Within seven months after Mint's graduation. He went to join a camp. He expected it to be an 'ordinary' camp. For example, they will go hiking through some mountains or valleys. They will stay outside and live in the forest. Try something knowledgeable and teach them how to survive in the wild. That kind of thing.
But no.
He didn't have any knowledge that it's a camp that a Military Academy designated.
It has the intention of training every person who joins the camp the basics in combat. After the camp, they will select any good seedlings out of these newbies that they can absorb and trick into joining into their academy. Newbies that can be trained harder later.
The one who orchestrates the camp is the Echelon Knight Military Academy or EKMA in short.
Though even before the camp, Mint already knew the famous Echelon Knight Military Academy. On how prestigious and respected Echelon Knight Military Academy for every person who knows them.
When he learned that EKMA was the organization behind the camp, he felt reassured. He knew the academy didn't have any ill intentions toward them.
Whatever hidden motives they might have. They still did good things for ordinary people—training them in self-defense and teaching them how to protect themselves in emergencies. All for a modest price.
It's just that they do want to choose some good seedlings and persuade them into joining their academy. Of course, it's not forceful in a way.
When Mint learned what kind of training the camp offered, he found it acceptable and decided to go along with it. At the camp, they taught combat skills, firearm handling, and how to use various weapons. And Mint's favorite part—they even taught them how to drive a car.
Mint excels in driving. They even taught him advanced driving once their instructor noticed that he was fond of learning more about driving.
By that, aside from the teachings from the personnel of EKMA, he started to self-learn and can even do some dangerous tricks like some basic drifting.
Every time he drives a car, his temperament changes. Like he became a new person.
After the training finishes, on their last day, Major General Kane attended. Because a simple program was held to send them off.
To Mint's surprise, the assistant of Major General Kane, discretely summoned him. Because he was told by the assistant that all his escapades during the training, especially in his driving skills, were reported to Major General Kane.
Major General Kane was so satisfied when he saw the papers containing all of his information. Now, he wanted to invite him to join their academy.
They have many good conditions just for him to join. One of them is that he can still improve his driving skills and learn a lot more about it.
Mint gets tempted. He wanted to improve his driving skills more since he really got interested in it.
When they gave them the opportunity to do so. He really can't say no.
Also, having the knowledge that Echelon Knight Military Academy is the most famous military academy in their country is a big stimulus for him.
Not everyone can join EKMA.
In the end, he decided to join.
At the academy, Mint was truly grateful—he had learned so much. Beyond the lessons every military personnel needed, his driving skills improved significantly. While he had a natural talent for learning, the academy's training helped him refine it even further.
Thanks to his abilities, a team was formed around him. Him, being included and became a vital member.
Over time, their team became adaptable, switching between the roles of trainers and trainees depending on the situation.
Unfortunately, during his final two years at the academy, the team was assigned a mission. To take down a dangerous syndicate.
As usual, he served as the team's capable driver and backup. Once again, he was on standby, responsible for monitoring the main group alongside three other team members.
During the mission, they face a dangerous situation as the subject of their mission knows their arrival within the place. An ambush awaited them, and the bait was carefully set, waiting to lure them in.
Although they completed the mission, it was accomplished at a great cost.
Even if their team is very skilled and they worked on the best solution for them to survive. One of their team was killed and the rest of them got injured very badly.
The person who was killed is very close to Mint. Bearing serious wounds. They wasted no time in reporting on what happened.
They discovered that the Major General and the others had already known that a member of EKMA had sold information about their mission to the syndicate. Resulting in them being sabotaged.
When they were faced with the wounded Mint and his team, they explained that they couldn't contact them. Not even the satellite could reach them. That's why they were worried.
They also explained that they truly found out that the area where their team was in, was already blocked by some kind of barrier. Preventing any signals from getting through.
During the discussion. One of the Colonels commented, which annoyed Mint greatly, "Good thing they didn't all die,"
This became a big blow to Mint. It made him realize that, it's better to be a normal person after all. Also, you can't just trust anybody. Anyone can betray you. No one can be trusted.
When the calendar marks the two years of him entering EKMA. He decided to leave.
