Chapter 4: An Authority
ECF Space Center – 4th Platoon, Commander Center
Deep within the vast corridors of ECF Space Center, inside the heavily fortified Commander Center, a group of high-ranking officers monitored multiple screens, each displaying live feeds of planetary operations.
At the center of the room stood Field Commander Ackerman, a towering figure with a reputation for being both ruthless and efficient. His arms were crossed, his sharp eyes locked onto a holographic projection of Ramirez’s latest mission.
Beside him, one of his underling generals stood at attention, awaiting orders.
"Give me a status update on Ramirez," Ackerman ordered, his deep voice carrying authority and impatience.
The general straightened, pulling up a tactical report on his datapad.
"Sir, Ramirez has successfully eliminated the goblin threat near the village. He executed strategic artillery support from Phoenix Lair and personally engaged in close combat, confirming his combat effectiveness."
Ackerman raised an eyebrow. "Hmph. And here I was expecting the boy to struggle."
The general nodded. "Indeed, sir. His adaptability is surprising. Despite his lack of formal military training, he is learning quickly. His use of modern weaponry and strategic awareness exceeded projections."
Ackerman remained silent for a moment, then turned toward the holographic battle replay. The footage showed Ramirez dodging arrows, cutting through goblins with precision, and calling in artillery strikes with efficiency.
After a few seconds, Ackerman scoffed. "He''s reckless. Overextends himself too often. He fights like a lone soldier, not a commander."
The general hesitated before responding. "That is… somewhat true, sir. However, his decision-making in combat is improving. Given more experience, he could—"
"Could?" Ackerman turned his gaze to the general, his expression unreadable. "He must. There''s no room for ‘could’ in war. If he fails, we lose our foothold on that world. And the Confederation cannot afford failure."
The general swallowed hard, nodding. "Understood, sir."
Ackerman exhaled, glancing toward the planet’s strategic overview displayed on the large screen before them.
"Keep monitoring him. If he continues to improve, perhaps he is worth our investment. If not—" He paused, then smirked. "Then we find another Champion."
The general stiffened but said nothing.
Ackerman turned away, hands behind his back. "For now, let’s see how far the boy can go."
Ramirez lay on his bed inside his quarters, staring at the metallic ceiling of Phoenix Lair. The room was minimalistic yet comfortable, designed with functionality over luxury. A soft blue glow from the digital panels illuminated the space, casting faint reflections across the cold steel walls.
For the first time since he arrived in this world, he had a moment to think—no battles, no commands, just silence.
He exhaled deeply, letting his body sink into the bed. His muscles ached from the fight, and his mind felt like it was on overdrive.
"What the hell am I even doing here…?" he muttered.
Everything had happened too fast. One moment, he was just an ordinary delivery guy, and the next, he was fighting goblins with laser guns and a legendary sword.
His thoughts spiraled.
<ul>
<li>Who exactly are the ECF?</li>
<li>What is their true goal?</li>
<li>Why did they choose me?</li>
</ul>
He glanced at his combat uniform, neatly folded on the chair next to him. The insignia of the Earth Confederation Forces gleamed under the dim light.
"They said I was ‘chosen’ to be a Divine Hero…" He scoffed. "What a joke. A hero? Me?"
He sighed and closed his eyes, his mind still racing with unanswered questions.
Then, slowly, exhaustion took over.
His breathing steadied, his thoughts faded, and before he knew it…
He drifted into sleep.
<h4>Phoenix Lair – Ramirez’s Quarters</h4>
BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!
The blaring alarm jolted Ramirez awake as his room flashed red, bathing everything in an emergency glow.
"Ugh… what the hell now?" He groaned, rubbing his eyes.
Sarah’s voice crackled over the intercom.
"Commander, we require your immediate attention in the Command Center."
Ramirez sighed, throwing off the blanket. "Man, I didn’t even get eight hours…"
He hurriedly grabbed his uniform, pulling it on in record time. With practiced ease, he adjusted his peak cap before sprinting toward the elevator.
As the doors slid open, he burst into the main control room, where Sarah stood waiting.
The moment he saw her, he had a completely random thought—
"She’s an AI, but why the hell does she look so damn cute?"
For a second, he was distracted, before mentally slapping himself. "FOCUS, RAMIREZ!"
Sarah, unaware of his inner monologue, turned toward him with her usual calm but serious expression.
"Commander! Our radar system has detected a Fire Dragon heading toward the Kingdom of Furrus."
Ramirez blinked, still waking up. "…Okay? What do we have to do with it?"
Sarah’s eyes twitched slightly. "Save ‘em?"
Ramirez rubbed his temples. "Aren’t we supposed to stay low?"
