"The Corruption of Knowledge"
Chapter 13: Steps Toward the Commander
Author: Frenames
After a few minutes, Fray was dressed.
He wore a black tunic with golden buttons and embroidery that sparkled in the light, while the high collar sat on his shoulders like a crown. His dark trousers, with thick stripes along the sides, hugged his legs tightly but neatly, and the golden belt clung firmly to his waist. On his head, he wore a black military cap—perfect, complete, and seemingly made for him.
"This uniform isn't bad… it fits me just right," Fray whispered to himself, but he couldn't shake the nervousness pounding in his chest.
Sweat broke out on him, and his heart raced.
"Could they be measuring my body while I sleep without my permission?" he whispered, feeling each drop of sweat like fire down the back of his neck.
While lost in his own thoughts, a knock sounded at the door.
Knock… knock…
"Ahem… Sir, are you finished dressing? If you are, we can go to Commander Hitler," a soft but clear voice came from outside.
Fray turned and replied, "I'm ready!" He stepped toward the door and gently opened it.
At first glance, Marie froze. It was as if a young maiden had just seen a prince for the first time—her eyes sparkled with fascination, and every movement Fray made seemed mysteriously charming.
"Wow, he's so handsome… like a prince," Marie whispered to herself, almost forgetting to breathe.
Fray noticed her reaction and faintly smiled. "What's her problem? She's been staring for a minute—what's wrong with my face?" he thought, waving his hand in front of Marie.
"Miss, are you okay?" Fray asked, and finally, Marie regained her composure.
"I'm fine, just thinking," she said, giving a small smile.
"I'm Marie," she introduced herself, extending her hand for a handshake. Fray took it, and their palms met in a gentle up-and-down motion—a silent yet sweet ritual of introduction.
"I'm Fray," he whispered to himself as he noticed the softness of her hand.
After letting go, Marie spoke again.
"This is the way to Commander Hitler's office," she said, starting to walk. Fray followed, carefully matching each step, too shy to ask questions.
Marie noticed his unease. She could almost read his questions in his eyes.
"Your questions will be answered by the Commander," Marie explained. She knew Fray had many things he wanted to ask, but it was better to let the Commander answer first. "I'm just guiding you—don't worry, I'm just doing my job," she added with a slight smile.
As they walked, they passed several base personnel busy with their tasks. But when they noticed Fray, they stopped and stared.
Fray felt slightly embarrassed under their gaze. Each pair of eyes felt like spears of heat piercing him, and it was as if he had just realized the weight of being the center of attention. He almost wished he could shrink into his own skin, yet he forced himself to maintain his posture. As the saying goes: "Where you are thrown, there you learn to stand."
After a few moments, the personnel returned to their work, but the memory of the first gaze lingered in Fray's mind, like ink that is hard to erase.
Marie, standing in front of him, seemed to know what he was thinking. "Don't worry," she said softly, making sure Fray wouldn't lose his way to the Commander's office.
Fray and Marie were on the first floor of the building. The Beta Military Base had three floors, and on the first floor, they passed injured and busy personnel. Time seemed to stop for Fray in those moments—almost every pair of eyes was on him—but soon everyone returned to their duties.
They continued up the stairs. Marie led the way, and Fray carefully followed her rhythm. As they reached the second floor, Fray observed his surroundings—each door, each person, each shadow seemed to tell a story of its own.
Finally, they reached the third floor. A few turns later, they arrived at the Commander's office. Marie raised her hand to knock, but paused mid-motion, and a cold voice came from inside:
"Enter."
Fray swallowed hard. His mind raced with a thousand possibilities.
"Will the Commander eat me alive? Or will I just make a mistake and be punished?" he whispered to himself, feeling the weight of each step.
He took a deep breath, forcing away his fear, and slowly entered, ready to face the next chapter of his life—facing Commander Hitler.
Marie opened the door and signaled Fray to enter.
Fray stepped into the Commander's office and was shocked—the Commander was the muscular man he had spoken with earlier in the room.
Once Fray entered, the door closed, but Marie did not come in.
They stared at each other, and Fray felt nervous—the man seemed to project pressure that pinned him to the ground. After a few moments, the pressure eased, and Fray could finally breathe.
The Commander smiled widely and suddenly laughed.
"Boy, it looks like you've seen a ghost—you're pale and trembling."
In Fray's mind: "Who wouldn't tremble if they were being pressed into the ground like this?"
He didn't answer, only offered a bitter smile.
"Sit, boy, for I have much to explain," the Commander instructed, pointing to the sofa at the side. Two sofas faced each other with the Commander's table in the center; one to the left, one to the right, enough for three people.
Fray glanced at the sofa and sat on the left. Soft, comfortable, and seemingly welcoming every ounce of his tired body.
"Ask what you want to ask," the Commander said, his tone lighter than before—not like the first impression, when it seemed he wanted to devour Fray.
Fray organized his thoughts, wondering what to ask, but decided it was better to introduce himself first.
"Who are you?" he asked gently but respectfully.
The Commander replied, "Good, boy. Manners are important. You should first introduce yourself to each side."
"I am Hitler Maslow, and I am the Commander of the Beta Military branch," he explained, paused, and continued:
"Do not introduce yourself—I already know who you are, and all your information."
Fray paused, startled by the last statement—it felt like the man was a stalker in his life. Goosebumps rose on his skin.
"Is that so," he whispered, forcing a smile.
"Alright, it seems you are confused and unsettled, so I will tell you what you need to know," the Commander added.
"First of all, I will explain about the Ascendant," he continued.
Fray listened carefully, adjusting his posture, ready to finally learn what he had been searching for.
"The Ascendant refers to those who walk the path of the Concept Line," the Commander explained, paused briefly, and continued:
"There are 24 Concept Lines—24 types of paths. Each Concept Line has its own powers and abilities."
Fray became even more interested and listened intently, as the saying goes: "Knowledge is a light in the darkness."
To be continue...