A new unit was established.
The Special Selection Unit "Astral" occupied a unique position within the military. While it was an official branch, it functioned more like an independent organization. Fundamentally, they followed the orders of the high command, yet they often possessed the discretion to act on their own authority.
As for why the Special Selection Unit "Astral" had been established, the reason was clear: the military anticipated that large-scale wars in the coming era would be fought with magic.
Then came Code Theory.
Until that point, magic had been an unordered, chaotic force. Referred to as magic or supernatural powers, it lacked any underlying theory. It was simply a special gift granted to those with a vague, inherent talent.
However, the systematization of Code Theory allowed this chaotic power to rise to the forefront of society. While talent remained a prerequisite, it was an undeniable fact that more people could wield magic than ever before.
Naturally, such advancements were used to organize infrastructure and improve daily life... but the karma of humanity could never be truly avoided.
Conflict.
It was something that could occur in any era. While humans did not always seek out battle, the seeds of conflict were evergreen. In the modern age, one could say magic had become that spark.
What was once a rare gift was now accessible to many, and the art had continued to evolve—to the point where a single sorcerer could stand against a hundred, or even a thousand, opponents.
That was precisely why the military was preparing for the coming storm.
"The Special Selection Unit 'Astral' has officially been inaugurated. Our numbers are still few, but I’m counting on you all from here on out."
The members of the Special Selection Unit "Astral" were gathered in Major Henrick Fahrenheit's office. Since today was an introductory meeting, they planned to go out for a meal together afterward.
"Now then, while we plan to increase our numbers in the future, for the time being, this unit will consist of the people in this room. Allow me to introduce our final member. Second Lieutenant, introduce yourself."
"Yes, sir."
At the Major's prompting, a man with a sharp, intrepid face stepped forward. With his handsome features, he was quite popular with the ladies. In fact, rumors claimed he even had a fan club within the military.
He exuded a breezy, refreshing air as he stepped out to begin his self-introduction.
"I am Second Lieutenant Howard Kennett. Well, that’s enough of the formalities. Feel free to just call me Howard. Does that work for the three geniuses over there, too?"
A smile played on his lips, revealing a flash of brilliant white teeth.
Major Henrick and Deruku Armstrong were also in the room, but among them, Howard was the epitome of "refreshing." It was only natural that his looks would appeal to women.
Upon seeing his smile, Carol began hopping up and down on the spot.
"Wow! You're super handsome! ☆ I'm Caro-caro! ☆ Nice to meet you, Howard-chan!"
"Hahaha... I'm being called '-chan' by a sixteen-year-old? Well, I suppose that works too! Hahaha!!"
Howard Kennett. Age twenty-three. It had been one year since his graduation from the Officers' Academy. As for why he had been assigned to this unit, the reason was obvious.
He was an exceptional soldier.
"Heh. A real pretty boy showed up, but it looks like his magic skills are the real deal, too."
"Lydia. It seems you've been sneaking around gathering information during our leave, but surely you don't mean..."
"I mean exactly that! Howard! I challenge you to a duel! I'll show you who really reigns supreme in this unit!!"
Despite the sudden development, no one in the room was surprised. Abby Garnet and Lieutenant Flor let out synchronized sighs, while the others grinned, thinking it looked like fun.
"S-So, you're that Super Genius Sorcerer."
"It seems you've heard the rumors about me?"
Lydia stepped forward until she stood directly before him, her gaze dripping with provocation.
"Of course. You're the Super Genius Sorcerer—the greatest since the history of magic began, right?"
"...Super Genius Sorcerer?"
"Yeah. I heard you're not just any ordinary genius."
Since he said it with such a pleasant smile, Lydia broke into a wide, dark grin.
"Heh. Huhahaha!!! You understand perfectly! So, are you ready to face me?"
"Of course. Ainsworth. I knew you would be the one to challenge me."
With a sudden, sharp movement, he threw off his military jacket, baring his upper body. It was a body of steel. Forged through relentless training, his physique possessed overwhelming muscle mass.
His muscles, carved as deeply as a marble sculpture, were a testament to his sheer effort.
"Ohh! As expected, Howard!"
"Deruku... I can't match you, but I've been putting in the work too, you know?"
Howard and Deruku. Though their ranks differed, they were friends and soulmates bound by their shared passion for physical training. As if their muscles were resonating, their pectorals jumped in unison.
"Hoh... It seems you possess enough muscle to earn your place in this unit..."
Lydia stared fixedly at his physique.
Muscle mass was by no means the recruitment criteria for the unit, but Lydia was also someone who appreciated fine musculature. Seemingly acknowledging Howard’s hard work, she let out a low, appreciative hum.
"Would you both please stop rampaging in the office—"
Ignoring Flor’s plea, Lydia used Acceleration to move in a flash. Carrying that momentum, she lunged straight toward Howard.
Her speed was so great that almost no one could track her movement. No one... except for Howard.
"Whoa. That's some incredible speed."
"Wh...!!? You saw through my speed!!?"
It was a first for Lydia. The fist she had aimed at his chest was caught firmly in Howard's right hand.
Despite Lydia using Physical Reinforcement via Inside Code, he had stopped her attack head-on.
"Heh. I'm not in this unit just for show. I specialize in close combat, you see."
Howard taunted her. However, Major Henrick finally spoke up to restrain them before things escalated.
"You two. You're getting too heated. Leave it at that. And Ainsworth, you would do well to calm down a little."
"Tch. Damn it, I guess I'll just have to save this for another time."
"I'll take you on whenever you want."
Pumping up his biceps and pectorals, Howard flashed another refreshing smile.
"Sigh... Are there nothing but eccentrics in this unit?"
"Lieutenant. I feel exactly the same way."
The only ones who served as the conscience and voice of reason for the unit were Flor and Abby. They already predicted that their lives would only get more difficult from here.
"Yes, yes. But as always, those are some fine muscles."
"I'm honored, Major."
All the men in this unit were captives to the allure of muscle, and with Lydia sharing that mindset, Flor and Abby were the only ones left to maintain order.
As for Carol, she was simply making a fuss, shouting, "Wow! Those muscles are amazing!"
And so, the Special Selection Unit "Astral" was finally and officially inaugurated.