Sarah’s expression remained neutral, but then, her voice suddenly rose in volume—
"THAT’S AN S-RANK FIRE DRAGON! THE KINGDOM CAN’T AFFORD TO KILL THAT SHIT!"
Ramirez took a step back, hands raised defensively. "Alright, alright! Do everything you need!"
Sarah immediately nodded, turning back to the holo-screen. "Initializing mission parameters. Preparing response units."
Ramirez sighed deeply, already feeling the stress of the day.
"Man, I need coffee before dealing with this crap…"
Just as Sarah was locking in the mission parameters, her eyes pulsed blue, signaling an incoming priority message. She processed it in less than a second, then turned to Ramirez.
"Ah, Commander. This is a direct order from Field Commander Ackerman."
Ramirez froze mid-sip of his coffee. "Wait—what?"
Sarah continued, "You are to personally lead a squadron of FX-64 fighter jets to take out the Fire Dragon. This is a test. All higher-ups are watching you, Commander. Good luck."
CRACK!
Ramirez’s hand shook violently, nearly dropping his coffee. "M-M-Me?! Go out there?! T-T-To take that thing out?!"
Sarah’s expression remained completely neutral. "Yes, Commander."
Ramirez stared at her, then glanced at the massive holographic radar screen, where a red marker indicated the Fire Dragon''s current flight path.
It was massive—four times the size of a fighter jet, wings spreading like flames consuming the sky.
His face went pale. "I’m gonna die."
Sarah tilted her head slightly. "The probability of death is only 37.4%."
Ramirez snapped his head toward her. "THAT’S NOT LOW ENOUGH!"
Sarah simply blinked. "Would you like me to round it down?"
Ramirez groaned into his hands. "Ughhh, fine! What’s our loadout?"
Sarah gestured to the holo-display, where a schematic of the FX-64 fighter jets appeared.
"The FX-64s are fully AI-operated, meaning you will be the only human pilot. Their capabilities include:"
<ul>
<li>Electromagnetic Cartridge Machine Guns (Fires high-speed kinetic rounds, no traditional ammo needed).</li>
<li>19th Gen Explosive Missiles (Multi-target tracking, high-yield impact).</li>
<li>Stealth Cloaking Technology (Short bursts, cannot be sustained indefinitely).</li>
<li>Hypersonic Speeds (Capable of Mach 5+).</li>
</ul>
Ramirez nodded slowly, rubbing his chin. "Alright… so I won’t be completely alone out there."
Sarah gave a slight smile. "Correct. You have four AI-controlled wingmen. However, as the only human in the squadron, you will be in command."
Ramirez sighed, standing up straight and adjusting his uniform. "Fine. Let’s do this before I change my mind."
Sarah nodded, then gestured toward the exit.
"Commander, your aircraft is prepped. The hangar awaits."
<hr>
Phoenix Lair – Aerial Hangar
The hangar doors slid open, revealing the sleek silver forms of the FX-64 fighter jets. Their surfaces reflected the dim blue lights of the facility, giving them a futuristic, almost predatory look.
Ramirez’s personal FX-64 was positioned in the center, its cockpit already open.
Sarah walked beside him as they approached.
"Commander, the AI pilots are synced with your Neural Processing Unit. You will receive real-time battlefield data and squad responses directly in your mind."
Ramirez climbed into the cockpit, feeling a strange mix of excitement and absolute terror.
As the canopy sealed shut, the HUD lit up, displaying a digital overview of his squadron.
[Squadron Online]
<ul>
<li>Alpha-1 (Ramirez) – Human Pilot ?</li>
<li>Alpha-2 (AI) – Active ?</li>
<li>Alpha-3 (AI) – Active ?</li>
<li>Alpha-4 (AI) – Active ?</li>
<li>Alpha-5 (AI) – Active ?</li>
</ul>
Sarah’s holographic image appeared on the side display. "Commander, you are cleared for takeoff."
Ramirez gripped the flight stick, exhaling deeply. "Alright… time to see if I was born for this or if I crash in the first ten seconds."
The engines roared to life, and within seconds—
Phoenix Lair’s hangar doors opened to the sky.
The hunt for the Fire Dragon began.
WHOOSH!
Ramirez’s FX-64 fighter jet shot out of the hangar like a missile, breaking through the clouds at insane speeds. The wind roared around the sleek aircraft, the HUD flickering to life, feeding him an overwhelming stream of real-time combat data.
Then it hit him.
"Wait… HOW THE F* AM I FLYING THIS?! I NEVER TOOK A SINGLE FLIGHT LESSON!"**
Sarah’s calm voice came through his NPU (Neural Processing Unit).
