I wait till early in the morning before I head for Topaz Falls. Yesterday Shadow had told me everything that had happened. The scandal Miles and her are in, how he reacted afterwards, and where he is now. It sounds like Corpus to me, but if he says something is different then we have to go by his words. I tried my best to console Shadow, but I was only able to take the edge off. There's something snapping in her. Even through her tears I saw it. Vengeance.

She wants to hurt that Diamond Tiara girl, but in a way greater than just physical pain. She wants to bring her down in every conceivable possibility and beat her when she begs for mercy. I've never seen this side of her. Then again, we've never had to deal with something like this before. We'll have to keep an eye on her. This is a dangerous path she's walking towards; one I know all too well.

I make it to the tram station to Topaz and board the first cart. I'm still debating whether or not I should have waited to speak with Miles. I doubt speaking with him immediately would have solved anything, but waiting this long may have consequences. He could have changed again and harmed himself, or worse. He was still tired, so there's the chance that he may have caught up on his rest. Though that's very doubtful. If my instincts are as accurate as I believe them to be, he'll be at the P.C.H. doing various tests on himself.

I try to distract myself by looking out at the city as the tram takes me into Topaz Halls. I know this was his home, but I still don't get why he's rebuilding here. What is he going to accomplish by bringing this city back to its former glory? I don't think he intends to bring people down here. Maybe it was just to put the bots to work. Even with the city cleaned up and lit, it's still eerie to look out there. Dozens of homes and businesses that were once part of a thriving civilization, now empty. This city is a grim reminder of what Miles had. I preferred it back when it was in ruins. At least then you couldn't lie to yourself about the history here.

The tram comes to a stop behind the P.C.H. and I'm greeted by one of the many utility bots.

"Take me to Miles," I order it.

"I apologize, but Grand Captain Miles Eremita is currently undergoing medical evaluation. If you would like, I can escort you to the waiting area until the procedure is completed." I nod to the bot, following after it. So he has been testing himself here. I hope he's found whatever has been plaguing him. It will be better if there is a clear cause for this. I nod to the machine and follow it into the tall building where it instructs me to take a mico platform. One flash later, and I appear in a waiting room and take a seat.

I take a look around the bare room and sigh in annoyance. Like many of the rooms in Topaz Falls, there isn't much to the imagination here. Four walls, a ceiling, a floor, and some doors. It's a wonder that the people here didn't go crazy from the blandness. It's a wonder how of these buildings could have so little to them, yet squealers could show generations of life in a single photo...

What am I even talking about? Am I so desperate to think about something else that I'm self-loathing the interior decorations? Is this what my life has come to? Going from bland room to bland room and waiting on Miles while I bicker about the walls? No more. I will not lower myself to such ludicrous notions!

I stand up and march through the door with the medical sign above. A bot warns me to stop, but I ignore it and continue on through a corridor. I am not going to wait on the sidelines anymore. I told him I was going to start to be a part of this, and I will! On my time, not his!

I enter a large spherical room glowing in blue lights. Miles is laying on a gurney in the center as long mechanical arms race around the room. Blue lights beam out of the ends of these arms and are scanning over Miles, zipping all over his body. I feel my stomach twist a little as I realize my impatience. I hope this doesn't force him to restart, that's the last thing I want to hear right now.

"Analysis complete. Subject shows high magical capacity and fluctuating soul patterns. Patterns are recurring and stable. Immediate action is advised to restrain power levels. Subject passes physical standards for war. Psychiatric analysis complete, passing marks for battle. This completes your exam." I wait on the side as the machine gives the results. He's perfectly healthy, which is a problem. Something is altering him and there's nothing the Terradisians had that could identify it. Whatever it is, I doubt there's anypony alive that can help him... other than me.

"Well, at least you have your health," I muse as I approach him. He looks over to me in slight surprise before rubbing his face. "Tired?"

