Chapter 109: Bear Mace (2/2)

He had an idea of why she had done it. To the coming battle, the ground units were too important and their mental states were even more important. Though the man's words were cruel, it also had the effect of alleviating the tension of the troops. But, after Leonel berated him, they had become high strung once more.

If Captain Sela didn't step out to protect the leader of her vanguard and show them that she was on their side, it would be difficult to calm them down again. Plus, wasn't it a small price to pay?

The man was known as Aitken was the leader of her strongest ground combat squad. As for Leonel, he was just a scout who had made a small name for himself in recent days. Who she would pick was obvious. If she could trade a tense relationship with Leonel for a stronger vanguard, why would she hesitate?

Leonel was intelligent enough to understand this. He seemed like an immature kid, but he had been leading his peers all his life. He understood the importance of mental state.

However, what he had never done was allow the disparagement of one of his own just for some cheap points. That was the sign of a terrible leader. If the upper echelon of the Slayer Legion was all like this, they were doomed from the very beginning.

”Hold on.” Captain Sela's frown deepened. ”I heard from Squad Leader Zhang that —”

”I don't know a Squad Leader Zhang.” Leonel responded. ”Could it be that you're referring to Captain Zhang?”

Captain Sela's expression grew dark.

”Kid, you should watch your mouth.” Aitken growled.

”Did I say something wrong?” Leonel put on a confused expression. If it wasn't for the fact he was clearly at odds with Captain Sela now, others would really believe that he had no idea what he was saying.

”… I've heard from Captain Zhang that your scouting ability is the best we have.” Captain Sela stopped Aitken from speaking anymore. ”The greatest danger we face now isn't just the A-grade Invalid, but the other Invalids that might be attracted by the battle. I will need you to stay here with me to point out approaching dangers.”

”Captain Sela…!”

Gerolt finally couldn't take it anymore. Leonel had stepped out for him in the first place and he had already wanted to say something earlier. But now Captain Sela wanted Leonel, who was just a little scout, to stay with the vanguard? Wasn't that just forcing him to his death?

Leonel's gaze narrowed as well.

”Are you disobeying a direct order from a Captain?” Captain Sela didn't seem to hear Gerolt at all and only continued to look toward Leonel.

”No, where would a little scout like me get such guts? I'll be counting on Captain to protect me well.” Leonel said with a smile.

”Ignorance is bliss.” Aitken said with a sneer.

Captain Sela gave Leonel a profound look, but said no more.

”I won't stand for this!”

Just when they all thought it was over, Gerolt swung his mace out from his back and slammed it down, causing a loud boom that finally caught the attention of the other Captains and their squads.

”Gerolt.” Leonel patted him on the shoulder. ”It's fine.”

Others might think that Captain Sela was just targeting him, but Leonel could see through the logical flow of how things had gotten here. Maybe had he not corrected her about Captain Zhang's title, she wouldn't have reacted this way.

But, regardless, it didn't matter much to him.

An A-grade Invalid? He had killed seven even before forming a single Force Node. Plus, there wasn't any time left to argue about it.

”I'll be fine, Captain Sela will protect me. Get to the back quickly.”

In the distance, the Invalid was already approaching. But, what Leonel saw made him frown slightly.

'That's not an Invalid…'

A gorilla-like creature which was two meters tall even when walking on its fists slowly approached.