Book 2, Chapter 105 - The Mission (2/2)

Once they explained the situation to him, Cloudhawk’s face sunk into a dissatisfied glower.

Alright, whatever, Frost wanted help from Hell’s Valley. But calling for his squad specifically… he didn’t need to guess what that meant. Did Frost already know what had happened here? If that was the case, both he and Gabriel were in danger.

Shit. This evil motherfucker just won’t go away.

Cloudhawk couldn’t understand why Frost insisted on continuing to give him a hard time. That asshole’s temper was irreconcilable. Gabriel was looking down the barrel, too, for failing his assassination mission. Frost was now more powerful than ever before, even the instructors had to bow to his whim. Finding a way to get rid of a couple trainees wasn’t going to be difficult for him in his position.

Things were not looking good, but he couldn’t just sit back and do nothing.

Natessa delivered the orders. “Specific details as to how you will accomplish your mission will be delivered once you reach your target. Your main job is to make sure your squad stays safe. Remember, as a soldier your highest duty is to follow orders. Now head back to your squad and get them ready to depart.”

Cloudhawk could feel a headache start gathering at his temples.

Could he stay? Right now it seemed like the instructors didn’t even have the authority to deny Frost’s orders, much less Cloudhawk. Could he go? If he accepted the mission it was like sticking his head in the lion’s mouth. He refused to do something so stupid.

Cloudhawk didn’t hurry back to leave. He knew he had to do something, and quick. His mind churned over it until an idea shook loose – he lifted his head and looked at the powerful woman who was their instructor. She didn’t look young, but her skin was good and her figure well maintained. It made it hard to tell exactly how old she was. Her temperament was also unique, like a cool breeze, quiet and elegant.

“Is there something else?”

He was just standing there, staring at her. She was clearly displeased. Whatever the situation she was his commanding officer. The young man was being disrespectful.

Eckard slammed the table in front of him with a fist. “What the fuck are you still standing there like a goddamn moron for? Are you deaf? How about I get your dumb ass moving with half a dozen lashes? Do what you’re fuckin’ told!”

Cloudhawk made up his mind. He asked them straight. “It’s been a little while since the three of you have gotten stronger, right?”

“The fuck are you on about?” Eckard didn’t follow the guy’s line of questioning. “Everyone plateaus at some point, and when you get to our level advancing is especially difficult. The hell does it matter if we haven’t developed in a while?”

“Do you want to?”

All three instructors paused, confused.

“I don’t mean to offend,” Cloudhawk said. “Actually I’ve been watching you carefully, and I think all three of you could be stronger than you are now. I know there’s this mission, but if you give me some time I think I can offer you some pointers. I think they could really help in this fight.”

“You half-wit piece of shit!” Eckard exploded in fury. “Do you even hear the words coming out of your damn mouth?!”

Cloudhawk paid him no mind. His eyes stayed fixed to the woman in the middle.

Natessa looked back with discomfort. In their theory classes she’d tried to switch up Cloudhawk’s test several times, making it completely different from the others. She’d included a number of questions about wind-based relics and psychic training, too. Even if Cloudhawk were an idiot, and he wasn’t, it would still be easy for him to see what was going on. If Natessa wasn’t the one doing this on purpose, then who would be? Cloudhawk obviously understood things Natessa did not, but she didn’t dare lose face by asking him directly. The test paper was her way around it. They both knew the truth of it.

But, why would Cloudhawk suddenly offer to teach them?

The instructors were just what their name implied – instructors. No one in the history of this training facility had ever presumed to teach them anything. He didn’t even make an effort to hide it, direct and shameless.

“I won’t lie to you, Frost and I are not on good terms. Calling for Tartarus Squad is definitely a way for him to get at me.” Cloudhawk watched Natessa frown. He tried to be as blunt as possible. “You know what Frost is and what he can do. I’m no match for him. Besides, he has the backing of the governor. I know this conflict will cost you, so I’m willing to prove that I’m worth the trouble.”

So this was the truth of it. Eckard was clearly not convinced, was this his offer of trade?

“Let him try.” Natessa rose to her feet. She took a glance at the time, then back at him. “You have an hour.”

Cloudhawk’s face lit up. “That’s enough.”