"Irritated," he tells me from behind his hands. "Four two hour tests and I have nothing to show for it. I'm no closer to know what's going on than... *sigh* I don't even know." I take a seat beside him and nudge his hand. He lets it down and looks to me, showing me his tired eyes. Today is not going to be good to him.

"Do you have any theories?" I ask him, trying to see where he's at with this.

"I have some guesses, but none of them are sound enough. It's most likely Corpus Glacius, but it didn't feel like him. He's... cold. And this wasn't cold. But I can't make full decisions based on feelings. I need facts. Facts that I don't have and am having immense trouble finding."

"What was it? What was the feeling you felt when you... blacked out?” I almost said lost control. I have to be careful with my wording. I need to make sure that he stays level headed. He looks to me in fear for a second before taking a deep breath and looking up, keeping his eyes closed.

"Angry. Hateful even. I read that article and... I just remember being mad. That I wanted to hurt the fucker who wrote it." I swallow the lump in my throat. I guessed as much, but by the way he's talking... there's more to it.

"And... before? Shadow told me that you blacked out before. What was it like when you first blacked out?" He takes a moment to think about it before responding.

"Smug. No... not exactly. I was in his room, looking at his weapon designs, and... they were primitive. By my standards at least. It made me feel... superior. Like he was beneath me. Confused too. How could someone so basic be a threat to me? A threat to anyone? I saw those plans and they made me feel powerful." I nod to him and think. He got angry at that article, he felt superior to Starke...

"Miles... it sounds like you're describing the Elements of Chaos to me." He gives me a confused look before sitting up and facing me properly.

"I don't doubt that those incidents are similar to them, but they aren't conclusive enough. Why would they start acting up now? Why not the other times I felt those emotions? Anger and Pride are strong, but I don't think-"

"As of right now they are as likely as any other possibility, are they not?" He gives it a moment’s thought before nodding to me. "I think it would be best if you took them and sealed them away. At least until we understood them better. They might be warping your mind for all we know."

"I... cannot dispute that." He nods some more as he thinks about it, casting his gaze downward slowly. "Alright. For the time being, the Elements of Chaos are benched. At least until I have either gain new information or blackout again."

"Good. Now come with me. The Spartans will begin training soon, and-"

"I can't go back," Miles says, confused. "Luna, I lost control. If I don't have control over myself with this kind of power-"

"Miles, you are king," I cut him off firmly, standing to drive my point further. "Whether you like it or not, you are king. And with that you now have an obligation to not only this family, but this country as well. I don't care if you are scared or if you lose control, we need you up there now. Not when it conveniences you, not when you have all the answers you want, and never when you decide it's safe. Your duty is to your family and your country, so you will never have all of those. We are less than a week away from what could be the start of a major war. Equestria needs its king, and the Spartans need their captain. I'm sorry, but you changing is not our biggest fear right now."

"..."

The room goes silent as we stare at each other. He doesn't seem mad, just shocked. I hate that I had to say this, but it was necessary. We can't afford to show weakness right now. I know Ulfric has his spies all over Equestria, just as we have ours in the Griffin Colonies. With all of the attention Miles has brought on himself, he can't just disappear. We have to look strong, we have to look ready. No matter how false it truly is, we cannot afford to look weak.

"We need to show the world that we are in control," I tell him, softening my voice. "They are trying to push us around; we need to show them that we will stand our ground. And that starts by inspiring the ponies of this nation. If you suddenly disappeared after all of this, who would they look to? I know you didn't want it, but it's too late for selfish desires. It's time to serve your country, because we need you. Now, more than ever."

"... you realize what happens after, right?" I tilt my head slightly, unsure of his intentions. "Luna... this isn't going to end when we push them back. This isn't going to end with some ink on paper or words between diplomats. You have to know that. This is going to end in blood, and both sides are going to give their share. And... things won't go to the way they were before. They never do." I nod to him and use my magic to bring him to his feet. How could things go back to the way things were? After something like this... nothing will be the same.

