Chapter 3: The Unexpected Reunion

Two weeks later, the young man stood in formation.

Uniform pressed. Boots polished. Jaw tight.

The military base buzzed with tension—new recruits lined up under the harsh sun, waiting for their commanding officer.

“Stand straight!” someone barked.

He adjusted instinctively.

Then the doors opened.

Boots echoed across concrete.

And when the officer stepped forward—

Everything inside him dropped.

It was him.

The old man.

But now, there was nothing fragile about him.

Sharp uniform. Medals catching the light. Eyes scanning like weapons.

“General Markov,” someone whispered.

The young man’s stomach turned.

General.

The same man he had attacked.

The same man who had dropped him without effort.

Their eyes met.

Just for a second.

Recognition flickered.

But the General said nothing.

No reaction.

No acknowledgment.

“Discipline,” General Markov began, voice cutting through the air, “is the difference between life and death.”

The words hit harder now.

Because the young man knew—

He had already failed that lesson.

Chapter 4: The Weight of Shame