Kill the Dragon Volume 1 Chapter 4

translated by iseuli

important translator's note: I've changed Sergeant Wei to Instructor Wei. I've also changed all general sergeants to instructors. The only sergeants at the moment is Sergeant Red. (I will make changes to past chapters in a later time. Thank you!

Chapter 4 Squad 13

"The transfer requirement to year 2 is strict. The officers of Ark are not able to independently judge if a student qualifies."

It's almost time for another batch of students to be transferred into second year. No words were needed to explain how drastically the overall mood and behavior of Ark's sergeants had changed.

They would be choosing a select few first years to transfer up into second year. Most of the students would be from class A and the rare student from class B would be transferred up as well.

"Simon and Dimitri are pretty much confirmed already."

Jose said while lazing on his bed. The sergeants didn't have enough time to compile all the data, so all of the first years' schedules were put on hold.

This entire day was a free period for the first years. The fact that they had an entire day off meant that the sergeants had important decisions to make.

"If all of the first years' sergeants are required to be present for the meeting, there can only be one reason: selecting new transfers for year 2."

The youths whispered amongst themselves. Han spent his time reading through his e-books.

It was a book on tactical strategies that the first generation of psykers used during the first wave of aggression.

There was much trial and error while trying to defeat the mysterious dragons from an unknown world. Many lives were sacrificed to develop an effective strategy against the dragons.

"Han, stop being so dull and reading books. Let's go out. Do you know how to play soccer?"

"Yes, I do."

Jose led all the kids to the vacant lot behind their dormitories. They kicked the ball and started a game of soccer. Everyone was of different nationalities, but their passion for soccer was the same.

"Hey! Using psychic powers is against the rules!"

"I know that!"

The youths of class B now seemed like children of their age.

"Huu, huu."

Han had also become completely engaged in the soccer match.

When the orphanage had been operating, he frequently enjoyed this sport. He was able to feel the same joy years ago; blindly following after a single ball and running around was enjoyable.

"Damn! Block Jose!"

Jose seemed to be an expert at footwork. His soccer skills were exceptional. His latin blood seemed to boil with passion for the sport.

"GOOOAAAL! I'm Pele reborn!"

Jose cheered after making a goal. He jumped around and did a tumbling roll.

It would be dangerous to hit his head onto the cement ground, but these types of acrobatics for the youths of Ark were no problem.

Step, step.

Everyone's passion had reached an ultimate high. Sergeant Red made an appearance from a distance away, startling the youths.

Everyone was always wary of their behavior around Sergeant Red. His specialty was making a big deal out of nothing.

"Han Lee, follow me."

Sergeant Red wasn't shouting like usual. He called for Han with a calm voice. Han quickly wiped his sweat off and jogged to Sergeant Red.

The gathered students began to noisily talk amongst themselves.

The class B students peered toward Sergeant Red and Han as they talked. They made all sorts of speculations.

Sergeant Red found a quiet place and sat down at a bench nearby. He lit his cigar and blew out a puff of smoke.

"I submitted my recommendation to transfer you to year 2. The head office should be announcing their decisions anytime now."

"Even though I'm only in class B?"

"Yes, you're in class B and your psychic skills are poor. But two instructors have put in a very strong recommendation letter to push you into year 2."

"One of the recommendation must have been Instructor Wei."

"And the second is me."

Han's eyes shook slightly.

Han who usually remained clear-headed also had a hard time when it came to Sergeant Red. It was hard to judge whether he was friend or foe; his temper was also like fire and it was difficult to bear.

"Thank you."

Han bowed his head. Sergeant Red spit onto the ground and lazily gave a nod.

"Let's see if this is something you would end up feeling grateful for. If you're transferred into year 2, you will only have two paths. A brilliantly incompetent soldier, or an exemplary psyker. You won't be able to quit halfway through just because you're tired. About thirty percent of new second year transfers either die or become crippled within half a year. There are many reasons. The bones of many students are not able to follow the rapid maturity of the body, some children are not able to mentally accept their adult forms, and many become mentally broken because they cannot handle the mental strain of their own psychic powers. It's an everyday occurrence that students die while training. If the training curriculum becomes known by the mass media, due to hundreds of questionable issues with human rights, Ark would most likely be abolished."

"I'll make it through.

"We might be criticized by the world, but we intend to train you guys into the strongest soldiers. If we are unable to win the coming war, humanity will become extinct. Nothing matters upon the face of death; only by living on would we be able to do anything. Don't you agree?"

"Sergeant, in your eyes I might only be a child, but I also understand the meaning of survival."

 Han understood the heaviness of this word.

He had also turned to means that he was not proud of for the sake of survival. He had done whatever he could so that he and his younger siblings would be able to survive.

"If you survive through year 2, you'll meet me once more."

"Who else will be transferred up into second year?"

"Dimitri, Kuro, Simon, Andy, Kai…"

Sergeant Red said with dryness. There were more transfers than he originally thought. He quickly thought of the reason for this.

"I see many will die through this process."

"Survive through this, Han."

Sergeant Red stood upon those words.

Han saluted. Sergeant Red returned a brief salute before he left. His back figure gradually became smaller as time passed.

'If I think about it, he probably purposely gave me a hard time in class D for my own sake. He publically made himself into the enemy, and I was the one to chase him away. Thanks to him, I was able to obtain all my peers' trust.'

Han thought about the memories he had with Sergeant Red. His method had been ruthless, but it always ended on a good note.

Diring.

A message appeared from his data bracelet.

-Year 2 transferee, Han Lee.

He didn't have time to say goodbye to his peers in Class B. Han silently received his peers gazes. Envy, jealousy, and sadness were present. Han remained emotionless as he packed his bags.

"This time, it's your turn to save my spot in year 2. Han."

Jose said.

He couldn't help but feel a bit blue. Han also disliked separating from Jose. There were not too many peers he could honestly converse heartily with. It was possible that they would never meet again.

"Come quickly, Jose."

Han showed a faint smile and said.

He left the year 1 class B dormitories. The other transfers were on standby outside. There were expressions of all kinds.

Kuro looked anxious and dreadful while trembling. Dimitri looked filled with excitement. Simon displayed a cool expression with his arms crossed.

"Hey, you've also been transferred. That's a surprise coming from a class B."

Dimitri said to Han. Han lightly waved his hand and responded.

"Well, yeah. Dimitri. Ah, I should be able to meet Kuro again soon."

Han greeted the transferees while joining the group. Kuro's eyes shook with dread.

'I'm glad to transfer together with Han.'

Kuro felt a sense of safety from Han's presence. A large part of Kuro's mental strength stemmed from Han like the Sergeants had reported.

If Kuro had been alone all this time, it would have been highly unlikely that he would have been transferred at all. It was only possible because he had Han's support.

Han had been transferred based on the sergeants' letters of recommendation and the events related to Kuro, even though his psychic skills were subpar.

"The medical ward?"

The transferee's transport headed to the medical ward. They weren't being driven to the usual medical ward 1, but medical ward 2. The desolate outer wall of the building appeared ominous. Kuro, who had the power of immediate foresight, felt even deeper dread.

"Get off."

The driver said.

Researchers dressed in white gowns waited just outside. Amongst them, a few seemed to be instructors. In the center of the crowd was a black haired woman.

"Attention. I'll be taking care of everyone for the next five weeks. I'm Chief Researcher, Professor Sasha Grace."

Sasha Grace was a woman with a small frame. She had a gray, depressing aura wrapped around herself. She looked to be in her mid thirties. Her eyes had a few wrinkles to them. She quickly scanned her eyes across all the new transfers and nodded.

"Come in, kids."

Grace didn't act with an oppressive air like the drill instructors. However, her voice carried a chilling mood. The youths looked like they were being taken in by a witch from a fairytale.

All that could be heard for a while were the pattering feet.

Sasha Grace opened a discussion with her researchers. The researchers peered to the new transfers.

They arrived in an empty room. The new transfers found a chair prepared for them and sat down.

"I've already introduced myself, but I'll say it again. I'm Sasha Grace, and I'll be taking care of everyone for the next five weeks. Just call me Professor Grace. This will be like the adjustment period before you were officially incorporated into first year. Before you're officially transferred to year 2, I will make your physical bodies. After these five weeks, you will no longer have a child's body. In five weeks, you will have the body of a 15-16 year old. In half a year, you will mature into a full adult. I'll be here to take care of your physical and mental health."