"All the more reason we need you, Miles. Suit up, it's time to train."

---

I shift around in my chariot as I try to control my nerves. It's been so long since I've last trained for battle, I don't know what to expect. Another lost feeling, not knowing. If anything, Miles has at least taught me that I don't know as much as I previously believed. I completely forgot what it's like before a battle. Your blood rushing through your veins, your breath catching every single time, the dryness in my mouth. It's incredibly uncomfortable. Which is good, I guess. I can't imagine being accustomed to this.

Then again, that might be why I'm here in the first place.

We make it to Ponyville where my escorts take me to the front of Miles's home. I step off and they take off without a word, as instructed. I know there are those among my guard that would disapprove of this, but I've made up my mind. That, and if they said anything, I might second guess myself.

I take a few steps towards the home and take a look around. The sun has barely poked over the horizon, burning the night dew from the surrounding grass. I'm ten minutes early, so I guess the others are still getting ready. Maybe I have enough time to run in and see the others. Maybe I shouldn't. I've seen Miles yell at his recruits before, I don't want to push my luck today.

"Mornin' Princess!" I look up and smile to Rainbow Dash as she lands before me. She's wearing her armor but has the helmet off to the side.

"Good morning, Rainbow Dash. It's good to see you again," I greet her, happy I'm not the only one here early. "Where are the others? Are they going to show up anytime soon?"

"They're probably suiting up in Mooseden. We usually line up on the side a minute or two before we start.... are you training with us today?" I smile proudly at that, making her shoot her eyebrows up. "Shit."

"Um... what?"

"Where's your armor!?" she almost yells, looking around frantically.

"I wasn't told to bring it-"

"That ass! Okay, summon your armor and get it on asap!" I give her a confused look, but does as she says anyway. With a flash of my horn my golden armor appears before me. "Hurry up and put it on!"

"What is the rush? We still don't start for another five minutes-"

"Do you want Miles on your ass?" Her vulgarity catches me off guard, but I shake my head no in response. "Then hurry up and put it on! It's Spartan directive that you wear your armor for all combat training exercises. If you aren't in your armor, then he'll rip your dick off!"

I pause for a moment before hurrying. Did he intentionally not tell me so he could yell at me? Maybe that's his way of teaching, but that's simply cruel. Why would he set me up for failure like that? It's not fair!

"Why would he intentionally try to sabotage me? It's not very kind of him-"

"We're not here to be kind. We're here to perfect killing people." Her statement stuns me for a moment. I know that's what they do but her bluntness towards it is... disturbing. With that in mind, I rush through putting my armor on. "The others are teleporting in, let's line up. I'll try to help you as much as I can, but do yourself a favor. Don't ask too many questions."

"How will I learn if I don't ask questions?" I ask her as I follow. She doesn't answer me, instead lining up and standing at attention with the other Spartans. I follow suite, still confused by her statement. If I'm here to learn, then why shouldn't I ask too many questions? I assume there's something I'm missing, but I don't know what it is.

Storm Cloud stands before us and reads from a glass brick. I take a quick look around and notice that Miles isn't here at the moment. I go to ask where he is, when I hear Rainbow Dash cough. I keep the question to myself, at her advice. Is this how they always begin? Or is something wrong? I thought this was just a sparring exercise, why all the formality?

"Alright, Spartans! Today is a special little treat for you. We will be joined by Princess Celestia for sparring matches, as well as anything else she is willing to endure. The Captain is set on making her into a proper killer, so let's make sure she learns everything there is!" I gulp at that. That's not why I'm here. I'm here to learn to fight and protect my country. But, that may become a part of my duty. I push the thought away for now, listening to Storm instead. "Now get going! Sixty minutes till we begin matches!"

In unison, the Spartans give a shout of confirmation and turn towards the Everfree. I turn after them in time to start running with them. They train in the forest? It's odd, but it is the best place for them actually. It's away from the populace and offers large tracts of land to use. Though, how they avoid the predators and unforgiving weather, is beyond me.

