Everything was in its organic state. That meant that there weren't troops randomly marching in formation, or being instructed to do certain things a certain way, or that there was any need to put on a performance. All the soldiers around him were naturally just doing their tasks.
There were some soldiers who were patrolling the place, but most of them were just carrying out their tasks, whether that was transporting goods, making a report, receiving guests or anything else.
Nero knew that in the army, there were more logistics and miscellaneous work personnel than actual soldiers, but even so, the flow of the base felt great to him. It was not the excessive discipline - no, he could have done without that. Or the absolute need to obey orders, if he was being honest.
But no matter who they were or what their job was, everyone in the army just felt powerful to him. Even if they were chefs, they were radiating power. Their muscles just looked tighter and stronger than ordinary people. The aether around them just felt heavier. Their body language betrayed a confidence that had been buried deep in their bones by countless hours of relentless training.
Maybe Nero was just having a moment where he was exaggerating everything in his mind. But that was fine. A healthy amount of delusion was even encouraged, as long as it helped him get where he needed to go.
The moment his car stopped moving, however, Nero stopped staring at the base like a wide-eyed fan, and restrained his expressions. From now until he returned back to his apartment later in the day, he had to treat it as if he were constantly being observed.
When he got off, he discovered that an attendant was already waiting for him, ready to take him to his waiting area.
"Mr. Nero, you're with me," said the thin, relatively short man, as he gave Nero a salute. "I will be taking you to your waiting area and brief you on the sequence of events as they pertain to you, and what you can expect."
Nero nodded, respectfully, and said, "lead the way."
He did not turn around to check on Footer, or see if he was being followed. He walked at an even pace with the young man, whose name, Berlas, was clearly written on his uniform. Beside his name was a symbol which identified young Berlas as a cadet.
The ranks and divisions within an army were slightly complicated for those unfamiliar to it, though Nero was more than just familiar with it, since he had studied his desired path extensively.
There were two basic streams which divided the role of army personnel, even if their ranks were of a similar grade. They were the enlisted, and the officers. When most people reported for their mandatory military service, they would enter the enlisted stream. To enter the officers stream they had to enter KMA, and then successfully graduate.
The difference between the two streams would only continue to increase from there onwards. The enlisted were basically responsible for carrying out tasks and operations, as directed. Basically, they made up the most foundational part of the army.
They would get training, but it would be highly specialised towards the job skills they would be expected to have in their designated specific role in the army.
That was not to say that the enlisted could not progress, or gain promotions. Far from it. But their promotions through the ranks would remain focused towards their specialisations, even as they went from private to corporal to sergeant and so on.
For example, Silas' father, who was focused on card crafting exclusively, was a director for a division, and was probably a high ranked sergeant - though Nero could not guess the exact specifics.
So in summary, enlisted carried out the day to day operations of the army, and when they ranked up had the possibility of ending up in leadership roles, but in their specific occupations or specialties.
They were absolutely integral to the army, and could not be dismissed as an unimportant part of it, even if many people had a preference for the officer stream, such as with Nero.
Even though officers would not be exempt from any of the rigours and dangers of the army, they were typically given various leadership roles. This was because from the first moment they entered KMA, they were given instruction in leadership, tactics, military strategy, and were basically made to undergo specialised training to be able to adopt such roles.
Depending on the kind of role they took, officers were responsible for planning missions, managing resources, making strategic decisions and guiding their units. There was a misconception that this meant that they would often be away from danger, and make calls and strategic plays from a secure base of operations.
This was far from the truth. There were fewer officers than enlisted, but they would more often than not accompany their enlisted counterparts into the field, and give instruction based on the onground situation.
For example, a squad consisted of several fireteams. That meant an officer would be leading one of the fireteams, while the enlisted would be leading the others. The individual actions of each fireteam would be handled by their respective leaders, but the squad would operate under the command of the officer.
Based on the type of role an officer took, their career would lead them through various ranks.
But of course, not everything was always so straightforward, and cultivation progress also played a huge part in promotions. It was not uncommon for enlisted who achieved a high cultivation level to undergo specialised training and then switch to the officer stream. However, in that case, even if they switched streams, the kind of responsibility they would be allowed to take would be controlled.
After all, strategy and decision making were not necessarily dependent on cultivation, and a high cultivation level did not mean one was a good strategist or planner.
No matter what, officers were very carefully selected. So the fact that Berlas was a cadet spoke volumes about his potential. That meant he was already a member of KMA, and was probably sent here as a part of some specialised training. Although graduation was not guaranteed, it at least promised that he had been identified by the massive military complex of Kolar as someone with potential.
It also reflected on the importance that Nero was being given, for ordinarily, a private would be enough to lead him around.
"Do I have many responsibilities within the upcoming ceremony, cadet Berlas?" Nero asked politely yet formally.
Nero was looking straight ahead, but he was simultaneously using every single one of his senses to study the cadet beside him as well as the layout of this base, and where he was being led.
Berlas, despite being slightly shorter than Nero, did not show any inadequacy or undue deference. He was confident in himself, and any politeness he was showing was due to the requirement of his role accompanied by any innate qualities of his personality.
"The ceremony has a dual purpose," Berlas said, slightly turning his head to observe Nero. "The first is to acknowledge any display of exceptional courage and bravery, not only by civilians, but also by soldiers who faced extraordinary challenges in the line of service. A commendation, such as the one you are due to receive, is not an official military award, but it will go on your public record.
Many soldiers, however, are due to receive medals and awards for their service. During this time, your only role is to be present among the honourees, and to go up on stage to receive your commendation. I will brief you on the exact layout of the venue and where you are expected to stay before and after you have been called up on stage shortly.
However, I am not privy as to what will occur during the second half of the ceremony, and so cannot comment on any expectations. If anything is required of you at that time, you will be duly informed."
Berlas, after scanning his own ID, opened the doors to a building and led Nero in. Once the doors closed, and they were no longer in such an openly observable area, he smiled and said, "if you don't mind, I am going to speak openly now. Don't worry, there's no one around to hear us. I heard what you did, not only in your hostel, but afterwards as well. To be entirely honest, I kind of admire you.
But at the same time… many soldiers from the Demon corps have developed a sort of grudge against you for being disrespectful to the sage. You might want to watch out, they may try to cause you some trouble."
Nero smiled internally, though he did not allow it to show on his face at all. So the games finally began, and he faced his first obstacle. Even though Berlas was being quite friendly, and Nero had no reason to suspect that he was being anything other than genuine, how he reacted now would set the tone for the remainder of the event, and possibly even longer.
This was exactly the kind of thing that had both Footer and Gabriel fretting. But Nero saw beyond the danger. He saw an opportunity. The soldiers of the Demon corps already formed an opinion about him, but had yet to encounter him. If he played his cards right, he could turn everything around, and suddenly gain them as allies.
The only question was, how should he respond. A familiar sensation filled Nero, as his senses heightened. He felt like he was back on the battlefield.