Chapter 244 The beginning of the day that changed it all (2/2)

”I have sent you some pictures of suspicious people. I want you to stay within the Cromer's school perimeter, and report to me if you see anyone from this pictures hanging around the school. Am I clear?”

”Sir, yes, sir!” The ten Harimas answered in sync with each other. Seeing this Alex gritted his teeth, and spoke in a loud commanding voice.

”I must warn you. In truth I am unsure what the threat is, or how strong the enemies forces are. I cannot guarantee any success in this mission, and as your commanding officer I cannot force you into a mission that even I have no full understanding of. So to those of you that wish to leave, may leave now.”

When Alex said this, he saw that none of the ten even moved an inch. their expression remained as emotionless as his. Yet their eyes showed their unbreakable determination.

”Are you sure? You have no obligation to do this. I have already given a way out, and you still wish to stay?” This time, Alex's indifferent tone of voice was actually breaking, and you could hear the emotion in his voice. This surprised the ten greatly. The commander that they thought would never change, someone who was as hard and steady as steel was actually showing such a vulnerable side of himself.

Ever since they were trained by Alex, they no longer saw Alex as a teenage boy, but someone with far greater experience than them. Yet now he was actually looking like a boy his age. Number one seeing his command officer, as well as his mentor like this, spoke up.

”Sir, permission to speak sir!”

”Permission granted.”

”Sir, we do not do this because we have no choice. We do this because, we do have an obligation, and it's to you. We do this because we are your students. We do this because you have shown us how to become proper humans. You sir are the one who gave us a true purpose in life.” Number one looked at his comrades and they all nodded to what he said.

”Knowing that we might be able to save a lot of people, made it clear that it is truly worth following you. Who knew that I a failed merc, and former gangster would be able to do something so noble, and I owe that all to you sir. We your subordinates, will once again pledge our loyalty to you.” The other nine stepped forward and gave a military style salute.

Alex was confused as he saw this. He wasn't expecting these guys to be this loyal. He was actually expecting the opposite from them, running away in the first chance they see. He was expecting something like that, since he was aware of how much he pushed this men to the brink. Yet here they stood with undying loyalty to him, and they were even grateful.

Seeing this made Alex feel something warm in his chest. Alex responded to their salute with his own salute. He smiled at his subordinates, he smiled to stop the tears from flowing. Once again the ten Harimas were surprised to see Alex show so much emotion.

”Very well, let us go men! Let us go towards our battlefield!” Alex commanded with a firm voice.

”Sir, yes sir!” In which his subordinates responded in kind.