32 – Rebel (2)
The story of a weapons craftsman was certainly good news. But that was only possible under the condition of completing the mission.
A day of freedom was given. Even the training time was empty.
However, the atmosphere inside the barracks was chilly.
A growling woman and Abakusa. The old man simply chuckled in the corner.
Not a pleasant atmosphere. It was brought up to Tethys Libra, the battalion commander who would mediate.
As a result…
Curses were flying back and forth within the barracks.
“For [expletive]’s sake! Can’t you shut your mouth? Huh?”
“Why? Huh? You scared? Are you trembling? Try hitting me!”
“Just try it!”
“Tear apart what’s between your legs?!”
They openly insulted each other. The tension was so high that it was difficult to intervene.
The fortunate thing was that neither of them physically attacked each other. While Abakusa may have developed patience through Tethys Libra’s harsh training…
That brutal woman surprisingly didn’t cross the line. She was naturally being cautious.
…Is she assessing ranks?
Since nothing seemed to be happening, I took care of my gun. Although I had free time, there wasn’t much to do.
There were no leisure facilities on the Ascals Plateau to begin with. It was a duty that couldn’t be far away from camp.
“What are you doing?”
The old man approached and started a conversation. I responded briefly.
“I am cleaning my firearm.”
“That’s why I asked what you’re doing.”
“I am cleaning my firearm…”
“What’s the point of cleaning that piece of junk? Nothing will change.”
Is he picking a fight?
I glanced at the man’s expression. He snickered.
“I’m not trying to pick a fight. But hey, take a look. That firearm has lost its place even within the resistance. Not only semi-automatic, but also the amount of ammunition it holds is low.”
“…”
“And the bullets made for that gun are all crappy. They can’t even choose good gunpowder or bullets properly.”
“What are you trying to say?”
“I’m just saying not to exert too much effort. Getting shot with a bullet may kill you, but it’s only for those who don’t wear proper body armor. Whether you take good care of it or not, those who are shot will die, and those who live will survive.”
He lowered the gun.
“I’m Drakan.”
“Kobein.”
He took off his clothes and changed into military uniform. His figure seemed remarkably well-trained at first glance.
A sharp-angled body. A physique that didn’t quite fit the face as if it were made.
Avacusa let out a short sigh.
“An old master. Were you a bit violent when you were young?”
“I’m still on active duty. Maybe I can handle someone like you here.”
“Are you sure?”
“Sure?”
Kobein laughed.
“If you can’t beat those who only rely on the strength of their bodies without any skill… isn’t that odd?”
Avacusa’s expression stiffened. As if he had felt something. And I felt the same way.
There was a sense of anxiety. It felt like a warning that the next thing to happen would be a life-threatening act of violence.
But I don’t know.
I felt a sense of unease.
Feels like showing off. It seems like my eyes are trembling…
“Tsk.”
Avacusa raised both hands. The woman who had been watching smirked.
“Coward.”
“Ah, seriously! It pisses me off!”
“Son of a b*tch.”
The woman threw off her clothes. I turned my head.
The woman laughed.
“I said Drakan, right? You’re just as pathetic as the trash next to you. Deal with it. I’m Blanca. Just call me that.”
“Wear the uniform. You’re a prostitute.”
“What did the little bastard say? Why? Does it bother you? Are these breasts so attractive? Huh?”
“… You want to die once?”
“You’re out of your mind. Retard.”
Blanca even put on the military uniform. She whistled with her legs crossed.
The old man, who seemed to be quiet, was just as tough. Each had a distinct personality…
It felt like Tetis Rebra wouldn’t be burdened at all.
Gobein said.
“Anyway, stop it. Drakan. It’s useless.”
… No. What?
What should I stop doing because I have nothing else to do?
“It’s because you have nothing else to do.”
“Hmm. Well, if you really want to do it, I won’t stop you. It’s just an old man’s advice. You know, those bullets can’t even penetrate a level 1 bulletproof vest, right?”
“Level 1?”
“Huh? You don’t know? Rookie. It’s a common word used on the battlefield. Seems like you… look very young as you are.”
He got interested.
“What does ‘Level’ mean?”
“It’s just a word used among mercenaries when lightly dividing ranks… “
Gobein peered around.
“… Seems like no one knows. Am I the only one from a mercenary background?”
“Hey, old man. Tell me once.”
“Think about changing your honorific.”
“…Mister?”
“Call me ‘elderly’. What’s your name?”
“Abakusayo.”
From Noble mtl dot com
“Abakusa. If you use the right honorific, I’ll tell you. How about it?”
Abakusayo nodded.
“If that’s all, it’s not that difficult. Tell me, elderly.”
“Okay.”
They had something to talk about.
. . .
“Among mercenaries, they often divide themselves into levels and talk that way. It’s just a kind of nickname. Lv is one of those. “
“If your Lv is high, does that mean bullets won’t hit you?”
“That’s right. Exactly. Drakan. The gun you’re holding right now can’t even penetrate a lightweight bulletproof vest of Lv1. You have to aim for the most exposed parts.”
Gobain coughed.
“The bullets are more important than the gun. Of course, finding a gun that is compatible with those bullets is also important… But well-made bullets are more expensive than gold, you know? Rumor has it that a small number of bullets can even pierce through a Lv5 Titan Shield. But they would be very expensive. You can’t just spray them around carelessly.”
Gobain’s story was intriguing.
“It’s not just Lv5 bullets that can penetrate a Titan Shield. Well… there’s also another option. Armor. Personal close combat weapons contained in custom armor, not standard issue. Mercenaries who defeated Titans with that alone, gaining an advantage several times larger in size.”