"It is because of the NPU chip connected to your brain, Commander. It provides any necessary information to operate all ECF vehicles."
Ramirez’s eyes twitched as he gripped the flight stick.
"That sounds… cool?"
Sarah remained silent.
Ramirez narrowed his eyes. "Wait—Sarah? SARAH?!"
No response.
He sighed. "Whatever. Let’s just get to the target."
As he adjusted course, he muttered to himself, "Alright, time to head to—"
"Roger, Commander."
"—THE HELL?!" Ramirez nearly jumped out of his seat, his heart skipping a beat.
Sarah’s voice returned, amused. "That’s the AI voice of the fighter jets, Commander. Yes, they can understand and respond."
Ramirez exhaled sharply, adjusting his grip. "Okay, just keep the creepy robotic voices to a minimum, alright?"
"Acknowledged, Commander."
Ramirez rolled his eyes. "Great, now I have a squad of talking killer drones."
<hr>
Approaching the Fire Dragon
The FX-64 squadron pierced through the clouds, reaching high altitude. The sky stretched endlessly before them, painted in hues of orange and red from the rising sun.
Then, the radar pinged.
[TARGET LOCKED: S-RANK FIRE DRAGON]
A massive red marker appeared on the HUD, closing in fast.
Ramirez squinted into the distance… and his stomach dropped.
Emerging from the clouds was a colossal beast, its wings wider than a battleship, flames trailing from its body like a living inferno. Its eyes burned like molten lava, and with each flap of its wings, hurricanes of heat distorted the air.
"Holy sh—"
The dragon let out a deafening roar, shaking the skies.
Sarah’s voice remained calm. "Commander, the Fire Dragon is entering engagement range. It appears to be highly resistant to standard ballistic attacks."
Ramirez tightened his grip on the controls. "Great. So I have to get creative?"
Sarah: "Correct."
The dragon spotted them, its glowing eyes locking onto the FX-64 squadron. Then, in an instant—
It moved.
A creature that big should NOT have been that fast.
The Fire Dragon twisted its body midair, its mouth igniting with fire—
FWOOOOOSH!
A massive stream of flames shot toward the squadron, turning the sky into a wall of fire.
"EVASIVE MANEUVERS!" Ramirez shouted.
The AI instantly responded.
"Acknowledged."
The squadron broke formation, the jets spinning and twisting through the air to avoid the deadly inferno.
Ramirez’s heart pounded as he yanked the controls, narrowly dodging the searing flames. His cockpit flashed warnings, his shields barely holding against the extreme heat wave.
"This thing is insane!"
Alpha 2’s voice came through. "Commander, permission to engage?"
Ramirez gritted his teeth. "Permission granted! Light this thing up!"
<hr>
The Fight Begins
The FX-64s surged forward, their Electromagnetic Cartridge Machine Guns spinning to life.
BZZT! BZZT! BZZT!
High-velocity kinetic rounds tore through the air, pelting the Fire Dragon’s scales. Sparks and shockwaves erupted upon impact, but—
The dragon barely flinched.
"Damn it!" Ramirez cursed.
Alpha 2: "standard bullets are ineffective. Switching to high-yield missiles."
Ramirez smirked. "Now we’re talking!"
The FX-64s locked onto the dragon, their missile pods unfolding.
"Missiles away!"
FWOOOOSH!
Multiple 19th Gen Explosive Missiles shot forward, their thrusters burning bright.
The dragon snapped its head toward the incoming projectiles—then with a single mighty flap of its wings, it generated a shockwave so strong that it sent the missiles off course!
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
Explosions rocked the air, but none hit the target.
Ramirez’s eyes widened. "You’ve gotta be kidding me!"
The Fire Dragon’s throat ignited again, preparing another fire blast.
Sarah’s voice remained steady. "Warning. Heat signature rising. Incoming high-temperature plasma breath."
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
"EVERYONE, BREAK OFF!" Ramirez shouted.
The squadron split apart just as the dragon unleashed a massive fireball.
One AI jet was too slow to react—
BOOOOOOOM!
The explosion engulfed the aircraft, obliterating it instantly.
[Alpha-4 – Destroyed]
Ramirez gritted his teeth, gripping the controls tighter. "Damn it!"
Sarah: "Commander, we lost one unit."
Ramirez’s voice was cold. "I noticed."
The remaining jets reformed, but the Fire Dragon wasn’t done—it rushed toward them, claws extended, moving at unbelievable speeds.
Ramirez’s eyes narrowed. "This thing''s treating us like bugs. Alright, let’s hit it where it hurts!"
Sarah: "Commander, I suggest targeting the wings. If we can ground it, we can increase our chances of victory."