Grace's voice had a calmness to it. Her voice was husky, but seemed to float about leisurely.  The expressions of the children were incredibly tense. They will be adults soon. The day had come and they couldn't help but feel fear.

"Professor, I heard that some people die."

Han spoke. Grace narrowed her eyes.

"My job isn't to push your abilities to your death like the drill instructors have been doing all this time. As long as you're alive, I will do my utmost to keep it that way. Rest comfortably while you're here."

Grace exited the room, leaving the youths to themselves in the empty room.

Great exhaustion was plainly visible below her eyes. The young youths would, again, be running towards death's doorsteps. Grace had a hard time trying to cope with every new batch.

'I'm the only one who can produce the most survivors.'

There was nobody more skilled than Grace from within the military medical department.

Only males were chosen to become psykers. Statistically, the gender ratio for psychic children was 5:1. There were far more males than females.

From time to time, genius psychics are found amongst young girls. However, only males were selected to become official psykers.

"Females are naturally more emotional and this causes a high case of emotional instability…."

This was the reason a line was drawn for the disqualifying female psykers.

In the beginning days of Ark's institution, many females had been recruited. The females had mostly done better than the males during the first year.

However, a majority of females struggled during their second year, and suffered mental breakdowns of all sorts.

'Females were not created to become machines of murder.'

Females had a hard time mentally coping with their new adult physical bodies. Combat stress tolerance, military tactical skills, psychic energy stability - they had proved to be unstable in all aspects.

They also menstruated, which affected their already unstable body with an attack of hormone imbalances. If they were forced to stop menstruating through surgery or drugs, there was a high risk of depression and sense of shame which could ultimately cripple them forever.

They didn't have the luxury to spend an extended amount of time training the female soldiers and there were an endless amount of problems relating to mental health. The number of female psykers who had been able to endure through until the end were few in number.

"In the end, cost efficiency was the ultimate deciding factor."

Grace mumbled.

One female psyker equated to about three male psykers, in monetary costs.

Excluding the few females psykers that Ark had produced in the beginning stages of Ark, every psyker produced by Ark had been male.

"The brat who asked me the question from before, ah, his name is Han Lee. It's been a while since I saw a Korean."

Grace quickly read over the new transfers' profiles one by one. She frowned upon Kuro's profile.

"Are you trying to joke around with me? Incredibly mentally weak? How did everyone agree to transfer him into second year? Aren't they asking him to just die? Those damn b*****s."

Grace's mumbling gradually grew louder. After a cup of coffee, she continued to read through the profile.

"Han is Kuro's mental support. That's why he was allowed to move up."

Grace pulled out Han's profile once again. She read through to the last few footnotes.

"Two instructors have recommended him as well? Red and Wei Chen. Wei's naturally soft hearted, so I understand. That [Sergeant First class] Red had really put up a letter of recommendation as well?"

Sergeant Red is in reality just an instructor, but everyone refers to him as a sergeant.

During the first wave of aggression, he was one of the legendary psykers who had great contributions. He's officially a military man, and the title of Sergeant (SFC) is only a respectful title. Grace was knowledgeable in this area.

'How rare, a youth recommended by both Wei Chen and Red. They tend to be inclined towards the opposite types of people. It's very hard for anyone to earn both their recommendations at the same time.'

Grace put Han Lee's name well into her mind. She threw off her lab gown and entered the shower room, preparing to sleep early for tomorrow's task.

On the day of surgery, the transferees received precautions from Professor Grace.

They would spend two weeks inside a human incubator. They would pass most of their days sleeping, and when they awoke they would find themselves in excruciating pain.

The pain would be controlled through pain killers as necessary, however the level of pain experienced by individuals varied greatly.

"In extreme cases, you would find yourself awake for half the day. In such cases, most cannot handle the pain and die. Once you come out of the incubators, we will have three weeks of rehabilitation training to fine tune necessary details. Most are unable to recollect memories of the first two weeks, and comment that they felt like they had woken up after a long rest. Don't worry too much."

Grace continued to repeat most of the information she had lectured, over and over. The smell of hospital sanitizer wafted. Han and the other youths slowly climbed into the incubators. Oxygen masks attached to their mouths, and their bodies submerged completely in water. Blinding dread filled all the youths' minds.

"Ugh."

Dimitri, who has great pain tolerance, also gritted his teeth in pain.

"Kids, I'll see you guys after two weeks."

Grace said while closing off the incubator room. The students could not hear her voice. A sleep inducing agent immediately dispersed into the incubators. The students' eyes closed before they could realize anything, and fell asleep.

"The monitoring will be done in three shifts like usual. Press the emergency button once complications are discovered."

Grace said to the researchers. The operation apparatus attached to the incubators began to move. A needle injector the size of a pinky all shot into the youth's bodies.

"Ugh"

Grace frowned.

No matter how many times she witnessed this scene, her disgust did not change. This was a cold-blooded surgical procedure performed on children. They would be forced into maturity by artificially increasing their bone and muscle density.

'Is humanity worth saving when we must go this far?'

Grace had started smoking again after joining Ark; she also began drinking. It was hard to cope without them.

She let out a heavy sigh in the break room. The cigarette smoke spread thickly into the air.

"Professor Grace, have the students entered the incubators?"

Sergeant Red said while walking in. He visited the medical ward building 2 every time there were new transfers to year 2.

"Yes. Sergeant red, why don't you go confirm with your own eyes? There should be a handful of faces you'll never see again."

"It's fine, I'm not interested."

"If you're not interested, I wonder why you come visit medical ward building 2 every time."

Grace said irritated.

She was not the only person among the many medical researchers with chronic mental illness and stress. They regularly conducted immoral experiments on human bodies. It wasn't something that could be done with an alert mind. It didn't help that their subjects consisted of only young boys.

"It would be troublesome if my precious talents were murdered by you, professor."

"I always do my best, Sergeant Red. Did the sun rise from the west? How did you manage to agree with Drill Instructor Wei? I saw that Han Lee had received a letter of recommendation from the both of you."

"If you get to know the boy, you will come to understand. He is different. The word excellent cannot define him."

Sergeant Red slowly opened his eyes and said.

"He could end up dead before I get to talk to him."

"That would be a pity."

Sergeant Red continued with his trivial jokes some more and left medical ward 2.

Grace returned to the dormitories, slept for four hours, and then awoke once more. She got herself a cup of coffee and entered the monitoring room. The children who awaken from their sleep would twitch their eyebrows.

A week had passed. There had not been anyone showing complications.

For children with a sturdy build like Dimitri, they already passed into a stable state. Grace showed off giant dark circles below her eyes as she stared into the monitor screen.

"Would everyone come out safely this time around?"

Grace mumbled feeling relieved. She got up and poured herself another cup of coffee, then she faltered. The monitor screen graph jerked rapidly.

Grace threw her coffee cup aside, shattering it, and returned to her seat.

"Han Lee?"

The data came from Han's incubator. Han's brain waves were erratic. He had woken up from his slumber.

"Why? He didn't show any signs of waking up at all! Why?"

Grace quickly pressed the emergency button. All the researchers got a shock from the alarm from across the halls.

"Han Lee is awake."

"Administer the pain killers, try to urge him into sleep."

"His consciousness is too alert. His brain waves are off the charts."

"Go to the incubation room! Get him to calm down!"

The sound of Han banging on the incubator walls could be heard from within the room. He was banging from within.

He didn't let out a single scream of pain, but Han was suffering from unimaginable pain inside the incubator. The pain was hard to endure.

"This has never happened before."

Grace reviewed the process of his incubation for any errors. Something suddenly flashed into her mind.

"Turn off Han's psychic energy inducing system. Drain out the content from within his incubator, and refill it with the solution we used during the initial stages of our studies."

The researchers were swift to comply with Grace's commands. They turned off the blue lamp besides his incubator.

"Han is showing signs of returning to sleep. He will be fully asleep in a few moments."

"Check for any damages. If need be, refill his incubator with new solution. I'll backtrack on the data we collected here."

Grace entered the research room and turned on the computer. She entered various data and it computed the various probable reasons of this incident and its probability.

"A psyker rejecting psychic energy?"

During the operation, there is a stage when psychic energy is induced. They would force their psychic energies to circulate more naturally around their body so that they would have an easier time using their powers.

The solution that had been mixed into their incubator had been from a dragon psychic core; they had diluted a dragon heart to create a highly potent psychic energy solution.

Han's body rejected the dragon heart completely, resulting in complications throughout the process.

"There has never been a case like this before."

Grace reaffirmed the complication data that had been recorded from past subjects.