“What kind of person fights and wins against a Titan? That’s insane, isn’t it?”
“Well, it’s just a rumor. In reality, it would be almost impossible. But if you think about it… it’s not entirely without possibility. Personal armament capable of piercing shields with amplified physical abilities through armor… and if there’s something unique inside that armor… wouldn’t it be worth a try at least once?”
“Unique? What kind of ridiculous word is that? It feels like you’d turn into dust before even getting close to that giant barrel.”
“There’s a huge difference in scale… Did you lose your mind, Gobain? Defeating that moving fortress itself is unbelievable.”
Gobain licked his lips.
“Tsk. Well… what do you know. You wouldn’t say something like that if you had ever encountered a well-equipped armor user on the battlefield. They are like monsters. It’s on a different level than standard issue armor. Well-equipped armor users are a minority, but… if you ever come across them, I would advise you to avoid them at all costs.”
I listened intently. As I heard his stories, it seemed like he had experienced incredible adventures.
“I’ve never been anywhere. The armament was always the best. Our mercenary group was amazing. We even explored unknown territories beyond the federation.”
“Well, I think I might have heard your name at least… What’s your name?”
“That’s something I can’t tell you.”
Seeing his firm rejection, it seemed there was a reason behind it. Blanca snorted.
“Just, well, isn’t it all just bragging?”
“…Is that everything you wanted to say?”
“No. It’s just… seeing everyone hanging on every word, I felt like a fool too. Sir, I apologize if I spoke nonsense because I’m not good at empty talk.”
Blanca chuckled. Gobain sighed.
“Well, looking at your vacant expression, it’s clear that an ignorant kid like you won’t understand.”
“It seems like you’ve exhausted all your options. Old man. Right?”
“You better shut your mouth before it tears apart.”
“A dumb dog barking loudly when it can’t bite, isn’t that a perfect description?”
A tense situation.
Tetis Libra walked into the barracks.
“…Internal conflicts within the squad will be dealt with by military law. Keep in mind that there may be penalties and extended service periods.”
The clause that made Abakusa gasp.
Everyone fell silent when the compulsory service period was mentioned. Tetis Libra sighed.
“We are in the same squad. Even though each of us has a different service period, we are comrades who must stay together during that time. Get along well, please.”
Tetis Libra briefly explained the situation.
“Tomorrow morning, we plan to move by military truck. Once we reach the designated operation point, we will immediately conduct a search.”
“What happens if there are no enemies in the search area?”
“Moving to other search areas is prohibited. What we have to do is search our assigned area, and that’s all.”
“If someone infiltrates from another area, are we innocent even if we attack them?”
“Abakusa, try dialogue first.”
Blanca chuckled.
“The squad leader seems lenient. Attacking would be the right thing to do when our territory is invaded. Like dogs showing their teeth.”
“…We have one more nuisance.”
Tetis Libra wiped her face. Gobain raised his hand.
“Squad leader, I have a question.”
“Speak respectfully.”
“Isn’t age just a number? It seems strange to use formal language with a young person who looks older due to experiences.”
“…Just tell me.”
“Who gives the orders?”
“The headquarters does.”
“Hmm…”
Gobain twitched his chin discreetly.
“It may sound weird coming out of my own mouth, but… I have quite a bit of experience. I’m a skilled mercenary. Maybe you should consider using me as a tactical advisor. I’m sure there will come a moment when my command will save the squad from death.”
“…That is the authority of the headquarters.”
“I think it’s better to live wisely than to die. But even if you take it as disrespecting the authority of the headquarters…”
Gobain smirked.
“I didn’t mean it that way. Let’s just pretend you didn’t hear me.”
It was a power struggle. And it was a blatant power struggle against the officers.
The growl of Tetis Libra, who noticed and subtly confronted Blancar and the mocking Kobein, resounded.
“You are soldiers, while I am an officer. Remember that in a mission, you must follow the orders of your commanding officer.”
“Yes, yes, Squad Leader Unni. I understand, okay?”
“Of course. You better have understood.”
“……. “
…It seems like it won’t go smoothly.
I turned my head away from Tetis Libra. I began cleaning my firearm again.
It seemed like there was nothing to trust except for my own body. If it were Avacusa and Tetis Libra, maybe I could rely on them…
The situation in the war. If we happen to encounter someone properly armed, the thought crossed my mind that the other two might hinder us.
Maybe there’s an enemy lurking somewhere.
…It’s complicated, fighting within a group. Abakusa’s words vaguely came to mind.
If four similarly strong and distinctive individuals come together, a fight is bound to break out.
Discipline and hierarchy.
That was necessary, especially in a wartime situation.
“…Rest up. We depart early tomorrow morning.”
“We’re not having breakfast, Squad Leader?”
“We will eat during the journey.”
“Well, guess we’re eating dog food then.”
“……”
Tetis Libra stepped out of the tent with a scoff. Blancar smirked.
“He really looks like a pathetic commander. Hey, you little sh*t. How did you survive with that kind of person?”
“Don’t talk to me.”
“Are you offended? Tsk, tsk. Such a sensitive guy.”
“……”
My eyes met with Avacusa’s. Just before the commotion, tears filled her eyes.
“Avacusa.”
“What is it?”
“Come out for a moment.”
“Why?”
It would probably be better than causing unnecessary trouble.
In order to calm down his fiery temperament, I ultimately decided to become a mediator.
“Let’s go to the market.”
“…Meh.”