The recruited players were all gathering in front of the train station, drawing quite the attention. Fortunately, it was early in the day, or a commotion might have broken out. However, with a few soldiers around it was unlikely to turn into something big.
Finally, the appointed time had arrived. A pair of doors belonging to the train station slid aside and a few soldiers came out.
Leading them was a tall man with a perfectly straight back, his face extremely grim as if he was about to head into battle any second.
"Recruits, follow me!"
The man didn't say any nonsense at all. He directly turned around again, used to having everyone follow his command.
The players looked at each other with question marks. At least some of the surrounding soldiers showed some sympathy, subtly gesturing to the players not to hesitate.
Finally, movement came into the group. They entered the train station and past another door into a restricted area.
This part of the train station was usually only accessible to the army. Everywhere one could see soldiers orderly processing supplies which would be loaded onto trains later.
But not everyone had work to do. Some groups of soldiers stood around, laughing leisurely, just like normal people. However, when they noticed the man leading Liam and the others they immediately shut up, pretending to be busy.
Some players watching this scene wanted to laugh but held back due to the oppressive atmosphere.
Noticing this, Liam guessed these arrangements were deliberately done by the army. Maybe they sent a no-nonsense officer to lead the players so they would quickly fall in line.
If this was the army's idea, it was clearly working well. The players remained silent as they followed the officer up a set of broad stairs. Reaching the top the players arrived at a train platform exclusive to the army.
A monster of a train was standing there. Its bulky frame was covered with thick, black armor, radiating an oppressive air. Slim barrels were sitting on top of the train, surprisingly resembling cannons. Liam couldn't help but sniff a few times, seemingly smelling the sweet odour of blood emanating from the train.
Many of the players gulped. Seeing one of the military's famous trains from up close the reality finally set in that they weren't here for fun.
The leading officer kept silent for a few seconds before turning towards a soldier who had been waiting on the platform.
"Is everything ready?"
"Yes, major! On your order everyone can board the train, and we can set off."
"So what are you waiting for?"
The soldier nodded and turned towards the players. He shouted a few times, directing everyone to orderly board the train.
The interior of the train clearly wasn't constructed with comfort in mind. Many players had to stand. Additionally, many placed were closed off, making the rest of the train even more crowded.
Liam fortunately commanded a lot of respect under the players. Thanks to that he received one of the few seats and even sat next to one of the small windows made from sturdy, multilayered glass.
Not long after everyone boarded the train it finally started moving. The massive train was too heavy for hover technology and had to rely on wheels. Turning, they rattled loudly like a stampede, echoing through the surroundings, waking up the unfortunate people living too close to the train tracks.
Luckily the train station was built towards the edge of the city. Soon the train left the city through a large gate and began to gain speed.
Liam marvelled at the passing landscape which mostly consisted of towering trees and a few smaller lakes.
Soon, the train reached a fork. Following the straight path the train would eventually reach Five Lakes City, but their train took a turn to the left, advancing along the forest's edge.
It took about forty more minutes until the train finally entered another station. Compared to the station in the city this one was clearly more rudimentary, mainly equipped with machines and tools which made it easier to unload cargo.
As the train stopped everyone was asked to get off and a platoon of soldiers welcomed them, confirming everyone's identity. Only then were they led out of the station, entering what could be called a modern fort.
Thick walls encircled a large military complex. Buildings and streets were made of concrete and steel, and the only decoration was the occasional emblem belonging to the various army units.
The players weren't given any chance to look around. They were led along a prepared path, not allowing them to learn more about the complex than necessary.
After a short walk they were brought to a large parking spot. To everyone's surprise a crowd was already waiting here, which consisted of the players from other cities. The two groups eyed each but stayed silent, following the military's directions.
The players formed more or less orderly lines, looking towards the wall where a tall man in heavily decorated uniform was staring back at them, beginning to speak:
"Welcome, players! My name is Corporal Ineft. I am responsible for this operation! Since you are here, you should already know what we are about to do and have agreed to join this mission.
Now, you will be separated into teams. When your name is called, immediately gather towards your responsible officer!"
The players all nodded, showing no military discipline. Luckily Corporal Ineft appeared rather casual and didn't demand more. He nodded towards an officer standing far to the right in front of a row of waiting trucks, signalling the man to begin.
The officer took a step forward and shouted loudly:
"Bleary Mirage!"
For a moment Liam didn't react as the officer called him by his in-game name. Fortunately, before the situation threatened to turn awkward, Liam's brain processed what was happening and ordered his body to move.
Liam hurried towards the officer, stopping behind the man, his expression remaining neutral throughout.
The officer also didn't show any awkwardness and swiftly called up more players. Eight more players appeared, and Liam only nodded at them lightly. None of them appeared familiar to him.
However, when the tenth person was called up, Liam's eyes lit up in surprise. A tall man, slightly older than Liam, and with a rough appearance stepped forward. It was surprisingly Liam's junior brother Kieran, whom Master Baker had accepted shortly before the dojo was attacked by the two void-corrupted youths.
The fellow martial practitioners nodded at each other but didn't dare to say more.
After gathering ten people the officer in charge turned around and addressed his new team:
"Alright, that's it. You guys, enter the car and we will set off."
The players nodded, accepting the order calmly. They entered the spacious transporter behind them, taking their seats in two rows to the left and right.
Waiting for a moment the officer nodded silently and walked around the vehicle, entering from the front. A moment later the transporter's hover technology came to life with a buzzing sound and the car directly left the military complex under everyone's gazes.
Despite the vehicle advancing over uneven ground, the inside was calm. With the officer separated from the players by a wall, they could finally get to know each other.
The other players were surprised by Liam's presence and eager to talk to him. But naturally, he was more interested in his junior brother.
"Hey, I didn't expect we would meet again like this."
Kieran laughed which somehow made his face more intimidating:
"Haha, I'm surprised you still remember me!"
"Of course I do! How could I forget my junior brother?"
"Well, we really didn't have much interaction after what happened in the dojo..."
"Yes. It's a pity. But you didn't come with the same train as I, right? Did you leave the city?"
"Yes. I was invited by a fellow hunter from another city."
Kieran and Liam continued talking, slowly getting to know each other. Liam was quite glad to have Kieran. Thanks to their conversation the others didn't pester Liam, mostly keeping to themselves.
This situation went on for a while until the transporter came to stop. The officer knocked against the wall, signalling everyone to get off.
Liam jumped out of the teleporter and scanned his surroundings. His attention was instantly drawn to a hill in the distance.
Even from afar one could clearly see the void energy gathering above the hill. The eerie sight combined with the absence of any animals, even insects, created an extremely ominous atmosphere. Liam guessed that even if the beasts weren't gathering elsewhere right now, none would dare to approach this region.
Leading up to the hill was a path through the forest. It was a straight trench with a low number of trees. It was unclear if there had been trees before, later removed by the army.
Suddenly a voice sounded in Liam's mind, pulling him out of his thoughts.
[Player Liam, receive your next challenge!]