71 Third Year 4 (1/2)

”Are you the kiddo who sent Sergeant Red's leg flying?”

An unfamiliar man approached Han at the stamina training center. He was a tan man from Southeast Asia.

He had incredibly high cheekbones and sported a five o'clock shadow, which gave him a sharp look. He was on the shorter side, but had a sturdy physical build. He had a boxer's physique.

”If I had been the one to personally send it flying, I would be more at ease,” upon Han's words the man roared with laughter.

”I thought a cute stray cat had arrived, but you are just a baby tiger.”

Han had become accustomed to the third year's speech patterns the last few days. The soldiers who resided in the same dorm as he did, referred to him as a rookie as well.

He tried alcohol for the first time in his life in this place. The soldiers of Ark are constantly dispatched out together with the first generation veteran soldiers. Many people who resided in this place had taken part in the first wave of aggression. No one in this place held prejudice against psykers.

”I'm Han Lee.”

”I'm Laocha . Welcome to third year, kiddo.”

Han felt strange. Laocha's height didn't reach 170 cm. Han had met an adult shorter than himself for the first time. He suddenly felt how huge his own body had become.

”Corporal Laocha ?” Han called wondering if he got the other party's name correct. Laocha eyes widened slightly.

”How did you know?”

”I read your name on your jacket when you were hanging it up over there.”

”As the rumors say, you've got good eyes.” Laocha already read over Han's profile. He's a long time military veteran with many experiences under his belt.

He was dispatched during the first wave of aggression. The psykers were not the only heroes of war during those days. There were many regular foot soldiers fighting against the minions as well.

”Do you have any business with me? Corporal Laocha.”

Laocha was only dubbed a corporal, but he was different from any common corporal that could be found in Ark. The titles given to the soldiers of Ark were merely for formality and convenience's sake.

They were all the elite amongst the elite, and were the heroes of their own countries. They were all the protagonists of their own movies.

”I heard you fight well. I heard your constitution and weapon handling skills are amazing.”

Laocha's enthusiasm seemed to burn fervently. One could feel the aura of the strong from the man. There was a difference between those who were self-proclaimed strong and those who were actually strong.

Instructor Wei, Silence, Dimitri…. they're prideful warriors who do not dwell on failure.

'Does he want to fight me?'

Han looked toward Laocha. Laocha's body was densely packed with mostly muscles. He was like the smelted blade of a knife.

”My grades were good.”

”Let's see your skills, kiddo.”

Laocha who was shorter, continued to refer to Han as kid. Nonetheless, he was a seasoned soldier and he didn't make the atmosphere awkward at all.

”I have no reason to fight against Corporal Laocha.”

”Are you scared? Or maybe you're a dunce head that can't fight without psychic powers.” Laocha sneered. The other soldiers training in the physical fitness center laughed. The third years pushed Han into agreeing to spar.

”I don't care if you get hurt, Corporal Laocha.” Han said while taking off his shirt. Han wasn't the type to depend on psychic powers to fight in battle. He continued to train his physical body every single day without a day of break.

He always ranked high for close combat during all of first and second year. He was always known as a squad leader so this fact had been forgotten, but Han was very strong even based on battle skills alone.

”Ooh, I'm scared.”

Laocha raised his arms and pretended to tremble in fear. Han was confident in his own skills. Not to mention, his bone density and muscle fibers were stronger than your average human.

”OOOH, a fight!”

”That asian is the new transfer, good luck!”

The soldiers cheered for Han. Han suddenly felt a chill run down his spine.

'They're cheering for me, instead of Laocha. Usually, people would cheer for the one who would most likely lose. Are they implying that I will lose?'

Han temporarily became lost in his own thoughts. In that moment, Laocha's fist came flying.

Hwiik!

Laocha's fist skimmed past his ears. His punch was shockingly fast. He was like a boxer.

'He didn't hit me on purpose.'

Han could tell Laocha went easy on him. Laocha noticed since long ago that Han had something on his mind.

”Bring it, kiddo.”

Laocha sneered and beckoned him with his finger. Han opened his attack with a standard attack combination of a one-two punch and a kick. It was simple, but a strong and effective attack. With the additional power of his artificially strengthened body, this attack wasn't to be looked down upon.

Kwajik!

Laocha took a step back. The one-two punch swooshed and just missed his chin. Then, he swiftly raised his knee to block the kick.