At noon, Loa appeared in the Courtyard alongside Zephyr.
As they walked, nearly every Marine looked at Loa with respect and admiration. Even the other Vice Admirals stopped to give him a nod.
After yesterday's battle, everyone knew how terrifying the power inside this young man was, despite his unremarkable height.
It was absolute strength that left them feeling helpless, almost unable to breathe. Facing Loa was like facing an Admiral.
In this world, strength ruled. The strong earned respect wherever they went.
A doctor had shaved off Loa's short, tousled hair while tending his wounds. What remained was barely as long as a fingernail. It looked a little strange, but it made him seem much more alert.
As he had lost fat, the last traces of babyish roundness in his face had given way to rugged, sunlit features. His smile, though, still put people at ease.
But the crimson scar running from his left eye to his jaw stood out against his bronze-tinted skin, lending him a fierce edge.
Combined with his terrifying record in battle, it gave him an oppressive presence. He might have been smiling, but everyone felt its weight.
He walked into the Courtyard beside Zephyr, and the companions who knew him gathered around to greet him.
"Hey, good morning, everyone!"
"Get lost!" Zephyr seized Loa by the collar and dragged him toward the back of the Courtyard, grumbling as he went. "You call this morning? Lunch is ready, damn it! Hurry up. Once we're done, you can go right back to sleep for all I care!"
Simon and the others watched Zephyr drag Loa away. For a moment, they were speechless. Then they shook their heads helplessly.
Now that was Loa's everyday life.
Except, in that direction...
"Simon, what do you think the instructor and