The morning sun struggled to break through the thick clouds covering the city.
Smoke rose from the ruins of buildings, abandoned vehicles littered the streets, and distant explosions occasionally shook the ground.
Humanity's world had changed overnight.
Inside the emergency military base, Destiny sat on the edge of his medical bed, staring at the blue holographic interface floating before his eyes.
He had survived the battle against the Iron Titan, but the mysterious entity that had appeared in the sky continued to trouble him.
"System, show me my current status."
[DING!]
[HOST STATUS]
NAME: DESTINY
AGE: 17
RANK: SECOND LIEUTENANT
LEVEL: 5
STRENGTH: 11
AGILITY: 17
VITALITY: 8
INTELLIGENCE: 10
FREE ATTRIBUTE POINTS: 10
MILITARY POINTS: 1,700
MILITARY CAPACITY: 50 SOLDIERS
CURRENT SOLDIERS: 1
MILITARY UNIT: DESTINY'S FIRST SQUAD
SKILLS:
- BASIC MILITARY COMBAT
- COMBAT PREDICTION
- SOLDIER'S WILL
- TACTICAL ANALYSIS
- COMMANDER'S RESOLVE
Destiny frowned at the number of soldiers displayed.
"System, why does it say I only have one soldier?"
[DING!]
[THE HOST'S CURRENT MILITARY UNIT RECOGNIZES ONLY FORMALLY RECRUITED PERSONNEL.]
[PRIVATE DANIEL IS CURRENTLY THE HOST'S ONLY REGISTERED SOLDIER.]
[OTHER MILITARY PERSONNEL WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE BATTLE HAVE NOT SIGNED THE HOST'S RECRUITMENT CONTRACT.]
Destiny nodded slowly.
That made sense.
Although several soldiers had fought alongside him during the battle against the Iron Titan, they still belonged to the Nigerian military.
He needed to recruit people who would officially join his unit.
"System, show me the recruitment function."
[DING!]
[MILITARY RECRUITMENT FUNCTION ACTIVATED.]
[AVAILABLE RECRUITMENT CAPACITY: 49.]
[RECRUITMENT OPTIONS:]
[1. STANDARD RECRUITMENT]
[2. AWAKENED RECRUITMENT]
[3. SPECIALIST RECRUITMENT]
Destiny examined the options.
"Explain them."
[DING!]
[STANDARD RECRUITMENT: RECRUITS ORDINARY HUMANS WITH BASIC MILITARY POTENTIAL.]
[AWAKENED RECRUITMENT: RECRUITS HUMANS WHO POSSESS SUPERNATURAL ABILITIES.]
[SPECIALIST RECRUITMENT: RECRUITS HUMANS WITH RARE OR ADVANCED SKILLS, INCLUDING MEDICAL, ENGINEERING, INTELLIGENCE, AND TECHNICAL SPECIALISTS.]
Destiny smiled.
This was exactly what he needed.
An army wasn't built with fighters alone. He would need medics, engineers, strategists, and people capable of handling weapons and technology.
But before he could recruit anyone, he needed to recover from his injuries.
A knock sounded at the door.
"Come in."
Daniel entered, carrying two plates of food.
"Look who's finally awake and thinking like a commander."
Destiny chuckled.
"What's that?"
"Food. Unless you plan to defeat another monster with an empty stomach."
Daniel placed one plate on the small table beside the bed.
Destiny picked up a spoon.
"Thanks, bro."
Daniel sat down.
"So, what's the plan?"
Destiny looked at him.
"We need to build our own military unit."
Daniel raised an eyebrow.
"How many people are we talking about?"
"Ten soldiers to complete our current mission. But eventually, I want an army."
Daniel stared at him for a moment before laughing.
"An army? Destiny, yesterday we were just trying to survive school!"
"And now we're trying to survive the apocalypse."
Daniel shook his head.
"You're unbelievable."
Destiny smiled.
"Are you still with me?"
Daniel's expression became serious.
"Of course. You saved my life, and I trust you. Wherever you're going, I'm coming along."
Destiny nodded.
"Then let's build something worth fighting for."
***
Later that morning, Captain Marcus entered the medical ward.
"Good to see you're recovering, Destiny."
Destiny stood up respectfully.
"Thank you, sir."