Before Mint left, the Academy discovered who the traitor was. Upon identifying him, they ordered his immediate execution for selling critical military secrets. It turned out he had been doing it for a long time—he had just gotten unlucky this time, because Mint and his team refused to let it go. They never stopped searching for the mole.
Now this is happening.
Mint didn't know what to do now. He didn't want to remember what happened. He's already content with what's happening right now. But—- his bosses already decided.
His skills in driving will surely be exposed in no time when they start teaching those kids from EKMA.
Hopefully, this will be just this kind of relationship. A simple relationship between two companies that is tied with a contract. It will end when the contract is finished. No more.
Once the contract will effect, they will purely teach those kids and guide them into getting their Driver licenses only. Nothing else should happen anymore.
Hopefully. Even if his skills will be exposed, Mint thinks that it will not hinder him any harm. With that thought, he calmed down.
Yes. Nothing bad will happen. It will be only purely a Driving School partnered with a normal Military Academy.
Mint just stands aside and is just watching the two group's interaction.
After the talk, he was allowed to leave when he asked permission from his boss. It's just that, after he left, he didn't know that Major General Kane and his two trusted left- and right-hand men, followed him discreetly.
"Are you in a hurry to leave? That's too bad. I wanted to catch up with one of my best drivers once upon a time and reminisce with you." said Major General Kane in a soft voice from behind the walking Mint.
Mint stayed still. They really followed them.
MInt frowned because of that.
In truth, he doesn't have any angst and bad opinion of his previous boss, Major General Kane. He even was a little close to him back then. Likewise, Major General treated him just like his other son sometimes.
It's just that he already stopped contacting him and the others, even the members of his previous team when he quitted.
Mint heaved a deep sign.
After stabilizing his thoughts. He stands straight. He maneuvered his right leg through the back of his left leg to turn around for him to face Major General Kane and his people. Then he saluted. Staring straight at them. Not breaking eye contact.
"Mint Levine reporting to his Major General, sir, and his personal aids, sir!" Mint said with a not so loud voice and with a slight authority.
"Hmm. You don't need to be polite. You're already not a part of my Academy. So, it's alright." Major General Kane answered as Mint saw him smile widely. Seeming amused at him.
Mint eyed rolled secretly.
Mint slightly relaxed, but then, he answered with a little bit urgency, "That's not right sir. At least, I will always respect you no matter where we were and meet sir."
"Hahaha. You never change. You're still the same. Anyways, come and join me while we go back to our car." Major General Kane laughed slightly and then he gestured to Mint for him to go near him.
Mint complied.
The group started walking to the parking lot. While walking, Major General Kane started a small talk.
"At last, we met again. I didn't know that we would meet again. To think that a small school like this will house you."
"Sir, our academy is already great as it is."
"Haha. Of course, I don't mean any harm. Don't get me wrong. I just didn't expect for you to work as a simple encoder with your amazing skills. Anyway, when we were looking for a driving school, coincidentally, I saw your profile when we visited Aethercliff today. Well, I know, things will surely get more interesting. So, we decided to choose your academy. "
"Sir, you know, you can't just choose an academy just because you saw my profile. It's unfair."
"You know me. Whatever I want, my EKMA will follow. Also, don't worry. I chose your academy since the data that we gathered states that your driving school is becoming better and more trustworthy than the other driving schools within this country. So we decided to give Aethercliff a chance."
Mint can't help himself and complain directly to Major General Kane. He already stops acting like he's composed and a little bit cold in front of him.
"Major General. Why did you request that I should become one of the instructors? I don't believe you don't know what will happen afterwards. I'm just their ordinary encoder in the first place."
Major General Kane, laughing slightly, "Easy. Don't get stimulated. Don't worry. Nothing bad will happen. Trust me."
Mint stayed quiet for a while.
"I'll trust you for now." Mint said with a soft voice.
At last, Mint gives in. There's no point in dragging it out—he knows he's already lost.
In the evening that night, Mint is still unsettled. Because one way or another, his secrets will be eventually revealed, even if it is not intentional.
Only a few people knew that he was once a part of EKMA back then. Even his own mother. She doesn't know.