Usually the students suffered complications due to problems relating to their physical bodies; there had never been a case where one would suffer due to psychic energies. This was the reason why Grace and the researchers took awhile to figure out the problem Han was suffering from.

"We must skip over the psychic energy inducing stages. Anyway, he wasn't moved up into year two for his psychic skills. He should be able to make it through somehow."

Grace removed all the factors relating to psychic power enhancement. This was better than having him die halfway into the surgical process.

"I wonder what our superiors would think of this."

Grace smiled bitterly as she wrote up a report. The two week of incubation passed.

The incubator lids creaked open one by one. The incubation solutions were flooding the laboratory floor.

Gradually, the youths regained their alertness and crawled out of their incubators. They couldn't manage to stand properly at all. They staggered around and tripped onto the ground.

"Cough"

The students began to vomit.

They somehow managed to follow the researchers into the patient ward while bearing with their dizziness. All of the students got onto their beds while seeming to be struggling with a high fever. It would take another two days to regain proper alertness.

"…. Has anyone died?"

Someone with a clear voice asked. The researchers momentarily questioned their hearing. It was Han Lee who had asked among the group of students.

Trudge, trudge.

Han used all his strength to get up while using his bedside pole as support.

"None."

"I see."

Han closed his eyes, fainting. The researchers discussed amongst themselves.

"He was able to regain alertness immediately after getting out of the incubators."

"I wonder if it's because he didn't go through the psychic energy inducing process."

"Even if that is so, it would be hard to recover their alertness like he had."

Han's recovery was much faster than most youths. He was able to make a full recovery after just a day.

He had been able to solve the math problems of the UchidKraepelin performance test with relative ease.

"Do not be surprised upon seeing the mirror."

The researchers brought personal mirrors for the students to see. Han's irises trembled. His face felt unfamiliar. His face had matured greatly.

Creaak.

A machine had been attached to Han's hips, spine, and legs. The mechanical exoskeleton helped aid his gait.

"You must have the mechanical exoskeleton attached to you for awhile. You will be able to recover within three weeks time, with lots of time to spare. Your recovery speed is extremely frightening. There are students who have yet to awaken as we speak."

Han was not able to get out of his personal recovery room for awhile. Grace visited each student's room one by one to consult with the patients.

"Are you doing well?"

Grace asked.

"Thanks to you."

Han's eyes looked calm. Grace had consulted with five other students prior to visiting Han.

'He doesn't seem as agitated as the other children.'

Grace took out some graphs and statistics that Han couldn't understand. It had the run down of the complications and the reasons why they had stopped inducing psychic powers.

"There is no precedence for this situation. It was the first time a psyker ever rejected psychic energies. Do you understand what this means? Anyway, if we forced the procedure you would have died. You probably don't remember, but you were banging inside the incubator and going crazy.

Han nodded his head.

"It's better to be alive than receive the procedure."

"Han, you will be registered as a unique case. Whenever you experience problems with your psychic powers, come report to me. Are you experiencing any other problems? Maybe like feeling disharmony with your physical body– things like that."

"I feel refreshed. I have one less thing to worry about. At least now, I won't have to worry about getting kicked out for having bad grades, right?"

Grace continued her consultation with Han for awhile longer. She recalled the information of Han's profile.

'This was the reason Sergeant Red had recommended this student.'

Han had no problems regarding his mental health. He had a strong and confident sense of self. Grace was momentarily shocked and peered toward Han.

'Is this the steel spirit that Sergeant Red had been looking for?'

It was to the degree that Grace felt a bit embarrassed asking these types of questions to Han. Han articulated his answers clearly. On the contrary, he began to ask questions about the future.

"Yes, after everyone becomes stable, you'll be able to meet each other once more."

Grace stepped out of Han's hospital ward. Han's health exam was near perfect. There would be no problem if he were to start training right away.

'Psychic talent is important, but strong mental strength is important as well. Han excelled compared to the students his age. It's a mystery why his psychic talent is so low.'

Grace contemplated carefully. There should be a specific reason his body had rejected psychic energy induction.

Psychic energy was still quite a mysterious factor. It had not been fully understood yet. It was much more related to the supernatural world.

Four weeks had passed.

Most students had fully recovered with a week remaining of their adjustment period. The vacant lot behind the medical ward was noisy. Dimitri and Han were sparring with their weapons.

'Han, win!"

Kuro cheered from the back. His had grown very tall. He was about a palms length taller than Han.

He had a firm and athletic body like a black leopard, but his gentle and soft hearted eyes remained the same. The main distinguishing difference was that he now had white hair. His white hair complimented his dark skin very well.

"Bring it! Dimitri!"

"What a good rehabilitation exercise!"

Dimitri boisterously laughed while spinning his wooden sword. Han whipped his spear in the air. Their weapons clashed in regular intervals. Rather than a spar, they looked like they were dancing with their weapons. Their movements seemed to be like one entity.

"You're not bad."

The both of them didn't have much intent to physically hit each other. It was only a light sparring match between the two. If they really got seriously injured, it would mess up the date they would be officially transferred into year 2.

"What a vulgar way to fight. We're psykers, you dum dums."

Simon said while standing below a tree's shadow.

He thought it was an eyesore watching the Han and Dimitri spar against one another. He was in the middle of training his psychic skills by floating the leaves around himself.

'My body feels light. I have so much strength left over.'

Han laughed while attacking with his spear in opposite hands each time.

Han had finished his rehabilitation the fastest out of everyone. His physical body was the strongest out of everyone here. He had also recorded the fastest reflexes out of everyone.

"I won't let you have it easy next time, Han."

Dimitri threw his wooden sword aside and said. Sweat was falling from his muscular body.

The youths felt stares coming from the third floor of the medical ward windows. The people peering down were wearing the second year training uniforms. Simon recognized them and spoke.

"They're the squad commanders of second year. The second years receive training in squads. Squads who are short in number would come to pick a new member from the new transfers.

The reality that they were going to be transferred into year 2 finally weighed down on their shoulders. The second years watched them with sharp glares before leaving after awhile.

Han put on his training uniform that he had thrown off and then looked toward the second years.

The five week grace period had ended. The new transfers were assigned to different squads after the squad commanders' meeting.

The second years had a total of twelve squads. They were teammates and classmates. Each squad had a total of four to ten individuals. Han and Kuro joined the seventh squad. The squad commander for the seventh squad was a Japanese youth named Kato Souki. Kato was a sharp minded individual with narrow eyes.

"I'm the squad leader of the seventh squad, Kato Souki."

Kato spoke with a stony voice. The members of squad 7 glared toward Kuro and Han.

'The air is totally different than the time in first year.'

The faces and bodies of squad 7 sported many injuries. They repeatedly trained while holding actual combat matches.

Within the first years, no matter how distinguished a student was, he was only a young child. However, starting from second year, everyone's bodies became stronger and sturdier than a full grown adult.

This resulted in much more brutal training drills.

"Han Lee, you specialize in close combat. Kuro, you excel in psychic skills."

Kato spoke shortly. He looked down at Han. He had a coercive attitude.

"Should I call you squad leader? Kato."

"I heard you were transferred here from class B. Your psychic skills ranked the lowest. I'll be frank, I brought you into our team for Kuro's sake alone. You guys seemed to be one set. I don't have any expectations out of you Han. Just don't get in our way."

Han's brows quirked. This was blatant contempt. The squad members snickered.

"Ah, ah."

Kuro looked taken aback and looked to Han. The corner of Han's lips rose up as he laughed. He offered a handshake to Kato.

"I'll do my best not to get in your way. Kato."

"Call me Squad Commander Kato."

"I got it. Squad Commander Kato."

Han laughed coldly and walked to his room.

The second years used private rooms. They were also scheduled more free period time. During their first year, it had felt like school. However, second year focused on the military aspects.

"It's okay, there's no problem."

Han mumbled to himself. He put up a hologram photo onto his desk. It was a photo of his younger siblings in Korea.

'I just need to endure and my siblings won't need to worry about food.'

Han had nightmares regularly before he came to ark. His siblings who had died of starvation came to haunt his dreams. After he registered into Ark, those dreams had stopped altogether.

Han's door opened. Kuro stepped in.

"Are you okay?"

"Huh? There are high handed people like that everywhere. More so for people they don't welcome. Kuro, don't mind me. Display your skills with everything you got so that nobody can look down on you. You must show them just who you are."

Han could easily laugh off these moments. He had had to face these types of people within a hell-like environment while looking after his younger siblings from adults since he could remember.

