Chapter 19, A New Soldier

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With the return of Jerald from the Creature Realm, his wish of owning an M1 Garand is granted by his adopting father as a sign of trust and responsibility. On his casual "await for pick up" in the forest, he meets a man who wishes to accompany him along the way.

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I gripped the strap of my rifle as we wandered towards the world tree, "So, what makes you want to come along?"

Victor looks down at me then chuckles, "Life needs spice, right now I should be working towards being a medical surgeon but class was too much to pay for and yeh..."

Letting out a "Mhm" we continue along our path until we see a teen girl who looks similarly dressed to Rotte's staff. She hears us coming and looks over with a smile.

"Does any of you two happen to be 2nd Lieutenant Jerald?"

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"Does any of you two happen to be 2nd Lieutenant Jerald?"

I raise my hand and salute, "2nd Lieutenant Jerald reporting for duty."

She grins, "Princess has told me a lot about you, she seems pretty interested. I've heard you slept together, haven't you?"

A sigh escapes my mouth, "Yes, I have slept in her bed but that doesn't mean we're a couple. Second, from my observations of her, we have a quite huge age gap. Third, I am definitely not a pedophile."

She motions us as the world tree is activated. "The name is Judit by the way."

Victor looks at me with an expressionless face while awaiting my command, "We're going for a ride, hold on to your stuff."

The world tree is activated as the three of us are dropped back into the unknown realm I've been at for a few days.

We leave Judit behind as she must attend to her belongings near a nearby lake.

"Uhh, Jerald? Where are we going?"

I turn my head to him, "Rotte's castle or whatever they call it."

He continues along the path while scratching at a loose strap. "Ah, I see."

While we walk I realize that my rifle is with me so that means there is probably ammunition in my suspender. After feeling them very quickly, I have a few spare clips. Not really sure on the actual amount but from what I felt there are more than five.

"How many magazines did you bring?" I call out, "Can't really tell you what we might have to face in this world."

He nods then checks his side pockets, "Three magazines in total including the one already loaded, and don't worry. My gun is on safety."

I look at him in curiosity, "Only three?"

Victor sighs, "It's because that's how much the GDR Guards carried with them."

10 minutes later

Victor and I arrive at the garden. As Olav greets me, he looks up at Victor who is towering over him in an intimidating way.

Olav: "2nd Lieutenant, Rotte missed you! She is currently in her own personal flower garden."

I smile then introduce him to Victor, even if he tries to hide it, he is clearly shaken by his height.

While Victor and Olav socialize, I make my way to Rotte and see her watering velvet blossoms.

"Hey there, Princess." a happy smile forms on my face. Maybe I'm getting a bit too attached.

She turns to me as her long blonde hair waved in the gentle breeze. We approach each other, both of us simply looking.

Rotte leans forward and embraces me, "You're back!"

I stand there shaken by her act, Did she just hug me!?!?!

Pulling myself together I finally give an answer. "Well.. It's been busy, you see I sorta took a step closer to becoming what my grandfather once was."

I take my M1 Garand from my shoulder, "It's a weapon used by the soldiers a long time ago.." slinging my rifle back, I pull out my M11911.

"Incase my rifle runs out, this should take the spot."

Rotte looks at me in confusion, "Why would you need them here?"

*Inhales* "If ever was a time I must defend you, I will do so."

She blushes and turns away. Come on, I didn't want this reaction.

"Second Lieutenant Jerald?" Victor walks towards us and Rotte takes a quick glance before hiding behind me.

She points at him in fear, "H-he looks s-s-scary."

I automatically embrace Rotte to calm her down, "It's just Victor, one of my men." More like my only one..

He glares down at Rotte, "And you are supposed to be?"

Noticing Rotte is too scared to talk, I take her hand then speak to Victor. "It's better I introduce you to everyone else."

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