Soon all the jumpers walked right over to the central huge camp fire. The chief commander had his hands behind his back. The intensity of the flame made him more intense than he already was. Soon enough all the other camp fires were abandoned. Thousands swarmed on one jump camp fire.
The Chief commander traced around the crowd. The jumpers turned their eyes away as soon as his eyes landed on them.
"Ahem, Thank you all for coming, especially those who are not from a militant background. Coming here and devoting your lives for your country, for humanity is no small thing. Though people in high command like to say that it's an honor to fight for your people. Personally, I do not believe that, and you shouldn't either.
You might have come here expecting me to give you a bravado speech, but I don't like to lie, especially since this might be your last day. From the moment you enter that portal, you won't be fighting for me, for your country, parents or even lover. Even though this expedition is to make our country strong. That is still your life, and I give you full permission to be selfish with it. That way you have a higher chance of surviving"
As he spoke, the faces of the Jumpers looked confused, this is not the normal kind of speech they used to get, especially in this day and age. Weirdly though, they found it refreshing, in fact most if not all of the jumpers here felt a load off their shoulders. Starting to feel relaxed. In exchange for that a new wave of confidence reimaged instead.
Alex at the back was intensely listening to the speech. This made him think about his past life. How things would have been if he never took the weight of the world on his shoulder. Did he feel regret? No. Would he do it again? Never? The blood he lost that day was his last to bleed for humanity.
"Ok, now as for the mission you will be getting, what will you get in exchange for the things you discover in the dimension. The federation pulled all stops to make sure you get properly compensated for the exchange. Let's start with treasures. For common you will receive 1 thousand credits. 5 thousand for Uncommon. 50 thousand for rare, 100 thousand for rare, though myself I won't understand why you would do something so stupid,
Rare treasures are powerful and as for Epic rank up to Mythic rank. The federation would negotiate a price and you also gain a title"
Gusp!
Titles aren't easy to obtain, even powerful families as rich as they are can't just buy their way into getting a title, so far there 5 people in the country with titles. One of them dies, who is Alex. The title isn't just a letter in front of your name. They hold as much if not more power than the president of the old world.
You could see the air change. The once relaxed jumpers look more tense as if something more wealthy of their lives just entered the conversation.
" As for texts they also will be negotiated depending on their grade but most importantly, the knowledge they hold. Bare in mind, World Rank up to Mythic will be turned in without negotiation, you can keep the rest except for those. You will be compensated accordingly of course so no need to worry. The mission will start by clearing the mountain first, there are few special types you should be worried of, we don't really know what their power is but since they come from a realm of truth, expect the unexpected. Steel your heart and minds.
This won't just be a battle for your country. I dare even say most if not all of you stand a chance to gain power far beyond what you currently hold. In the first light the operation begins, so be sore you are well rested and over prepared for a month long journey. God speed to you all!"
That speech received a resounding applause, cheering and some dances. The Chief commander nodded when he saw this then turned around and left. Alex was in the background looking as the chief commander left. Then suddenly the chief commander turned and stared at him right in the eye. A small curve on his mouth formed as he entered his tent.
Alex felt a bit of jolt in his soul when he saw that but quickly dismissed it. He walked back to his camp fire to find Bruce was already there. He sat down and silence took the center stage.
At this moment not so far away in the mountain was a group of unknown individuals hiding on top of the trees. They were camouflaged so well that the fallen walked past them without noticing. In total there seemed to be 7 of them. They made sure not to say a word or sound, Who knows what treasure or jumpers there may be in the camp which could be used to scout the area.
In the tent, The chief commander sat down and proceeded with his work. "Say, how many spies do you think other countries will be sending our way today?" Asking the officer who sat down helping him organise everything.
"No so much, They won't want to risk being found out so I'm thinking a small team of jumpers with stealth Mystica should do" The officer said without taking a moment to look at the commander. "Ow, then I just thought of a fun day for tomorrow" A devious smile formed on the chief commander's face.
The night was long, the jumpered made sure to check their supply. Alex had already thrown away the Lilicorn Carcass from his system inventory and resupplied it with fresh food and tools he would need for a month-long excursion.
Dawn was upon them, the sky stroked orange from a far giving trees a change of colours as though it was autumn. The fires were being put out and everything packed in space bags. Leaving the once vibrant camp into an empty grassland. The Chief commander got out of his then solder jumpers and packed it up for him.
He walked right in front of them and faced the crowd. " Finally the day we had been waiting for had arrived. We seem to have come across some trouble, many teams from small settlements seemed to have been met with some problem on their way here."
As he said those words he made sure to look at the possible culprits. Haillius, the young master of the Caraserl Jumpers Mercenaries made sure he was hidden deep within the crowd when he saw the scanning eyes wave about the jumpers.
"It's quite unfortunate, we'll be sure to look into it. For now let's get this expedition started. Ow and before we begin, I have a rather interesting game I'm sure you will love. We have friends from other countries who are too shy to come and greet us in person. Whoever finds them and extends a welcoming hand will get a personal gift from me" His lips curved into a smile as he said that.
The crowd suddenly got interested. "We will begin from the bottom as we make our way up to the point where the connection to the other dimension is located, with that I say. The mission officially starts good luck to you"
Alex walked towards his team, just as he was about to pass the chief commander a hand suddenly held onto his shoulders." Boy, I feel no connection within you, are you even a jumper and even if you are one, aren't you too young to be a senior jumper?"
Alex turned his head and looked the Chief Commander in the eyes. "Today is a good day to throw my life away commander, besides my Mystica is a special kind so normal means won't be able to detect it. Lastly, my age just shows my talent… can I go now my team is waiting for me" He said as he pointed at Bruce and the others looking in their direction.
When the Chief Commander saw Bruce, his smile grew wider. "Ow, that is an interesting group you got there, I feel you guys have a higher chance of success." "Thanks!"
"Ok, let me not keep you, be safe out there, it is not easy to find talented youngsters like you" Then the commander took his hand off Alex's shoulder…
Once he met with the team, they asked what the commander was talking about. He repeated the conversation to them and then they started walking towards the mountain.
Looking at the top, you could see the tip piecing the clouds. Not long after the group re-entered the dark forest. Unlike the last time, they could hear thousands of footsteps all around the, and if you listen closely, you could hear that other teams have already begun fighting.