'Kuro's weak minded. If Kuro were to fail his role in the team, they would pressure him a lot. His psychic skills weaken greatly under pressure. Many times, he fails completely.'

Han blankly looked to Kuro.

'To start, Kuro doesn't have the personality that fits with Ark.'

Han unpacked his belongings.

He could easily reach the cabinets that were higher up. He suddenly realized how much taller he had become.

Han glanced to the mirror that was by his closet. He had already become accustomed to his own body. Now, he was a second year.

Second years have squad and general lessons.

General lessons covered the basic theories. All the second years would be gathered in class to listen together.

Kuro and Han sat next to each other. They could spot the other new transferees from other squads on desks further away.

"There's Dimitri."

Kuro whispered. Dimitri was very tall. He stood out even from a far distance.

"Now, let's start class."

An unfamiliar teacher said while walking in. Hologram screens lit up all around the room.

"Today we will go over the common werewolf minion monsters that travel by land."

A werewolf of gray fur appeared on the screens. Han and Kuro's eyes grew wide. It was their first time directly seeing the minion forms like this.

"They are about two to three meters tall. Rarely, you can come across one that grows to be four meters tall. They have high agility and fast recovery, so it is impossible to defeat them with light damage weapons. They do not have much intelligence, but are natural born hunters, and so move in a tactical way.

"Do silver weapons work against them?"

Someone jokingly asked. The youths of the class laughed. The teacher shrugged his shoulder.

"It is possible to slow down their recovery with silver, but the end results are negligible. The easiest way to stop their self recovery is by firebombs."

The teacher continued his lessons on werewolves. He explained basic tactics against them and their natural habits.

Minion is the generic name for the basic mob soldiers that are controlled by the dragon race.  They heed the dragons' commands.

"The only minions with intelligence are of the Elu race."

"Elf?"

Kuro mumbled.

The screen projected someone who looked no different than humans. It was just that their ears were pointed, their bodies skinny, and the sclera of their eyes had no irises to them.

Their overall appearance gave a chilling feeling.

"The Elu race act as mid commanders from within the dragon army. The dragons do not personally command every mob, the mid commanders are in charge of taking care of the minor commands."

"Teacher, since they're able to use psychic skills, does that mean normal physical weapons do not work against them as well?"

"That is a good question. Look at this."

The teacher played a video clip. The image quality was poor, but it was a clip of the Elus and human soldiers fighting.

They were armed with heavy weapons that exploded out flames. They opened fire and each attack made a huge hole in the ground. In the midst of the bombardment was a single Elu who had summoned a psychic shield.

"Elus are able to resist general weapons like dragons. However, they do not have an infinite amount of psychic energy like the dragons. Watch what happens to them when they run out of psychic energy."

The Elu who had not been able to continue resisting for a long period, got blown up into tiny pieces by the bombing.

It was a horrifying clip. Its organs and blood had been spewed out everywhere. Kuro covered his mouth to resist throwing up. Lessons ended. Han and Kuro's data bracelets vibrated with an order of squad seven to assemble. They were ordered to come to the shooting range.

"Allied Forces, Demian Jeshik, R-2 gun."

Han and Kuro were handed out their own gun. It was made of cold metals; Han could feel his heart calming down.

"This would be useless against dragons, but they are still useful against minions," Kato said.

Kato called a fellow squad member and trained Kuro and Han individually.

"Shoulder your gun; your shoulder and arms are your support. You won't be able to hit anything if you shake."

Han was able to shoot the center point with his gun several times. This was his first time shooting a gun, and 18 out of the 20 shots had been a successful shot.

'Han has better focus. On the other hand….'

Kuro's shots were a mess. He could not breathe properly and his body continued to tremble. The muzzle of his gun kept rising up and down, while trembling.

"Kuro, continue to shoot until you're able to hit 16 out of 20 times."

The squad member said to Kuro. Han peered up to the sergeant at the control tower. The sergeant seemed to only care about the safety of the shooting range.

'It seems the senior squad members are in charge of teaching their juniors.'

Han continued to practice shooting in various positions. He was not used to shooting while moving, and made lots of mistakes. But, all shots while stationary were superb.

"This is surprising. Han is the useful kid instead of Kuro? Kato."

The assistant team leader said to Kato. Kuro could not manage to even hold the gun to aim properly. The assistant leader grew irritated and began scolding Kuro.

"We'll never get anywhere at this rate. Try to focus. Don't just stare on like an idiot, put some strength into your shoulders."

"Uuh, yes."

Kuro's face looked pale. His hands had grown clammy, and the gun felt slippery in his hands.

BANG!

He had fired by accident. The muzzle shot into the ground.

"HEY! You damn b*****d! Can't you do this properly?"

The squad members around them shouted after the shock. They kicked Kuro and made him stand once more. His shoulders trembled as he tried his best to catch his breath.

"Cough. S-sorry."

Kuro's huge eyes looked in shock. He had scared himself and his heart was beating wildly. His squad members had hit him but it didn't hurt at all.

"Stop."

Han tried to stop his squad members. He helped Kuro up. Kuro looked anxious and sorry.

"Get lost, newbie. This kind of b*****d deserves a beating. Only then would they manage to get a hold of themselves."

Kato watched the group from far away.

"Bullying isn't going to make Kuro any better. Is there a reason to get so mad just because he made one mistake?"

Han's calm tone flamed the squad's anger.

"A newbie's place is to keep quiet. Do you even know anything?"

"I know Kuro better than you."

"Are you that black boy's boyfriend?"

"My intentions are not to throw around such vulgar personal insults."

It seemed a fist fight would break out any time now. The drill sergeant glared to Kato. Kato stood in between the squad and Han.

"Stop. Han is right to some level. This is only the first time, so it's natural to make mistakes. Han, you should show more respect toward your seniors. You're of the same rank, but everyone here has more experience in squad 7 than you. If you're unhappy with the instructions, do not complain, and come talk to me about it."

Kato mediated. He had also been judged as a good squad leader candidate. He had talent to lead people.

Han offered a handshake to his squad and apologized. Han and Kuro gradually adjusted to their squad as they trained together. Han and Kuro's difference in skill was too great.

'Han's training results are superior to Kuro's in all aspects.'

Kato felt bitter. Reality was too different than what he expected. He took Kuro to his team to add another talent to the squad, but the one to distinguish himself had been Han.

"However Kuro is superior in psychic drills. What we need is a superior psyker."  The assistant team leader said.

In year 2, all the squads competed against one another. They obtained points after winning in squad battle.

The number of squad members to battle is based on whichever number of members is in the smaller squad. There are all sorts of competitions, and psykers are useful in all types of battles.

There was no evening training today. The students that had gathered in the assembly hall were cheering while watching a screen.

"Today there is a competition with squad 3 and squad 9. Today's competition will be capture the flag."

Han was very knowledgeable about the various aspects of this competition. However, this time the battle was not held in a mock battle ground, but inside an actual forest, and there were fewer members. Elaborate tactics and individual skills were required. The battle was broadcasted through a live broadcast alongside a 2D map of the happenings.

"It's Simon."

Han spoke while watching the broadcast.

Simon had joined squad 3. Simon used his telekinesis to move aside a trap set by his opponents.

He threw a tree at his opponent, causing them to black out.

"They're not wearing the training uniforms."

Kuro said shocked.

"They're to fight until they're literally unable to."

The students of year 2 were not to show mercy to their opponents while sparring against one another. They waved their weapons with the intention of killing one another.

They didn't wield wooden weapons, but iron weapons. A straight hit would be fatal.

'This is the reason they require the superior psykers in their squad.'

Han watched Simon fighting. The students of year 2 used their psychic abilities constantly throughout the whole battle.

Simon had just transferred, but he ranked within the top five among everyone here. Their strength was on a different level than their time during year 1.

Squad 3 moved with Simon as their core military strength.

"His psychic skills are on par with Kuro, but he's able to utilize his powers to its full potential.'

The students of year 2 said while they watched on.

"That new transfer is amazing. He had received training in England, but even so his psychic talent is shocking."

"They refer to him as a genius."

"He seems too full of himself."

Simon fired many rocks simultaneously. The rocks bulleted forward like they had been fired from a shotgun.

Simon became fatigued from using too much of his psychic power and fell back, then another member from his squad came forward to cover for him. Squad 3 utilized all of Simon's strength to win this battle.

"A new person on the blacklist."

The students of year 2 ingrained Simon's name into their memories.

While everyone focused on Simon, Han peered toward the 2D man. His mind was full of all sorts of thoughts.

'I wouldn't do it that way. Squad 9 isn't using the geography to their advantage at all, they are only pushing forward with pure battle strength. That's not a proper battle tactic.'

Han's thoughts tangented into a different direction.

'If it was me, If I was the squad leader…'

He locked himself into his own thoughts. Kuro pat Han's shoulder.

"Han, let's go. They've dismissed us."

Han and Kuro remained diligent training everyday.

Han quickly adapted to his new lifestyle as a year 2 student, and Kuro still had many problems but slowly improved as well.

This was especially the case during psychic training drills, he far surpassed everyone on his squad.

Wwooong!

"This is an airbeat. This is used frequently during aerial combat. You should master this."

Han had heard of this frequently during lectures. Airbeat, this equipment was necessary during aerial warfare. They are drones which people could comfortably use as an aerial platform. Other than a platform, the airbeats made for actual war are equipped with guns and are useful for supporting the team.

"Get on your airbeat."

Kuro maneuvered three airbeats at once. The rotor blades spun and floated off the ground. Now, he only needed to use his telekinesis to control their flight direction.

Woong!

Lights beamed from Kuro's eyes. He easily flew around with three airbeats at once.

"You must maintain telekinetic tension in order to support the average male upon the airbeat."

Kato spoke while also stepping up onto one of the airbeats which Kuro controlled. Kuro hesitated a bit, but he managed to push more of his psychic energy into his airbeats to make them float. The airbeat easily supported Kato's weight.

"You must be able to control a minimum of two airbeats- with an average adult riding them of course. The control of at least two airbeats will allow you quicker offensive mobile warfare. Everyone should have learned by now, right? Han, what are the three absolutely necessary tools needed for aerial warfare against dragons?

Kato already knew the answer to this, and purposely asked Han for the answer.

"Airbeats, jump pack, and a hook cable."

"As expected of the top student. Airbeats are just a support platform. The jump packs will supplement necessary acceleration maneuvers. You will use hook cables or airbeats on the dragon's body to break a fall, A roping tool is useful when you can use inertia to move your body. In our next match, we will have squad battle against squad 1. Until our next battle, you're to master aerial warfare tactics. Especially you Kuro, your role will be the most important."

"M-me?"

Kuro was taken aback and pointed questioningly to himself. Kato nodded.

"You will be the squad 7's main supporter. You're weak in close combat, however, your psychic strength is excellent so this position is perfect for yourself."

"A supporter?"

Han peered to Kuro.

He thought it might still be too early for Kuro to be let out in real battles. However, the squad had commanded Kuro this job, so it must be seen through.

"Supporters are in charge of controlling several airbeats to aid your fellow squad members. Additionally you have the advantage of immediate foresight. Read your squad's movements and be on standby to support your teammates with airbeats. This tactic will be able to lessen the psychic energy waste and mental stress on the overall squad. We never had a member in squad 7 that could act as a supporter, and so we've recruited you so that you can take on this position. Kuro."

Kato did not directly say anything about the battle to Han.

'I'll take too long to gain mastery of the airbeats.'

Han's psychic power growth rate is too slow and it would take too long to gain perfect control of two airbeats. It was too difficult for Han to control two air beats all the while being able to support an adult on top of them.

'If I had no hope, Instructor Wei and Sergeant Red would not have recommended my transfer to year 2. I've been transferred because I can do this. I shouldn't let myself get swayed by their words.'

The squad trained while focusing mainly on Kuro.

The squad required Kuro's strength in the near future for the battle, and so Han was taught only basic theory of the airbeats and left to his own devices.

"Hey, Han."

One of the squad members approached him. Han was in the middle of inspecting a hook cable, he looked toward the other party.

"What's up?"

"Just here to talk, we're in the same squad afterall. It seems Squad leader Kato doesn't like you much."

Han nodded.

"I realize that. It's obvious Kato dislikes me."

"Kato prioritizes order of rank. Han, you've only arrived to squad 7, but even so your teamwork with us is no good at all. Everyone is thinking this. You should request a transfer to a different squad when you find the right timing. This squad won't give you chances at all."

"Why do you think I don't fit in with this squad?"

"You're excellent. That's your problem. While training, you disagree with Kato, and you're not afraid to do so. I believe your words are correct time to time. But, the most important aspect is that you shouldn't be acting in this way. Squad 7 only needs one brain. We're not a flexible squad to cater to everyone's personal judgements. Having two brains is too troublesome. If we were to go against Kato because your opinions are more correct, that will make our teamwork fall apart."

His squad member had spoken the honest straightforward truth. This had been honest advice for squad 7 and Han.

"…. Is that so?"

Han had never thought that far. The squad leader must have the confidence of his squad members. Han had shaken the confidence of the squad as a whole.

'Of course Kato would dislike me. Though, all I was doing was giving out my personal opinions on situations.'

His squad member checked to see Kato was far away and whispered something.

"It would have been good if you were a useless idiot, but most of the time your opinions are correct and based on many facts. As long as Kato is the squad leader, he will never let you participate in the squad battles. You'll never be able to gain recognition in this team."

His squad member patted Han's back and left. Han became lost in his own thoughts for a long time.

'Difficult.'

In year 1, all that was required had been to obtain good results. The instructors had always judged fairly, and they had seen potential in Han.

'Year 2 is too complicated. There are more important things than personal strengths. Jose would know what to do in situations like this.' Han suddenly missed Jose. If Jose was here, he would have been able to give him good advice.

"What did you talk about, Han?"

Kuro asked after finishing his training. Han shook his head.

"No, nothing. How's the battle preparation going?"

"I can maneuver four airbeats now."

"Without supporting a person?"

"Including a rider."

Han became startled upon his words.

Kuro's psychic growth was shocking. It had not been long since Kuro had been transferred, and his psychic talent had already climbed into the top five.

Squad 7 had an over powered cheat. They had recruited a psychic genius. Rumors of Kuro spread across the year 2 students like wildfire. Kuro would be the main focus in the next batch of squad battles. On the flip side, Han passed the time focusing on his own training.

Chatter, chatter.

The aerial training center was noisy.

Squad 1 and 7 had gathered. There were many cameras all around the training center. The cameras would not miss a single moment of the match.

The battle would be broadcasted for all the year 2 audiences. The year 2 students would be gathered in the gymnasium, seated like they were enjoying a movie.

"Everyone equip your gear."

Kato said. The squad members equipped their airbeats.

'The core battle strength of aerial squad battles were the airbeats. Hook cables and jump packs are not necessary.'

The aerial battle rules were simple. All that was needed was to push all the opponent's teammates to the ground. A safety net had been set up, so falling would not be fatal in any way.

"Don't be scared, Kuro."

Han could not participate in this match, but cheered for Kuro.

In this match, Kuro would be responsible to support all of squad 7's airbeat.

He would need to support all of his his teammate's airbeats, all the while interfering with the opponent's airbeats with his telekinesis.

'The opponent team would probably focus their attack on Kuro.'

Han could see how the match would progress clearly in his mind. Anyone with a bit of brain would focus their attack on the supporter responsible for controlling the airbeats.

The team with greater control of the airbeat has the upper hand in this challenge. Excluding the airbeats, there were pillar platforms, but these were few in number and its surface area very small.

"This is like a circus."

This battle required elaborate, focused psychic skills and high-balanced agility for aerial combat.

"Let's go."

Kato said with strength and lead the way. Squad 1 and 7 stood on opposite ends. Each team had 7 squad members.

Wooong!

Psychic energy flooded the battle ground. It felt as if the atmosphere grew denser. The airbeats floated, acting as the platform for the squads.

Tatak!

They looked like they were running on the ground as they ran around while moving the airbeats in perfect sequence.

Behind squad 7, Kuro was drenched in cold sweat while supporting his squad. Kuro's head was filled with complex movement sequences and paths.

"HAA!"

A fierce fight broke out from their opponents.

The squad members who excelled in close combat stood as vanguard. Behind, were the support members who fought a psychic battle of telekinesis that was invisible to the eye.

The airbeats that didn't act as a platform bulleted forward, attacking the opponents.

"Damn!"

At that moment, one member from the opponent broke through the vanguard and ran to Kuro.

"Kuro! Block him with airbeat number 4 and 8!"

Kato shouted a command. Kuro flinched and blinked. The airbeats labeled number 4 and 8 jerked into a different direction.

'That's not good. Someone needs to assist to defend Kuro. Kuro lost his focus and his body is too tense. He has too much burden on this battle.'

The airbeats in Kuro's control became noticeably slower. They staggered and tottered along. The number 4 and 8 airbeats that were intend to attack the enemy, instead crashed together and smashed onto the ground.

"Damn it!"

Kato cursed. He flew to protect Kuro, but it had been too late. Kuro, who was weak in close combat, couldn't even put up a resistance and faltered.

Kuro huffed trying to catch his breath.

Kuro had fallen to the safety net. He felt his heart beating wildly. He looked shocked and he had trouble enduring his racing heart.

"uuh,uuu."

Kuro groaned. It was difficult to breathe. Intense stress and nerves caused an imbalance in his body.

"Kuro!"

Han jumped into the safety net and helped drag Kuro out. Squad 7 were busy screaming up in the air.

The battle tactic of this round had centered around Kuro. Without Kuro, everyone had become helpless.

'This was inevitable when Kuro broke down. He understood that a single mistake would cause the whole squad's failure.'

Kuro barely managed to breathe as his whole body trembled.

"Will we… lose because of me?"

Han did not answer. The announcement of squad 7's loss rang. The squad who was covered in wounds glared at Kuro with menacing eyes.

'He could have easily blocked him. If only he didn't mistakenly crash the two airbeats together…'

Kato's calculations were accurate.

Kuro had prepared airbeats to intercept the opponent. But Kuro's mistake had messed up his whole plan.

"huu."

Kato took off his helmet and stared to Kuro.

"I won't say anything, Kuro."

He looked thoroughly disappointed.

Kato swallowed back his anger that boiled through his whole body. The squad looked to Kuro with coldness.

Kuro didn't have the tenacity that fit with a military lifestyle.

'No, Kuro is normal. He is behaving properly for someone his age.'

Everytime Han looked to Kuro, he was reminded of his younger siblings.

Kuro forcefully held back his tears. His mouth that remained shut tight held strong feelings of guilt.

'It's abnormal that any of us are able to adapt to this kind of place and survive.'

Kuro rejected Han's helping hand, and returned back to the dorms while his head hung low.

"Was Kuro the reason for failure?"

Han mumbled to himself in his own room.

Kato was not a bad squad leader. He had shown good results all this time. There would be no chance that the instructors would allow an unfitting person into a position of squad leader.

He excluded all his personal grudges and thought objectively.

"Kato had used a cowardly method. This isn't Kuro's fault but the squad leader's fault entirely."

The squad's failure is the responsibility of the squad leader.

He wasn't able to objectively judge his own squad's skills; it's his own fault for underestimating and overestimating his teammate's skills.

'Kato could not accurately calculate Kuro's competency, strengths, and weaknesses. He blindly put faith in the mathematical scores of Kuro's psychic talent. He didn't personally see Kuro as a person for himself.'

That was a squad leader's duty and job.

"If I was the squad leader, I would not have let Kuro be alone. Kuro is too new to be able to be successful in any close combat situations. Otherwise, Kuro should been given a position that was less burdensome until he gained enough experience."

Han thought about and memorized all of Kato's mistakes. He took this as a lesson for himself. He memorized all of Kato's strengths, and made sure not to forget all of Kato's mistakes.

Three weeks had passed.

Han could manage to comfortably control two airbeats with ease. All this time, squad 7 experienced various things. They had won their fair share, but they also lost a lot of times as well. Kuro had been the reason for their loss a majority of the time.

"Even if we had to be forceful, we should have recruited Simon."

Kato spoke to a few of his squad members. They had finished their training and were drinking sports drinks while taking a short break.

"Simon, he's really amazing these days. He looks like a fish who met water for the first time."

In year two, people continued to compare Simon and Kuro frequently.

They were both psychic geniuses, but the opinions of the two were polar opposites.

"Kuro can't do anything by himself. His battle skills are weak, though his psychic skills are off the roof. We're just continuing to allow him to participate since we have no replacement member…"

"Simon's psychic skills are brilliant, and his battle skills are excellent. He can easily take on two to three others by himself."

Han didn't add his own opinion while listening to them talk. Everyone predicted Han would transfer to a different squad in a little while. Squad 7 had many members who excelled in close combat already.

'Simon favors taking independent action. It would become a disturbance for the team's overall plan in the long run. Though, he would probably be able to do a good job no matter whose squad he's in, he won't be able to create the maximum team synergy with that attitude. Squad 3 tend to become centered toward Simon's behaviors, and the squad leader's position in the team had become feeble.

If the other team comes out with a person stronger than Simon, they won't have any back up plans to fall back to.'

Han silently thought to himself. He didn't speak his thoughts in the slightest.

Han minimized all actions that would put him in an arrogant light. Kato seemed to look at Han in a more favorable light these days.

"Han, do you want to compete in the next battle? It is a mock battle. I heard you participated in them frequently during your first year."

"It's okay, I'm going to turn in my application to the instructors soon. I don't want to disrupt the teamwork flow."

'It would have been better if I had half the psychic talent Kuro has.'

Squad 7 looked to Han's skills highly. It was just that squad 7 didn't require such a member in their team. After Han became docile and quiet, they treated him kindly.

'I'm just waiting for the right time. It's not the right moment yet.'

Han waited calmly. It's not the right time to get ahead of myself. He wished for a position he could show his skills to its full potential.

Han didn't focus on his squad training drills, instead he trained to increase is personal capacity.

'Instructor Wei said it before. Psychic skills were the same as training muscles. Practicing will make me stronger.'

Han's name was not popular among second years. He just another common low ranking psychic user.

Swwaaa.

Water streamed out, Han splashed his face with water and looked at his own reflection.

He had grown much taller. Second years receive medicine to consume from hospital ward 2 every month.

Many times students are hospitalized for treatment due to various complications.

"Did you know? If your bones are unable to follow the speed of your body's growth, your joints will end up festering and result in an infection. There have been cases that people mistook it for a minor injury from training, and had to amputate their legs."

Kuro said while showering next to him.

"That's horrible."

Han answered matter of factly.

"There was one famous student, while training, a part of their brain shut down completely. They lost the ability to speak after the accident, and so everyone calls him Silence. Ironically, following their brain damage, their battle capabilities increased exponentially. He's a special case study."

Han quirked his head.

"Where did you learn these rumors, Kuro?"

"From the network connected into our data bracelets. There is a forum that only second years could use, though the instructors are always monitoring the space. You can find all sorts of rumors in that place."

"I didn't find it interesting so I had no idea."

Han had no leisure time to focus on such things. Kuro hesitated for awhile and spoke to Han.

"Is it true that you would be leaving squad 7?"

"Squad 7 doesn't need me. You should be aware of it as well."

"I see, so it was true."

Kuro felt nervous being apart from Han, but he didn't try to dissuade him.

'I know. I have to be able to achieve things by myself. I must become as strong as Han.'

Han finished showering and returned to his room.

Han locked himself in his room and began to write something onto a piece of paper. He had noted the names of several people and below each name was jam packed with detailed notes.

He didn't participate in any battles, but didn't skip watching any one of the battles.

He repeated the prominent students in his mind and burned them to his memories. He recorded every one of their battle skills in his notebook.

'I would have done it in this way instead.'

He studied why a battle tactic failed or succeeded. Every night, he stayed up to compile and study the daily happenings.

On days without battles, he read through past battle records. Gradually, his knowledge of past records began to snowball in his mind.

"The new transfers are here. Go visit hospital ward 2, Kato."

The squad members said.

It had been a long time tradition that squad leaders would go to visit the new year 2 transfers at hospital ward 2. Though, some squad had enough members, they still went to analyze the new transferees.

Kato was not the type to skimp on his job.

"Kato, is it okay if I follow you?"

Han stood and asked. Kato quirked his head, and nodded.

"Well, there's no reason you can't. Follow me."

Han and Kato went to hospital ward 2.

The two walked in awkward silence. The two had nothing in particular to converse about. A few of the other squad leaders had already arrived to hospital ward 2.

"Hey!"

Finally, the silence lifted. Kato went to converse with the other squad leaders.

After about ten minutes, the researchers came out of hospital ward 2 to receive everyone. The researchers led the squad leaders in.

"There are six transfers this time," a researcher said. They led them to an empty lot where the new transfers were hanging out.

Han looked out the window. The new transfers were enjoying their free time period. They were getting adjusted to their new bodies.

Han's narrow eyes widened. There was a familiar face among the new transfers. Other than Jose, there were a few of his old friends from class B.

