Craving Scarecrow

"Is something wrong with your finger?" Sebastian looks at Livio.

"No, it's fine. I am a little bit concerned about the woman." Livio looks at the sky.

"The woman was beautiful, wasn't she? Are you interested in her?" Nitin grins.

"No, you idiot. She is out of my reach. I am talking about her healing powers. While she was healing me, she herself was radiating warmth. But her chain, the one she used to heal me, felt a little different." Livio squeezes his fists.

"What do you mean?" Nitin touches the palace wall, trying to figure out the material it is made of.

"The chain felt warm at first, but after some time, it radiated a bit of coldness," Livio says, curious.

"You are thinking too much. When you meet her again, give her a gift, and most importantly, thank her. Let's go." Nitin stands in front of the gate, and it opens automatically.

When they enter the palace, they feel like kings. The floor is so shiny they can see their reflections on it. Pillars stretch high, supporting the ceiling. When they look up, they feel like dwarfs. A large round glass on the roof allows moonlight to pour in. There's enough space for thousands of people to walk comfortably. In the middle of the hall, there is a large black circle. They notice the circle is moving, as though it wants to separate in the middle.

As they approach it, the circle suddenly splits, revealing a giant eye. They jump back, falling to the floor, panting heavily. Movements fill the pupil of the eye, and when moonlight strikes it, fish begin rising upward toward the ceiling. They follow the fish with their eyes, and when their gaze reaches the ceiling again, their jaws drop. They see countless fish floating beneath the glass.

A voice starts echoing, but they ignore it. The voice grows louder and louder until it snaps them out of their daze.

When they turn in the direction of the voice, they find a receptionist sitting at her desk between the pillars.

"Oh, forgive us. We ignored you," Sebastian says with a nervous laugh.

"It's alright. You are not the first ones." The woman opens a glowing screen in the air. Her attire makes her stand out behind the desk. She is wearing a crisp white blouse, paired with a charcoal pencil skirt that hugs her figure perfectly, extending to her knees. A silver necklace sparkles at her collarbone, complementing her earrings. Her black heels click rhythmically as she moves.

"You are Livio, Nitin, and Sebastian, right?" She spreads the glowing screen in front of her.

"Yes!" Sebastian replies, doing the talking.

"Everything is ready. Your friends have prepared everything for you. They will take you to your rooms, located on the third floor. Oh, and one more thing—you can have your dinner. Ahead, you'll find a gate between the pillars that leads to the dining hall. You'll find all types of food there, so please help yourselves. Your friends are waiting. Please enjoy!" She waves her hand and gives them a genuine smile.

They follow her directions and find the gate. Upon entering, they find themselves in a food heaven. The beautiful, fresh aroma of food fills their hearts, making it impossible to resist. Each of them grabs a plate and begins collecting their favorite dishes. While looking around for their friends, they hear a call from Freja.

"Hey guys, look here!" Freja is standing in her place, waving her hand.

They smile upon seeing her and head to her table. They sit down, but their shouting draws disapproving looks from others around them. Most of the diners appear serious and unhappy.

Ignoring the judgmental stares, they begin eating. While eating, Sebastian and Livio notice that Nitin is using his hands. This is the first time they've seen such a thing in person. Anya, however, gets irritated.

"Why are you eating with your hands?" Anya points her spoon at Nitin.

"I'm sorry, but some foods are meant to be eaten with hands. If it bothers you, I can change my seat," Nitin says, looking at her.

"It's okay. You just need to eat. It doesn't matter how," Sebastian says with a genuine smile.

"Okay, now let's talk about job planning," Viktor says while sipping his juice.

"Elena and I are going to work in the bakery shop," Eero says, putting down his knife and fork.

"Me, Freja, and Sofia are going to work in the bar," Anya says, standing up to get some juice.

"I think the rest will join the military," Nicola says, lifting his beer glass and taking a sip.

"Okay then, best of luck to everyone." Anya brings beer for everyone.

"I don't drink alcohol," Nitin says, showing his palm and waving.

"Don't worry. We are just going to cheer. Those who don't want to drink can put their cups down after the cheers!" Freja says, leading them in raising their glasses.

Everyone grabs a glass.

"Here we go! Three, two, one.....cheers!" Sofia clinks her cup first.

Everyone cheers and starts drinking, except Nitin and Sebastian.

"I think I should go and get some rest," Nitin says, standing up and heading to his room.

Livio follows him.

"I think I'll go with them," Sebastian says, deciding to follow his seniors.

As they leave, Anya gives them a disgusted glance.

The next day, they meet at the breakfast table. Some are drinking tea, others coffee.

"I guess we'll meet again. Best of luck," Luka says, finishing his breakfast.

Everyone wishes each other good luck and says their goodbyes.

The group interested in the military heads toward the waterfall. The sound of the falling water pierces their ears, while the fresh smell of nature and the breathtaking scenery make them stop and take it all in.

After enjoying the view, they move forward. The rainbow-colored waterfall mesmerizes them, making them freeze like statues. The palace, the source of the waterfall, is made entirely of diamonds, shining brightly like the sun.

After marveling at the scene, they proceed to the palace for military enrollment. Inside, they see a man sitting at a desk, writing. The building is large but not as beautiful as the blue one. The glass structures on the ceiling, in various colors, transform sunlight into a mesmerizing display.

As they step inside, the man stands up. His fully fitted blue armor, covering every part of his body except his head, catches their attention. The armor resembles fish scales, with no elevations. His blue cloak sways as he approaches.

"So, I assume you're here to join, right?" he says, looking directly at Luka, who is standing at the front.

"Yes, sir!" Luka shouts, closing his eyes.

"Okay, you're all in. Follow me, and I'll guide you to your rooms," the man says, turning and walking away.

They follow him to the second floor, navigating through stairs and hallways.

"Sir! But how do we choose our branch?" Viktor asks, raising a finger.

The man suddenly vanishes and reappears, punching Viktor in the gut. Viktor collapses, vomiting and kneeling on the floor.

"Clean it yourself! You don't get to choose your branch. We'll decide based on your training performance. Once you're here, you can't leave. You'll either die fighting in the army or be killed by us. Choose any room on this floor," the man says before vanishing.

Livio and Sebastian sit on the ground in shock. Nitin and Nicolas tremble. Alaric, Tomasz, and Matteo hold their heads in despair.