The group breaks into a moderate running speed. It's not too much on me, but I find it strange that we are running in a straight line. For some it seems easy, but for others it seems difficult. I don't know how the apes are able to keep pace, but they don't seem like they're struggling. Though, with those helmets, I might be wrong.

We go on like this for another twenty minutes. No one talks, no one attempts to fly, and no one breaks from the line. At this point I start to feel my armor chaff against me. I haven't worn this thing is eons, and it's showing. I guess I've become more accustomed to the softer things, and armor is not a part of that. I especially feel it in my left shoulder. I guess in my hurry I put it on wrong. I light up my horn to fix it, but Rainbow Dash coughs loudly. Am I not allowed to use magic? I guess that makes sense, since they haven't used anything during this run, but how am I going to fix it? Am I supposed to just endure it? If this was a battle, I would have the time to correct it, why not now? I don't understand.

We go on for another twenty minutes, and I'm starting to feel it. It's not too much, it's just been a long time since I've ran for forty minutes. Sweat is starting to roll down my brow as my legs begin to numb from the constant galloping. Some of the others are showing similar signs, but I feel as if they are handling it much better than I am. If this is something they do routinely, I don't know how I'll be standing at the Grand Galloping Gala. There's no way my legs will allow it. One can hope though.

I saw some beast along the way. Dire wolves, manticores, even some things that I've never seen before! None of them moved against us though. It's as if they know not too. If they've been doing this for six years, I can only imagine the confrontations they've had. They might as well be a part of the forest now, it seems.

We come upon a wooden fortress at the end of our run. Tall wooden poles, at least twenty feet high, form a square building with watchtowers at the corners. A doorway stands open for us with the Spartan logo burned into it. The walls are covered in scratches and burn marks, some parts looking newer than others. Is this where people come to become Spartans now? Or is this one structure among many for them? I'm sure I'll find out soon enough.

The gate opens before us and we come running in. There are a few barracks here, but other than that there's nothing in here. Miles is standing in the center of the open square. He has his armor on and has his claymore in his hands, resting the point in the ground. I feel a new wave of worry wash over me. I've fought him in the past, but something about today is worrying me. Something's... off. The line comes to a halt and turns to face him, everyone staying silent. I don't know if he's looking between all of us or just standing there, it's hard to tell.

"Celestia!" he barks. "Step forward." I do as he asks, stepping in front of the line. He walks over and stares right into my eyes, as if testing my nerves.

"Miles," I greet him, giving him a slight nod. He doesn't say anything at first, choosing to just stare me down a while longer. I start to feel a bit foolish as I just stand here. He could at least say hello, or something. Anything!

"Who told you to bring your armor?" he asks quietly. I feel a pang of worry hit me. So I wasn't supposed to bring my armor! Should I just tell him? I know how much the Spartans value honesty. But I don't want to get Rainbow Dash-

"I did!" Rainbow announces, stepping forward. "It's regulation to wear-"

"Is it regulation to break the chain of command?" Miles snaps back, moving to tower over her.

"No sir!"

"Did I order you to tell her to bring armor!?"

"No sir!"

"Are you responsible for her training!?"

"No sir!"

"Who the fuck put you in command?"

"No one sir!"

"Get back in line before I demote your ass!"

"Yes sir!" She steps back in line quickly. No one here seems to flinch from his outburst. I myself can feel a cool sheen of sweat rolling down my brow. I really hope he doesn't yell at me like that.

"Spartan!" Miles starts, slowly pacing in front of the others. "It appears that our war may be starting sooner rather than later. Come this time next week, I will be meeting at the Isle to discuss terms with Ulfric. That means we have a week to ready our defenses and rally more to our cause. As of today, the Spartans are entering a preparatory state for war, order nineteen; The Gathering."

