Approximately 4:02 PM
Friday, Chrysoberyl Division Headquarters, Eridu Defense Force
March 3, 20XX
The afternoon is quiet, with only the sound of paper can be heard. The dust from the window can be seen from the rays of light coming in, as the air cannot get hotter than a certain officer's head.
The files have the names of the latest recruits for the Chrysoberyl Division, and plenty of them are just out of high school. Young bloods. All are eager to serve in the military as it is what their situation often needs.
As he flips over the pages, a file of seemingly a 'child' has stopped him.
Frowning, he grabs the nearby telephone to contact someone. After a short moment of beeps and a clack, the line is picked up.
"Yes, Major Gaston. Why did you call?" asks a female voice from the other line. Gaston takes a closer look once again at the dubious file and speaks.
"Well, I've been reviewing the recruits in this batch but I'm afraid there was an error. I was supposed to reject it, but I believe you double-checked everything before submitting it to my office, right?"
"Yes, Major."
"I also asked you not to pass anyone to my office under 16 as well, correct?"
"Yes, Major."
"Then why do we have a literal fourteen-year-old in the recruits?"
A brief silence commences as the other line picks up again.
"It won't happen again, but I believe I screened all the recruits. There could have been a mistake, Major."
Gaston sighs, "Alright… I just only wanted to let you know because I hope this won't slip into my office again."
"Understood."
Gaston drops the telephone and separates the dubious file from the others. He has an idea that someone has slipped the file into the piles, and it is not looking good for him. That man. He supposes. And that organization. With Eridu being the last bastion of humanity, some are walking the extreme roads, but it disgusts him.
He glances one more time at the file and sees the codename right into it.
Codename, Trigger. Age, 14. Position, sniper.
The phone suddenly rings again.
It is indeed a different place. The open area is quite overwhelming, but the breeze lets it get mitigated. A pair of orange eyes are staring at the horizon, with the buildings and structures mirroring the wide sky, she remains still for a moment—marveling at the view.
With her short stature, she wears a standard military uniform and a huge backpack. An unruly rifle with a blade is also strapped on her back, and one will question how a kid carries such a dangerous weapon. Her long blonde hair is once again swayed by the wind when someone taps her back.
"With all your merits, I believe they'll say no to a talent like you."
The young blonde looks at a taller figure—a woman with curly hair.
"Is it really necessary for Fenrir to send me here, Katya?" she asks.
Katya seems to anticipate the question, lowering herself into a crouch and aligning her gaze with the young blonde.
"This is the better option, besides, our contract already ended. The leader saw that you're better needed here than the group," Katya says, "I know you're young, but I'm sure you can take care of yourself."
The girl does not say anything further. She knows that it is her 'teacher' who has ordered Fenrir to send her to the military.
And like any obedient soldier that she shall be, she is merely following orders.
"Martin told me where I should go," the girl says, "They are also waiting for you outside."
Katya studies the young blonde's face once more, as if searching for the right words but unable to voice them. Her hand gently grazes the girl's soft, plump cheek, while the young one simply watches her in silence.
Myriads of thoughts and scenarios play in Katya's mind. If she only has a choice to turn things around and perhaps enough power—she will not leave the young girl here.
"Do your best," Katya merely says, "See you once again, Trigger."
"See you, too, Katya."
Katya stands up and watches the young girl with a rifle walking away. With a yearning stare from the curly-haired woman, she clenches her fist.
If only there is an option other than this, Trigger will not be someone's weapon again.
The older members of Fenrir warn Trigger that the military is strict and that she will struggle to adapt. Though it sounds like an attempt to unsettle her, she hardly seems to care. To her, Fenrir has been more of a proving ground for her skills—and so far, no letters from her teacher. A letter only means criticism.
Her teacher seems confident enough in her abilities to push for her conscription into the military as it is only a matter of time. Over the past two years, Fenrir has secured several commissions while she worked with them. It is not about boasting, but as their field sniper, she has undeniably been a great asset.
And if there is one who will take credit for the skills she possesses, it will be her teacher.
Her teacher is her maker. And so, she will only obey her maker's wishes.
Martin, Fenrir's leader, informs her that she will be assigned to the Chrysoberyl Division of the Eridu Defense Force. This unit oversees the exploration, development, and security of newly established urban zones. Their role also includes suppressing rebels who might exploit these territories, ensuring Eridu maintains stability in its reclaimed areas.
Trigger sits on a bench while eating a red bean bun, which has been her go-to food. She watches some vehicles coming forth and out, and several soldiers going to their own task. She wonders what her designation will be when someone in a different uniform approaches her.
She sets aside her food and stands up.
