Upon each team's revelations, all were directed to the grand hall. While the emergence of unexpected horrors was typical, what set this place apart was the perplexing uncertainty surrounding their origins.
Where they originated is the problem.
The squad leaders were instructed to return to Oliver, tasked with devising a solution, and sought assistance from Army Heads. While Oliver held a leadership role in the local area, it was evident that he was subordinate to more prominent figures within the military hierarchy.
In this dynamic, everyone assumes a leadership role, making it inevitable that someone will wield greater authority than you. So, what's the solution? Striving to ascend beyond them, of course.
Yet, the challenge lies in the fact that the balance of power has remained unaltered for at least three centuries, presenting a formidable hurdle to such aspirations.
Humanity is governed by three primary powers, you see. The first is the Army, the second is the Central Government, and the last is represented by the influential Ten Families.
Attempting to surpass these formidable powerhouses would be an arduous and tiresome endeavor—frankly, quite dull.
Why embark on a risky venture when one could simply complete their term here, Surpassing ample accomplishments level, secure a job in the central territories, and lead a peaceful life until aging takes its course?
"Oh, it's ma'am Ariana."
Breaking away from my reverie, the entire squad turned their attention to Ariana, who approached us. She seamlessly joined the line, offering no explanation or information.
"Ma'am, what happened—"
As I was on the verge of calling out to her, Ned, positioned beside me, shushed with a gesture. The rest of Ariana's squad members also maintained their silence, suggesting they were familiar with this aspect of her and anticipated the potential outcome of how things would turn.
Therefore, I quietly nodded and remained in my place.
Upon every squad leader rejoining their respective groups, Oliver proceeded to stride towards the stage, coming to a halt just before the podium.
Wearing a whimsical expression yet adorned in a commanding uniform, Oliver commenced detailing our next course of action.
"We received news from the Heads and… we were tasked to do nothing." Oliver clicked his tongue, "They also said that we will receive another news for some time so all we have to do is stay still. That would be all."
Chatter—!
'Do nothing?'
While the squad leaders maintained silence, nearly everyone else began engaging in hushed conversations with their peers, discussing the peculiar turn of events.
A tactical withdrawal, offering little assurance of victory but holding its advantages.
It's akin to courting death without understanding the situation. Everyone had to endure in this state, allowing time to unfold.
Certainly, opting for inaction has its advantages. It allows us to fortify this base for a specific duration before receiving further instructions. In fact, the potential outcome of choosing 'nothing' is a transfer to another base after completing this order, with no casualties on our side.
Despite the potential benefits, it implies abandoning these swamps, leaving the area in a state of continued 'uncleared' status.
That's the conclusion I arrived at.
However, maintaining passivity carries the risk of a Horror suddenly emerging and claiming a life. An invasion might transpire, leading to second or third-rate disasters.
'Damn politics. I'm sure this is also what Oliver is thinking about. As a commander, this became quite a dilemma for him. Now then, what will you do, sir?'
Oliver stood there, devoid of any expressions.
Despite receiving a set of orders, he remains the commanding officer of this area, indicating that his directives hold absolute authority within this jurisdiction.
What influence could those individuals from the center exert in a place beyond their authority's reach? The commander has the ultimate say in this region.
So, how will it be?
"As the commander of this place, and following the Head's orders, we will do nothing hereafter!"
…
He explicitly stated that in front of everyone earlier, but now... What the hell is happening?
"Men I've sent towards to check are still not giving me reports. That's why we're going to the second base right away. For the next three days, I want you to prepare everything you need. Three days later at midnight, I want everyone at the Pale Dock to be there, understood?"
A total of sixteen individuals are gathered around the expansive chair, encompassing members from both Oliver and Ariana's squads. At this precise moment, a confidential meeting, orchestrated by Oliver, is underway, involving only those he considers trustworthy.
Following a collaborative discussion of battle strategies and explicit instructions for maintaining discretion, everyone departed from the room once it ended.
Returning to their designated locations, everyone resumed their duties, and with nothing pressing to attend to, I followed suit.
Exhausted from the entire ordeal, I indulged in a light bath before surrendering myself to the comfort of my bed.
