Getting himself caught up in some pointless, interspecies rivalry would only distract Raymund from concentrating on his actual goals.

Yet no sooner had he distracted himself from that issue than appeared the teasing face of his younger brother Techetadore in the forefront of his mind. If you don’t learn to enjoy the small things in life Ray, you won’t be able to accomplish the big things you want. Big things are just a bunch of small things stacked on top of each other.

After several hours of being drained by this strange Engraving around the whole of the training grounds and being forced to fight until he collapsed, Raymund was extremely irritated. So much so that he lashed out at the fictitious specter of his brother that lingered in his mind. Big things are different; they are important. This was never a joke, Techet. Saving our planet… was something you should have taken more seriously. We were all counting on you. I was…

Although the first memory that had appeared receded like mist underneath the sun’s warmth with this outburst, another memory rose to the fore of Raymund Ballast’s mind. This was from a much longer time in the past, where Techetadore was only six years old and Raymund was trying to explain to his brother why it was important, because of his innate talent, that he focus on training.

Why do I have to do it? Techetadore had pouted at Raymund. You are older. And you are stronger than me. YOU should be the one who has to do it.

That was the only time that Techetadore voiced an opinion like that. Yet even now, Raymund felt a deep shame that so much was heaped upon the shoulders of his younger brother from a young age. Although Raymund prided himself on how well educated and knowledgeable he was, he didn’t have the language to cross the gap between himself and Techetadore, now or then.

He and his people spoke the language of shame and weakness. Techet did not. Which was why he was special. Of course, Raymund couldn’t deny his own talent. Although it paled in comparison to his brother’s, he was also the brightest hope that his planet had seen. Yet ultimately, Raymund’s existence was simply the signal for his people to begin to gather their resources to eventually pour into the true chosen one.

But it was with all those thoughts flitting around his head that Raymund joined the throng of people walking toward the Eastern portion of the grounds. All of the austere beauty of the bamboo forest was lost on Raymund. He kept his head down until the person in front of him stopped. Then, hearing that Overseer Heiffal was speaking, Raymund bit the inside of his cheek.

Pay attention. Only through continued vigilance can success be achieved, Raymund chided himself. Then he turned all his senses toward the Overseer.

“...honestly, it doesn’t matter at all.” Overseer Heiffal was saying. Then he indicated a large wooden box. “These seeds are what is provided. You are free to choose as many or as few as you wish. You can obtain bamboo for your dwellings from certain groves that I will show you… so just pick whatever you want. Does anyone have a favorite flower?”

The recruits were silent and dull-eyed, having difficulty quite understanding the question after being forced to fight each other for several hours.

Overseer Heiffal shrugged. “Too bad. If someone had said a favorite flower there, you would have gotten a Tree Coin. Anyway, get to it, recruits. You only have six hours until tomorrow’s training begins.”