Protection Corp

I got up as usual, got dressed, ate breakfast, and went out back to train.

Regular day.

That was until a knock came from the door.

“Who’s that?” I asked.

“Are you expecting anyone, Mara dear?” Grandma asked.

“No, not at all.” Mara replied.

Nevertheless, Grandma opened the door.

“Good Morning Yugi.’

“Ah! Good Morning Commander, I’ve been seeing quite a lot of you recently!”

They both let out hearty laughs

“Yes, yes you have. Well you see, I’m actually here to speak with your grandson, is he in?”

Grandma looked briefly in my direction, and I nodded at her.

“Yes, yes he’s in, one moment.”

She screamed my name throughout the house.

“I’m here!”

My eyes gazed upon the Commander.

“Good Morning Commander, how may I help you today?”

“I’m sure as you’re aware, I know of your identity as the Red Mask.”

“What are you insinuating Commander?”

“I’ve seen your skills. You and your side-kick have done impeccable work in keeping the streets clean, so much so, that we’ve had a 65% decrease in overall crime compared to the last month. I’ll get straight to the point. I want you to join the Protection Corp.”

“I’m afraid I can’t acce-”

“You need a plan if you’re gonna save your sister and avenge your family.”

“Please come inside Commander, I’d rather we discuss more of this inside.”

I invited him in and he helped himself to a seat.

“So what do you mean I need a plan? And more importantly, how do you know of my motives?”

“Well, I didn’t know about them until your behavior just now confirmed them to me. But it’s quite a simple and reasonable conclusion to make for anyone who knows of your past, and as this town’s Protection Corp Commander in Chief, I am privy to that kind of information.”

“Look, you have the skills, and I have an inkling that you’re working with Count Chabel someway somehow, seeing as though you rejected the offer we both curated.”

He let out a short laugh.

“I like you, you have the guts. You have the skill, and you have the zeal. I’m offering you a chance to fast-track the search for your sister. A Protection Corp Badge is recognized all about the Kingdom, and holds very real power.”

He showcased this power by enveloping his entire entire body in a bright yellow glow.

“Is that Karma?”

“Yes, and with this badge you can fast-track your journey to manifesting your Karma.”

I exchanged glances with Grandma, and Mara, who just walked into the room.

“You see Mr. Commander sir, this may be hard for you to believe, but I’ve already manifested my Karma.”

“IMPOSSIBLE! It takes years of concentration, and purity and seclusion training just to unleash the tiniest fraction of manifestation. Do not jest with me boy.”

“He does not jest.” My Grandmother interrupted.

“Surely, you can’t believe this?!” The Commander seemed amazed.

Without having to ask, Mara fetched my Claymore and I demonstrated that I did, in fact, know not only how to manifest Karma, but also how to project it upon my sword in a manner that they could both coexist.

“It seems Murphy, that there are still some things that even in your old age, you do not know.” My Grandma said.

“By the Gods! This, you, I.”

The Commander stood there in awe, bewildered at the level of mastery Job had achieved at such an early age.

When he finally came to his senses he spoke.

“That explains how you were able to subdue the deputy mayor.” He said. “This is incredible…” He trailed on.

“Please forgive me for my ignorance, I request you to join the Protection Corp regardless. I will see to personally that you skip all physical and sword related training. All you need to do is familiarize yourself with the law, and you will be a certified officer.”

I thought of it for a moment, the offer was very similar to that of the Counts. However, unlike working for a family, getting into the Corp was extremely hard, and even prestigious families made it a mandate that their heirs are to spend time in the Corp, regardless of stature.

This was because the Corp was not only the constabulary force of the empire, but it was also the only institution in the entire kingdom that guaranteed stable political influence and mobility. While houses rise and fall, the power of the corp is universally recognized, and its jurisdiction spans throughout the Kingdom, unlike a house which is typically restricted to its own province.

Not to mention the power of the badge itself, it would make my search and life all the better, and maybe I'd finally be able to give back to Grandma after all this time.

Even though, I wanted to be free on all accounts, without any obligations, when I weighed the benefits of joining the corp, I made up my mind.

After some more consideration, I gave my answer.

“I will join the Corp, but only under the condition that my studies are fast-tracked. I cannot afford to divert too much time from searching for my sister.”

“Is that all?”

“Yes sir.”

“Okay, gather your things, I’ll send an envoy tomorrow.”

“Why so soon?”

“The newest set of cadets arrive tomorrow, And it would make it all the more easier if you came in then. If I could have it my way, we would’ve left today, but I’d rather not face your Grandmother’s wrath.” He chuckled nervously.

