📖 POV – The Boy
The air felt heavier than usual that morning. My boots struck the polished ground of the BAM courtyard with pride I couldn't hide. For years I had dreamed of this day, and now it had come — my first team patrol, and I was in charge.
"Squad Seven, assemble!" My voice carried farther than I expected. The men snapped into formation, eyes locked on me, waiting for orders.
I glanced at the insignia on my uniform — the fresh shine of my newly promoted rank still surreal on my chest. A leap so impossible it still whispered in my head: Why me? But there was no time for doubt. Command demanded certainty.
"Straight through Blackwood Main Road," I ordered. "We march east until the checkpoint. No one breaks formation."
The men responded in unison, "Yes, sir!"
As we advanced, I couldn't help but feel the weight of authority. It wasn't just the sword at my side, nor the new rank stitched in bold across my shoulder — it was the responsibility of lives. I had studied Soren's methods for years, memorizing his ruthless efficiency, his unshakable loyalty to Chris Blackwood.
And now, for the first time, I wasn't just a son trying to impress a father who never cared. I was a leader, even if only of a small unit.
Children ran along the sidewalks, pointing at our black uniforms. Traders stepped aside, bowing slightly, whispering BAM like it was both a blessing and a curse.
Every gaze reminded me: I was no longer just "the minister's son." I was Blackwood's soldier.
As the sun climbed higher, one of my men asked, "Sir, direct orders if we meet resistance?"
I straightened, remembering Soren's words during drills: Mercy is weakness. Order is survival.
"Neutralize," I said flatly. "Then report."
Silence followed, but I could feel the respect tightening around me. This was no longer training. This was real.
And in that moment, with the Blackwood insignia gleaming on my chest, I swore silently: I will climb. No matter how impossible the path. I will rise until even my father is forced to bow his head.
The patrol moved forward, steady and disciplined, the first step of many.
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