"You've caught up with me, Jose."

A  neat looking, tan skinned youth was at the empty lot. His latin blood remained strong and the cheery atmosphere had not changed in the least.

Jose was joking around with the others in the empty lot. He had drawn a simple picture in the air with his fire ability.

"The power of ignition. He already developed his own unique skill, he's good."

The squad leaders held their chins while analyzing the new batch of transfers. They were in the midst of reading through everyone's profiles with their data bracelets.

Jose didn't have a particular trait that stood out, but overall his score ranked highly. He also developed his own unique skill and was coveted by many squad leaders.

Han sat on the bench, closed his eyes and opened them again.

'I can finally start my plans.'

Han had waited for Jose all this time. He needed a teammate he could trust completely.

Han had long realized that a position as squad member was not enough to fully utilize all his skills.

He could only fully show his potential by becoming a squad leader.

'I will make my own squad.'

Han's eyes reflected the sun and seemed to shine brightly. The corner of his lips quirked up. He had honestly smiled for the first time since awhile.

Han registered an application form to the second year instructor. The instructors assumed it had been a request of squad transfer. The application had shocked everyone. Han had applied for permission to form a new squad of his own.

This was an unprecedented request. Later that day, the instructors gathered for a meeting.

"A request to establish a new squad. So he plans to break out of the 12 squad system."

"It's not against the rules. Also, Han had been scored as a suitable squad leader candidate. He has the qualification to be tested."

"It's by no means, impossible. However, it's never been done before."

The instructors disagreed with one another. There had never been a 13th squad.

Han's profile floated in the middle of the meeting room table. They read through every detail that was included in his profile.

"He had received a letter of recommendation by Sergeant Red and Instructor Wei. Also, he is scored very high as a potential squad leader. He showed many leadership qualities during year 1."

"He isn't able to fulfill his role in squad 7 in the least. Would such a youth be able to display his skills properly in a different squad?"

"Then let's give him a chance. We should properly test his capabilities."

"He had said that he would establish a new squad on his own, let's see if he could successfully accomplish this."

"Let's allow him to form a new squad if he's able to recruit 4 members, which is including himself. We'll allow him to recruit one person from each squad into his own."

"He will become an eyesore to every squad, nobody would easily join him."

"This will test his popularity and charisma."

The instructors sent him a message of approval through their data bracelets.

The news of the formation of squad 13 spread quickly. It had been discussed in the private network and by mouth.

"So it's been approved."

Han let out a relieved sigh.

He sat on a chair and read through the approval document.

Formation of Squad 13.

Including the squad leader, four members or more are required.

One member can be recruited from each squad respectively, but when rejected, the recruitment cannot be followed through.

Their response, 'If you want to, go ahead and try.'

Han understood the instructor's hidden intentions with terms of approval. Han had just become every squad leader's worst enemy.

He could potentially take away their most powerful member and they would strongly defend against him. It might not be possible to recruit 4 people at all.

'If I fail my revolution, I would be hated by absolutely everyone and I won't be able to accomplish anything at all. I must succeed making my own squad.'

Han went through various calculations in his mind. He left his room and went to hospital ward 2.

"It's Han."

"He's already making his move. Did he want to become the squad leader that bad?"

"He's just full of himself."

The youths murmured amongst themselves. Han looked deaf to everyone's comments and he looked as ambitious as usual.

'Bad mouth all you want.'

Han ignored everyone's scorn.

He entered the second hospital ward facilities. The new transferees all stared at Han.

They had not yet been selected by the squad leaders of this year. Han had been allowed first pick as a new squad.

"Jose, I'll be recruiting you into Squad 13."

"With whose permission?"

Jose said smiling.

He had also read about the formation of squad 13 through his data bracelet as well. Jose, who had quick wit, connected that this was directly related to his transfer into the second year.

Han had waited for Jose to transfer into year 2 all this time. He needed another trustworthy friend in addition to Kuro.

"I need you, Jose."

"That's disgusting man."

Han reached over and hooked onto Jose's arm. Han successfully recruited Jose and looked around.

"Squad 13 is always short on members. You're free to join us anytime."

The other transferees decided to wait and see. There was no need to rush their decision and join Han in squad 13.

Han looked toward the youth with brown curly hair amongst the new transfers. He had come to Ark from the cold regions of Scandinavia.

'His name is Canute Meyer, I believe.'

Other than Jose, this youth had been the other transferee that Han wished to recruit.

'Canute Meyer. A youth from the fishing village of Norway. During the survival drill he had made a raft and returned to Ark on his own.'

Han held Canute's gaze for a moment. Canute didn't give much of a response.

'Canute is able to come up with ideas that I can't. He will be able to support me through random hurdles and accidents.'

Han read through Canute's training records and analyzed the data carefully.

Canute enjoyed solving problems in a different way than the rest. If he were to describe him nicely, he is brilliant. If he were to describe him badly, he's an eccentric oddball.

'Even without Canute, as long as I can recruit many members in my squad, our battle tactics will become dynamic. It will be good to recruit as many people as I can.'

He waited in silence for a response of any kind. Han was happy with just Jose and left the second hospital ward. The data of potential members he had selected prior, floated in his mind. Han quickened his pace.

"Dimitri."

Han entered the gymnasium.

Dimitri was seated, weight training on a exercise equipment. His veins pulsed from his muscle as he trained his body.

"Hey, who do we have here? Our reserve squad leader Han Lee."

Dimitri had a thick smile. Sweat drenched his whole body.

Dimitri was highly talented in close combat, and had ranked high in psychic talent as well. He carried out his individual tasks with great success, and worked brilliantly as a team as well.

"Won't you join Squad 13?"

Dimitri scratched his head.

"I knew you would ask me."

Han thought Dimitri was highly likely to join his squad.

'Dimitri is not one to be wary of how others view him and forcibly bend his own beliefs for the sake of others. He rather enjoys experiencing hardships. He will probably join my squad, the more others try to stop him, the more it will prove to be futile.'

"And your answer?"

"Sorry, I reject. Han, it's not that I dislike you. I rather like you. However, it's been decided that I would be the next squad leader of squad 5 in the next term. When our current squad leader transfers into third year, I agreed to take on his responsibilities. I can't betray him after all this time just to transfer into a different squad."

Han's eyes shook slightly. He nodded.

"I see."

"Also, rather than being under your command, it would be more enjoyable to be your opponent."

Dimitri said and winked. Han let out a light sigh.

"Don't come crying to me after splitting your head. You'll be my enemy."

"I'll break both your arms next time, Han."

Han waved goodbye as he left the gymnasium. Everyone in the fifth squad looked to Dimitri with a relieved expression.

"Simon… would probably reject me. He's also hard to deal with.'

Simon is not the most sociable person. Han did not imagine Simon as part of his own squad.

Simon enjoyed dominating with his power and being his own boss. Han tried recruiting many others.

"Sorry. We don't plan to betray our squad."

"I don't have any particular reason to join you."

"I feel your methods are a bit cowardly."

Everyone had various reasons to reject. Currently, Han only had Jose in his squad. He required a minimum of 2 more members.

Han returned to his own squad's dormitories, Kato appeared with a ruthless expression.

"Han, so you stab me in the back in this way."

"This isn't betrayal."

"I don't care if you leave, but don't think of taking Kuro from our squad."

Kuro made a lot of mistakes, but his psychic talent was undeniable. He was an irreplaceable member of the seventh squad.

'I started my plan with Kuro and Jose in my squad. I won't back down.'

Han sternly looked to Kato. The two held their glares for awhile. The hostile air grew heavy between the two.

"Kato, you're not able to put Kuro to practical use. Kuro's unable to display his full potential under you. I guarantee you I can."

"Stop pretending you know. Just because you scored as a good squad leader candidate, doesn't mean you will be. He will learn from his mistakes and become an admirable seventh squad member."

"That's possible. However, if war breaks out immediately, will you ask our enemies to wait until Kuro is able to master his skills? I have the confidence to pull out all of Kuro's talent immediately. The enemy won't wait until we're strong enough. Following commands is a soldier's duty. It's a commander's duty to obtain victory with a troop of imperfect soldiers. Blaming others for a lost battle doesn't solve anything."

Kato grasped Han's collar, and slammed him against the wall. Kato looked furious.

"This b*****d."

Kato and Han remained awkward and disagreeable with each other all this time. Han had always been a figure that shook his authority in the squad.

'You should have noticed by now, that I'm a much more suitable commander than you. You might not wish to admit to it, but it's the truth.'