Ramirez grinned. "Now you’re thinking like me!"
He pushed his jet into a steep dive, the AI fighters following his lead.
The Fire Dragon roared, twisting midair to chase them.
Ramirez locked onto its left wing joint, his finger hovering over the missile trigger.
"Alright, big guy. Let’s see if you can still fly after this!"
"All units, go for its wings!" Ramirez commanded, gripping the flight stick tightly.
"Roger, Commander," Alpha-2 acknowledged.
"Fox 1, Fox 1," Alpha-3 called out as it fired a missile, its exhaust trail streaking through the sky.
"Fox 3," Alpha-5 responded before unleashing a rapid three-round burst from its Electromagnetic Cartridge Machine Guns.
BZZT! BZZT! BZZT! BZZT! BZZT! BZZT!
The bullets zipped through the air at hypersonic speeds, slamming into the Fire Dragon’s massive wings.
The creature let out a thunderous roar, its body twisting violently as the projectiles ripped through its membrane.
BOOM!
Alpha-3’s missile hits, striking the joint of its left wing. Flames and smoke erupted from the impact, sending the beast into a wild spiral.
But it wasn’t going down that easily.
The Fire Dragon beat its wings aggressively, trying to stabilize itself. The gust of wind from its flapping disrupted the formation, forcing Ramirez and the AI squad to adjust their flight paths.
"It''s still flying!" Ramirez cursed, pulling back on his controls to avoid an incoming fire blast.
Sarah’s voice chimed in through the NPU. "Commander, the target’s flight stability is decreasing by 27%. Another concentrated attack will force it into a crash landing."
Ramirez smirked. "Then let’s finish this! All units, converge fire on the left wing!"
"Roger!" The AI units confirmed.
The FX-64s banked hard, repositioning for a final strike.
Alpha-2, Alpha-3 and Alpha 5 lined up for another missile barrage.
"Fox 2, Fox 2!"
FWOOOOOSH!
Two more high-yield explosive missiles tore through the sky.
"Fox 3!"
Alpha-5 let loose another burst of electromagnetic rounds, while Ramirez unloaded his own machine guns, sending blazing-hot kinetic projectiles into the wounded wing.
BZZT! BZZT! BZZT! BZZT! BZZT!
The Fire Dragon howled in agony as its left wing was torn apart, pieces of its scales and burning flesh scattering through the air.
Its body tilted violently, flames spewing from its mouth as it lost altitude.
Sarah’s voice remained calm. "Target descending at critical velocity. Impact estimated in 20 seconds."
"It’s going down!" Ramirez yelled. "All units, pull up! Let gravity finish the job!"
The squadron broke away, ascending higher as the Fire Dragon plummeted toward the earth.
The beast let out one last furious roar, thrashing as it crashed into the dense forest below—
BOOOOOOM!
The impact shook the land, sending shockwaves rippling through the valley.
A mushroom cloud of dust, fire, and debris rose into the sky, marking the final resting place of the S-Rank Fire Dragon.
For a moment, everything was silent.
Then—
"Target neutralized," Sarah confirmed. "Mission complete, Commander."
Ramirez let out a deep exhale, his hands slightly trembling on the flight controls.
"Holy shit… I actually did it."
Alpha-2 chimed in. "Congratulations, Commander."
Alpha-3 followed. "Enemy successfully neutralized."
Ramirez leaned back in his seat, his heartbeat still pounding in his ears.
"Yeah… now let’s go home."
With that, the FX-64 squadron banked toward Phoenix Lair, the battlefield now eerily quiet—save for the smoldering remains of the once-feared Fire Dragon.
ECF Space Center (SSC) – Commander Center
Inside the Commander Center of the ECF Space Station, a tense silence filled the air.
Multiple holographic screens displayed real-time footage of Ramirez’s aerial battle. Smoke and fire still lingered over the crash site where the S-Rank Fire Dragon had been obliterated.
At the center of the room, Field Commander Ackerman stood, gripping the metal railing in front of him, his gaze locked on the screen. His expression unreadable, his knuckles slightly tense.
“…”
One of the generals hesitated before speaking. “Sir?”
Ackerman finally broke his silence. “He’s only been a commander for a single day… and he managed to take down a Fire Dragon.”
The room remained silent.
Ackerman exhaled slowly, shaking his head. “Normally, it would take an entire five-squadron formation to eliminate a creature of that class.”
Suddenly—
SHHHT!
The automated doors slid open.
A woman stepped inside.
Instantly, every officer in the room turned to her and straightened—even Field Commander Ackerman himself stood upright before performing a sharp salute.
