It was a restless ride travelling from Lanseal all the way to Mellvere. Never would I have thought that there would be a day I would deliver a student's death notice, personally, nor the face to hand over an application form as a way to compensate.

Perhaps it's best to just never mention the folder, and just leave his younger brother in peace. As I got closer to the printed location, I braced myself as I approach the boy with red hair.

"I'm looking for a… Avan Hardins?" the boy turned around with a friendly expression.

"Well, looks like you found him. What can I do for you?"

Well, you two sure are alike "My name is Hubert Brixham. I instruct at the Lanseal Royal Military Academy." I said in a formal tone.

"Lanseal? Oh, it's the same school my brother goes." The boy's expression turned brighter.

I calmly put my hand near my breast pocket, and pulled out a picture "Would you please confirm that this is your brother, then?" I carefully prepare my next words.

The boy gave a nostalgic smile "Yup, that's him all right. So, how's he doing? It's been so long since I last heard from him."

Now comes the hard part "I realize this is sudden, and it pains me to be the bearer of bad tidings…" I pause and harden myself maintaining my formal tone "But your brother, Leon Hardins… has passed away."

The boy's expression suddenly change not of grief but of disbelief "Wha-What?!"

"I offer you my sincerest condolence-"

"Hey, wait just a minute! Why is… How did…?!"

"All that goes on at the academy is classified for national security. I'm afraid I cannot tell you any of the details surrounding his death."

"You can't tell me?! That's messed up! I'm his family for fuck sake!" he clenches his fist and stared at me strait in the eye "Leon wouldn't… My brother can't be dead; he was stronger than anybody I've-"

A massive explosion followed by sounds of gunfire rang across the whole town.

"Avan! Bad news! We've got Rebels incoming!" a kid run shouting towards the boy's side.

"And the 'good' news just keeps coming." He then rushes to the gathering men and shouted "Grab your guns! We'll join the town guard and send them packing!" and with those words the people of Mellvere sprang into action "Just remember what we learned back in training and we'll be just fine. Now let's go!"

I was stunned at the speed he manage to rally the town's folk, but I'm more stunned in how he dealt with the enemy. He runs strait; guns blazing with unparalleled bravery/recklessness. It doesn't matter if he's under fire, he just rushes the enemy, the boy fired fifteen rounds with his rifle and all three enemies are shot dead in the head.

And soon enough the rebels are retreating, I'm not sure if it's because the whole of Mellvere are putting up a fierce fight or discourage by the fact that none of their shots ever hit the boy, Perhaps both.

The whole town erupted in cheers, and with it the boy-, Avan walks back towards… me "Phew… that should keep them out for a while."

I don't know whether to scold the boy for recklessness or praise for his heroics, I decide with the latter "A fine bit of leadership, gathering men in the face of a surprise attack, perhaps a family trait." I muse.

Avan gaze at me, one filled with resolve. I ready for the worse "Hey. You… really won't tell me how my brother died?"

"That is correct, I'm afraid."

"I see, guess that end our conversation." And with that I can't help but feel a sense of respite, I was pulling the death registration when… "You'll just have to let me into your academy then."

"Eh? Enrol? You?" I was speechless and confuse.

"Leon can't be dead. There's no way he would go down that easy."

"I beg to differ" presenting the certificate "this indicates that he-" He suddenly swipe the paper from my hand and tear it in haft.

"Spare me the paperwork. I'm telling you I don't buy it. Not until I see his body with my own eyes. To see is to believe!"

If I ask, do you believe you have a brain and follow it with have you seen it? I wonder what's his reaction be like, also why tear the death certificate, tearing it apart doesn't change the fact that's his dead.

But I decided to push those thoughts aside, seeing his stubbornness and determination only reminds me of… "Then I suppose you'll need this." I said handing out the folder.

"Eh? What's this?"

"That's an application for new enrolment at the Lanseal Royal Military Academy." I said barring a smile on my face.

"Wait an application?! You mean I have to apply?! Can't you just get me in? Come on you said you're a teacher!"

"Listen here, application at the academy isn't just given out, first you have to be scouted and then processed." If he has the same drive as Leon then… "As a non-scouted applicant you'll face even stricter standards just to be admitted." I pause for effect "But of course if you want to back down, who am I to stop you."

Avan is silent did I rattle his nerves either way I best be going "Now, if you'll excuse me. Perhaps we'll meet again. Good day Mr. Hardins."

-A-

"Leon… it's just like you always said. We don't beg for our freedom, we fight for it." As I look at the application form I can't help but smile "Application for student enrolment eh? Heh fine, I'll pass your stupid test. And then there's no stopping me" I shouted as a vow "I'm coming for you, Leon! For my name is Avan 'motherfucking' Hardins!"

I then pulled my notebook and read the first paragraph "Remember you're a mortal, you're going to die."