I hear them shuffle around a bit, but they stay mostly silent. I don't know entirely what they mean, but I get the rest. They're mobilizing. He's getting ready for a fight that might not even happen. What does that mean for them? What is that going to change? They've been militaristic in everything they've done; what else is there for them to do?

"Until the Grand Galloping Gala, Storm Cloud will be overseeing daily activities. I'm keeping everyone on call until we have assured peace. I have to secure our allies and make further arrangements. That's all for now, dismissed!" Everypony disperses into groups, mumbling to one another quietly. Miles motions for me to follow, so I do. We walk into one of the barracks where Miles sits on a cot, motioning me to sit across from him. I give him a confused look before sitting.

"What are we doing out here? Aren't we supposed to be training?" I ask him, fixing the strap on my armor.

"Not today. Today... we have a lot to discuss beforehand," he tells me solemnly, removing his helmet.

"How will I earn their respect if I'm in here? What is it that you wish to discuss?" He looks away from me for a moment as he thinks to himself. I have no clue what is on his mind, but whatever it is, it's troubling him deeply. "Miles?"

"If I said I am king... what would you tell me?" His question is surprising, but not entirely abstract. He is king now and has to start acting like it. But I doubt that is all there is to it. I give his question a moment's thought before responding.

"I would tell you that kings do not need to tell others they are king." He scoffs at that, shaking his head while leaning back. "I am here to earn favor with the Spartans. You said that if I trained with them it would-"

"Celestia, you could train with us until you find your cause and it wouldn't change their opinions about you." His statement catches me off guard. Why is he wasting my time then? And... does that mean he lied to me? "We're not here to 'gain favor', we're here to train. The fact that you are here is a start, but you aren't going to change their minds."

"But you said-"

"I said we respect one thing: Warriors. You will not be a warrior, Celestia, you will be a leader. Unless the generals of Equestria lead from the front lines?" I stay silent, knowing he knows the answer.

"So... we will not be having sparring matches then, will we?" I ask, feeling a bit down. I've never been so... disregarded before. I know it was a possibility, but... I've never had it thrown in my face before.

"I didn't say that." I look up to him in confusion, making him smirk. "You and I will be sparring still, just... not the way you were thinking. We will be playing war games against one another. I will be testing you on your ability to lead armies and how to strategize." I laugh a little at that, getting an offended look from him.

"I'm sorry, truly, I am. I'm sure you have much you can teach me in the ways of war. It's just... a little presumptuous, don't you think?"

"I come from a culture of people who have been warring since the dawn of time. I was the second highest ranking officer from my city, and it wasn't purely on power or skill. The Codex has records of military tactics and statistics over ten eras ago. And I know not to laugh when my opponent tells me they have something to teach me, Celestia."

"I know, sorry. I just thought it was a little funny," I tell him, trying to get back in the moment. "Of course I will play your war games. Where shall we begin? What are the rules?"

"Here is our first game. Theoretical Conquest. Here's how it works. I will start by telling you a strategic move or plan to conquer Equestria. Then you will offer a counter to that plan, and then have a chance to counterattack. The game ends when either one of us yields or Storm comes to tell us that our time is up. Are you ready?"

What is he planning? Does he really intend to tell me how he plans to conquer Equestria? Or is he toying with me? Either way, this game of his is extremely disconcerting. He's never been one to mock openly about his ability to conquer. He makes his jabs at issues and weak points in policy, but he's never blatantly said how he'd conquer. As much as I want to know what he could do, I don't know how I'll feel when I do.

"Step one, Terradisian withdrawal from the Griffin Colonies. As the military commander and current leader of the Terradisians, I have the authority to make the executive action to withdraw from the G.C. Without our free handouts, resentment would grow to the point of rapid mobilization." I nod to that. Things are dicey right now, and him pulling support right now would not help. But how can I put this on him? "You may now offer a rebuttal to my move and a counter move."

