Chapter 3: Steal the Flag
Translated by: iseuli
Woooong!
Blue light glowed from Han's pupils. He used telekinesis to make a steel marble roll over to his hands. It was gradually becoming easier.
Han didn't bother trying to develop his own unique skill. He focused on consistently training his telekinesis powers instead.
"Karl's gang is glaring at us," Jose said while laughing.
A wild rumor had spread all over campus that Karl's gang had been done in by Han and Kuro. Karlheinz's reputation within class B had fallen to rock bottom.
People had stopped supporting Karlheinz for class B president altogether.
"We will pick the next class president in three days. Jose, why don't you try out?"
"You'll have a better chance than me, Han."
The trio of Han, Jose, and Kuro had formed a group. Following the survival drill, many students had received food from Han's group, and decided to support them. They had formed a new faction within the class.
"I don't have the flexibility to become the class president at this time. I'm too busy trying to keep up with all the lessons."
His situation in this class was drastically different compared to his time in class D.
The students of class B were hard to win over, and most students opposed one another. If he were to become responsible for everyone, he would have no personal training time.
"How about receiving some help from Kuro to train your telekinesis skills? He's the best ranking in psychic skills within class B." Jose said.
Han's grades were suffering harshly due to his poor results in psychic skills.
"He's not much help at all. Kuro is naturally talented. I can't learn with his methods."
"That's true. I noticed that nobody has been bullying Kuro these days."
"The rumors of him are widespread. Though I did help, he pretty much beat Karl's gang single-handedly. Nobody should be able to easily look down on Kuro anymore."
Kuro was no longer class B's weakling. His exquisite telekinesis control had made Kuro into one of the strongest within class B.
His telekinesis level had reached the stage where he could easily kill anyone.
Ding.
His data bracelet rang, signaling the end of free training period. Their next class would be held in the gymnasium.
It was weapon arts period with Sergeant Wei Chen leading the class. Sergeant Wei was waiting for everyone inside the gymnasium.
The training weapons remained hanging up on the wall today. Sergeant Wei shouted with his hands resting on his hips.
"Starting from today, we will be conducting mock battle training. It is an upgraded version of capture the flag. The class will be divided into an Eastern and Western Army; the group to bring the enemy's flag to their side will be the winner."
Weeeng!
The gymnasium floor flipped over. The floor had become a battle ground.
In order for students to apply effective war strategies, it had many complicated roads and shelters scattered all throughout the grounds. On opposite sides of the battlegrounds stood a single flag pole.
"Change into your battle uniforms. Carry it out!"
Segreant Wei pointed to several boxes in the corner.
"Yes sir!"
The students answered. Each box had a student's name written. Each uniform was tailored to their exact fit, and the mock battle uniforms were created to be heavier than usual.
Tiny sensors were scattered all throughout the battle uniforms. Based on where the students would receive the attack, it would calculate the impact and injury level.
"When the system calculates your death, it will send an electric shock through your body and change your uniform color to black. Following your death, you're to remain on the floor until the end of the mock battle."
Sergeant Wei explained the rules.
The students looked agitated with excitement. Most of the students here loved war games.
"Also, Kuro, you're excluded from the mock battle. Instead, you will be transferred to class A. Your telekinesis skills have surpassed the stage of expert and you're able to give your opponent a critical blow. Your strength is too great and will cause an imbalance in strength between the two teams."
The news came abruptly. Following the survival drill, Kuro's rank had far surpassed those from class B.
Kuro had reached the level of class A students. Everyone had already predicted this outcome, but it was much faster than expected.
"Am I the only one… to be transferred to class A?"
The most surprised was Kuro. He briefly looked to Han and Jose. He felt nervous being transferred alone.
"Kuro, you will do well. I'll follow after you in no time. Wait for me."
Han said. Kuro nodded and returned to the student dormitories.
By the time class B would be done with today's drill, Kuro would probably be finished moving to the class A dormitories.
"If your uniform is red, you're in the East army. If your uniform is blue, you're in the West army. You will not be designated to any one team, your uniform colors will change depending on the day. Depending on whether your team wins or loses, your personal grades will be affected. We will not allow any students to shirk basic teamwork for the sake of personal grades. That's all."
Han and Jose were both in the red army. Class B was equally divided between the East and West army.
Each side had fifteen minutes to prepare war tactics for the mock battle. The youths all looked at the holograms of their data bracelets to examine the battlegrounds of the mock battle.