The only thing his mother knows back then is that he attended a simple camp. After that, he got a part time job, related to the said camp outside their city. So, he needs to be constantly travelling back and forth.
While staring at the dark environment outside, Mint feels a warm embrace on his back. Feeling the comfort that it's giving him, he gripped the arms that were wrapped on his waist. Pulling them even closer to him. Silently asking for more.
"Is there any problem? You've been dazed recently. You can tell me anything you know." Sage said tenderly at Mint while he tightened his hug. He pecked at Mint's left cheek slightly.
"Nothing. I'm just getting tired recently I think." Mint reasoned.
He didn't want to share what happened to Sage. He's not actually ready yet cause once he will say a thing. He will spill everything.
Don't get him wrong—he's not afraid to tell Sage everything, not really. He simply doesn't want to revisit the past. For him, the past is over and no longer significant. It's no longer important. What matters to him now is the present.
The only problem is how will he tell Sage about his past. He is slightly scared because what if it will shock Sage. He might suddenly leave him because he can't accept it. But of course, he wouldn't agree to be left by Sage.
He will just lock him up even if it's against his will. He didn't train for so long just to become so weak. He can handle Sage. Sage is his in the first place.
At that, Mint turned to face Sage and proceeded to kiss him directly which slightly surprised Sage. But it's just for a while because Sage immediately responds to the kiss.
He even made it deeply while he then started to clash his tongue with Mint's tongue. The kiss lasted for a long while. Until it's Sage who initiated to stop it, leaving a trace of silver string that still left connected with their mouth.
"I can feel that you're uneasy. Okay, I know you don't want to tell it but remember, I'm here, okay." Sage said softly while he held Mint's cheek and then he kissed the corner of Mint's mouth for a quick kiss.
Mint is so happy and satisfied now that Sage is with him. That he is right beside him now. He really feels protected and important within Sage's presence. He's very thankful and grateful for that.
Mint hugged Sage tight, "Yes. Sage, thank you. I love you."
After two weeks, the contract between EKMA and Aethercliff was finally started. The training and processing was done smoothly without any problem.
Now, Mint is within their office doing some documents that his boss told him to finish as soon as possible. After he was done with his task, the main Instructor of Driving under Aethercliff called Mint. He told him that he needs to get down the building and go to their maneuvering site.
Of course Mint complied. When he reached their maneuvering site. He saw a line of cadets. There are about fifteen of them.
"Ma'am, you're here. Meet our students for this week. They're so handsome and beautiful, right?" Their driving instructor, Caraway, teases Mint as soon as he sees him approaching.
Mint laughed at what Caraway said. He raised his eyebrow at him. Giving him weird looks. After that, he looks at the cadets.
Sir Caraway's right, they're all good-looking people.
When the cadets saw Mint, they all saluted and greeted him. Typical of what a student of EKMA should do every time they see an employee of their EKMA.
Again. Mint's brow raised a little. By what they acted, he's sure that these people don't know who he is before. That's great.
Mint is very happy with that knowledge. At least he will not face the heated attention coming from those students who still knew him.
Mint looks at Caraway.
"Sure sir. Wow, you hit the jackpot here. Look at these gorgeous students of yours. Hahaha. By the way, what are we going to do, sir? Just say it. I'll be your capable assistant. Hehe." Mint said to Caraway.
Caraway's eyes narrowed at what he heard. Gnashing his teeth because of irritation, "Speaking of that. You owe me one. But, we'll talk later."
"S-sir—"
Caraway stopped Mint, "Let's face them first. One week is long, so we need to know them first. After that, we'll introduce them to the basics, like the signs, laws and others they should know in driving. Then I'll be introducing to them the part of our driving car that they will handle later on. Then I will proceed after."
"Roger sir." Mint just says yes.
Hearing what Caraway said makes him a little nervous—he knows he's bound to get scolded later.
Word must have reached Caraway that Mint already knows how to drive, has a driver's license, and actually has some experience behind the wheel.
The thing is, everyone thought he didn't know anything about driving—especially Caraway, who's grown quite close to him already. So it's a big deal for Caraway to find out that Mint's been keeping a secret from him—and from everyone else—without them ever realizing it.