The resounding scream shocked everyone, but Squad A did not react. They all stood like statues. Talen who was presiding over them noted this point in the score sheet. This was the tantamount Military Discipline. No movements until you are commanded to. Tyberius turned to Laohu Bai. He asked, "Who is this kid?"
Laohu Bai spoke with a prideful smirk, "Younger brother to my sworn sister, Feng Yun. So, he is my younger brother too. His name is Feng Yang Dao, age 16 and 3 months. This year's national topper, with full marks. Currently, a student in this university, pursuing Physics and Computer Operations as major courses while Arts and Human Psychology are selected as minors. Recently established a company under his name, Dao Technologies. Will release the first product after the military training."
This sounded like a resume, but the thing is that the resume was impressive. Tyberius almost doubted his existence, listening to the words of the beauty in front of him. He sighed and said, "What are the chances that he can join the special forces? You can have him under your wing. I just want his talents on the battlefield to be useful. Try to convince him?"
Laohu Bai shook her head, as she said, "Sir, you are a senior, while I am like his sister, he will refuse to me easily." in her mind, however, a wicked thought came, 'Humph, old man trying to save face after learning about my young master's identity? As if I would give you a chance.'
The old man sighed and nodded. He walked down the watchtower, thinking that what Laohu Bai said was reasonable. If you are too familiar, then it would be easy to refuse her proposal. He climbed down the ladder with his mind filled with such thoughts.
Talen saluted Tyberius as he came closer. His actions were followed by Yang Dao and his squad. The old man nodded to them. He said in a deep voice, "You kids are good. I hope you all persist in training yourself after this mandatory session as well. Consistency is all that will get you to a higher pedestal in life."
The squad replied, "Sir, yes, Sir."
The old man nodded, his gaze concentrated at Yang Dao as he said, "You were good out there."
Yang Dao replied, "Thank you, Sir."
The Lieutenant-General gazed at him from head to toe. Then he said, "Come, talk a walk with me."
This came as a surprise to the boy, but he complied with the command. He followed the old man after saluting Talen and Laohu Bai. He was not yet open to Laohu Bai like he was o Feng Yun, so he did not ask her what it was all about.
...
The old man said nothing as the two walked. Only after a few hundred meters, Tyberius asked, "Are you not curious about why I called you over?"
Yang Dao replied, "Report, I am curious, Sir." he was completely immersed in his role as the cadet at this moment. Tyberius spoke, "You can speak freely to me, as to why I called you over. I want to ask you, are you interested in enrolling in the army?"
The boy was surprised, to be honest. Not everyone gets to be invited by such a senior officer. He did not expect this thing. Although he liked to live the way he wants but, to say that he did not have an idea about the army would be wrong too. He replied after some thought, "I do not think, I can join the army, sir."
Tyberius asked, "Why? You have the skill, and the opportunity as well. I can let you enter the special forces, directly reporting to General Laohu Bai. Why do you refuse?" his voice was calm and patient.
Yang Dao replied, "Sir, the army is too restrictive. The restriction will limit the way I can help my country. I do not want that. When I look at people wearing the uniform, I can feel the pride radiated by them, but the uniform is also a chain that bounds them to the army only. They may not take civilian decisions. This restraint is something I do not want. Only when the nation grows on both the fronts can it grow."
Tyberius at first thought that the kid was speaking out of context, but as Yang Dao proceeded his words became meaningful. It may seem a little weird, but Yang Dao speaks in such a manner because his words reflect the Dao. The old general realized his meaning and was surprised. He fell silent and then said, "How about you are granted the freedom you want? Two conditions have to be followed through."
Yang Dao was surprised, as the agreement was out of expectation, after all the boy was a teenager only, which made Tyberius accept him. He asked, "What conditions?"
Tyberius spoke, "If need be, the special forces will call you over, you cannot refuse. Second, do not reveal your elemental skills to anyone until it is a life and death situation." his voice was low. Both the people came to a stop as soon as these words were dropped.
Yang Dao widened his eyes and the old man raised his hand, made a grasping action in the space. It was as a sword always hung in the void for the old man to claim. A translucent turquoise sword appeared in Tyberius's grasp. The old man said, "I am also an air elemental. That is why I can sense an elemental perception on you. You recently stepped into the first realm, Elemental Seeker, right?"
Yang Dao could not believe what just happened here. He gulped and said, "I accept your conditions. Are there more elementalist in the army?" he was very excited at this moment.
Tyberius laughed loudly. He pointed to the four instructors and Laohu Bai in the distance and said, "They are all elementalists. That is why they are called special forces."
The boy opened his eyes wide. He muttered, "So, this is why they are all so good."
Tyberius nodded, as he said, "You will be enrolled, by the end of the week you will have your Identity card issued. I hope you grow and let the country grow along you. Let's go back, they are waiting."
Yang Dao followed the old man in silence. He did not have any questions, neither did he have any complaints. He got to be in the army while his freedom stayed intact. What else could he ask for?
Sounds like everything he got was served to him a silver platter, right? Well that is what means to be the darling of the heavens.