Divine System: Land of the Abominations-Chapter 309: Social Relations (1).

Commander Strut’s office was exactly as severe as the man himself.

Stone walls were a dull grey color like everything within the Red House. There was a desk that looked like it had survived multiple wars as well as shelves lined with books, reports and various documents that possibly contained importance secrets and all that convoluted crap.

From a single window, the dull light from the grey skies filled the room bringing all but warmth.

The Commander sat behind his desk, reading something. He didn’t look up when Nero entered.

Nero stood and waited nervously.

Today, the Commander had specifically called for him. It was an honor to even meet with him, especially someone with a status as low as his.

He still remembered the first time he met this strange, old, yet powerful old man.

His waning age did absolutely nothing to hide the absolutely boisterous presence that wafted off of him. He was, without a doubt, a dangerous person.

Nero could only imagine what sort of horror he must have been in his prime.

The silence stretched for a long time. Outside, Nero could hear the distant sounds of the garrison. The hardy voices calling out orders. The ring of metal on metal from the training yard...

Finally, Strut set down whatever he’d been reading and looked up.

"Sit."

Nero did as he was told and sat.

The Commander studied him for a moment, his expression giving away nothing. His engimatic blue eyes the color of cut gemstones and his olden hair gave him a regal, noble aura.

It was rather impressive.

"I heard you did decently on the preliminary. Peter would be proud." Strut with a small smile.

Nero’s face darkened as his heart dropped a bit.

A few memories floated through his mind and he let out a sigh.

"How... How was he? Back then?"

Commander Strut leaned back a bit and his eyes turned a bit glassy,

"We was like every hot-blooded kid. Ready to head to the frontier and fight off the mounta demons and all the horrors of the world. Of course, life isn’t so simple."

Nero frowned, "Why..."

Strut turned to him with a small smile,

"Why was he sent off to some border town and left to live out his days? With no glory or way to earn his honor?"

Nero stayed quiet.

Strut huffed,

"Do you think the life of a Templar is a glorious one? Those are merely childish delusions. That was the best thing for him at the time. I believe he would have realized that before he passed. It is indeed such a shame..."

Then the Commander shook his head and his expression turned serious,

"I’ve read the examiner’s report. Encountering a ruin is no small thing. However, from my knowledge, that area of Thornwood has been completely swept through multiple times in the past, even under direct supervision from Prophets. There is no way they would have missed that."

Nero swallowed nervously,

"Does that mean..."

Commander Strut nodded, "When word of this gets out, the legitimacy of your claims will be called into question. After all, such a thing is quite unprecedented. Ruins don’t just appear out of nowhere, do they?"

Nero grimaced, "I guess that makes sense..."

Strut nodded,

"Of course, I will be backing you. But you do need to be careful from now on. Getting involved with the inquisition won’t be a good record for you."

Nero remained silent.

The Commander continued regardless,

"We send a few scouts to search for the ruins again, but it is nowhere to be found. My only guess is that it vanished right after you three escaped. Your claim was supported by the Koh and Brimm boys but there will still be a formal investigation. You do not need to worry about that for now."

Nero nodded stiffly. He could tell that the Commander was trying to protect him here. After all, although Arthur and Jacob could support his claims that there was in fact a ruin, the fact was that they were vastly unconscious for the most part, so even that could be called into question.

That means he was the most suspicious party of the entire ordeal.

He couldn’t help but tremble a bit. He absolutely did not want to be put on the Inquisition’s radar. That sounded like a nightmare.

"Then, there was your account of the Abomination you battled. From your description, it sounds similar to once such creature that was encountered in the Dark River and slain by a certain hero during the Demons Wars."

"Arthur and Jacob said something similar as well." Nero said with a frown.

"For what it is worth perhaps this detail might give you a bit more legitimacy. But we cannot be so sure. Regardless, I would like to officially congratulate you."

Commander Strut picked up a piece of paper from his desk.

"You are officially a Templar candidate. That your trials have already begun."

"I understand, sir."

"I wonder if you do." Strut set the paper down. "The trials this time will be more... complicated. Your fate will be heavily influenced on how well you do."

The Commander cleared his throat,

"I have no doubt that you are gifted enough to perform well. But it will be in your best interests not to draw more attention than necessary, to put it bluntly..."

Nero understood exactly what he meant. He nodded vigorously.

"Of course, of course..."

A small smile appeared on the Commander’s face,

"Good that you are quick on the uptake."

Then his expression turned serious again as he picked up another paper. "You’ll begin formal training this week until the start of the trials. Combat, doctrine, Church law. I’m assigning you to a cohort with other new candidates."

"Yes, sir."

The Commander nodded in satisfaction,

"Good. You are dismissed."

Nero stood and turned toward the door.

"Nero."

He stopped and looked back.

Strut’s expression had shifted slightly. There was a bit of warmth in his eyes, although Nero thought he might have been seeing things,

"The resources of the Red House will be fully available to you during this period. Make sure to use them to the fullest."

Nero was silent for a moment. Then he bowed slightly,

"You have my deepest gratitude, Commander."

Then he turned around and left the office.

As he walked back, Nero couldn’t help but exhale deeply.

’That was tense...’ he thought to himself.

The sounds that surrounded him seemed to fade away as a slight smile appeared on his face.

He was finally making progress.