62 Invasion (1/2)

Han made a new communication channel in the Ark Network for the second year squad leaders. The squad leaders were in the middle of going around Ark grounds to capture the inspectors. They collected spare R-2 guns and any ammunition they kept in their dorms.

-Squad 5 reporting, we've arrived at the shooting range. We will be securing the spare ammunition in this area.

Dimitri transmitted over the communication channel.

Han drew a map of the second year campus grounds and marked the positions of all the second year squads.

”Good. Dimitri, secure the ammunition. How many inspectors has everyone secured?

– Squad 1 reporting, four inspectors.

– Squad 2 reporting, two inspectors.

– Squad 3 reporting, six inspectors.

Each squad confirmed their status. Han became the temporary head squad commander.

Nobody protested because Han had already proved himself in their recent past battles. There was no fool amongst the second years whose pride was bigger than their ego and the objective for the newly formed chain of command.

”We've found a lot of inspectors. Right now, mobile warfare is not possible.”

Han thought of the fourth mock battle ground. The enemies were unfamiliar with the terrain while the second years had already long become accustomed to the forest battle field.

'We need to secure a place where we can both detain and protect the inspectors.'

He thought of various spots around Ark. The enemy intruders were too close to the second year dorm buildings. Their hideout would be found immediately. The forest terrain was harder to locate and advantageous tactically

”We will be assembling at the fourth mock battle grounds. Secure extra battle gear and items while we make our way to the mock battle ground.”

The squads confirmed in succession.

Han checked his squad members' conditions. The youths looked calm outwardly, but their eyes reflected anxiety and fear. Everyone had one question in mind.

'Why would humans, that aren't minions, attack us?'

Ark was established for the sake of humanity's continued existence. They were the top stronghold with the best chance at defeating dragons on earth.

The youths thought that there was no reason for people to attack those who had yet to finish Ark's military training.

”They are from True Humanity, an activist group.” Inspector Rue, who remained tied up, said.

It seemed he had come to understand the current situation of Ark.

”The True Humanity group?”

A few of the squad members murmured questioningly. Inspector Rue let out a light chuckle.

”I see that Ark's drill instructors have not bothered to mention this at all.”

Jose frowned and muffled Inspector Rue's mouth.

”It would be better to be quiet. Inspector.”

Jose was a year older than the other kids in the squad, and was much more knowledgeable about the outside world. He knew of the True Humanity group.

”Jose. We must confirm our enemies.” Han said while observing Jose.

Jose sighed.

”The True Humanity Group is usually referred to as the True Group. They believe psykers are not humans, but are instead those who have become insane. They believe that all psykers should be killed. They frequently appear in the news for terrorist-like behavior. I'm not too sure on the specific details myself.”

They were all humans, but the other party wished death to all psykers. This short explanation had many connotations.

”Their military strength is strong enough that they have the guts to attempt an attack against Ark?”

Han did not have a deep understanding of the outside world. The little information that he had was only his street smarts. Everything else was only the ideals that Ark had lectured them about.

Inspector Rue began to speak once again as if lecturing them.

”The True Humanity Group is a bigger existence than what you imagine them to be. It's not like every nation of the world has agreed with Ark's existence. There are countries that would outright execute humans that develop psychic powers. There are three countries that have denied Ark's existence. They hold fear against the mysteriousness of psychic powers. Blind faith moves the True Group. They believe that the existence of psychics is the reason that dragons are attacking this world. These are all baseless rumors, of course. Psychics only appeared after the formation of the dimensional gate and dragons had already invaded Earth. However, the True Group continued to reject factual evidence while blindly believing in the teachings of their own cult. Whatever their reason might be, they do not agree with the existence of psychics.”

The squad members became increasingly agitated as they listened. This went against what they had been taught all this time in Ark. It was hard to believe.

”They are crazy. Dragons will invade again in three years time! Yet, they want to kill us?”

This was the reason Ark had been built on an artificial island, which was constantly being moved around the Pacific Ocean. There was always top secret information being withheld from the youths. Their current enemies were not minions, but humans.

”The True Group believes that the prophecy of the Second Wave of Aggression is a lie that the psychic institutions have created. In some cases, there are those who believe the invasion of dragons could be stopped when all the psychics of earth are killed.” Inspector Rue calmly said.

Ark had not taught their youths these facts of the world.

The youths of Ark were only twelve and thirteen year olds. They had come to Ark before they could fully understand the ways of the world. Many others, as well as Han, were learning of the True Group for the first time.

'Is this, truly, our enemy's identity?' Han gradually accepted the truth.

Many people working for Ark shared the same ultimate goal of destroying the dragons, yet worked against each other. It was much easier to understand the intruder's points of views.

There was no gray area at all. The True Group is a clear enemy force.

”Let's move out. The other squads already took off,” Han commanded Squad 13.