64 Invasion 3 (1/2)

They drew closer to the fourth mock battle zone. They were able to join forces with the other squads.

A few of the members from the other squads that were thrown into fights against the enemy were injured. The youths who suffered gunshot wounds were trudging along as they hung on barely for their lives. .

”Each squad select two sentries from your team. Each squad will dispatch pair of sentries around the outskirts of the mock battle grounds. The injured should gather toward the inside of the battle formation. Squads should take turns surveying the inspectors. The remainder of the squad members should dig traps and make cover shelters.”

All the second year squads gathered at the fourth battle grounds. This forest was the perfect place to set up a defensive fortress.

The trees had been planted here to confuse the students, but in turn it became the greatest defensive maze against enemies. The second year youths were already familiar with this forest, but to the enemy, this place was perplexing.

”Squads, come collect a box of bullets.”

Squad 5 and Dimitri handed out the boxes of bullets. Students all around began reloading their magazines on the spot. Dimitri had blood all over his face. His hands were also soaked in blood.

”Are you okay, Dimitri?”

Han patted his shoulder and asked. It seemed like a skirmish broke out at Dimitri's side as well.

”You don't need to worry about that, Han. Just focus on your own job.”

Dimitri had strong pride. He might be suffering a mental breakdown mentally suffering a great, but he was the type to sort out his feelings privately.

'The most trustworthy person here, is probably Simon.'

Han glanced over to Simon from Squad 3. It seems Simon had single-handedly taken care of the enemies that they met on their way here.

He expertly used his psychic skills. He had been personally selected by Sergeant Red as one of the greatest talents amongst those in Ark. Simon didn't have any major psychological problems. He was just a bit unpleasant to be around.

”Do you think you'll get away with this?”

One person amongst the inspectors shouted. He had a huge bruise on his face. It seems there has been a discord through the capturing procedure.

”We're acting on Ark's orders, Inspector.”

Han said. The inspector's anger soared.

”We're inspectors. We're not something brats like you can even…. AAHK!”

Simon stood up and grabbed the inspectors neck and threw him up into the air.

”Shut up, old man. Before I decide to kill you.”

Blue light flowed from Simon's eyes. Simon has killed a person moments before, making this threat that much more unsettling. The inspector paled as a cold chill ran down his spine.

”That's enough, Simon. It's our job to provide safety for the inspectors.”

Han held Simon's arm and said. Simon nodded and went his way, but shouted loud enough for the inspector to hear.

”Of course. I'm sure the suspect for this havoc is amongst them. Damn traitors.”

”Be quiet. Simon. Must I give you official orders before you listen to me?”

Han growled lowly. Han held the highest level of command in this place amongst everyone.

Simon said no more and went to return to his original position. After the formation of Squad Whiskey, Simon and Han had settled their differences a great deal.

Simon had acknowledged Han's strength, so he complied quietly.

You're pretty good, Han. I can't believe Simon is obediently listening to your orders.” Jose said while watching the two. Simon was famous for his independent and high handed nature.

The leader of Squad 3 also had trouble controlling Simon. Squad 3's victory and losses all depended on Simon's battle strength. This was a rare sight to see amongst second years who were led by squad leaders.

”Simon isn't an idiot.”

Han continued to calmly give out orders. Han could see many of the youths he had worked with at the dimensional crack zone.

Han's words held clarity and confidence. He had the natural charisma of a leader which people liked to put their trust in.

'I see this is the strength of the leader who led the survivors of the dimensional crack zone.'

Inspector Rue continued to observe the second years. The youths were all different and varied in personality. Han's presence shined stronger than many others.

'Such skills are obtained through more than just repeated military training drills.'

A good commander cannot be defined by one word. There are all kinds of complex factors that must work together in harmony. You could set up a library if one were to compile all the idiotic mistakes that graduate officers had made.

It was common place to find superiors randomly killed while in battle. It didn't matter how many subordinates one obtained through an institution, only strong commanders could obtain the trust and obedience of their subordinates.

'Soldiers put their own lives in the hands of their commander. There wouldn't be a single person willing to sacrifice their own life while working under a commander they do not fully trust.'

Han let squads take a break in rotation. Everyone looked exhausted.

–Tsstsst.

Static sounded from the data bracelet. The second year squads used a local network so it didn't static at all. Communication with drill instructors, however would have static because they were relayed through a radio communicator.

”Squad 13 leader Han Lee reporting, I am listening.”

–Tsstsst. Han, what is the situation over there?

”We are providing protection for the inspectors at the fourth mock battle grounds. All the second years have been assembled here.”

Han shortly briefed. He could hear the chaotic back noise through the communication line. He could hear guns being fired and bombs exploding.

-We've confirmed that the enemy forces are heading toward the first year defense shelter. The enemy has given up on attacking the second years, and have diverted their attack toward the first years. The only military forces that are able to provide aid to stop the enemy are the second year squads. Do you understand?

”We will deploy a team.”

The drill instructors didn't wish to resort to this. However, currently Ark was short on manpower.

After the recent events that occurred around the dimensional crack, many forces from around the world had been dispatched for constant surveyance. At the moment, the best backup manpower available in the Ark were the second year squads.

-Extermination is not necessary, it's good enough to simply stop them. We've divided a portion of our military forces to be deployed to the first years.

”Understood.”