She walked in slowly, her steps calm yet commanding. The air around her seemed colder, yet her voice, though soft, carried a weight that silenced the entire room.
“Ramirez, you say?”
Her icy gaze flickered toward the holographic battle footage, eyes narrowing with interest.
Ackerman responded respectfully, lowering his salute. “Supreme Commander… what brings you here?”
ECF Space Center (SSC) – Commander Center
Ackerman stood rigidly at attention, his normally unreadable expression showing a rare flicker of tension. Alice Nova, Supreme Commander of the ECF, had arrived in person.
The atmosphere in the room shifted instantly.
Her sharp blue eyes scanned the holographic battle footage, watching as Ramirez and his AI squadron took down the S-Rank Fire Dragon.
A small, amused smirk played on her lips.
"Ramirez, you say?" Her voice was cold yet velvety smooth, carrying both authority and intrigue.
Ackerman gave a short nod, keeping his voice formal. "Yes, Supreme Commander. The new recruit. He eliminated an S-Rank Fire Dragon in a single operation."
Alice’s eyes gleamed with interest. "Impressive. Most commanders would have lost an entire squadron. He only lost one unit."
She took a step forward, her long coat flowing behind her, before leaning slightly against the tactical table, crossing her arms.
"What’s your assessment, Ackerman?"
Ackerman exhaled. "Reckless. Overextends himself. Fights like a lone soldier rather than a leader."
Alice smirked. "But?"
Ackerman hesitated for half a second before continuing. "He adapts fast. His battlefield instincts are sharp, and he made strategic use of both technology and firepower. Given time… he could become something dangerous."
Alice chuckled. "Dangerous to us, or to our enemies?"
Ackerman didn’t answer immediately, which only made Alice’s smirk widen.
She turned her gaze back to the planetary holo-map, where the designation RGT-7 flashed in bold letters.
"Ramirez is still unrefined, but he has potential." Alice mused. "More than potential—he’s already proving himself, and he hasn’t even been given full command yet."
She looked back at Ackerman, her expression turning serious. "That changes today."
Ackerman raised an eyebrow. "Supreme Commander?"
Alice tapped a command into the console, and a new authorization directive appeared on screen.
"Effective immediately, Ramirez is granted full operational authority over RGT-7. He is now the sole military commander of all ECF forces on the planet."
The room was silent. Even the battle-hardened officers exchanged glances of surprise.
Ackerman furrowed his brows. "You’re giving him full control? Supreme Commander, he’s been a commander for only one day."
Alice grinned. "And in that one day, he’s already done something that would take five squadrons to achieve."
She leaned forward slightly, her gaze sharp and unwavering. "Tell me, Ackerman, do you know how many ‘trained’ commanders I’ve seen fail in their first engagement?"
Ackerman didn’t respond. He knew the answer.
Alice’s smirk returned. "Ramirez may be reckless, but he gets results. And that is what matters."
She turned away from the screen, her long coat sweeping behind her as she made her way toward the exit.
"Let’s see what the boy does with true power."
The doors slid open, and she disappeared down the corridor, leaving the officers in a stunned silence.
Ackerman remained still for a moment, then sighed.
"Ramirez… don’t make me regret this."
He turned back to the screen, watching as the fighter squadron returned to Phoenix Lair.
The real test was just beginning.
<h4>Phoenix Lair – Command Center</h4>
Ramirez shakily walked into the control room, exhaustion still clinging to him like a heavy weight.
Sarah stood at her usual station, calmly working through multiple holographic panels.
Ramirez rubbed his temples, groaning. "I… need a coffee."
Sarah turned to him, her expression neutral, but her eyes slightly amused.
"Commander, we’ve received an important message," she said, trying not to smile.
Ramirez narrowed his eyes. "What is it?"
Sarah adjusted her posture, straightening up like an officer about to announce a promotion.
"Congratulations, Commander." She gave a slight pause for dramatic effect. "You are now officially granted full authority over Planet RGT-7. This decision was approved directly by Supreme Commander Alice Nova herself."
Ramirez froze.
"RGT-7?" He blinked. "What’s that?"
Sarah tilted her head slightly. "It’s this planet, of course."
Ramirez stared at her, processing the information for a solid five seconds before finally reacting.
"…Wait. Wait. HOLD UP. You’re telling me—" he pointed at the ground "—this entire planet? The WHOLE THING?!"
Sarah nodded. "Affirmative, Commander. You are now the highest-ranking authority on RGT-7. Every ECF division, military facility, and automated system on this planet is under your direct command."
Ramirez’s eye twitched. He stumbled over to a chair and collapsed into it, gripping his hair.
"I was a damn delivery guy two days ago. Now I own a planet?!"
