In the heart of a war-torn land, where the sky seemed eternally shrouded by clouds of smoke, there existed a band of seasoned soldiers known as the Iron Vanguard. Their camaraderie was as unyielding as their resolve, forged through countless battles and shared hardships. With the lowest casualty rate of all the units, the Iron Vanguard's name carried weight even well into enemy ranks. Proud fighters that had established a brotherhood that not only boosted morale, but also combat efficiency.
Into this brotherhood stepped a rookie named Sohak, his youthful, wide-eyed enthusiasm was a stark contrast to the aged weathered faces of his comrades. Raised in a small village far from the frontlines as a hardworking farmer turned swordsman, Sohak had enlisted seeking adventure and purpose. To see more of the world than just his little village and farm could provide. Little did he know, his journey would be more daunting than he ever imagined.
Initially met with skepticism and even hostility, Sohak struggled to find his place among the veterans. His clumsiness on the battlefield and naive questions earned him more than a few scowls. Status was also very present as much of the Iron Vanguard were men that came from noble homes. With a name and several more years of combat training under them, they'd turn their noses down upon the newcomer, questioning his place here. But beneath their gruff exteriors, the members of the Iron Vanguard recognized something in Sohak—a determination to prove himself worthy after his body was battered, bruised, and injured. Sohak refused to stay down each and every time he was knocked upon his hind.
As weeks turned into months, Sohak earnest efforts began to bear fruit. He trained tirelessly, honing his skills until he could keep pace with even the most seasoned soldiers. Slowly but surely, he earned their respect through sheer determination and unwavering courage, Yet the hard part was still yet to come. Sohak had to prove his worth in battle and that would be no simple feat for the young Vanguard.
The turning point came during a particularly harrowing skirmish. Sohak and his detachment of Vanguard were ambushed and driven through a forest. Sohak had the bright idea to turn the forest into their advantage by using a controlled burn. Something he's done several times during his simple and quieter life on the farm. Armed with this knowledge, Sohak set out across the battlefield igniting fires that spread rapidly thanks to the winds of change. It bottlenecked and allowed for easier kills versus the traditional direct method. How his comrades watched as Sohak strode back and forth across the battlefield, fending off enemy attacks in support of the Vanguard. That day bravery saved his comrades from certain doom. In that moment, amidst the chaos of battle, the veterans saw in Sohak not just a rookie, but a true brother-in-arms. A true member of the Vanguard that had their best interest in mind that they would all go home with another victory under their belt. No matter what bodily harm might come towards them..
From that day forward, Sohak was no longer an outsider but an integral part of the Iron Vanguard. He shared in their victories and mourned their losses, bound to them by bonds forged in the crucible of war. Together, they stood as a testament to the unbreakable spirit of camaraderie that defines true soldiers.
Into this brotherhood stepped a rookie named Sohak, his youthful, wide-eyed enthusiasm was a stark contrast to the aged weathered faces of his comrades. Raised in a small village far from the frontlines as a hardworking farmer turned swordsman, Sohak had enlisted seeking adventure and purpose. To see more of the world than just his little village and farm could provide. Little did he know, his journey would be more daunting than he ever imagined.
Initially met with skepticism and even hostility, Sohak struggled to find his place among the veterans. His clumsiness on the battlefield and naive questions earned him more than a few scowls. Status was also very present as much of the Iron Vanguard were men that came from noble homes. With a name and several more years of combat training under them, they'd turn their noses down upon the newcomer, questioning his place here. But beneath their gruff exteriors, the members of the Iron Vanguard recognized something in Sohak—a determination to prove himself worthy after his body was battered, bruised, and injured. Sohak refused to stay down each and every time he was knocked upon his hind.
As weeks turned into months, Sohak earnest efforts began to bear fruit. He trained tirelessly, honing his skills until he could keep pace with even the most seasoned soldiers. Slowly but surely, he earned their respect through sheer determination and unwavering courage, Yet the hard part was still yet to come. Sohak had to prove his worth in battle and that would be no simple feat for the young Vanguard.
The turning point came during a particularly harrowing skirmish. Sohak and his detachment of Vanguard were ambushed and driven through a forest. Sohak had the bright idea to turn the forest into their advantage by using a controlled burn. Something he's done several times during his simple and quieter life on the farm. Armed with this knowledge, Sohak set out across the battlefield igniting fires that spread rapidly thanks to the winds of change. It bottlenecked and allowed for easier kills versus the traditional direct method. How his comrades watched as Sohak strode back and forth across the battlefield, fending off enemy attacks in support of the Vanguard. That day bravery saved his comrades from certain doom. In that moment, amidst the chaos of battle, the veterans saw in Sohak not just a rookie, but a true brother-in-arms. A true member of the Vanguard that had their best interest in mind that they would all go home with another victory under their belt. No matter what bodily harm might come towards them..
From that day forward, Sohak was no longer an outsider but an integral part of the Iron Vanguard. He shared in their victories and mourned their losses, bound to them by bonds forged in the crucible of war. Together, they stood as a testament to the unbreakable spirit of camaraderie that defines true soldiers.