68 Third Year (2/2)

”When will you leave?”

”Tomorrow.”

Han sat down and opened various programs on his data bracelet. He passed the files he had compiled all this time during his second year to them. All of Han's observations were recorded in this file. This file included all the battle tactics he had been keeping a secret. The data in these files would be useful for their future mock squad battles.

'He made this all by himself?' Canute's eyes widened. Han always kept himself busy. He didn't let himself rest in his own room and forced himself to work on other tasks. He slept later than everyone, and woke up earlier than everyone.

”The next Squad 13 leader should be one of you guys. This is also my present to you before I go. Whether you decide this by rock, paper, scissors, or whatever, squad leader and second in command position is up to you two to decide.”

”You can do it, Jose.” Canute lightly punched Jose's chest. Canute didn't have much interest in being the squad leader.

Squad leaders needed to maintain a bird's eye view of the battle. Canute enjoyed his role as the vanguard, so trying to calculate the ins and outs of battle would be too troublesome. Han understood that it would be a long while before he would be able to meet the two again.

Many people he had come to know since the first year of Ark were now gone. The higher he climbed up the pyramid, the less room there were for others.

'I will become the best in Ark.'

Han thought that his own words were quite daring. He didn't know a single thing about Ark when he had said those words.

The only thing Han had going for him at the time was his malicious tenacity. He literally had nowhere left to go.

”Haa.”

Han woke up early the next day and opened his window. The cold morning air blew in thickly. He was now used to Ark's weather.

All he had to pack was his writing utensils, notebook, and photo. Everything else would be provided for him in the new dorms.

Han walked out of the dorms. He saw heavy equipment being moved all over Ark. Ark was undergoing reconstruction at full speed.

Han walked in the direction that his data bracelet pointed to find the third year zone. He had visited the place before when Team Whiskey was formed.

”So you're the new transfer. You've come very early.” The guard in charge of security said while yawning. He checked Han's identity and guided him inside.

”The new rookie is Asian? How rare.” A person passing by remarked.

There were a lot of reserve soldiers in the third year zone. Drill instructors did not control this place.

Everyone looked relaxed and at ease. Everyone was on standby until the next military operation. There were some people brushing their teeth and shaving outside.

”Isn't he that kid from before? So he managed to be transferred up after all. What a cute brat”

There were many third years and reserve soldiers, and the majority of them recognized Han.

He was led to the very last building of this place. The building was labeled, A8. The inside seemed quiet; each door were labeled with a soldier's name and rank. Second generation psykers and first generation psykers didn't have a specific rank, and were instead addressed as 'PF's (Psychic Forces).

”It seems everyone is still asleep. You will be guided by Silence, your predecessor. Conversing with him may be a bit of a pain, but in the future, if you have any questions about this place, you should go ask him.”

”Silence?”

”Do you know him? The higher ups usually assign the predecessors to be someone you are familiar with.”

Any first and second years who cannot adjust are weeded out. The third years are those who have graduated from this system.

They prioritize deploying the reserve soldiers to get them accustomed to real battle as soon as possible. Han couldn't get used to the polite way they spoke to him.

”Then I'll see you later. Good luck, rookie.”

Han was left all alone in the room. He watched the door shut.