Sarah blinked. "Incorrect. You do not ''own'' the planet. You are simply in command of all Earth Confederation Forces and military assets on it. However,"** she paused, "you do have the authority to dictate policies, establish military bases, and control all operational functions."
Ramirez looked up at her with dead eyes. "…That sounds like owning a planet."
Sarah smiled. "I suppose in practical terms, yes."
Ramirez exhaled sharply, running a hand down his face. "Okay… what exactly am I in charge of?"
Sarah gestured, and a massive holographic display of RGT-7 appeared in front of them. The planet was divided into multiple continents, each with its own military divisions, ECF bases, and strategic locations.
<hr>
?? Phoenix Lair – Your HQ
<ul>
<li>The most advanced military installation on the planet.</li>
<li>Houses the Command Center, R&D divisions, and core defense systems.</li>
<li>Fully AI-controlled security grid for planetary monitoring.</li>
</ul>
?? ECF Military Units Under Your Command
(Currently Scattered Across Different Continents)
<ul>
<li>1st Ranger Squad ("Ghost Fangs") – Stealth, recon, assassination.</li>
<li>2nd Mechanized Infantry ("Steel Vanguards") – Armored units, heavy assault.</li>
<li>ECF Special Forces ("SST/F") – Elite covert ops, black ops missions.</li>
<li>ECF Experimental Weapons Division ("Titan Corps") – Power armor, advanced weaponry.</li>
<li>3rd Infantry Battalion ("Iron Legion") – Main ground force, artillery support.</li>
<li>4th Fighter Squadron (AI-Controlled FX-64 Jets) – Aerial dominance, airstrikes.</li>
</ul>
?? AI-Controlled Systems Under Your Command
<ul>
<li>Automated Base Defense Grid – AI turrets, missile launchers, surveillance drones.</li>
<li>Planetary Radar & Early Warning System – Detects all atmospheric and land-based threats.</li>
<li>Orbital Support Link – Allows requests for ECF reinforcements from the Space Center.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
Ramirez leaned forward, staring at the planetary map with wide eyes.
"So, just to clarify… I’m the Supreme Military Commander of an entire planet. I can deploy troops anywhere. I control AI defense systems. And if something goes wrong, it''s all my problem?"
Sarah nodded. "That is an accurate summary, Commander."
Ramirez let out a long groan, slumping back into his chair. "I’m gonna have a stroke."
Sarah smiled slightly. "I recommend managing your stress levels, Commander. RGT-7 is a high-responsibility assignment."
Ramirez glared at her. "That’s the understatement of the year, Sarah."
<h4>Kingdom of Furrus – Throne Room</h4>
The grand doors of the throne room creaked open, revealing a tall, armored woman walking with determined strides. Her silver hair was braided tightly behind her, her crimson eyes fierce yet focused.
Princess Elara Vaelis approached the grand throne, where King Kara Tal sat surrounded by his royal council and high-ranking nobles.
She lowered to one knee, placing her fist over her chest.
"Father."
The king held up a hand, signaling her to rise. "What is it, my daughter?"
Elara stood tall, her voice steady. "We have found the corpse of a Fire Dragon."
The entire room fell into stunned silence.
The King’s eyes widened, and he suddenly stood from his throne. "What?!"
Gasps and murmurs erupted among the council members.
One of the noble advisors stepped forward. "A Fire Dragon… slain? But that is impossible!"
Another council member shook his head. "No warrior in the kingdom could have done this. A creature of that rank would require an army to even wound it!"
The King’s gaze hardened, his voice serious. "Who did this?!"
Elara clenched her fists. "We… do not know."
The room grew even more unsettled.
A royal strategist spoke up. "Then we must send scouts immediately! If another kingdom has developed the power to kill an S-Rank beast, they could be an overwhelming threat!"
Elara nodded. "I have already dispatched a unit to investigate. However… the dragon’s wounds do not match any weapon we know of."
The King narrowed his eyes. "Explain."
She took a deep breath. "The wounds are… unnatural. The dragon''s scales were pierced by weapons that leave no traces of arrows, magic, or swords.
The council fell silent again.
A noble hesitantly asked, "Could it be… divine intervention?"
Another advisor scoffed. "Do not be foolish. Gods do not descend to slay dragons."
The King furrowed his brows, deep in thought. "If no kingdom possesses such weaponry… then this means something else has arrived."
Elara hesitated, then spoke carefully. "Father, if this is the work of outsiders… we must decide quickly. If they are enemies, we cannot afford to be unprepared."
The King looked at her, his expression unreadable. "And if they are not enemies?"
Elara’s crimson eyes flickered with uncertainty. "Then we must determine what they want… before others do."
