Bab 20: End of Training and Time Off
The six months of training passed in a blur of physical conditioning, discipline, and countless hours honing their skills. From the dawn runs to mastering ODM gear, every day pushed Aiden, Elena, Udo, Zofia, and their fellow cadets closer to their limits, but they also grew closer as comrades.
Aiden and Udo had quickly become fast friends, bonded over the shared hardship of their training and the long nights in the barracks, where they would quietly talk before sleep claimed them. Aiden, always curious, often asked Udo about his life, but Udo remained guarded, skillfully steering the conversation toward neutral topics like their training progress or the grueling drills they faced. They didn't need to discuss much beyond their shared experiences – their bond was built on the silent understanding that came from surviving side by side.
On the other hand, Elena and Zofia found their own rhythm. Though Zofia was initially quiet, she gradually opened up to Elena, who always seemed to know how to draw out a conversation. The two girls often walked together after training, discussing the day's challenges or what they hoped to achieve once their training ended. Despite Zofia's reserved nature, Elena's lively personality created a dynamic that felt comfortable and easy.
By the time they were mastering the ODM gear and engaging in firearm drills, it was clear that this group of trainees had become more than mere acquaintances. They were a team. But now, as their basic training drew to a close, a sense of anticipation hung in the air.
---
The final day of their six-month training arrived, and Floch, their commander, gathered the cadets in the wide field where so many of their drills had taken place. His sharp gaze swept over the group, pausing briefly on Aiden and the others.
"Congratulations," he began, his voice carrying authority. "You've made it through the toughest six months of your lives, and I won't lie – many of you didn't look like you'd make it to this day. But here you are, standing as soldiers ready to face the real challenges ahead."
Floch's expression softened slightly, a rare gesture for him. "You've earned some time off. Take this time to rest, reflect, and enjoy yourselves because when you return, your decisions will shape your future in the military. You'll choose which regiment you'll serve in, whether it's the Garrison, the Scouts, or the Military Police. This decision is yours to make, but understand – it's a decision that will define your path."
He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. The cadets stood silent, their eyes locked on him, understanding the gravity of what was to come.
"Dismissed," Floch said, stepping back and allowing them the space to process their achievements and what lay ahead.
---
With their training officially over, Aiden, Elena, Udo, and Zofia found themselves with the strange luxury of free time – something they hadn't experienced in months. The barracks, once filled with the tension of the daily grind, now felt lighter, almost unfamiliar. The cadets moved with more ease, their bodies aching less without the weight of daily drills.
Aiden stretched out his arms, a wide grin spreading across his face as they left the training field. "Finally, we get a break. I wasn't sure I'd ever see the day."
Elena laughed beside him, nudging Zofia lightly. "I'm not sure what to do with all this free time."
Zofia gave a rare smile. "I'll probably just find a quiet spot to read."
Udo, who had been silent, nodded toward Aiden. "We should check out the mess hall, see what they're serving now that training's done. Maybe they'll give us something better than the slop we've been getting."
Aiden's stomach growled in agreement. "That sounds like a plan."
The four of them made their way to the mess hall, settling down at one of the long wooden tables. The mood was light, and the usual exhaustion that followed them into meals had lifted. As they ate, Aiden glanced between Udo and Zofia, noticing the slight exchange of glances between the two – subtle, but telling.
Elena, ever the conversationalist, didn't notice and instead focused on making light conversation. "So, any thoughts on which regiment you'll pick?" she asked, directing the question at the group.
Aiden shrugged. "I'm still thinking about it. The Scouts seem like the right path, but…" He trailed off, uncertain.
"I'll figure it out," he said after a moment, focusing back on his food.
They continued to eat in companionable silence, the weight of their upcoming decisions hanging over them but not yet pressing. For now, they had earned their rest, and for the first time in a long time, they could simply enjoy each other's company without the looming specter of the next day's training.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the barracks in shadows, Aiden lay back on his bunk, staring up at the ceiling. It felt strange not to be bone-tired, not to dread the sound of the morning bell. From the upper bunk, Udo's voice broke the quiet.
"Think you'll be ready for what comes next?" he asked.
Aiden smiled slightly. "I don't know. But I think we've come too far to turn back now."
Udo didn't respond, but Aiden could feel the weight of his agreement in the silence. Soon after, the barracks fell quiet, the cadets drifting into sleep, knowing that their choices in the coming days would change everything.
PERTIMBANGAN PENCIPTA 
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Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone