An awkward mood hung over the table. It was as if the words "fear of death" triggered endless grievances in Clark and Thomas.
"By the way, Carl! I'm going to let you guys in on our plans so you don't feel confused." Thomas patted Clark's shoulder, prompting the latter to swallow all of his babbling alongside the wine.
"Let me start by explaining the military ranks. The ranks represent your rights and duties in the Gamma Empire army. The higher you are in the ranks, the bigger your authority and responsibilities."
"What about corporals like us?" Rio asked curiously. Earlier, Thomas said that War Spirit warriors who had completed the rookie War Spirit assignment would automatically be promoted as corporals.
If they joined a typical army as ordinary soldiers, they would have to start as an army orderly and slowly climb their way to private, private third class, private second class, private first class, and specialist.
To
"Oh, all right. Stop looking, Carl. Sofia and the others are gone!" John patted Carl on the shoulder and kindly persuaded him.Carl smiled and shook his head. "I'm all right. I'm prepared for our separation but seeing Brightwood Camp look so empty still makes me a little emotional!""I didn't know you're so sensitive!" Rio chuckled. He took out a book and began thumbing through it."By the way, Rio, I have been seeing you read this book all this time. What exactly is your War Spirit power?" Carl asked curiously. He couldn't even begin to guess how one would fight with a book as a War Spirit weapon.Before Rio could reply, John was already starting his explanation."Carl, so you still didn't know! Let me tell you then! Rio's power is super magical! He can mimic any of our War Spirit powers and predict what happens next! He's a prophet! A prophet, I tell you!"In contrast to John's joy and excitement, Carl w
Despite Link's earnest face, everyone could still see the trace of playfulness on his expression."Let him be, Yates. It's not like you don't know how naughty this kid is!" Clark laughed, unconcerned. He gave Link a look that said 'Wanna get some drinks tonight?'Link wiggled his eyebrows as a positive answer, indicating that he had received Clark's hint.Catching onto their exchange, Yates and Thomas shook his heads. There was an entire army rank of difference between a second lieutenant like Clark and a sergeant like Link. There shouldn't have been much interaction between them.However, the two of them somehow became drinking buddies during a mission. It was a trick of fate, it seemed."Oh, by the way, are these three the recruits of the Empire-sword Army?" Link asked curiously, pointing to Carl, Rio, and John.Carl and his friends saluted him at once. Though Link was just a sergeant, even a single rank
"Hey! We've never fought at this altitude before!" Even the hot-tempered John felt weak after hearing Thomas' instruction.No one had the luxury of mind to worry about his mental state. The first to react was the four common soldiers that were on the same journey.They loaded their Kalin machine guns and stood at both sides of the cabin door in alert, holding up their guns.Thomas exercised his mechanical arm unhappily. "Too bad we're not on a weapon cargo plane and aren't properly armed for this. Both Clark and I can't use our War Spirit powers properly on a plane!"Carl turned around to look at the others, thinking the same. Clark's power was to transform into a fearsome tiger while Thomas's power was using a massive war hammer. It was indeed inconvenient for them to use their powers while in a military plane.Suddenly, Clark grabbed two Kalin machine guns and handed one to Thomas. "Save the nonsense," he said coldly
"Nice marksmanship!" Clark widened his eyes. It took him a while to finally blurt out the compliment that he was holding back."This kid…" He gripped the Kalin machine gun in his hands, full of emotions that he couldn't describe. Thomas, however, could empathize with him completely.Thomas was laughing out loud. "Didn't see that coming, did you, Clark?" he said, voice carrying a trace of mockery. "He's not your student anymore! He's now an official member of the Empire-sword Army!"Clark scoffed. Though he looked displeased, the gratification and happiness in his eyes were unmistakable.Whether as a military instructor or a member of the Empire-sword Army, one would have the same feeling as Clark to see Carl turn out so outstanding.Thomas and Yates chuckled after seeing Clark's reaction. Right at that moment, the siren went off in the cabin again, followed by the pilot Jay's voice."Now's the time! If we
In contrast to John's oblivious awe, Clark was looking a lot grimmer. He didn't look at all happy despite getting rid of the flock of venomous wyverns.Feeling the faint murderous aura coming from the man beside him, Carl turned his head in surprise. However, Clark and Thomas ignored him, unwilling to explain the whole story.Link called off his Gravity Zone and sat down on the floor weakly. He gasped for breath for a moment before patting the cabin door and shouting."Jay, how long more before we get to Punk Fortress? If another flock of venomous wyverns shows up again, we'll all die here today!""Relax! I don't see any unidentified flying objects on the radar! And we'll reach Punk Fortress in ten minutes!"Jay's words made Link let out a sigh of relief. He looked as if a burden had been removed from his shoulders."Sigh. I'll be straight. I thought I'm just here to pick you guys up! Never thought I'd be
Following another deafening buzzing, the military plane made a swift landing on the landing area of Punk Fortress. Carl and the rest then made their way out one after another.When he saw Jay leaving the pilot's seat, he noticed that Jay looked glad to be alive. Thinking about it now, he thought that it made sense.After all, there were only ten minutes of "free" time left after thirty continuous minutes of attacks on Punk Fortress.Aside from Clark and Thomas, the other War Spirit warriors inside the plane had exhausted their War Spirit powers a long time ago.If they were to run into another aerial attack by Zergs above Punk Fortress at this time, they wouldn't have the strength to kill the main force of the bugs.That was to say, they were incredibly lucky to arrive during the "free" time.When Thomas turned his head and noticed Carl rooted in his original spot, he shouted, "Hey, Carl! What are you dayd
Thomas left with a smile after entrusting Carl, John, and Rio to Iger, leaving the three of them looking at each other in the small room.It took a while before Iger rubbed his head and said, "Ah! How did I forget about that? Give me a minute!"He then ran toward a pile of junks inside the room and began searching all around. Some time passed before he came out with three military uniforms and handed them to Carl and the others."Here. These are your military uniforms. Remember this: once you put on your uniform, you're an official member of the Empire-sword Army!"Carl and the others took their military uniforms with a frown. They could see that the uniforms were filthy, with obvious stains and an alcohol stench. It was apparent that these uniforms had been sitting in this room for a long time.Noticing their expressions, Iger laughed in embarrassment and explained, "Blame it on the lack of recruits in the Empire-swor
Iger didn't seem to care about what Carl and the others thought. He raised his head to look at the sky. The deafening sound of shooting and the howling of the Zergs was everything that they could hear.However, minutes passed but Iger was still standing there without doing anything. Carl asked curiously, "Instructor Iger, what are we waiting for?"Iger smiled and replied calmly, "Since I'm giving you a new experience, I need to at least find a suitable direction for you, don't I?""Really? That's great! I thought you're heartless enough to throw us straight into the battlefield. Looks like you're finding a place with fewer enemies so that we can observe the battle safely!" John shouted joyfully.Iger snickered and shook his head, saying, "Since I said I'd show you what is hell, of course I need to find a place with the most enemies!"Then, ignoring their reactions, he turned behind and looked to his right. He nodded an