The King slowly sat back down, his expression dark and thoughtful.
"Send word to the scouting party. I want a full report on the dragon’s remains. And if there are outsiders… I want to know exactly who they are."
Elara bowed her head. "Yes, Father."
As she turned to leave, her thoughts remained unsettled.
Whoever had the power to slay a Fire Dragon with such precision…
Could change the fate of the entire world.
<hr>
<h4>Kingdom of Furrus – Royal Courtroom</h4>
After the tense discussion about the slain Fire Dragon, King Kara Tal sat back on his throne, his fingers lightly tapping the armrest in deep thought.
The murmurs of the court slowly faded, shifting to another critical subject.
One of the royal strategists stepped forward. "Your Majesty, now that this matter is addressed, we must turn our attention to the upcoming Champion Hero Trial."
The room stilled as the weight of those words settled upon them.
King Kara Tal’s expression remained serious, his gaze shifting between his advisors. "The trial will be held in the Elven Queendom this year, correct?"
Elara nodded, standing to the side. "Yes, Father. The elves will host the trials, and champions from all nations will gather to prove themselves."
A noble leaned forward. "The roles remain the same—Mage, Marksman, Swordsman, Shield, and Assassin. Each kingdom must select their best warriors to compete."
The King’s brows furrowed. "I assume the other kingdoms are already training their champions?"
One of his generals, a seasoned man with a scarred face, stepped forward. "Indeed, Your Majesty. Some of our scouts report that the neighboring kingdoms have already begun intense training regimens for their chosen heroes."
A court mage adjusted his staff, his voice smooth. "The Kazan Tara Kingdom, known for their arcane arts, has reportedly chosen a champion with terrifying magical potential."
A nobleman scoffed. "Hah. Mages are powerful, but without discipline, they fall easily."
Another strategist cleared his throat. "That may be true, but the Yarata Elven Queendom boasts an unmatched marksman. Their chosen archer is rumored to strike targets beyond normal sight."
Elara crossed her arms, deep in thought. "The Kingdom of Draymoor prides itself on producing the strongest swordsmen. If their champion is anything like past warriors, they will be a fierce competitor."
The discussion continued, various court members analyzing the potential strengths of other kingdoms.
King Kara Tal remained silent, then finally spoke, his voice firm.
"It does not matter how powerful the other kingdoms’ champions are."
The room fell quiet.
His crimson gaze swept across the room, filled with absolute determination.
"Our Champion Hero must surpass them all. No exceptions."
A noble nodded quickly. "Yes, Your Majesty! We will ensure our warrior is trained to be the strongest!"
A military officer added, "Our forces will intensify combat training. They must master not only their weapons but tactics as well."
A court mage spoke confidently. "And they must understand magic’s full potential. Even a swordsman must know how to counter spells!"
Elara, though silent, watched her father closely. She knew this wasn’t just about prestige—this was about ensuring Furrus remained a dominant force among the kingdoms.
King Kara Tal leaned forward, his voice heavy with expectation.
"Begin immediate preparations. Our champion must not only win… they must dominate."
The advisors and generals bowed deeply.
"As you command, Your Majesty."
Elara remained still, a single thought lingering in her mind.
What if an outsider—someone unknown—entered the trials?
Would they be a threat… or a change in destiny?
<hr>
As the royal council discussed the upcoming Champion Hero Trials, one of the elder scholars cleared his throat and stepped forward.
"Your Majesty, there is one more matter to address."
King Kara Tal turned his sharp gaze toward the old man. "Speak."
The scholar adjusted his robes, his expression serious. "We must not forget that some kingdoms have already begun summoning Champion Heroes from other worlds."
A hush fell over the room.
Elara’s brows furrowed. "Summoned heroes… so the other kingdoms have already started?"
The scholar nodded. "Yes. As you know, it is a long-held belief that warriors summoned from other worlds possess power beyond that of ordinary mortals. Many see them as beings blessed by fate itself."
A noble clicked his tongue, shaking his head. "Tch. It is an unfair advantage. These summoned ones often wield abilities that surpass our own warriors. How are we to compete?"
A military general crossed his arms, his voice grim. "The Queendom of Yarata has summoned a Champion Hero to serve as their Marksman. It is said that they can fire arrows that bend through the air as if guided by the wind itself."
Another advisor spoke, his face filled with worry. "The Kazan Tara Kingdom has summoned a Mage whose magic is rumored to be unnatural—even more advanced than this world’s greatest sorcerers."
The royal court murmured in unease.
King Kara Tal remained silent, deep in thought. Then, he slowly leaned forward.
"And what of Furrus?"
The room stilled.
