Part 3/8:
Desperate to escape, Rick cuts off his hand to avoid capture while hunting. Despite multiple attempts to flee, he's caught and subsequently spared by the military leader, Okafor, who admires him and seeks to recruit Rick into the military.
The plot thickens when Rick's friend, Eric, reveals that joining the military could provide privileges that might assist Rick in achieving his goal—a potential escape route. Thus, driven by necessity, he reluctantly joins the Civic Republic military.
Once enlisted, he undergoes training and is introduced to Thorne, another soldier with a mysterious past. Together, they climb the ranks, but it's clear Rick's true intentions are shrouded in secrecy as he seeks any opportunity to escape and reunite with his family.