“Ah, I see.”

-

That night, after Mara left once more. Grandma pulled me aside.

“Grandson, you’ll be entering a space that will be fundamentally different from everything you’ve experienced thus far.”

“How so?”

“You’re entering a competitive space, and people will do whatever it takes to gain the upperhand. Do not be quick to anger, for they will provoke you and attempt to derive a reaction from you that will not be good for you, and your image in the short and long run. Though I have never been overzealous when it comes to the teachings of Ire, you’ll need them more than ever in this space. Please my Grandson, hold on to your peace and dignity, for they are the greatest assets you will ever have.”

“Greater than Karma? Greater than my sword skills? My training?”

“Much, much greater. It is your identity. My child, never lose your Identity, and never forget your enlightenment.”

“Thank you Grandma, I genuinely don’t know what I would’ve done without you.”

“Oh you silly child, you have to start using that brain of yours soon enough. I’m old, you know? Heaven knows my time is coming sooner than later.”

“Oh Grandma, we both know you’ll be living long past this.”

We embraced, and laughed heartily.

That night however, I could not sleep at all. Grandma’s words lingered with me.

“Was it really all that different from home?” I couldn’t help but wonder.

-

In the morning I awoke to Grandma outside wielding her sword for the first time since the incident underground.

But there was something funny about it, there was no Karma manifesting on her sword, but I could sense it.

Was she perhaps?

A knock came at the door.

I answered the door, and prepared to depart with the courier.

As he loaded the trunks onto the carriage, Grandma hugged me and wished me farewell.

Just then Mara came barreling down the road, seemingly out of bed.

“Have you run all the way from home?” I asked somewhat bewildered.

“Y-Yes.” she said almost out of breath.

I gave her a moment to catch her breath. Then she continued.

“I just came here to bid you farewell, and to give you this! It’s not like I care about you, you lumbering oaf!”

I just smiled and leaned in for a hug.

“Please hurry back, what is a side kick without their partner?”

“I will, I’ll make sure to write!” I said as I clambered onto the carriage.

Before I knew it, we were off.

-

The town of Paprika was the second largest town of all those within the province, so we had the privilege of having our own Protection Corp Academy. Granted, it was nowhere near as grandiose as those within the capital city of Troys Bay.

That was half a month’s travel away though, so it was unfeasible to go that far. Besides, I live quite close to the academy.

For five hours we traveled through the lush Paprikan countryside. I never had time to ponder on her beauty however, as I was mentally preparing myself for the environment I was going into.

Somewhere along the way I had fallen asleep, until a knock from the front of the carriage jolted me awake.

“Oi, look sharp, we’re about fifteen minutes out! Make sure you have your goods in order!” The driver cried.

I fixed my hair and sharpened my clothes, although they were rather fit on me they were adequate.

-

As we came onto the compound, we passed the grand front gate and its guards.

The carriage stopped on the cobblestone path right in front of the grand academy doors. The Commander was standing out front.

I was directed by an usher where to stand, as we waited for the other cadets to arrive.

Apparently I was an hour early, so I had some time to chat with the Commander.

“I’m so glad you’ve decided to join the corp, Job. We will do well with such a well-rounded recruit as yourself.”

“Yes sir, I will make sure to do my utmost best.”

“Oh, I don’t doubt it!”

As we were both laughing, the rest of the cadets filed in slowly.

For some reason I felt like I was being watched.

-

“ATTENTION!”

All the cadets stood at attention, I did my best to mimic them.

“PLEASE WELCOME THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF TO THE STAGE!”

“AYE SIR!” the cadets responded.

“THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE HERE WERE CHOSEN AMONG THE BEST OF OUR APPLICANTS. YOU HAVE ROSE TO THE TOP BASED ON YOUR RESULTS IN THE PRELIMINARY’S, BUT DON’T LET IT GET TO YOUR HEAD. HERE, WE DO NOT CARE WHAT FAMILY YOU COME FROM, WHAT HOUSE, WHAT WALK OF LIFE. WHEN YOU COME THROUGH THESE GATES, YOU ARE THE SAME AS ANY OTHER WEAK SOBBING WET BEHIND THE EARS CADET. UNTIL YOU PROVE YOURSELF YOU WILL BE TREATED AS SUCH.”

After the Commander spoke, various other academy and corp personnel spoke.

We were then taken to the different areas we as year one cadets had access to.

A shabby training area.

A lecture theater.

And the Cadet dormitories.

After that, we were given our uniforms and identification numbers.

Mine was ID: JH1806