Chapter 7

Captain.

Yep, I am officially part of the ALS, and now they appointed me to this grade. I was startled, as I expected to start from the bottom, as I just happened to enlist yesterday. To my surprise, it was Brock who appointed me.

Guess he really is a cool guy!

In the real world, I was quite interested in military things. I enjoyed reading military magazines and web sites. It was a hobby of mine. I in fact had done mandatory military training, but I never imagined to be appointed to a high grade. And now, even if it's in a virtual world, I had one.

"Very well, here´s your squad. You are to report to your post every day at cero seven-hundred hours every day to me. Your team is assigned to map and hunt on the front. Half the profits will go to the guild; it's up to you to report this. The other half is for your teammates, for supplies and upgrades. Remember, anything happens, report right away"

At seven! You gotta be kidding! I have to wake up so early!?

"Yes sir!"

Right in front of us, there were three other players. The first was a young, black haired boy, around 16 or so. He equipped a short sword, small shield and basic tank equipment. The second was a long black haired youth; he seemed to be around 17. He had a long winged spear and wore light armor. The third was a big, brown haired player that seemed to be around my age. He had a two-handed long sword hanging from his waist and sported seemingly heavy armor.

"These are new recruits, just like you. Up until now, we didn't know what to do with them since every other squad was full. As you might of already seen, each of these squads are made up of four players. We currently have four of these squads and a full party that is appointed to the commander"

"…."

"I'll leave you then, you now have your first assignment"

Delivering his final command, Brock turned around and headed the same way that he did when we fought yesterday.

I didn't know how I felt right now. I came to the Black Iron Palace this day to formally join the ALS as just another warrior, yet this man appointed me to a small team; and I was to lead them. I objected, arguing that I wasn't apt to be a leader, but he didn't listen. He said that he already appointed me to a squad and that even the commander was ok with it, and if I didn't want to do this, then I could resign and give up.

And I not about to give up now am I!? Then team leader it is!

This situation was quite awkward, because we didn't know each other, and worst of all, I didn't even know how to direct myself to them. This was going to be hard, yet it was yet another challenge I was willing to accept.

"Well then, I guess we´ll be the fifth squad in the ALS. As you heard, I'll be team leader. I´ll introduce myself. You can call me Christopher, and yes, it's my real name"

"It's a pleasure sir! My name´s [Zero]. I´m 15 and recently joined the ALS because I want to help out in clearing the game!"

The little sword and shield user blasted away as he introduced himself. He seemed very joyful, yet too young to take on this huge burden.

"The name´s [Tak]. Same as the kid, only I'm 18"

The spear user spoke, trying to limit his speech. To me, he seemed like the quiet type of person. And finally it was the last guy´s turn, the two-handed sword user. He looked quite serious and imposing. I couldn't tell what was wrong with him, but he soon spoke up.

"It's [Kato] ok!? And my personal information is none of your business!"

Before an argument started, I quickly ordered to move out, as we had orders given to us.

"It´s all right, it is unethical to give out personal information anyway. Well then, let's move out, we´ve gotta map the tenth floor´s dungeon to find the boss room"

As we traversed thru the tenth floor, past the [Thousand Snake Castle], and into the dungeon, I went thinking about my enrollment in the ALS. It was funny how Brock named me a captain, since the ones who lead "fireteams" like this "squad" are actually Sergeants or Corporals. Well from what I've read, "fireteams" are small units made up of four members: team leader, rifleman or scout, grenadier and automatic rifleman.

Ha, it's funny how we sort-of fit this description.

Of course, we´re not using firearms, but bladed weapons. But still, if I were to put it that way, Zero would be the rifleman, because they both have the standard equipment; next would be Tak, who would be the grenadier, because they both provide attacks over spacious areas; and Kato would be automatic rifleman, because they both lay down suppressive fire and take down the most enemies.

And from the few mobs we´ve encountered, this was really taking form. Yet, I still felt I couldn't fill in the leader part. I had always been a follower and now I "lead" a team. But I accepted the challenge, and I planned on doing my best.

Slice after slice, we made our way thru the dungeon, mapping out the unknown labyrinth. Few orders came from me; as I hoped to one day earn the respect from my new comrades.