"There are three main routes: top, middle, and bottom. In between the main routes, there are two rocky terrain zones. It's possible to detour into a different route through the rocky terrain. There is a stamina penalty when inside the rocky terrain zones; therefore, people are prone to being killed once found in these areas. Students are not allowed to carry heavy equipment in these locations– only small and light equipments. We should send students with nimble bodies into these zones. These zones will become a ranger's best friend."
Han explained. Han's grades were the best in not just weapon arts, but all other military-related classes. Naturally, he became the squad leader to command the team.
"Should rangers be responsible for capturing the flag?"
"The rest of you will preserve your stamina and remain on standby throughout the three main routes. If need be, you should prepare to offer aid for rangers in the rocky terrain. Once we capture the enemy's flag, the troops stationed throughout the three routes will be responsible for interfering with the enemy. Until then, you will be stationed to defend our home ground. This will be the defender's main responsibilities. Rangers are to be the main attack force, while the defenders will help interfere with any enemy attacks. As the East army, rangers will do their utmost to capture the flag as fast as possible and return to home base while the defenders will be responsible for interfering with all incoming attacks aimed at our rangers. "
The rules for this mock battle training drill were straight forward.
1) Stamina is greatly reduced in all terrain other than the three main routes.
2) There are neutral zones; once anyone leaves the neutral zones, depending on whether they are on the East or West side, they will be able to receive stamina buffs. On the east side, the Eastern Army will be buffed with extra stamina. On the west side, the Western Army will be buffed with extra stamina. Anyone who is defending their home ground will have the upper hand.
Surprisingly, the rocky terrain was a neutral zone and instead of stamina buffs, everyone would receive a penalty.
3) Any players who are defending the command center of their home ground where the flag is located will receive a massive stamina penalty. This penalty has been created to prevent a human wall of defense around the flag zone.
Han selected the rangers to be students who have high stamina and ranking for weapon arts. The eyes of the youths in the Eastern Army glimmered with excitement. Their opponents also held the same anticipation in their eyes.
"Let's win!"
"Let's go!"
"WAAAH!"
The battle tactics meeting ended. The East and West army both roared out with their battle cries.
Sergeant Wei stood on the second floor observing the students of class B. The second floor was designed so that one would easily be able to take in the battlefield from a bird eye's view.
'As I expected, Han took the role as the leader.'
The mock battle drills tested battle competency during unexpected situations and their problem solving skills.
Sergeant Wei narrowed his eyes. He had already been aware of everything that happened during the survival drill.
Han had been judged as a good candidate for a squad leader in the future. This mock battle had in fact been created to test Han's skills.
The East Army's defenders were divided into three groups and had been scattered throughout the three main paths. Han and an additional four students were selected to be the rangers to tackle the rocky terrains.
VVRRRRr.
Han's sensor vibrated. He received a penalty for entering the rocky terrain zone. His uniform color shifted to a lighter color to announce this development.
"WAAAH!"
A battle broke out in the route below. The roaring shouts of the youths echoed. The Eastern Army defenders pretended to start a conflict while slowly retreating back.
This was their tactic to preserve their stamina. There were too many members of the Western troops stationed throughout the three main routes of the opponent's side.
-The western army does not have designated rangers.
Han received a message from the Eastern Army. Han nodded and increased his speed.
-The defenders designated on the bottom route: split into two groups and join up with the top and middle path defenders. The rangers will withdraw from the top rocky terrains.
Han also sent a message. The defenders at the bottom route moved out to join the top and middle route defenders.
"Everyone break through the bottom route!"
The Western Army observed the lower number of defenders in the lower route and decided to start their breakthrough. The defenders of the lower route tried their best to buy as much time as they could for the rangers as they battled.
"Let's go."
Han arrived at the West side's central command center. There were a few people designated to guard this place. Han commanded his team of rangers to attack.
"The stamina of those guarding this place will have much lower stamina than ours. They will be no problem."
There was a huge stamina penalty to prevent a whole army being placed around the flag. Their stamina would be reduced much more than the rangers traveling through the rocky terrain. The uniform of the home ground defenders changed to a color that was near-black.
"Damn! They broke through via the rocky terrain!"
The Western army scurried to move after much time had passed. The Western Army had strained much of their strength to breakthrough through the main lower path, but there was a concentration of defenders and it was not easy breaking through at all.
Ta!
Han grabbed the flag. He promptly sent a command to his East Army.
-We will break through via the upper rocky terrain. Defenders at the top and middle routes, engage all enemies and buy us as much time as possible.
The Eastern defenders rushed forward. It didn't matter that they died; all that mattered was Han's survival and they would win this battle.
"There!"
The Western Army charged into the rocky terrain. The remaining rangers remained standing to buy as much time for Han as possible.
'We've passed the neutral zone. Now we're in the Eastern zone.'
