Pyarod Army 2

Rogan stood there, panting. His heart was still racing from the fight. He turned to the mysterious warrior.

Warrior: "You okay?"

Rogan: "Yeah… Thanks. But—who are you? How are you so fast? And that sword…?"

The warrior smirked.

Warrior: "Heh… that's a long story. But let me ask you something—do you want to join us?"

Rogan: "W-What?"

Warrior: "You could become like me. Protect your family. Defend the weak."

Rogan hesitated. The idea tempted him, but—

Rogan: "I… I haven't told my family. They worry about me too much."

The warrior's expression turned serious.

Warrior: "Do you want your family to be in danger? Do you want more innocent people to die because of these scorpions?"

Rogan: "No! Of course not!"

Warrior: "Then leave them a message. Carve it into this tree. They'll see it."

Rogan took a deep breath.

Rogan: "That… That's a good idea."

Taking his knife, he carved into the tree:

"I'm leaving to protect you and everyone else. But I will return. – Rogan Brood"

With that, he turned to the warrior.

Rogan: "What's your name?"

Warrior: "Dariko Suyav. And you?"

Rogan: "Rogan Brood."

Dariko let out a chuckle.

Dariko: "Ahh… I feel like I just dragged you into something big, Rogan. Welcome to the Pyarod Army."

Rogan: "No… I want this. Don't worry."

Dariko studied him for a moment before nodding.

Dariko: "Alright… but promise me one thing—you won't quit after your first mission."

Rogan: "Huh? Why would I leave?"

Dariko: "Just promise me. You'll understand when the time comes."

Rogan: "Fine. I promise. So… what happens when we get there?"

Dariko: "You'll rest for today. Tomorrow, training begins. You'll learn everything then."

Arrival at the Pyarod Army Training Camp

They reached the massive gates of the training camp, the air thick with tension and anticipation.

Dariko turned to Rogan, placing a hand on his shoulder.

Dariko: "Rogan, try to make a friend today."

Rogan blinked, confused.

Dariko: "And remember—you promised me."

Rogan: "Yeah, I remember. See you later."

As Rogan turned to leave, Dariko suddenly grabbed his shoulder again.

His voice dropped to a whisper.

Dariko: "Listen to me. There’s something you should know, but only tell a friend you trust. And make sure he doesn’t tell anyone else."

Rogan’s breath hitched.

Dariko: "The scorpions you’ll see in training… are nothing like the ones outside."

Without another word, Dariko walked away, disappearing into the crowd.

---

Inside the Training Camp

The waiting area was packed with new recruits. The energy in the air was electric—some were chatting nervously, while others sat in silence, lost in thought.

Rogan walked through the crowd until he noticed one person sitting alone on a bench. Something about him felt… different.

He made his way over and sat beside him.

Rogan: "Hey there."

The young man looked up, his expression neutral.

???: "Hey."

Rogan: "What’s your name?"

???: "Sumiko Layn. And you?"

Rogan: "Rogan Brood. Where are you from?"

Sumiko smirked slightly.

Sumiko: "I’m from Karanyaz Village. Let me guess… You’re from Baford?"

Rogan chuckled.

Rogan: "Close. I’m from Sharkima Village."

Before they could continue—

A commanding voice echoed through the training ground.

"ATTENTION!"

The recruits snapped their heads toward the source. A tall man stood before them, his deep violet uniform standing out against the dull colors of the camp. His piercing gaze swept over the new recruits.

Something about him… felt powerful.

The stern-looking instructor stood before the recruits, his posture rigid and commanding.

Instructor: "Recruits! Your rooms are ready. Follow me!"

The new trainees shuffled behind him, some whispering nervously while others remained silent. Rogan and Sumiko finally reached their shared room.

Sumiko wasted no time. He jumped onto the bed, stretching out with a satisfied sigh.

Sumiko: "Ahhh… this bed is way more comfortable than I expected."

Suddenly, the instructor's sharp voice cut through the air.

Instructor: "ATTENTION! I am Naoso, your instructor. This will be your place of rest after the intense training starting tomorrow. Until then—stay quiet and keep your discipline. Dismissed."

The door shut behind him, leaving the room in silence.

---

A Conversation in the Dark

As the night deepened, Rogan turned to Sumiko.

Rogan: "Hey, Sumiko… Have you ever seen a Silamodor Scorpion before?"

Sumiko froze. His head lowered, and for a moment, he said nothing.

Rogan immediately regretted asking.

Rogan: "I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to—"

Sumiko: "No… it’s okay."

His voice was quieter now.

Sumiko: "I have seen one. And I could do nothing. It wiped out my entire family in front of me. I was completely helpless. Then, one of the Pyarod warriors arrived just in time. We found my sister—she was barely alive. He took us both in, and she’s now being treated at the Pyarod Medical Center."

He clenched his fists.

Sumiko: "That’s why I’m here."

Rogan hesitated before speaking.

Rogan: "I… saw one too. That night was a nightmare. But somehow… it didn’t kill me."

Sumiko sighed, rolling onto his side.

Sumiko: "So… in the end, we’re here for the same reason. To save people before it’s too late."

Rogan took a deep breath.

Rogan: "There’s something else you should know. The one who saved me—his name is Dariko. He told me something weird…"

Sumiko sat up slightly, intrigued.

Rogan: "He said the Silamodor Scorpions we’ll see in training are nothing like the ones outside."

Sumiko: "…What?"

His eyes widened with fear.

Rogan: "And he made me promise I wouldn’t leave Pyarod after my first mission."

Sumiko stiffened.

Sumiko: "That means… the ones outside—"

A shadow passed over his face. If the scorpions outside were terrifying… what could possibly be worse?

Rogan clenched his fists.

Rogan: "I don’t care. I made my promise. I’ll train hard. And I won’t quit."

Sumiko looked at him for a moment—then nodded.

---