"Well... by making it an executive action, the griffins would put the blame on you. We'd take this opportunity to solidify our commitment to aiding the people, winning over the populace."

"Next we annex the Apple family and cease trade with Equestria. Your market loses ten percent of its crop yield as well as its largest supplier of raw metals, and Terradisia can finally elect a proper Parliament. This absolves me from fault, as it appears as a revolution to outsiders." I blink at that one. I knew that the Apples might sign over, but in this game they do it immediately. The reduction would push prices higher, which is what the griffins are mad about in the first place. I need to debunk his argument. Or, at the very least, pin it against him.

"Hm... with a new government, means new minds in power... So we'd petition the new government to open trade again. Then we appeal to the Apples on their years of service to the crown and bring them back to Equestria-"

"Then I'd be back in control, putting us in a tailspin between loyalties. Next my Spartans would covertly destroy Equestrian trade routes with the G.C. With little to no food, they are forced to make immediate actions and invade the Soviet Bear Union." I blanch at that. Why would he provoke a war like that? He's trying to conquer Equestria, so he has the griffins fight the bears? That doesn't make sense! Unless...

"The griffins wouldn't go to war with the bears. They have a standing army and are already aware of a possible fight. Even if they did, they wouldn't achieve a lasting victory. Our next move would be to broker a peace between the two nations and find a way to secure trade-"

"I'd use this as a chance to show the weakness of Equestrian policy. With the bears fighting fiercely and the Equestrians appearing weak, the griffins agree peace with the bears and march on Equestria. Come on Celestia, think! There are more pieces to the puzzle, use them!" I bite my lips as I try to think what he's talking about. He doesn't suggest using family members as pawns, does he?

"Hm... I'd..." There's something I'm not considering here. Something he wants to utilize... "I'd eclipse the sun against the griffins. Wherever they land has no sunlight, so they can't grow crops. It also shows the world my resolve to protect my nation-"

"I take all willing people into the underground nation of Terradisia. With many of your people and the griffin army in my care, a new parliament is made. This new government moves to secure our lands, and not understanding our technological prowess, goes to war with Equestria. We conquer in three days. Do you surrender?"

"Of course not! I-"

"We capture city after city and convince them that a new world order will prevail. The people turn against you. You have no army, nowhere to hide, and people to call your own."

"We wouldn't fall so quickly-"

"We take the food, we control the media, and any that fight don't live long enough to rally others. How are you going to stop an army that outnumbers most of your cities?" I just stare at him, flabbergasted. Is this what he wanted to do? Just boast that he could conquer my nation?

"Is this all you wanted? Flaunt your military around and-"

"Don't give up so quickly." I hum to him, looking back to him. "Celestia, this is theoretical. This is how things would always be. If I was going to do that, why would I tell you?" I nod to that, but still feel a bit down. Even though it wasn't true, it felt too real. "What do you believe you did wrong?"

"Letting you talk down to me," I say bitterly, making him scoff.

"Yes, at least at the end there. What else?" I sit back and try to think. Other letting him walk over me during that, what did I really do wrong?

"I... didn't take it seriously," I tell him, getting him to nod back to me. I think about it for a moment before continuing. "I didn't take you seriously. Even though you told me what we were going to be doing, I thought of it as a joke. I didn't think of the scenarios outside of my country either."

"You also didn't think about who you were fighting." Miles adds. I nod, thinking about what I would have done differently. "Let's try that again. This time take it seriously and think critically. Ready?"

"Yes, let's try this again." I straighten myself out and nod to him, ready to start over.

"To start off, I take the Apple farms and cut your food production by ten percent. Your move." I think about this for a moment before smiling to him, having an idea.

"You wouldn't be able to gather all of the Apples, though. If you were to, you would have already. Seeing you make a move against my nation, I make a move against you. I convince Luna to have another foal, putting you in maternity leave. This weakens the Spartan leadership and removes both you and Luna from major schemes."