Han tried catching his breath while looking back. He made it past the middle where the East and West meet. Now he was in the Eastern territory. His support forces suddenly increased and the enemies who had been chasing after him were defeated.
"Eastern Army, winner!"
Han planted the flag into the Eastern Army's central command center. Sergeant Wei rose his hand and announced the winner.
"WAAAAH!"
The East army youths roared with cheer. This had been a complete victory. The Western Army didn't have a main tactician, while the Eastern Army had Han who was used to giving out commands.
"Now, now, quiet. Who is the leader of the East Army? Come forth."
"The leader is Han Lee."
Jose shouted.
Han stepped forth with an embarrassed expression. Sergeant Wei patted Han's back and spoke.
"The military is not a democracy! Fast action and decisions are essential in war. You need only one brain! It doesn't matter if you believe the orders are wrong; the army must go forth as one. If a single cogwheel breaks down, it doesn't become a single person's problem, but affects the army as a whole. The Western army didn't have a leader, right?"
The western army lowered their heads in shame and fell silent.
The western army youths made small groups of 3-4 friends and adapted based on the circumstances. Therefore, there was no way they could carry out a plan as a whole. Sergeant Wei had predicted this outcome and spoke while laughing.
"The East and West Army each had 30 members. This is an average size of a single military platoon. A squad leader is essential to move out a single platoon. Underneath the squad leader there are several squad commanders. Within a platoon, the commander is in charge of leading a second military operation if need be. The full potential of the military can only be achieved through following a hierarchy system of command. The West Army went forth without a single concrete plan. The defeat of the Western Army is due to the absence of a hierarchy of command and choosing to become an army who would adapt to the circumstances."
Every single word he spoke was the truth. The youths of the Western Army nodded. The students who took this drill as nothing but a game learned a huge lesson.
"Han, break down your military tactics for everyone. From today onward, the commander will come forth and explain their team's strategies. Through these discussions, think about the weaknesses and strengths for your next victory."
Sergeant Wei patted Han's back once more and sent him forward.
Han projected the hologram map of the mock battle grounds up into the air. Han explained why he had deployed his team to the designated positions and their roles.
"I divided the roles into two: defenders and rangers. The rangers would be responsible for traveling over the rocky terrain so they were required to be fast and agile; the remaining had been designated as defenders. I had the defenders attack and retreat their forces in rotation. I didn't have them force their way forward, but instead I had them retreat back if need be to receive the stamina buff from our own zone. Once the ranger captured the flag, I had the defenders officially start engaging the enemy while defending the flag bearer at the same time."
Sergeant Wei reproduced the process of the battle through the hologram. Everyone could see the actions of the East and West Armies. The soldiers that had been marked as dots moved around in various directions. Sergeant Wei added to Han's explanation.
"With a bird's eye view, you can see the Western Army's sporadic movements and wasted actions. In the end, they observed the fewer number of Eastern soldiers in the lower path, and decided to blindly charge in that direction. There was nobody in command to observe the overall battle situation and so the Western Army could only make actions based on short-sighted observations. At that time, the Eastern Army Rangers had infiltrated into the flag zone of the Western team. Time wise, even if the Western army had infiltrated into the enemy flag zone, it would have been too late."
Sergeant Wei briefly glanced toward Han. It was rare for a student to understand and use the rules to their own advantages like this. Additionally, they had been given only fifteen minutes to plan.
'He is fast to understand his opponent. His insight was magnificent as well.'
Following the end of the lesson, the youths of class B continued to discuss various things about the mock battle.
The class president had been chosen to be a student that didn't particularly stand out. The youths didn't care about the class presidency anymore and prioritized the mock battles.
For the next period of time, discussions of the mock battle did not cease. After a week, there were three more mock battles. The platoon leader changed each time.
Gradually the mock battles evolved systematically, and it was common that the strategies would revolve around four main roles that had come to be for the sake of convenience in planning a battle strategy.
Rangers were responsible for traveling across the rocky terrain.
Defenders were in charge of defending their home ground.
Assaulters were in charge of breaking through the main route.
Sweepers were the last line of defense against the flag snatchers.
"The basic strategies revolve around rangers and defenders. The spear and shield strategy. That's the first strategy that you came up with, Han. Should we use the all-in strategy one more time?"
Jose rolled his pencil in his hand and spoke.
Jose had become completely obsessed over the mock battles. The person to come up with the assaulter, all-in strategy had been Jose.
When Jose was selected as the leading commander, he had developed, and chose to engage the enemy with a radical all-in battle tactic. Everyone in the team would break through the lower path with sheer strength.