"At ease. General Adeyemi wants to see you in the command center."
Destiny exchanged a glance with Daniel.
"Did something happen?"
Marcus's expression darkened.
"Several things. And none of them are particularly good."
The three of them left the medical ward and walked toward the command center.
Inside, a large digital map displayed the surrounding region. Red markers covered several towns and highways, while yellow markers indicated areas where communication had been lost.
General Adeyemi stood beside the map with several senior officers.
"Destiny, welcome."
"Sir."
The general pointed toward the map.
"During the last six hours, we've received reports of monster attacks in multiple locations. Some towns have completely lost communication. Others are requesting immediate military assistance."
Destiny studied the map.
"How many military units are still operational?"
"That is what we're trying to determine," General Adeyemi replied. "Our communication network is damaged, and several units are operating without reliable information."
Destiny looked at the red markers.
The situation was worse than he had imagined.
"Sir, what do you need from me?"
General Adeyemi turned toward him.
"Your abilities and your experience fighting the Iron Titan could prove useful. However, I understand that you're trying to establish your own unit."
"Yes, sir."
"Then I'll make you an offer. You can recruit volunteers from the survivors here and train them under the supervision of our military instructors. In return, your unit will assist with selected defensive operations."
Destiny considered the proposal.
It would give him access to volunteers, training facilities, and military knowledge.
More importantly, it would allow him to build his own squad without immediately abandoning the people who had helped him survive.
"I accept, sir."
General Adeyemi nodded.
"Good. Captain Marcus will coordinate your training."
Marcus stepped forward.
"Your first task will be to select suitable recruits. We have several survivors with useful abilities, but many of them have never handled a weapon."
Destiny smiled.
"That's what training is for, sir."
***
An hour later, Destiny stood on the military base's main training ground.
Around fifty survivors had gathered in front of him. Some were young adults, others were former security personnel, and a few had experience in sports or physical training.
Daniel stood beside him.
Captain Marcus watched from a nearby platform.
Destiny looked across the group.
"My name is Destiny. I'm the commander of a newly established independent military unit."
A few people whispered among themselves.
"I'm not going to promise you that joining my unit will make you invincible. The monsters outside are dangerous, and some of them are far stronger than anything we've ever faced."
He paused.
"But I can promise you that we will train, we will improve, and we will protect one another."
A tall young man raised his hand.
"How do we know you're qualified to command us?"
Destiny looked at him calmly.
"My rank is Second Lieutenant. I've also fought and eliminated a D-Rank monster."
The man frowned.
"You're only seventeen."
"That's true."
Destiny didn't attempt to hide his age.
"But the monsters won't care how old we are. They'll attack anyone they find."
The crowd became quiet.
Destiny continued.
"If you join this unit, you will be expected to follow orders, respect your fellow soldiers, and take responsibility for your actions. Anyone who isn't willing to do that should remain with the civilian survivors."
A young woman stepped forward.
"My name is Grace. I was a nursing student before the invasion. I want to join as a medic."
Destiny's system immediately responded.
[DING!]
[ELIGIBLE SPECIALIST DETECTED.]
[NAME: GRACE]
[AGE: 20]
[SKILL: BASIC MEDICAL KNOWLEDGE]
[COMBAT POTENTIAL: LOW]
[SUPPORT POTENTIAL: HIGH]
[RECRUITMENT SUCCESS RATE: 94%]
Destiny nodded.
"We need people like you. Welcome."
[DING!]
[RECRUITMENT SUCCESSFUL!]
[GRACE HAS JOINED THE HOST'S MILITARY UNIT.]
[RANK ASSIGNED: PRIVATE.]
[CURRENT SOLDIERS: 2]
Grace looked surprised as a blue light briefly surrounded her.
"Did I just feel something?"
Destiny smiled.
"Consider it your official enlistment."
A muscular man stepped forward next.
"I'm Peter. I used to work in construction. I can operate heavy machinery, repair basic equipment, and handle power tools."
[DING!]
[ELIGIBLE SPECIALIST DETECTED.]
[NAME: PETER]
[AGE: 29]
[SKILL: CONSTRUCTION AND MECHANICAL REPAIR]
[SUPPORT POTENTIAL: HIGH]
[RECRUITMENT SUCCESS RATE: 91%]
Destiny extended his hand.
