Central Mountain City, Personal Office in Chuta's Mansion.
"Son of Heaven, I'm sorry for interrupting your office, but young Umza has been wandering through the halls and her room, and to follow her orders, I had to come in here to avoid being seen", Foza explained, emerging from the dimly lit corner.
"I understand, no problem then… However, I noticed you took some items from my desk", I commented, maintaining the same serious tone.
"Uh… It's just that… The artifacts you have on your desk are incredible, and I've never seen them before", he explained, surprised by my ability to detect his movements, which would have been impossible for normal people to detect.
"Are you talking about the ship models and the astrolabe?", I asked, pointing to the things on the desk.
"Yes, those. I've seen the ships in person on missions, but I didn't think it was possible to assemble those in such a small size", he explained, a little nervously.
"I see", I commented casually while holding the small ship. "Would you like to travel on the ships?", I asked suddenly, surprising him with my question.
"Yes", he replied immediately. "However, I still have a year left to complete my official training", he commented, resigned.
"Hmmm… From what I understand, Upqua said you were quite good in all aspects, you even have good mapping skills", I said thoughtfully.
"Is that what Young Upqua said?", Foza asked, surprised, with a big smile.
"Yes, that's what he said", I replied, laughing softly at his reaction. "He recommended that you be one of the first to go to the central islands, since you know how to speak both Taino and the Carib language… And I would like someone from the special group of Explorers to have an important position on the islands. Would you like to be chosen for this mission?", I asked.
"Of course", he answered without hesitation.
"What about your family? Should you consult with them?", I asked curiously.
"Young Chuta, I come from the homes you created to help us parentless people", he replied.
"I see, sorry for bringing that up", I apologized.
"No need… In fact, I owe my life to you and the people who run the Chuta Homes", he said with a grateful tone as he looked at me intensely.
"It's a Royal Orphanage now", I subconsciously corrected him. "And you're welcome, it's all so more people can have a better life", I commented with a serious tone.
Years ago, when I created these homes for abandoned grandparents or orphaned children, many people saw it as a favor from the gods, rather than help from the people who ran them. Many were very grateful for it, and it even transformed people's attitudes in the different territories of the kingdom.
After a few years, and due to expansion, the Chuta Homes were separated into two different organizations: the Home of Honor and the Royal Orphanage. Both continued to operate separately and with different focuses. The Home of Honor cared for the elderly, allowing them a much more comfortable life, also offering them the opportunity to do light work, such as teaching in elementary schools.
In the case of the Orphanage, the children who grew up there could attend school with ease, as all the supplies used in the school were provided free of charge. They could also continue their studies at the advanced school and at the Simte Academy. They were also offered the opportunity to be trained as warriors, in the scout group, or even apprenticed to various light labor jobs.
"By the way, do you have a message for me?", I asked as I sat down at my desk.
"That's right", he replied, surprised. "Young Upqua said they should discuss the appointment as general of the Northeast Region, the reforms of the Scouts, and the appointment of a new Scout Training Camp instructor", he relayed the message he had been sent to deliver.
"Okay, I'll go tomorrow morning… You can go", I told Foza.
"Understood", he said, standing at attention and leaving the room silently.
The next day, north of Central Mountain City.
In the northern part of the city, there was a compound surrounded by high wooden walls, which was impossible to enter without special permission. This was the training camp of the Scout Division.
Many believed this was an army division, but in reality, it was a separate division commanded exclusively by me. Men of different ages, including children and the elderly, were trained in this division. Each had their own specific role.
Children were trained from a young age in various combat skills and knowledge, all with the goal of becoming the most elite unit in the army. Men between the ages of 16 and 50 received primarily combat training. Those over 50, and some with physical disabilities, were given a range of skills focused on intelligence gathering and administration. They were sent as essential personnel to positions in the various regiments, or as infiltrators in thriving companies.
"Upqua, I'm here", I said, entering my older brother's office.
"Young Chuta, you're here", he said in a respectful tone.
"Why so formal?", I wondered. "Foza told me yesterday that you needed to talk to me about several things", I said as I noticed a man in his 20s in a corner of Upqua's office.
