"Join the U.C.M and battle for your planet! Your presence and support could be the difference between the survival of the race. Become a hero and be remembered in history!"
Every morning, on my way to my job, the same propaganda message blares from digital billboards, urging people to enlist. No one really pays attention anymore—we've all grown used to them. Soldiers patrol the streets, clad in heavy armor and gripping high-caliber weapons, ever ready for an attack. Ever since portals to different planets began appearing out of nowhere, humanity has adapted. We've grown ruthless. Only the strongest survive.
Now, at sixteen, I'm finally old enough to join the army. And why would I do that? Money, of course. What else? Those who achieve great feats in war get to live a life of luxury afterward. That's my dream—to climb to the top. Someone as special as me deserves nothing less. After living a miserable life, if killing some aliens is the price of a better future, then so be it.
Tonight, after my shift, I'll register and change my life forever. Though, I can't lie—I'm a little nervous. What if I die? I don't want to go out in some pathetic way. But no, I won't die. I'm a mana user, stronger than most people. If I die, it will be at the hands of someone powerful, after a ferocious battle worthy of legend.
_ _ _
"Boss, I'm done."
"Yeah, yeah, you can leave, you little bastard."
"You're gonna die if you keep smoking like that, old man."
"And why would you care? You're joining the army, right? I bet you'll die before I do."
"Shut up. I won't die. I'm special."
"Hmph. Whatever."
"Anyway, did you do what I asked?"
"Yes, I did. I put you on the list as your guardian. Just go and sign the papers, and you'll be ready."
"See you then. Maybe it'll be years before we see each other again."
"I hope you don't die."
"I won't."
He acts like he doesn't care, but I know he does. Old people—they never change. But I don't have time to dwell on it. I need to hurry before the recruitment center closes. After sprinting through the streets, I arrive at my destination—a small, nondescript two-story building. The only thing that stands out is the glowing letters: U.C.M. above the entrance.
Inside, there's a long line. Mostly young men, a few young women, and some with their parents. The atmosphere is silent, save for the occasional metallic hiss of doors opening as names are called. I wait for what feels like an eternity. My legs are numb, but finally, it's my turn. Just one signature, and my life will change forever.
"Next person in line, please proceed to Room Nine."
That's me.
"Hi, please come in and take a seat."
Damn, why did it have to be a guy? I saw plenty of beautiful women working here, but of course, I get stuck with him. Just my luck.
"So, what brings you here, young man?"
"I'm here to sign my contract with the army."
"Name?"
"Adrian Marques."
"Do you have an ID?"
"No, sir. I'm a minor."
"Where's your guardian?"
"He couldn't make it today, but he already did all the paperwork."
Why so many questions? This is annoying.
"I see. Paulo Marques is your father, right?"
"Yes, sir."
"Alright, give me a second. I need to retrieve your contract."
As he steps out, my mind races. What if they know I'm lying? What if they reject me? A few minutes later, he returns with a folder.
"Alright, Adrian, here are your papers. But first, let me ask you something."
Damn, they found out.
"Do you have a core?"
Or… maybe not.
"No, sir."
"Alright, sign here… and here."
I quickly scrawl my name across the papers.
"Good. Come back tomorrow at 6 AM. You'll be transported to a military facility, then flown to Greenland. Don't worry about bringing anything except spare clothes—everything else will be provided by the U.C.M."
"Yes!"
"Welcome to the army, Adrian. May you serve Earth well."
Just like that, I did it. I joined the army. My new life starts tomorrow. But first, I have to go back to that shithole I call home. My apartment—if you can even call it that—is nothing more than a box with windows. The moment I step inside, the rancid smell hits me. My mother is curled up on the floor, wrapped in a thin blanket. She sleeps all day because she works at night.
"Useless bitch."
I won't have to look at this depressing scene much longer. The army provides each soldier with housing. I'll finally have my own room. Maybe, if I'm lucky, I'll even share it with a girl. I can't wait.
The next morning, I wake up early and hurry outside. The digital screens overhead display the time: 5:17 AM. I run toward the recruitment center, where a convoy of buses waits, surrounded by soldiers. One of them directs me to my assigned vehicle. As I board, a heavyset guy plops down next to me. Just my luck.
A tall man steps onto the bus and addresses us.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it is an honor to escort the next generation of soldiers to their destination. A bright future awaits you all. May God protect your souls and grant you the strength to defend Earth."
The bus erupts into cheers as the engine rumbles to life. My new life awaits. My obstacles? Just a bunch of aliens.