"Codename Trigger, I suppose?"
Trigger sees two stars on his badge and salutes firmly, "Yes, lieutenant."
"Then follow me."
Trigger picks up her belongings and follows as instructed.
The halls of the Defense Force are muted—white greyish color in the walls. There are boards with announcements and recruitment posters, and Trigger cannot help but observe anything that passes on her sight.
"Martin Sanchez is your former employer, correct?" The lieutenant asks.
Trigger focuses her eyes on him.
"Yes, lieutenant."
"How long since you started in those kinds of commissions?"
"Two years ago."
A slight flinch.
The brief pause also brings Trigger to halt her steps. It soon resumes with radio silence.
Her attention is grabbed once more by the noises outside. A drill is ongoing with several lines of recruits. She makes sure, however, not to lose the lieutenant's trail as it does not take them too long to reach their destination.
The lieutenant opens the door, and the hot air somehow blasts on them. Even with the huge fan providing coolness, the humidity remains at an unideal temperature.
Trigger notices the golden name plate—Major Gaston Ludwig. Her sight moves to the man, probably, himself, who has a squared jaw and thick eyebrows. Contrary to the military shows that Trigger has watched before, Major Gaston seems to have no beard.
She confirms that the bearded old military man is a stereotype—something she argues with Lugh from Fenrir.
The lieutenant salutes.
"Here is the young recruit, Major Ludwig."
"Thank you, Lieutenant Roland," Major Gaston says and turns quickly to the young girl, "Martin Sanchez' talented sniper it is."
Trigger nods, "Good day, Major Ludwig."
Major Gaston scrutinizes her for a bit. But even with the sharp stare, Trigger is unfazed and just looking back at him.
"You will be assigned to Cat's Eye Battalion, under Captain Patrick Dane's squad. Lieutenant Roland would guide you where they are. You can now go."
Lieutenant Roland turns to Trigger and escorts her outside. Major Gaston seems to be glaring at the door and releases a sigh.
The Eridu Defense Force consists of several divisions with different designations. The well-known ones are the Diamond Division is responsible for city defense from external threats and the Obsidian Division for void containment of the Hollows. While each has its own function, the aforementioned two are the ones Trigger often hears about.
Trigger has met her squad leader, Captain Patrick Dane, and seems to be the same age as Katya—around their early 30s. She notes first the long scar at his face—from the forehead, down to his eye, and to his chin—which tells that he has gone through something serious. Nevertheless, he has a kind face.
It is a quick meeting per se, as he has a meeting with other squad leaders. Trigger is sent next to the dorms where she can finally take a rest for the day.
Trigger knocks first as she is told in advance that she has roommates. She waits for a moment but there is no response. She knocks once more but receives the same outcome. She twists the knob—and it is open.
When she opens it, the room is indeed empty.
There are four bunk beds, and the two beds are occupied. She is given a key for her locker which is just placed at the end of the room. Looking for locker 124, she unlocks it and begins to fill it with her belongings.
"Oh, it's open."
Trigger turns around and sees a young lady who seems to be in her 20s. Their eyes meet and the young lady with shoulder-length curly hair tilts her head in confusion.
"…What's a kid doing here?"
Trigger stands up and bows a bit, "I'm Trigger, newest recruit here in Corax Squad."
"Oh…are you new, too? Then I'm not the only newbie then!"
Trigger simply stares at her. The young lady wears a smug yet somewhat innocent smile—perhaps the telltale sign of a rookie. But in an instant, her excitement fades, and she looks at Trigger with confusion.
"But you're just a kid."
Trigger chooses to ignore her and resumes placing her clothes in the locker.
"Hey, don't ignore me, cheeky kid!" She walks near her and crouches even beside her. "I'm Myrna Rhodes. Nice to meet ya~! I didn't know the Defense Force accepts kids like—"
Trigger breathes deeply, "Please don't repeat the same thing over and over again. Also, my name is Trigger, not 'kid'."
"Oh," Myrna pauses, "You got words. But hey, I'm just genuinely surprised…"
Trigger finishes organizing her belongings and shuts the locker. For now, she takes a seat on one of the beds, waiting for the others to arrive before deciding on her sleeping spot.
Myrna watches her and Trigger seems to be an intriguing subject. Nonetheless, Myrna also starts to fix her belongings.
Trigger closes her eyes for a moment. This is merely the first day of her new designation. The first days are often uncomfortable, but as for business, she will only do what is ordered—because that is what a sniper is.
"Do you want a red bean bun?"
Trigger's eyes open immediately and turn to the shadow towering over her—Myrna offering her food.
Myrna smiles.
"I think I know now what interests you."