"The all-in war tactic is too easy to defend as long as the opponent reacts faster and deploys defending forces. Since we used the tactic once, it will not work again."
Han replied.
"Our opponent had been Karlheinz, so I agreed. He wanted to copy you and deployed half of his rangers. He didn't think the rocky terrain penalty would affect the efficiency of his defenders."
The mock battle consisted of many different elements that intertwined and contributed to the end results.
The roles were not the only important aspect, but personal skills were equally important. One could easily overcome the stamina penalty and advantages with personal skill.
Basically, they were the battle heros. They were the ones who had the capability to win military merits.
'That's why they had excluded Kuro early on.'
Kuro could easily use his telekinesis during battle. Other students had trouble using telekinesis during battle because they couldn't retain their focus.
"That's creepy how Karlheinz shows up the moment we talk about him."
Han mumbled, looking over. Karlheinz did his best not to let Han affect himself.
'Karlheinz looks at me with fear.'
Karlheinz was a youth with strong pride. He feared Han, but because of this he tried to bully Han more.
"Next round, you step up as the commander and fight me. I lost against Jose because he cheated, but there's no way I will lose against you."
Karlheinz declared. Han boredly answered.
"The teams are selected randomly. There's a chance we could end up in the same team. Also, everything in war is fair game."
"Humph, let's see about that, Han."
Karlheinz turned around and said. His eyes had shaken slightly that moment. Following the survival drill, he had subconsciously become afraid of Han.
Han's words repeated over and over in his mind, and remained as his mental trauma.
'I must win against Han. I must overcome him.'
Karlheinz had also been a youth with strong mental strength.
Following Ark's adjustment period, he skipped over to class B due to his own strength.
Karlheinz didn't choose to run away and faced his fears against Han directly.
Weeng!
The gymnasium floor flipped over and transformed into the battlegrounds. This would be their fourth mock battle, but nobody looked bored of this drill. Everyone looked filled with anticipation and excitement.
Without Sergeant Wei's command, everyone changed to their battle uniforms and stood on standby in organized rows.
"Hmm, I was going to ask everyone to line up,but everyone is already ready. Everyone confirm your battle uniform color. Like before, the Eastern Army is red, and the Western Army is blue.
Han confirmed his uniform to be red. He was in the Eastern Army.
"I'm your enemy this time. Too bad."
Jose's battle uniform was blue, the Western Army. This was their first time in opposing teams.
"I won't go easy on you, Jose."
Han said laughing.
"Right back at you."
Jose waved goodbye while walking over to the Western headquarters. Han also went to the Eastern headquarters.
Karlheinz was already present in the Eastern headquarters. Karlheinz didn't hide his disgusted expression.
"You're also part of the East Army? Damn, it would have been better to remain enemies."
Karlheinz mumbled.
"I already told you that the teams are chosen in random. Anyway, we're on the same team. Let's win, Karl."
Han spoke requesting a handshake.
"Don't make me laugh and get lost."
Karlheinz rejected the handshake. His handsome face dripped in cold sweat. Inside, he feared Han greatly. Thus, he spoke with a colder attitude.
"Who will be the command leader?"
"How about Han? He has experience."
Han rejected and shook his head. He slyly looked to Karlheinz.
'If I choose to lead, it's highly likely that Karlheinz' group would go off and do their own thing disregarding everything I say.'
Han spoke calmly.
"Jose would probably be selected as the leader of the Western Army. Jose is engrossed in our mock battles and plans out various strategies every day. Jose and I are close friends and it makes me uncomfortable to be his enemy, how about Karlheinz lead us so he can take his revenge for his loss from last round?"
His various points were all logical.
The Eastern Army youths looked to each other and nodded. Karlheinz was the only one with a blank look.
'What are you planning? You want me to lead?'
Karlheinz was taken aback. He accepted his leading position while scratching his head. He spoke while looking to Han.
"First, the sweeper to defend our central headquarter will be Han. He's skilled with his weapon and has good agility."
"Okay, Karl."
Han accepted the sweeper role without complaint. He had spoken highly of the sweeper position. However, sweepers were mainly in charge of letting the team know of enemy intrusion before their death.
It was very difficult for any sweeper to defend against the enemy due to the severe stamina penalty. Time to time, there are no attacks at all and it's common that the sweepers stand around doing nothing. Everyone tries their best to avoid the sweeper position because it wasn't fun at all.
"I will not use any rangers this time around. We will have minimal defenders to guard from the upper terrain to the middle path. The rest of you guys will be assaulters to break through to the flag post. We won't have rangers so that our overall military strength will be the strongest that it can be."