Han was confident in himself.

There were many youths better at close combat than Han. Han would not be able to win against Dimitri seven times out of ten.

There were numerous students with better psychic talent than Han. Han had only one thing going for him.

'There is only one way I'll be able to survive in Ark. If I can't get stronger, I just have to recruit strong peers into my team. I must show others that I will bring them victory.'

Han looked on with cold eyes.

"Kato Souki, I will take Kuro with me. He's too good to be wasted on the likes of you."

"Kuro will remain with the seventh squad. I won't let him go."

"Kuro will be the one to make that decision."

"If Kuro agrees, I'll personally kill him."

Kato responded radically.  Han snickered. He knew what 'kill' of this statement meant.

He won't be able to really kill him. Real killing intent had more madness to it. Han had grew up amongst such madness all of his life.

"You're nothing but talk. When you fall in water, you'll be able to do nothing but talk."

Kato's face flushed red like he would explode. His fist was slowly rising.

"Shut up!"

He smashed his fist against Han's face. Han fell to the ground and spit out some blood before getting  up.

"I'll let you go this time. Kato. I don't wish to be called by the sergeants while I'm in the middle of forming my squad."

Kato huffed while glaring at Han. Han stood in front of Kuro's room. Kuro had been listening from the beginning.

'Why would Han form his own squad…? What should I do?'

Cold sweat fell from Kuro's body. He bit his nails and his eyes trembled.

'If I tell Kato I'm leaving the seventh squad, I'll be killed. I won't be let off easily. The thirteenth squad will become everyone's public enemy. But still, Han is my friend.'

Han didn't bother to open Kuro's door. He spoke short words in front of the door.

"Kuro, do you remember what happened in the deserted island? You and I took care of Karl's gang single handedly, even though they had three times more people than us. The instructors had said you need me to support you. However, that goes for me as well. Kuro, I need your strength. You have abilities that I don't. We can provide what we don't have for each other, but Kato can't do anything for you."

Kato grabbed Han and threw him outside.

"Get lost, Han."

The seventh squad gathered outside. They looked to Han with contemptuous eyes.

They felt deeply betrayed. The squad members that had seen Han in a good light felt deeper anger.

'Things are flowing as planned by the instructors. Everyone is beginning to hate me. The formation of the thirteenth squad would probably be known as the squad of traitors.'

Han smiled bitterly. Everyone didn't seem to realize that the instructors had purposely set up the situation in this way.

The instructors could have allowed Han to plainly form a new squad. They could have personally picked out the new members, or they could have formed a new squad with the new transfers as the core members.

'They left all the responsibilities to me, they made fellow squad leaders feel spiteful. Try if you got the guts; only by overcoming this would I have the true qualifications to form a new squad.'

Han dodged everyone's hateful glare and hid himself in his room. It was harder to gather new members than he originally thought.

'This isn't easy at all. All the squad leaders are keeping their guard up against the thirteenth squad. They dislike the idea of having one of their members stolen from them.'

Han read through the second year directory and picked out the members he could possibly recruit. He read through the directory many times over, but he had already asked all of them.

Knock, knock.

Someone knocked on his door. Han opened his door to see who it was. A curly brown haired youth was there.

Jose and Canute Meyer. Han had also talked with Canute before.

"Canute?"

"I heard the thirteenth squad is recruiting. Are tryouts still open?"

Canute smiled brightly. He scratched his head and sat down on his chair.

"Of course. But, you didn't seem that interested in joining. What changed your mind?"

"After listening to everyone, I felt the thirteenth squad would be the most enjoyable. Everyone views you as a traitor."

"That's it? Curiosity?"

"We were in class B together. You're great. You've proved yourself many times in class B. Rather than becoming a subordinate to someone I've never met before, I felt it would be best to stick with you. That's a good enough reason, right?"

Han and Canute shook hands.

"Welcome. Canute Meyer."

"If I'm not satisfied, I'll be applying for a transfer. Squad leader."

This was the lucky break that he needed. He had hoped to recruit Canute into his crew. He felt favorable wind blowing his direction.

The next morning, there was a celebration ceremony for the new formation of the thirteenth squad in the military training grounds. It was a simple ceremony with only a few instructors.

The thirteenth squad had finally recruited the minimum member count and had formally become an official squad.

"Squad 13.  Squad leader Han Lee. Squad members Jose Batista, Canute Meyer… and was it Kuro? What's wrong with your face?"

The instructor asked. Kuro's face was a complete mess. His face had swollen completely and his eyes wouldn't properly open.

"I fell down the stairs."

In Ark, people used this statement to imply that they have no intentions to tell.

The instructors never took it in their own hands to delve deeper into situations when the person themselves remained quiet.

"Hmn, be more careful."

The instructor nodded.

Kuro let out a faint smile. He had told the seventh squad leader, Kato, that he would quit. Kato had become furious and beat up Kuro without holding back.

'He really didn't kill me.'

Kuro's shoulders shook as he laughed quietly to himself. He felt refreshed in his heart after getting beat up.

His guilt and reluctance of the seventh squad had completely disappeared.

"The thirteenth squad will use the D building dormitories. Move out. Detailed instructions will be sent to you at at 20:00. Squad leader Han, you're to turn in the squad training plans by 16:00."

"Understood."

Han and the squad members saluted and made their way to the dorms. They moved all their personal belongings into their new room. The instructors that had completed the ceremony organized the finishing data into their data bracelets. Much new data were required to be entered into the system with the creation of a new squad. Their workload had increased exponentially.

"You've succeeded with the minimum amount."

The instructor said.

"Did you see Kuro's face? He seemed to have had a hard time with the seventh squad."

"Well, it would have been hard for the seventh squad leader to send Kuro."

"However, if Kuro couldn't successfully adjust himself with Squad 7, you would have transferred him into squad 13, right?"

The instructors looked toward the thirteenth squad.

"Would they be able to show their abilities in real battle? Han Lee."

Nobody had any positive things to say about the formation of the thirteenth squad.

This was especially the case for the seventh squad who had their core member taken away. Overall, the opinion of the thirteenth squad wasn't high.

'They only have 4 members. Two of them are new transfers.'

There was one thing obvious about the thirteenth squad. It would be hard for them to gain points to raise their personal scores. They didn't have any veterans to lead them forward.

"Hey, we have our own building for year 2. This is awesome."

Jose said while jumping on his bed.

"You're going to break your bed."

Han said.

The thirteenth squad had all gathered in Jose's room. Jose had the least baggage and had the most space for people to relax.

The four youths all sat in a spot they found comfortable.

"Four people. Is this enough? I'm disappointed, Han."

Canute complained. Han laughed and shook his head.

"We will gain more members in the future. That's if we win, of course. We must win with just the four of us first. Thankfully, the number of squad members to battle is based on the smaller squad. We're only got a disadvantage because we don't have numerous members to switch around. There should be no disadvantages when it comes to battle tactics. It could be we have the advantage. Especially you Kuro, you're one of the top 5 strongest psyker within the second year."

Kuro laughed embarrassed. Han continued to speak.

"Kuro will be in charge of Jose and Canute's basic training. Kuro is your senior and had trained the second year curriculum longer than the two of you. We will probably have around 3 weeks to adjust. We have to start battling after that period."

"What if we can't obtain favorable results?"

Jose asked.

"We will become the laughing stock of everyone, in the worst case the thirteenth squad will be disbanded. You all understand what kind of treatment we will receive by the others after we are disbanded, right?"

Everyone nodded. They would not be treated with kindness.

"I came here with at least that much resolution."

"That goes for me as well."

Kuro said firmly. He had made a firm decision as he left the seventh squad.

Han looked into each of his member's eyes.

"Jose and Canute, I'm sorry, but you're too weak compared to the second years. Please focus on strengthening yourselves stronger than everyone else within these three weeks. It's difficult for us to beat everyone head on by ourselves. Kuro and I have many weaknesses. To win, we must move together as a squad. We won't win through our individual strengths, but through our squad's strength. We will grab our victory by covering for each other."

Han's voice didn't shake at all. His tenacious intention of victory was relayed to them. Han felt a heavy burden on his shoulders. He held these three youths' futures on his shoulders.

He didn't feel shaken by this kind of pressure at all. Rather, he felt empowered and he had more focus the more pressure he received. Han felt cold sweat fall down his body, but he smiled with confidence.

If you enjoyed reading o do leave a comment~ They encourage me to continue translating ^o^~~

Chapter end