"But not right away. I use the time before confirmation to stage a series of raids throughout the world, procuring all major metal production globally. I do this through diplomacy or brute force." I think about this one a little bit longer. He takes away metals, then no one can produce any new weapons. But...

"I send my guards and strike down Mooseden." Miles shows a little shock from this, clearly not expecting this from me. "To hold all of those mines and factories, you'd have to thin your ranks. And I know exactly where your people are hiding. This would also scare the Apples back to my side, the ones that aren't truly invested at least."

He doesn't say anything at first, giving me a surge of confidence. I made him pause. I made the Captain of the Spartan regiment pause. I cut through all of his boasting, all his pride; I deflated his massive ego and made him pause. Is this what he's trying to teach me? What it feels like to out think your opponent. Is this what it's like to win a battle? The war isn't over, but I won this round. This has to be what he's trying to teach me.

"Interesting." I smirk at that, swelling with pride. "Well, with my citizens dead and my troops spread wide, I'd have no other choice. Order twenty-six; Final Ultimatum. This is total war. We march, in unison, on every capital. We bomb those that fight, we erase everyone that rebels, and if a city proves too much trouble... we drop alphas. The remaining Spartans and the Terradisian army beat the world into submission."

"You can't just keep doing that!" I snap at Miles. "You keep flaunting that army of yours as if they can do what you say they can do! If you could do that, then why haven't you? Why are you even worried about a possible war if that's your go-to answer?"

"I will not be a tyrant!" Miles snaps back loudly, slamming his fist down. We stare at each other for a moment before I realize how serious Miles is about this. "Power is a terrifying thing, Celestia. I know that you know this."

"Then why do you keep-"

"That army is the only reason we're even talking right now, Celly. Can't you see that? The Unfamiliar aren't stupid. If we met in open combat, I'd win, no argument about that. They're playing the field, just as we all are. They know I'll support the Equestrians in any conflict, and that's what they're waiting for. Do you think a person in my position dies in some duel of fates? My death, should it happen, will not be noteworthy."

"Miles..."

"They know that if they can get you and the griffins to go to war, and they know that I'll support you. All they have to do then is wait and take the shot. I can alter the elements, I can erase mountains, I wield powers unknown to the world. But I can't survive a gunshot to the head. Or a stabbing to the heart. I have power, but that doesn't make me immortal. And that's what they are waiting for. And I refuse to subjugate the world under my banner through force. So, what am I to do? What is the play I make to survive this ordeal? What is my move?"

I stare at him, lost. I didn't know he looked at this ordeal so... personally. I should have guessed, most soldiers do so. But I just never expected it from Miles. He always seems so... fearless. Seeing him scared is... uncomfortable.

"Miles... I don't know what to tell you. But-"

"Well that's a shame." I blanch at his remark. And here I thought we'd have a touching moment. "I'm already putting my plan into motion. Why do you think you're here?"

"... ARE YOU USING ME!?" I yell at him. He chuckles and stands up, giving a lazy stretch.

Yes, but not the way you think I am. That's enough for today. Let's move on to-"

"A sparring match!" I yell at him, standing up quickly. "If I'm going to be used, I may as well learn something from it. We are sparring, and that is final!" He chuckles at that, moving to hold the door open for me. I walk past him in a huff, summoning my sword along the way.

"Fair enough then. But be warned, I'm not going to hold back," he tells me as he draws his claymore and sets the sparring enchantment on it. I set mine on as well, eyeing him evenly.

"Good. I don't have time for slow lessons." As we square off with one another, all of the other Spartans stop what they are doing to watch. They form a circle around us and keep their weapons pointed at the ground. One of them starts to tap against the ground, and the others join. Soon they're all jabbing their weapons on the ground in unison, setting the beat to our fight.

"Then let us begin."

Next Chapter: Chapter 239 Plan of Action Estimated time remaining: 12 Hours, 4 Minutes