Chapter 159
BJ
The moment Caleb caught sight of Raven, his entire body tensed on instinct.
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‘What the hell is she doing here?‘ he thought, his heart skipping a beat. ‘Wasn’t someone else supposed to handle the selection for her? Why did the Iron Queen show up in person?‘
And more importantly–he’d heard the new general hadn’t made a public appearance yet. ‘Should he be saluting her?”
Off to the side, Corey’s smile faded the instant he saw Raven walking over. His eyes sharpened, all amusement gone.
Raven strolled toward Caleb, unhurried but deliberate, stopping just in front of his stiffened figure. Her gaze swept him from head to toe, and then she smiled–not warmly, but with a faint, knowing amusement.
“I didn’t realize you had such lofty ambitions,” she said calmly. “But with your current strength, you’re not quite equipped to carry them.”
She reached out and gave his shoulder a light pat.
“Starting tomorrow, you’ll need to train twice as hard.”
Caleb was speechless.
Lofty ambitions? What lofty ambitions? He just wanted to make it into the Hundred–Man Unit, that’s all!
Sure, he thought he was capable of getting in even without Corey’s promised spot, but how did that somehow translate into unchecked ambition in her eyes?
And twice the training? He already felt like he was on the verge of death every day–if he trained any harder, he really would die.
Still… there was something in Raven’s smile that made him deeply uneasy.
Was she disappointed in him?
‘Does she think I should’ve gotten in on my own merit instead of relying on Corey’s favor?‘ Caleb thought.
The realization struck him like lightning. Caleb’s expression sharpened.
Yes that had to be it.
Straightening, he turned to Corey, his tone suddenly firm and resolute.
“It’s an honor to be noticed by someone like you, sir,” he said. “But I believe that if I want to earn a place in the Hundred–Man Unit, it should be through my own ability. If I’m not strong enough to take a spot fairly, then claiming one would be disrespectful–not just to others, but to myself.”
Between Corey and Raven, he knew which side he feared more.
And if he had to choose–he was choosing her.
Corey blinked, clearly taken aback.
‘He rejected the offer… again?‘
This was the second time his direct appointment had been declined.
But then he looked at Caleb’s steady gaze, and the genuine conviction behind his words–and found that he didn’t feel insulted at all.
In fact, he felt… impressed.
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10.58 Tue, 22 Apr 0
Chapter 159
A slow smile returned to Corey’s face. “You’ve got potential,” he said with clear approval.
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The more he thought about it, the more he agreed. Caleb was right–if someone had the strength, they didn’t need favors. And if they didn’t, then forcing them in only made things unfair… and painful for everyone.
Now, looking at the young man before him, Corey’s appreciation deepened.
Not only strong and sharp–but clear–headed, with solid principles.
Even without the Hundred–Man Unit, he had no doubt Caleb would rise to the rank of high commander on his own someday.
And now… he’d chosen to follow Corey.
That alone made him worth investing in.
Corey hesitated briefly, then reached into his pocket and pulled out a silver ring. He handed it to Caleb.
“Here. Consider this a gift, for now,” he said.
Caleb took it carefully. “What is this?”
Corey smiled faintly. “Before the new general took over, I was one of the senior commanders in charge of the Regalhold military district. Even now, I still carry a bit of weight. That ring–wear it, and people in the district will know you’re with me. It’ll open doors for you.”
Caleb instinctively glanced toward Raven, checking her expression–relieved to find no noticeable reaction.
Only then did he relax and look back at the ring.
He’d seen it before. One of the high commanders had worn it once, and the soldiers had looked at it with open awe.
Even though Corey’s current influence wasn’t what it used to be, that ring still held deep meaning in the eyes of the entire military district.
Wearing it was like walking around with a badge of invincibility.
Caleb took a steady breath.
Then he looked at Corey, his tone solemn and respectful. “Thank you, sir. If you ever need anything, just give the order. I’ll give it everything I’ve got.”
Corey chuckled and clapped him on the shoulder again.
“Then prove it,” he said. “Win tonight. Take first place. And make that arrogant girl who questioned my judgment regret it. Let her see that losing her doesn’t mean I lose talent. I’ll just replace her–with someone better.”
Caleb blinked. “She’s coming to tonight’s event too?”
Corey’s gaze darkened slightly. “She’s already here.”
Caleb glanced down at the ring, then straightened with renewed determination. “Then if she dares step onto that stage,” he said coldly, “I’ll challenge her
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