"We'll need your skills. Welcome to the unit."
[DING!]
[RECRUITMENT SUCCESSFUL!]
[PETER HAS JOINED THE HOST'S MILITARY UNIT.]
[RANK ASSIGNED: PRIVATE.]
[CURRENT SOLDIERS: 3]
More volunteers began stepping forward.
A former security guard named Joseph joined as a standard recruit.
A university student named Brian, who had awakened a wind ability, joined as an awakened recruit.
A quiet young woman named Naomi volunteered after revealing that she could sense nearby living creatures.
[DING!]
[RECRUITMENT SUCCESSFUL!]
[JOSEPH HAS JOINED THE HOST'S MILITARY UNIT.]
[RECRUITMENT SUCCESSFUL!]
[BRIAN HAS JOINED THE HOST'S MILITARY UNIT.]
[RECRUITMENT SUCCESSFUL!]
[NAOMI HAS JOINED THE HOST'S MILITARY UNIT.]
[CURRENT SOLDIERS: 6]
Destiny examined the new members.
They were a mixture of ordinary humans, awakened individuals, and specialists.
They weren't an army yet.
But they were a beginning.
Then a notification appeared.
[DING!]
[RECRUITMENT MILESTONE ACHIEVED.]
[CURRENT SOLDIERS: 6]
[REWARD: 300 MILITARY POINTS.]
[NEW FUNCTION UNLOCKED: SOLDIER PROFILE.]
Destiny opened the function.
[UNIT PERSONNEL]
[PRIVATE DANIEL]
ROLE: DEPUTY COMMANDER
COMBAT POTENTIAL: HIGH
[PRIVATE GRACE]
ROLE: MEDICAL SUPPORT
COMBAT POTENTIAL: LOW
[PRIVATE PETER]
ROLE: ENGINEERING SUPPORT
COMBAT POTENTIAL: MODERATE
[PRIVATE JOSEPH]
ROLE: DEFENSE
COMBAT POTENTIAL: MODERATE
[PRIVATE BRIAN]
ROLE: AWAKENED COMBAT SPECIALIST
ABILITY: WIND MANIPULATION
COMBAT POTENTIAL: HIGH
[PRIVATE NAOMI]
ROLE: RECONNAISSANCE
ABILITY: LIFE SENSING
COMBAT POTENTIAL: HIGH
Destiny nodded with satisfaction.
"System, create a basic squad structure."
[DING!]
[SQUAD FORMATION ACTIVATED.]
[UNIT NAME: DESTINY'S FIRST SQUAD]
[COMMANDER: SECOND LIEUTENANT DESTINY]
[DEPUTY COMMANDER: PRIVATE DANIEL]
[MEDICAL SUPPORT: PRIVATE GRACE]
[ENGINEERING SUPPORT: PRIVATE PETER]
[DEFENSE SPECIALIST: PRIVATE JOSEPH]
[COMBAT SPECIALIST: PRIVATE BRIAN]
[RECONNAISSANCE SPECIALIST: PRIVATE NAOMI]
[CURRENT PERSONNEL: 7]
Destiny's eyes narrowed.
The system still counted only seven soldiers, including Daniel.
He needed three more to complete the mission.
"Everyone, prepare for your first training session!"
***
The training began immediately.
Captain Marcus assigned several military instructors to help Destiny's squad learn basic formations, weapon safety, communication, and battlefield movement.
The recruits were divided into small groups.
Daniel and Joseph practiced defensive formations, while Brian worked on controlling his wind ability.
Naomi trained in reconnaissance, learning how to report enemy movements without exposing herself.
Grace and Peter were assigned to the support section, where they learned how to organize medical supplies and repair damaged equipment.
Destiny watched them carefully.
He knew that their abilities were useful, but they lacked experience.
A powerful ability meant little if its owner couldn't control it.
"Brian!" Destiny called.
Brian stopped practicing.
"Yes, Commander?"
"Try using your wind ability to push that training target without damaging the equipment."
Brian raised his hands.
A faint current of air formed around his fingers.
The target shook.
Then a sudden burst of wind sent it flying across the training ground.
Several recruits turned toward the noise.
Brian stared at his hands.
"Sorry, Commander!"
Destiny shook his head.
"Don't apologize. Learn to control it."
He looked at the system.
[DING!]
[TRAINING ANALYSIS COMPLETE.]
[PRIVATE BRIAN]
[ABILITY: WIND MANIPULATION]
[CONTROL LEVEL: 12%]
[RECOMMENDATION: BASIC ABILITY CONTROL TRAINING.]
Destiny opened the training interface.
[AVAILABLE TRAINING PROGRAMS]
[1. BASIC PHYSICAL TRAINING]
[2. WEAPON PROFICIENCY]
[3. AWAKENED ABILITY CONTROL]
[4. TACTICAL FORMATION]
[5. SPECIALIST DEVELOPMENT]
Destiny selected Awakened Ability Control for Brian and Basic Physical Training for the rest of the squad.
[DING!]
[TRAINING PROGRAMS ACTIVATED.]
[TRAINING COST: 100 MILITARY POINTS.]
[REMAINING MILITARY POINTS: 2,400.]
Destiny watched as the system displayed personalized training plans for each soldier.
The recruits began following their assigned routines.
For the first time, Destiny could see how the Military System might help him develop an organized force.
But the training was interrupted by a sudden explosion.
BOOOOOOM!
The entire base shook.
An alarm immediately sounded.
"EMERGENCY! EMERGENCY! EASTERN PERIMETER UNDER ATTACK!"
Destiny turned toward the eastern wall.
Smoke rose above the defensive towers.
A soldier ran toward the training ground.
"COMMANDER! MONSTERS HAVE BREACHED THE OUTER DEFENSES!"
Captain Marcus rushed over.
"Destiny, take your squad and support the eastern perimeter. My unit will reinforce the main gate."
Destiny immediately looked at his soldiers.
"Everyone, assemble!"
The recruits rushed into formation.
"Commander, what's the situation?" Daniel asked.
"Monsters have breached the eastern defenses. We need to stop them before they reach the civilian shelters."
Naomi suddenly closed her eyes.
A moment later, she opened them with a frightened expression.
"Commander... there are more of them coming."
Destiny turned toward her.
"How many?"
Naomi swallowed.
"At least forty. And something much larger is moving behind them."
[DING!]
[WARNING! HOSTILE CREATURES DETECTED.]
[HOSTILE COUNT: 43]
[MONSTER RANKS: F-RANK TO E-RANK]
[UNKNOWN CREATURE DETECTED.]
[THREAT LEVEL: HIGH]
Destiny's expression hardened.
"First Squad, move out!"
The soldiers followed him toward the eastern perimeter.
When they reached the damaged wall, they saw several monsters tearing through the defensive barricades.
The creatures had dark skin, long claws, and glowing red eyes.
A few soldiers were already fighting them, but the monsters were pushing forward.
"Joseph, take the front and protect the injured soldiers!"
"Understood, Commander!"
"Brian, use your wind ability to slow the monsters down. Don't waste your energy on unnecessary attacks!"
"Yes, sir!"
"Naomi, identify any hidden creatures and report their positions!"
"Understood!"
"Grace, stay behind the defensive line and treat anyone who gets injured. Peter, help the engineers reinforce that damaged section!"
Both nodded.
Destiny turned toward Daniel.
"You and I will handle the strongest monster."
Daniel tightened his grip on his weapon.
"Let's do it."
A terrifying roar suddenly echoed from beyond the wall.
The smaller monsters immediately moved aside.
Something enormous stepped through the smoke.
It was a towering creature covered in dark red armor. Its head resembled a wolf's skull, and two curved horns extended from its forehead.
A massive blade-like bone protruded from its right arm.
[DING!]
[HOSTILE CREATURE DETECTED.]
[NAME: BLOODHORN BRUTE]
[RANK: E-RANK]
[LEVEL: 12]
[STRENGTH: 190]
[AGILITY: 110]
[VITALITY: 220]
[DEFENSE: 180]
[SKILL: BLOOD RAGE]
[THREAT LEVEL: HIGH]
Destiny's expression became serious.
The monster was stronger than the Bloodfang he had fought at school.
And unlike the Iron Titan, it appeared to be much faster.
The Bloodhorn Brute lowered its head.
Then it charged.
"EVERYONE, TAKE COVER!"