"Yes, one of those things has to do with this person... Let me introduce you, his name is Supqua", he said, standing up from his chair and pointing at the man. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Son of Heaven", he said, standing at attention and placing his right hand on his chest.
"The pleasure is mine, but just call me Chuta", I said, responding to his greeting.
"I couldn't", he said firmly.
"Well… Supqua is the candidate I have to follow to lead the Scout camp while I spend these two years in the Northeast Region. He's one of the best in all the areas we evaluate, surpassed only by geniuses", Upqua said with a proud tone.
"I see… It's great to have someone so well-rounded in this position. Now that the army and navy are being organized more functionally, it's essential to have someone like you", I said, praising his abilities while Supqua smiled subtly. "At the very least, you'll be much more competent at the administrative level than Upqua", I joked to establish rapport.
"Don't say that. I worked hard to do well", Upqua said, feigning annoyance and playing along.
"I hope I live up to your expectations", he said with an excited tone, but maintaining the same salute posture.
"I hope so too", Upqua said.
After this conversation, the three of us began preparing a series of regulations similar to those already in place in the Scout Division to be used as military laws. We also selected a group of men trained in administrative matters to serve on the Military Court and also as officers in various areas of the new Army Academy and Naval Academy.
The Army Academy would be established for that year only in the capitals of the two central regions, expanding to the rest of the capital in the following years. The Naval Academy would be established in the northwest and northern regions and then expand to the rest of the coastal regions.
We selected some of the instructors from the training camp as staff for the military academies. Also, the first envoys to the central islands, located between Taino territory and the Caribs, were chosen, including Foza.
In addition, the number of entrants increased, both for young children and adults who had been unable to enter previously due to lack of space. This increased the number of personnel at the training camp, which would be reduced by the new assignments.
Also, sub-leaders were created under Supqua's command; one would oversee the scout fleet section, and the other of the ground army.
"It's ready", I said in a weary tone.
"Everything's already registered", Supqua said, sitting at his new desk, which had previously belonged to Upqua.
"Hahaha... I was right. If Upqua had been the one drafting the new document, we would have spent all day", I joked, annoying Upqua.
"Hahaha… I can't deny it", Upqua laughed, while Supqua tried to hold back his laughter out of respect for his former superior.
"Fuuu… I feel like a spar. Is there a sparring genius my weight?", I asked while stretching.
"Yes, there is", Upqua replied, as the three of us set off for the camp's designated physical training ground.
Upqua spoke to a subordinate to summon the genius to the sparring arena on the training ground. After walking for a while, we arrived at the area where many were already present, waiting to see me in combat.
"Okay, let them watch", I said to Upqua, who seemed to want to clear the field so as not to have anyone idle.
"This is Goca. He's 9 years old, and while he's a little taller than you, it's not that much. Although I must say he's very good at sparring, he even defeated some of his peers", Upqua introduced himself as we watched the boy genius arrive.
I advanced onto the arena without responding to Upqua. As I advanced, I took off my shirt and sweatshirt, leaving me dressed only in my pants, just like Goca. We both stood facing each other, without moving forward.
He seemed to be about 5 centimeters taller than me, which was quite a lot, since I've dedicated myself to improving my diet and training since I was little to grow much taller than my peers my age. However, Goca in front of me was an exception, measuring approximately 1 meter 60 centimeters. If we compare him to the average height for his age, he'd be more than 10 centimeters taller.
"Are you ready?", asked Upqua, acting as referee, as we both nodded in agreement.
"Begin!", he shouted.
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[A/N: CHAPTER COMPLETED
Hello everyone.
Chuta (the protagonist) commands one of the organizations under his command, the "Explorers Division." So far, he hasn't shown much, but he's gradually gaining importance.
Unnecessary fact of the day: The kingdoms of Castile and Aragon took two years to conquer the Aztecs, nine years to conquer the Tarascans, and 40 to conquer the Incas.
By the way, did you know I've been publishing nonstop for two months?
Read my other novel called The Walking Dead: Vision of the Future.
You can find it on my profile.]