Elara exhaled. "Father, our ritualists have tried summoning, but there have been no results. No hero has answered our call."
The King’s jaw tightened. "Unacceptable. We cannot afford to fall behind."
The scholar sighed. "Summoning a Champion Hero is never guaranteed. Even the greatest mages cannot predict which world will answer the call."
A noble hesitated before speaking. "Then… what if we seek out a Champion Hero who has already arrived?"
Elara raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
The noble gestured toward the holographic battle projection of the fallen Fire Dragon.
"Whoever defeated this beast has already proven themselves worthy. What if they are not of this world?"
The room fell into a contemplative silence.
Elara clenched her fists, her thoughts racing. An outsider… a warrior capable of slaying an S-Rank Fire Dragon?
If such a person existed, were they a potential Champion? Or a danger to the balance of power?
<hr>
19 days later
Phoenix Lair – Training Grounds
CLANG!
Ramirez gritted his teeth, his arms tensed as he blocked a strike from the AI Swordsman. Sparks flashed as his Three-Headed Dragon Sword clashed against the AI’s high-frequency blade.
He twisted his body, countering with a powerful horizontal slash—
WHOOSH!
A crescent-shaped energy wave burst from the blade, ripping through the training room and slamming into the AI. The impact sent the mechanical opponent flying backward, its systems sparking before shutting down.
BZZZT! TRAINING SESSION COMPLETE.
Ramirez exhaled heavily, sweat dripping down his face. His breath was ragged, but his body felt stronger than ever.
It had been twelve days since he started training in Phoenix Lair, and he could feel the difference.
He was faster, stronger, sharper—his reflexes honed to near-inhuman levels.
<ul>
<li>His grip on the Three-Headed Dragon Sword felt natural now.</li>
<li>His accuracy with ECF rifles was nearly flawless.</li>
<li>His pistol-draw speed had improved significantly.</li>
</ul>
He wasn’t the same lost, confused delivery guy who arrived here.
He was becoming a true commander.
As he stepped back, catching his breath, a familiar calm voice called out to him.
"Commander."
Ramirez turned, finding Sarah walking toward him, holding a cold drink in her hands.
She extended it to him, her expression neutral but her eyes soft with approval.
"Here. You need to replenish fluids after intense training."
Ramirez took the drink, still breathing heavily. He popped the cap and chugged it down instantly, letting out a satisfied sigh.
"Damn, that hits the spot." He wiped his forehead with his sleeve. "I swear, I’ve never worked this hard in my life."
Sarah tilted her head slightly, watching him with an amused look. "You are improving at an exponential rate. Given time, you may surpass expectations."
Ramirez chuckled, shaking his head. "Let’s not get ahead of ourselves." He stretched his sore muscles. "Still, I gotta admit… I do feel different."
Sarah nodded. "You are adapting well. It is a promising development, considering the level of responsibility you now hold."
Ramirez let out a sigh, setting his empty drink down on a nearby bench. "Yeah… full authority over an entire planet. No pressure, right?"
Sarah crossed her arms, shifting to a more formal tone. "It was a direct approval from Supreme Commander Alice Nova herself. That alone speaks volumes about the trust placed in you."
Ramirez leaned against the wall, crossing his arms as well. "Alice Nova, huh? I’ve never even met her, but from what I’ve heard, she’s kind of a big deal."
Sarah nodded. "More than that. She is unrivaled. Her intellect, combat ability, and leadership skills have made her one of the most feared and respected figures in the Earth Confederation Forces. She ascended to the position of Supreme Commander at an unusually young age, surpassing countless veteran officers."
Ramirez raised an eyebrow. "Really? And here I thought military ranks took decades to climb."
Sarah closed her eyes briefly, as if recalling data. "For most, yes. But Alice Nova is… different. Her tactical mind is unmatched. Even those who doubted her at first were quickly forced to acknowledge her brilliance. She is cold, calculating, and completely dedicated to the success of the ECF."
Ramirez hummed. "So, she’s a genius, huh?"
Sarah opened her eyes again, staring directly at him. "And she is the one who personally gave you the authority to command all ECF forces on RGT-7. That is why this is no small matter, Commander."
Ramirez let out a deep breath, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah… kinda starting to realize that."
He looked up at the ceiling, his thoughts swirling.
A woman like Alice Nova… what was her reason for choosing him?
Was it because of his potential?
Or was he just another piece in some larger plan?
One thing was certain. If he ever met her in person, he needed to be ready.
Because if Alice Nova was as sharp and dangerous as Sarah claimed…
Then she wasn’t the type of person to make mistakes.
<hr>
<h3 style="text-align: center">---CHAPTER 4 END---