My father stares at me, eyes wide open. "S-Son...what happened? Haha, I think your strength already surpassed mine."
I gently smile and nod.
My father continues his paperwork in his office as I take a seat on the couch.
...
"Your squad will be in the expedition tomorrow. Rest up if there's nothing."
I stay rooted to the couch, starting at the floor.
My father stops and glances at me. "What's wrong?"
"Can you...not attend this expedition?" I ask.
...
My father walks to my side and sits down.
"Don't worry too much. I wasn't slacking when you were gone and I have you by my side. What is there to worry?" My father says.
"I know but I'm...still worried."
"Brat, I should be the one anxious! Besides, I am a warrior and a protector. Death should not deter my honour and resolute."
I sigh and nod. It's pointless.
"Anyways, a famous senior from your academy is partaking in the expedition, he was a tournament winner like you, get to know him."
"Dad, whenever you say that, I usually make enemies with those people," I reply.
"I never said get along with him." My father smiles and pats my back. "If he dares to oppose you, show him who's boss."
I touch my shoulder and rest my eyes. I miss times like this...
The Kingdom Expedition is an annual event over two months where the Royal Army sends combatants around the kingdom to protect and fight. It occurs in winter, when monsters usually attempt to migrate south, thus wreaking havoc in villages and cities. On the way, any other problems such as malicious terrorist cults are investigated and solved with collaboration from the IAA and The Magic Towers. My father is assigned to the second battalion moving out tomorrow.
"Oh yes, Dad, what about my friend that I mentioned?" I ask.
"The Mina girl? I've placed her under your squad as a special guest."
"Alright, thanks."
I accompany my father until he finishes the paperwork before going to sleep.
The next day, my squad members and I ready ourselves with brand-new equipment provided by the army. My trusty sword, Power, has grown to exert twice the aura injected.
From afar, I see Mina approaching my squad's dormitory. Behind her seem to be a few men in armour.
"Greetings, Mina Yvelle." a man with piercing black eyes and grey hair puts out his hand to Mina. Compared to his followers, he exudes an aura of confidence and grace, wearing custom-made armour proudly.
Mina awkwardly stops and shakes his hand. "Uh yes...and you are?"
"Ah right, forgive me, I am Gary Somba, a champion of the previous tournament in the academy and possesses the title of dragon slayer."
"You...are my senior?"
"Yes, my lady and I slayed a dragon." Says Gary.
Mina raises her brow at Gary's tone and posture.
"O-Okay...?"
She sees me walking closer and pulls away. "Uh...nice to meet you, I will go to my friend now."
"Wait-"
YOU ARE READING
A Background Character's Fate
Fantasy"In war, commoners are the victims in victory or defeat." Struck by poverty amidst a long and devastating war, an ordinary mercenary dies among the countless corpses on a snowy battlefield. Yet by a stroke of luck, he regressed to his younger self...