"My goodness."
With numerous responsibilities already on my plate, this complicates things. I'm not even sure if I had the authority to exempt myself from participating in this expedition since I'm more than just a new private.
Knock—!
Glancing at the clock adorning the walls, confirming it was still early in the morning, I rose from my spot and made my way through the door.
Peering through the peephole in the middle of the door to identify the intruder, my eyes widened as I realized the person at the forefront was none other than my squad leader, Ariana.
"Newbie, stop looking through the hole and open the door. I'm pissed enough and I'm not moody enough for jokes."
Releasing a gentle sigh, my hands reluctantly unlatched the door for Ariana. She barged in, switched on the ceiling fan, and then sprawled across my bed.
'Uh, what?'
Is that supposed to tell me something?
Observing her for a brief moment, I closed the door and proceeded to prepare a drink from the available options in the kitchen.
In a short time, I brewed two cups of black coffee and set aside sugar cubes in case she preferred a sweeter taste. I then shifted the center table closer to the bed.
"Is there you would want to talk about, ma'am?"
"…"
Ariana didn't bother looking in my direction, merely ignoring me in the process.
'Hmm…'
Having nothing else to occupy my time, I selected a book from the shelf and proceeded to read it quietly in my own space.
I didn't even get to read the introduction as Ariana interjected.
"Gin, I know Oliver's orders are very sudden, and as a newbie who just came here, it's a lot to take in."
"…"
What's this now?
"Hey, do you know why I willingly suggested to Oliver that he recruit you to join my side? You have one distinguishing characteristic that each member of my squad had when I initially brought them on board."
'Distinguishing characteristics… that everyone on her squad, huh?'
Setting the book in my hand aside, I observed Ariana adjusting her position, her gaze coldly fixed on me.
"You are an absolute coward."
"…"
"Your physique is average, you have no heaven-defying qualities, and you aren't even handsome. To top it off, you look like someone who will avoid the fight the moment you see how unfavorable it to you is."
Those points are true… what the hell this is, anyway?
"The same could be said of the others, you know. Mandy, who had below qualities than you when I took him in, couldn't even carry a sword when he came here."
'What? The vice squad leader… is that weak?'
Contrasting the image Ariana presented to me with Mandy's current demeanor was surprising enough, but my excitement quickly waned as a troubling thought crossed my mind.
"So what?"
I didn't give a shit whether they were the same as me before. It only meant that I could get stronger just like them if I persevered…
Ariana then flashed a sudden smile as she chuckled, "So, what I'm trying to convey is that it's not necessarily negative to be a coward. I found myself in a similar position during my time at the academy. The real issue arises when you maintain to be that way."
She paused, "That's precisely why I want you to join me on this expedition. We'll rescue the guys from the second base, and it'll provide you with valuable experience. You can't stay in this state indefinitely if you aim to thrive in this army."
E-experience…
As if I need that shit!
Well, I might need that in the future, but not now! What they were doing already violated the rules set by the Heads.
If they were to pursue this expedition, fuck the experience! We'll become criminals overnight.
"No—"
"I knew you wouldn't agree right away so I will give a technique as a reward."
"Oh…"
Ariana rummaged through her uniform before casually handing me a scroll as if this important item were nothing out of the ordinary.
'A technique!?'
"My useless talk aside, I don't want my men to appear fragile to others. I want them to be dependent, reliable, and powerful. This expedition is enough for you to gain insights since what is taught inside the academy is different from the real deal."
As I opened the scroll to examine the technique it contained, Ariana continued to win me over with a smug demeanor, even though it seemed like I was just baggage for them when the time came.
"I will assure you that I will protect, guide, and train you in a lot of things. As your leader, I will teach you everything I know."
"…"
"So, Gin Vence, will you still reject it."
Her brows moved up and down as she snickered.
She had already presented me with various offerings, providing me with a technique and assuring me that I would accumulate valuable experience on this expedition.
In the first place, I was lucky to be put in on a dependable and strong squad and its leader.
'If that's the case…'
Letting out a soft sigh, I chuckled, "All right, I'll come with you, ma'am."