The Legend of the Ares: Rise of the Legend

Chapter 3: A Call to Action

The afternoon sun bathed the training grounds in warm light, casting soft shadows under the trees where Alisa and Jin sat after their morning session. Alisa had her hand resting on her cheek, a slight but genuine smile playing on her lips as she watched Jin. He was still determined, practicing the movements she had taught him, his young face full of concentration. She leaned back, letting out a soft sigh of contentment.

"I've never had an apprentice before," she whispered to herself, her voice barely audible, as though the words were meant only for her own ears. "No one's ever looked up to me like this." Her gaze softened further as she continued to observe him.

For as long as Alisa could remember, her life had been one mission after another. There was never time for attachments, never time to pause. She was a soldier, and her strength had always been solitary. But here was this boy, Jin, looking up to her with a fire in his eyes she hadn't seen in a long time. It stirred something inside her, something that felt unfamiliar but warm.

She allowed herself to imagine it for a moment—the boy growing strong under her guidance, becoming a soldier like her, maybe even surpassing her one day. A soft chuckle escaped her lips.

"One day, you'll make it," she whispered, almost as if she were making a promise. "You'll become strong. Stronger than you know."

Her musings were suddenly interrupted by a sharp vibration from her phone. Alisa's smile faded, replaced by the sharp, focused expression of a soldier. She quickly reached for her phone, her hand steady as she swiped the screen to answer the call.

"Alisa, we have a situation," came the deep, commanding voice of Jincheol, the leader of Ares, on the other end of the line.

"Understood, sir," Alisa replied quickly, her tone now professional and alert. "What's the situation?"

"There's an attack near our base," Jincheol explained. "We don't know the full details yet, but it's serious. I need you on the ground immediately. Mobilize."

Alisa stood up, her body tensing in preparation for action. "I'm on my way," she said, her voice firm. She hung up the phone and turned toward Jin, who had stopped practicing and was now watching her closely.

"Jin," Alisa started, her tone calm but serious, "I have to go. There's an emergency."

Jin's face immediately fell. He had just started his training, and now she was leaving. He stood up quickly, his brows furrowed in stubborn determination. "But I need you," he said, his voice rising slightly. "If you're going, I'm going too."

Alisa blinked in surprise, not expecting such insistence from the boy. "Jin, this is an emergency," she said gently, crouching down to meet his eyes. "It's too dangerous. You're not ready for this."

"I am!" Jin protested, his fists clenched at his sides. "You said I'd become strong like you one day. How can I do that if I don't see what it's really like? I want to learn, Alisa. I want to experience it!"

Alisa's eyes softened at his words, seeing the same fire in his eyes that had made her smile earlier. But she also knew the weight of real combat, the danger, and the cost that came with it. She wasn't sure if she was ready to expose him to that just yet. Still, the way he looked at her, filled with admiration and eagerness, pulled at something deep inside her.

She took a deep breath, standing up and placing her hand gently on Jin's shoulder. "I understand, Jin," she said softly. "But you have to realize that this won't be like training. This is real."

Jin nodded quickly, his eyes never leaving hers. "I know. But I'm ready. I want to help you."

Alisa chuckled, shaking her head slightly, but there was warmth in her expression. "You're stubborn, you know that?"

Jin smiled, but his gaze remained serious. "If you're going to fight, I want to be there. I want to learn from you."

Alisa studied him for a moment, her mind racing with possibilities. Was it too early? Was she being irresponsible? But then again, there was no better teacher than experience. And Jin... he reminded her of herself at that age—eager, determined, and ready to take on the world.

With a resigned sigh, she nodded, her hand still resting on his shoulder. "Alright, my boy," she said, a smile forming on her lips again. "Let's go."

Jin's face lit up with excitement, but Alisa quickly put a finger to his lips. "But you have to listen to me. Do exactly as I say, stay close, and don't do anything reckless. Understood?"

"Yes, ma'am!" Jin responded enthusiastically, standing straighter, his chest puffed out with pride.

Alisa ruffled his hair playfully before turning toward the direction of the base. "Alright then," she said, picking up her sniper rifle case and slinging it over her back. "Let's move out."

As they started walking, the weight of what lay ahead settled over them both. Alisa couldn't help but glance down at Jin, her apprentice, the boy who had unknowingly reignited a spark in her. This was only the beginning for both of them.

And though danger awaited, Alisa knew that this journey would shape Jin into the soldier he was destined to be.

End of Chapter 3: A Call to Action