Chapter 7 SEVEN

The Bergon was running towards him. Then it turned to three more.

“Now Ken!” A voice exclaimed.

Before he could move, the first dug a claw into his chest and pierced him deeply, still pushing it further.

The other end came out of his back. Then it smashed him on the ground.

“Wake up!” AIDEN snapped.

Ken growled and sat up. He looked around.

He was on a bunk bed with other Raven force cadets. The sky was still dark outside. He checked the time. 0400 hours in the morning.

He touched his chest. No hole. His hands searched his body to find any scars or injuries. None. No crushed organs.

He was in loop three.

“You are awake now,” AIDEN continued.

“Don't waste my time today. We need to strategize. What is the next step?”

“We will find out on the way. First, you know what time it is.”

Ken jumped down from the bunk, tied his shoe laces and jogged out of the hostel.

Another day to advance or die.

“So you copied everything that happened yesterday. How do we fight it?” He huffed while he started his morning jogs.

“You have already found the source of its life. All you have to do is fight smarter today.”

“What should I expect? Do I have to fight a new beast? I prefer you warn me beforehand rather than serving me surprises I didn't ask for.” He scoffed.

“I can sense you are annoyed but all I can tell you is that anger cannot fix the situation nor can it help you win this. We have to work as a team. Together. I am here to help you all the way.”

“Stupid junk.” He cursed under his breath.

He continued for some minutes till…

“Hey cadet.” He already recognized the voice. He turned and as expected, there was commander Dave. He pledged in honor of his office. “Good morning Sir,” he bowed.

“You may rise,” Dave said. “I have come to join you today. Let’s run along.”

Ken scratched his head not out of itch but it is the universal response to an awkward situation. “Sir?”

Commander Dave took his hand and pulled him playfully. “Come on!”

Ken gave a little smile before joining him. As they ran side by side, the commander continued, “you are disciplined. You keep running every morning without missing a day, even while other cadets sleep. I must commend you for that.”

Ken widened his eyes in astonishment. Someone had been watching him the whole time while he thought he was invisible and useless.

“Say thank you,” AIDEN suggested.

“Thank you sir. I am honored.”

“That's fine my boy. I would like to get to know you better but not today. Our systems have detected that the foretold alien invasion is happening today. In a few hours, the whole earth will be in disaster because the demons are coming to earth. He stopped and made Ken face him.

“This is funny. He doesn't even know he has lived this day twice already.” Ken thought trying his best to hide the little smirk on his cheek.

“It is not going to be an easy war. So many lives are sure to be lost. And most of the attacks will be coming to us here in Spain. Our soldiers are getting ready for what they have prepared their whole lives. But I need you to do one thing for me.” He placed a hand on Ken's shoulder which made Ken even more surprised. But he composed himself quickly. “You must stay safe. Do not leave the base. We will order for the evacuation of all non-combatants. Please do not rebuff.”

He nodded and ran off, leaving Ken behind.

“What did I just experience?” He asked, taken aback.

“You were stopped by the chief commander of the A band cadet…”

“That was a rhetorical question. Please you can't be silly today.” He said and started running. “I think this loop will be different . In loop one and two, I never talked to him by this time.”

“Who?” AIDEN asked.

“Dave. Keep up.”

“I am sorry about that. I was only trying to test your emotions and I am happy you have let go of your anger.”

Ken smiled with his teeth.

“AIDEN let's be serious. I think this loop will be different. Who knows what will happen?”

“Whatever happens, we will fight it. Keep running.”

~•~

“Fire!!” Mark commanded the Z band cadets.

They twirled uniformly and ignited flames with their bare hands before launching it towards their dummies.

“Good!” He commended. “As we all know, the fight is today. We have all sworn by the oath since our birth to protect with our hearts and might.

So I urge you all today, be your brother's keeper. Watch each other's backs. Be focused on the fight. Fight smart. Extinguish the enemy!”

“Raven force, protectors of light!”

They all scream in unison.

The time was 07:30 AM. Ken was taking a walk close to the West wall, fully suited and armored. Every soldier was prepared to fight the disaster, so was Ken. He looked at the Z band cadets training earnestly. His eyes crossed over to one of them. The one who had been consumed by descending fire in loop two. He shook his head in pity.

“Ken!” Someone called him.

He turned to face commander Dave.

“What are you doing here? Fully geared up and why walk to this area?” Dave queried. “I pleaded with you to stay in the base. You are a non-combatant. Stay indoors!”

“I am deeply sorry sir. I would actually love to sit back and relax but that is not my fate. My heart calls me to fight for my people. I don't want to sound like a motivational speaker but please let me do this.” He took a bow.

“Well, what can I say. We need more hands though. But if I may ask, what makes you think you can fight?”

Ken let out a little smirk before facing the commander.

“You will see, sir.”