32 Squad Leader, Han Lee (2/2)

-Squad 9 vs Squad 13: Gun Survival.

Han slyly laid down again. His expression changed subtly. He was able to avoid the worrying aerial battles.

However the survival combat against squad 9 felt especially meaningful.

'Those drill instructors…. They're really throwing me into the lion's den.'

The ninth squad ranked the best in shooting. They have over 80 percent chance of winning the gun survival.

'They must have purposely aimed for this. This wasn't a randomized match.'

Han narrowly opened his eyes. He pulled himself together once more.

'The number of participants is based on the smaller squad. Then four squad members would compete from the ninth squad. They would probably pick their best to compete. The members of the ninth squad are probably shouting with delight over their easy victory.

Han sent his squad the information of their next battle. He quietly closed his eyes and opened them again.

'We'll show them and win.'

The ninth and thirteenth squad battle received all the attention. Everyone still treated the thirteenth squad with much hostility.

The seventh squad outright hated on the thirteenth squad and purposely spread hateful rumors. People gave them the cold shoulder whenever they passed the thirteenth squad in the military training grounds or cafeteria.

”Electric guns are used in the gun survival battles. These guns are to be handled in the same way as R-2s.”

Han spoke in front of his squad members. Kuro was already familiar with this information, but it was the first time for Jose and Canute.

Schllk.

Han loaded his gun and fired. A spark fired on the center of the target.

”For future reference, getting hit will hurt a lot. Once you're hit, you'll be paralyzed. You won't be able to move your arms or legs; if you're hit two to three times you won't be able to move at all from the excruciating pain. Other than the fact that it's very difficult to kill with, it's no different than a real gun.”

”'Very difficult,' does that mean it's possible to die?”

Jose asked.

”If you're hit in the eye or head, it's possible. As long as you don't take off your safety equipment, you won't have to worry about it at all. The helmet is insulated.”

Han equipped his helmet. He closed his helmet shield. The other squad members geared their safety equipment as well.

”This is so stuffy and irritating. My vision is narrow. I really hate these type of equipments. Won't it be fine as long as I don't get hit?”

Canute complained. Han pushed Canute's helmet down with all his strength.

”Canute! Do you want to die? Never take it off. I will never approve of it, no matter what the situation.”

Han's eyes seemed to flash. Canute was taken aback by Han and found himself automatically nodding.

'Did I make him mad somehow? He seems extra serious.'

Canute quirked his head. Only when Canute properly equipped his helmet did Han's rigid expression soften.

Han had witnessed his fair share of deaths among the year 2 military drills. Many trained by running mock situations that were similar to what would happen in the squad battles.

Skimping on safety was the perfect way to die or suffer serious injuries.

'I won't let anybody die in my squad.'

Han and his squad equipped their safety gear and practiced to get accustomed to it. Canute had found it uncomfortable, but after awhile he adjusted and his speed quickened to his usual pace.

”This narrow range of vision goes for our opponent as well. The only difference is that squad 9 has ranking marksmen. Four of their veterans in gun survival will fight against us.”

His squad members understood they had a huge disadvantage.

”We'll only win if you put yourself in that mindset. Fighting with a disheartened heart will only result in a loss.”

Jose added his thoughts as well. Han nodded and agreed.

”Jose is right. Everyone should have memorized our battle tactics by now, right?”

Canute nodded matter of factly, while Jose and Kuro had slightly hesitant expressions.

Jose and Kuro didn't have the fastest memorization skills. It would be impossible to memorize everything perfectly in such a short period of time.

Han had also considered this while forming his plans.

”The battle tactic name is called the moving bunker. I know it sounds childish, but I only thought of it now so don't laugh.”

Han said.

”The moving bunker?”

Everyone received a message to gather on their data bracelets. They were to gather at the eighth training grounds. Han observed his squad's expressions and nodded.

”I'll explain while we are moving.”

The eighth training grounds were located inside an overgrown forest. The artificial forest trees stood tall to make one reminisce of the northern European forests. The forest scent wafted thickly. Squad 9 and 13 were on standby at opposite ends of the forest.

BANG!

The instructor shot the gun to the sky. This had signaled the start for each squad.