CHAPTER 35: EX 35. COOPERATION

The Federation was a military nation—through and through.

After decades of endless war with the demons, anything less would have been foolish. It wasn’t just a nation that had an army; the army was the nation.

The endless conflict had shaped every aspect of society—from education and governance to culture and law. But nowhere was this more evident than in the structure of the military itself, which had evolved not for politics, but for pure survival.

Over time, one critical adaptation had emerged: a bifurcation of military power into two distinct branches, each with a singular purpose.

The Attack Military was the Federation’s spearhead. They weren’t built to defend—they were built to advance.

Their mission was aggressive and simple: expand the Federation’s territory, push the frontlines, and strike at the heart of demon-controlled lands. Every forward base, every reclaimed inch of land, every experimental operation beyond the known borders—these were their domain.

They were soldiers of conquest, hardened by blood and ambition.

But more than just expansionists, they had a higher calling:

To discover how to exterminate the demons entirely.

Not contain. Not survive.

Eradicate.

In contrast, the Defense Military served as the Federation’s shield.

They were the watchmen of civilization—the ones stationed at borders and key regions. Their goal wasn’t conquest, but protection: repelling invasions, monitoring demon movements, and ensuring the safety of every citizen within Federation territory.

But their duties extended beyond the battlefield.

The Defense Military was also the military police.

From demon infiltrations and cultist attacks to internal threats like corrupted trial takers, the Defense branch had jurisdiction.

They enforced the Federation’s laws, maintained order, and handled arrests when necessary—even if the target was a noble.

And today, that was why Leon Kael stood surrounded.

He had crossed a line. A trial restriction law—meant to keep lower-ranked trial takers from recklessly engaging in trials they weren’t authorized or prepared for—had allegedly been broken.

And because of that, the Defense Military had every right to arrest him.

****

A dozen soldiers still surrounded Leon in a tight, disciplined formation. Their dark uniforms rustled slightly with each breath, their weapons still pointed at Leon.

The atmosphere thick with tension.

The white-haired captain stepped forward, his expression unreadable as he spoke with practiced authority.

"Do not resist. Any defiance will be added to your charges."

Leon didn’t respond.

One of the soldiers stepped toward him, carrying an anti-resonance restrainer—a device designed to block a trial taker’s talent and prevent any skill activation. But Leon wasn’t focused on the restraint.

His mind had shifted into overdrive.

’How did they find out?’

He hadn’t told anyone—no one—except his family. And he trusted them implicitly. His parents wouldn’t betray him. His sister? She’d punch anyone who even suggested it.

’Then... how?’

The soldier kept walking, closing the distance slowly—his footsteps loud in the quiet plaza—but Leon’s thoughts were moving at lightning speed, calculating, sifting, eliminating possibilities.

’Unless... they don’t know and they are just acting on suspicion.’

It clicked.

And in that moment, another piece of the puzzle slid into place.

’There’s only one family petty—and powerful—enough to orchestrate something like this.’

The soldier’s hand was already halfway to Leon’s wrist, restrainer in hand, when Leon spoke, voice low—so cold it sliced through the air like a blade:

"The Ferans."

The moment the name left his lips.

All the soldiers felt it as the temperature instantly dropped.

Even the C-rank captain stumbled back half a step as a primal bloodlust saturated the air—thick, suffocating, powerful. It pressed down on their shoulders like the weight of an executioner’s blade.

Adrian, standing silently beside Leon, flinched. The pressure wasn’t directed at him, but he still felt it.

Felt it and realized—it wasn’t even Leon’s full killing intent.

Just a taste.

The soldier froze, inches from Leon, his hand trembling as he held the restrainer. His instincts screamed at him not to move.

Then Leon spoke again.

Cool. Sharp. Absolute.

"You don’t need to restrain me. I’ll cooperate."

The bloodlust suddenly vanished.

As if a switch had been flipped.

Every soldier gasped softly, finally able to breathe again. Even the captain’s hand shook slightly. He looked down at his own fingers, surprised. That pressure... It wasn’t just killing intent. It felt like death incarnate had been looking straight at them.

The restraining soldier turned, pale, and looked to his commander for guidance.

"Captain... what should I do?"

The captain’s lips parted, but no words came out at first. He stared at Leon—eyes narrowed, heart still racing. A single thought ran through his mind:

’What kind of monster was I assigned to arrest?’

He shook off the fear and tried to reassert control. He was a C-ranker. This meant his stats should far surpass someone that was just in F rank.

After using those thoughts to reestablish his confidence he spoke but his voice lacked its earlier edge.

"Let him be. As long as he cooperates, we can escort him without restraints."

The soldier exhaled in visible relief, backing away like he’d just escaped a guillotine.

And Leon?

He didn’t even glance at him.

The formation shifted. Two soldiers took the lead, the others forming a loose escort around Leon as they headed toward the armored vehicle parked just outside the ruined plaza.

As they walked, Leon turned over his shoulder, looking at Adrian.

"Sorry the day didn’t turn out as planned."

His tone was light, as if they were wrapping up a casual stroll—not facing a military arrest.

"But once I’m done with these imbeciles, we can plan another outing."

The insult didn’t go unnoticed by the soldiers.

But none dared to respond.

Adrian blinked. He wanted to say something—anything—but the sheer confidence Leon carried in that moment silenced him. All he could manage was:

"...Alright."

Leon’s lips tugged into a half-smile.

"Good."

And with that, he turned and stepped into the vehicle, surrounded by soldiers too afraid to meet his gaze.

Adrian watched him go, the cold still lingering in the air.

And for the first time, he realized something simple... and terrifying:

Leon wasn’t just strong.

He was something else entirely.