The monster smashed through the remaining barricades and rushed toward the soldiers.
Joseph stepped forward, raising a heavy shield.
BOOOOM!
The impact drove him backward.
His boots scraped across the concrete.
"JOSEPH!" Daniel shouted.
Joseph gritted his teeth.
"I'm fine!"
Brian raised both hands.
A powerful gust of wind struck the Bloodhorn Brute from the side.
The monster staggered.
"NOW, DESTINY!" Brian shouted.
Destiny activated Combat Prediction.
[DING!]
[COMBAT PREDICTION ACTIVATED.]
[ENEMY MOVEMENT ANALYZED.]
[WEAKNESS DETECTED: LEFT SHOULDER JOINT.]
Destiny sprinted forward.
The Bloodhorn Brute swung its bone blade.
Destiny ducked beneath the attack and moved toward its left side.
Daniel followed, striking the monster's leg with his weapon.
The Brute roared and twisted around.
Its tail struck Daniel and sent him crashing into a concrete barrier.
"Daniel!"
Destiny's anger surged.
The monster raised its bone blade toward his friend.
Destiny activated Soldier's Will.
[DING!]
[SKILL ACTIVATED: SOLDIER'S WILL.]
[ALL ATTRIBUTES INCREASED BY 100%.]
[ DURATION: 30 SECONDS.]
Power surged through Destiny's body.
He rushed forward and struck the monster's left shoulder joint.
CRACK!
The Brute screamed.
Its bone blade dropped slightly as its arm weakened.
Destiny struck again.
This time, the monster stumbled backward.
"BRIAN! HIT IT NOW!"
Brian thrust both hands forward.
A powerful wind blast slammed into the wounded creature, forcing it against the broken wall.
Joseph charged forward and struck the monster's knee with his shield.
The Bloodhorn Brute collapsed onto one leg.
Destiny seized the opportunity.
He leaped onto its back and drove his combat knife into the base of its skull.
The monster thrashed violently.
Destiny held on and pushed the blade deeper.
With a final roar, the Bloodhorn Brute collapsed.
[DING!]
[HOSTILE CREATURE ELIMINATED.]
[EXPERIENCE GAINED: 500 XP.]
[MILITARY POINTS AWARDED: 250.]
[MONSTER CORE ACQUIRED.]
[PRIVATE DANIEL HAS GAINED EXPERIENCE.]
[PRIVATE JOSEPH HAS GAINED EXPERIENCE.]
[PRIVATE BRIAN HAS GAINED EXPERIENCE.]
Destiny jumped away from the corpse.
He breathed heavily as Soldier's Will ended.
The other monsters began retreating.
But Naomi suddenly shouted.
"COMMANDER! SOMETHING IS COMING FROM THE FOREST!"
Destiny turned.
A massive silhouette moved through the smoke beyond the damaged wall.
Two glowing red eyes appeared in the darkness.
The system flashed.
[DING!]
[EMERGENCY WARNING!]
[HIGH-RANK HOSTILE DETECTED.]
[NAME: UNKNOWN.]
[RANK: D-RANK.]
[LEVEL: 18.]
[THREAT LEVEL: EXTREME.]
[WARNING! HOST'S CURRENT UNIT IS NOT SUFFICIENTLY PREPARED FOR DIRECT ENGAGEMENT.]
Destiny's heart sank.
A D-Rank monster.
Even after defeating the Bloodhorn Brute, his squad was still exhausted.
The creature stepped into the open.
Its body was covered in thick black scales, and a long tail dragged across the ground behind it.
It looked directly at Destiny.
Then it smiled.
"SO... YOU ARE THE HUMAN WHO KILLED THE IRON TITAN."
Destiny tightened his grip on his knife.
The monster slowly raised its enormous claws.
"LET ME SEE IF YOU DESERVE THAT TITLE."
The creature roared.
The remaining monsters charged forward once more.
Destiny looked at his exhausted soldiers.
He knew that another direct battle could destroy his entire squad.
But behind them were hundreds of civilians.
He took a deep breath.
"First Squad! Defensive formation!"
His soldiers immediately moved into position.
Destiny stepped forward, placing himself between the monster and the base.
"Whatever happens, nobody gets past us!"
The D-Rank monster lowered its head.
And the second battle of Destiny's military career began.