"Military service?" Caedus frowned slightly.
With how things were on Earth when he left, the closest thing to a military that he heard of was the cults and some militia a few towns over. Obviously, Caedus knew the difference between a real military and just those groups of people, but he had never experienced the military himself in any aspect. He just read a lot of books growing up.
Umbra nodded confidently. "Its the simplest and the fastest. You only need to be in the military for a few years. Basic necessities are given. You get paid for it. Plus, we aren't at war or anything. So, depending on the battalion, you'll do a bunch of nothing and collect a paycheck."
"What's a paycheck?" Caedus turned his head slightly, trying to remember it from his books.
"Never mind that. What do you think?" Umbra waved off his confusion.
"It doesn't sound like a bad deal..."
This time, the captain of the guards stepped forward. "First and foremost, young man, not all postings are peaceful."
Umbra spoke up before the captain could continue, "Most are."
"But some aren't," the captain seemed to be a bit irritated at Umbra's interruptions. "Ironwood Kingdom isn't just a standing army. Depending on the battalion you join, you might be working harder than others. You could be a city guard like us, or in administration, or working as medical personnel, or a strategist, or even a bodyguard to a noble."
"So in other words, being in the military, there's a possibility of me doing just about anything." Caedus couldn't lie to himself. He never thought he would be in a stable enough society to do what he wanted to matter.
The current him only wanted to do two things right now. To never be weak again and to explore and go on adventures, living his life to the fullest as his grandfather wanted.
"I guess the next logical thing to ask is, what determines what I do in the military?" Caedus probingly asked.
In the corner of his eye, he could see Umbra smile slightly.
"It depends on your awakened soul powers mostly. Someone with an ability focused on knowledge, as their ability would more likely be put to work where their brains are more useful. If your ability has to do with defense, you would probably be defending someone or something important." The captain said plainly.
"Oh, so it's literally where I would be most useful to the Ironwood Kingdom?"
"Yes." The captain nodded.
"I guess it's a real option for me, but I haven't awakened my soul power, and I don't know how."
Interrupting the conversation between Caedus and the guard captain again, Umbra quickly spoke up. "Don't worry about that; there are public places that do it for a fee, or the military itself will do it during your training."
At this, a few of the guards standing by the gate nodded proudly. The silver on their armor reflected the setting sun.
'Would I have to wear that armor also?'
"Caedus," Umbra said seriously. "Trust me on this. It's the best option for you."
Caedus didn't respond. Before looking back at Umbra and the group of guards who were waiting for his answer.
"I guess…" Caedus said quietly, more to himself than them. "That's the only path that doesn't end with me outside this wall."
Umbra's expression softened slightly at that, but he didn't interrupt.
The captain crossed his arms.
"That is accurate, " he said simply
"Plus, this way leads to strength that you can hold on your own without being in a life debt of a sect, clan, or noble family," Umbra added.
'Strength. I am just a normal weak human.'
It didn't feel like an insult anymore. He had no idea what this world held and in order to live a life of freedom, he needed strength
Caedus turned serious at that, also. 'I am too weak to live a life of freedom the way I want.'
"Fine." He lifted his gaze slightly to look at the beautiful, ornate silver tree. "I'll join the Ironwood Kingdom's military."
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Finally as the sun set over the horizon and the stars began to peek down on Steelcrest City, Caedus and Umbra were allowed through the gates.
"Open up!" The captain shouted loudly.
*rumble*
The gates slowly began to open outwards very loudly as if the world itself was shaking. Then it stopped, creating a gap just wide enough for the duo to walk through.
"Finally, that conversation was a bit long." Umbra said taking a step forward with Caedus right behind him. "Captain, as always its been a pleasure. Give the wife and kids my love." Umbra said reaching out his hand towards the captain.
'Is he still acting friendly to him? Why?'
Then Caedus got a big surprise. The burly captain smiled warmly and shook his hand. "Of course Umbra, we should definitely get together sometime. The kids always ask about you."
"I definitely will." Umbra smiled warmly back. Before setting off and waving goodbye.
As the duo finally stepped foot through the gate it was like Caedus had entered a new world.
The wind from the Endless Plains vanished behind him, replaced by a flood of sounds. Voices overlapped in every direction, laughter, shouting merchants, the rumble of carts rolling over stone, and the constant shuffle of countless feet. Even at night, the city pulsed with life.
Light spilled from lanterns and windows, illuminating rows of buildings that were tightly packed next to each other on the endlessly long road. Signs were so close to each other in some parts it was hard to tell when one business started and where one ended.
And not just buildings. Carts and carriages lined the streets also.
The road itself extended toward the distant mountain, drawing everything inward like a current
"H-holy shit." Caedus breathed out.
"This is the main street of the capital, but it still is a sight to remember." Umbra said with a grin.
"How many people live here?" Caedus asked, his voice barely audible over the noises of the city.
"A few hundred million," Umbra said, as if it were nothing.
Caedus didn't respond.
Umbra watched him for a moment before cracking a light smile, clearly amused.
"And that's just the capital," he added. "The Ironwood Kingdom is actually one of the smaller nations I've visited."
Caedus didn't respond. His mind had already gone blank. That was a number of people he couldn't even fathom.
"And if you think that's a large number. The Ironwood Kingdom itself is one of the smallest nations I have ever been to and it doesn't even compare. And before you die from shock...why do you think they call it the Ironwood Kingdom?"
Caedus didn't respond before following Umbra's arm that began to point into the distance.
"Because that's not a mountain."
Caedus saw Umbra's deep smirk widen a bit.
"That's the ancient dead stump of the Great Ironwood Tree."