Karlheinz chose a slightly adapted all-in strategy. He would use minimal defenders to block invading attacks, while breaking through with the assaulters
Han momentarily fell into thought.
'If Jose chose to gravitate toward infiltrating with rangers, we're done for. This game has too many elements, so it's impossible to have a perfect strategy.'
The alarm alerting everyone that the battle would commence rang. Everyone moved out to their designated positions. Han was alone to remain in the central headquarters with the flag.
Behind Han, the red flag danced with the wind.
"Haaa."
Everyone had charged out running, with only Han left to defend the flag. The sigh had come out automatically.
"Well, it can't be helped."
It was better to take a step back rather than cause discord within the team. He sat down and blankly stared at his messenger.
-About eight people from the west army and our defenders have initiated an attack at the upper route.
– The same situation at the middle route. About ten people are approaching.
– The same at the lower route. About seven people.
It was easy to send support to the lower and upper paths via the middle route. It was pretty common to arrange the most troops in the middle route.
"There should be about 5-6 rangers as well. Last time it had been all-in tactics, but this time he's choosing to arm himself with both the spear and the shield, Jose."
Han mumbled.
-The assaulters of the lower route, charge! There's no time to waste!
Although his voice couldn't be heard, the urgency was plainly visible.
The key elements of Karlheinz' battle tactics would be his swiftness. He must be quicker with his assaulters than the enemy rangers.
'If Jose had split his team of rangers equally between the two rocky terrains, it would be Karl's victory. However, if his ranger team works together… it's highly likely that he would be faster than our assaulters.'
Han quietly gripped his wooden spear.
"Then I must take responsibility as a sweeper and block their path."
Upon his words, the rocky terrain defense team sent him a message.
– This is upper rocky terrain defense. There are six rangers who managed to break through, we only managed to block two. There are four rangers heading your way!
-This is the upper route defense team, unable to send backup due to enemy attack!
– This is center route defense, we're unable to send back up as well. Our defense team is too little. We have no military troops to send over. Quick, lower route assaulters!
Currently, the Eastern Army only had an upper hand in the lower route. In other paths, there was only a minimal amount of defense stationed.
"Huu."
Han began to stretch and warm up his body. He sent a message. His data bracelet transferred his voice message into text format.
"Sweeper here. I'll try holding them up as long as possible."
-Sweeper here. I'll try holding them up as long as possible.
"Hola! Amigo!"
Jose hopped over from the rocky terrain, and greeted. Behind him, three others followed. Jose had decided to gather all his rangers and break through together.
He had chosen to sacrifice some of his numbers in order to reach the Eastern Army central base faster.
"Jose, are you the lead commander?"
Han smiled and spoke with a light heart. Jose and his rangers encircled Han while drawing closer.
"I'm the lead commander. I thought you would be the Eastern Army lead commander, but I guess not. Who was the idiot that left you to be the sweeper?"
The best troops were usually assigned to be the rangers of the team. The sweepers penalty was too steep, while defenders' solo efforts were usually unremarkable.
"Ask me later. I don't think you have the luxury to chit chat, Jose."
"I know. I'll make your end quick, Han."
Jose gestured an attack signal to his team. They prepared their attack formation while encircling Han.
'A light attack would be enough to kill me. Sweepers have the worst stamina.'
Han scanned his surroundings. All the rangers were those with high agility within class B. To top things off, Jose was one of them.
'What to do.'
Han made a large sweeping motion with his spear to buy some time. Han ranked the best in close combat within class B. Everyone was already aware of this and didn't dare to carelessly attack.
"Rush in, let's go."
Jose commanded the rangers. Two people might fall to their deaths, but this tactic was worthy of trying. Three rangers all came running toward Han at the same time.
"Jose!"
Han shouted hysterically. Jose didn't fight Han and instead jumped over to the flag post.
Bam!
The ranger struck Han's shoulder with their wooden sword. His battle uniform turned into a dark shade.
Han kicked off the enemy rangers, and violently swung his spear. All the rangers were pushed back.
"Sorry, but the only victory factor to this mock battle is this flag. I don't have the free time to beat you up."
Jose smugly smiled.
Jose made a calm and logical decision. He cared about benefits more than pride. He had decided to block out Han from his strategy all together.
'I never thought Han would be the sweeper. I shouldn't ignore the fact we could still lose, even with a 1:4 ratio.'
Jose captured the flag and sprinted to the rocky terrains. Han tried to chase after him, but the remaining rangers blocked his way.
'My stamina will run out if I continue to ignore these rangers. What to do?'
The rangers closely encircled Han so he had nowhere to escape. Han widely opened his eyes. Jose was getting further and further away. He took a deep breath.
'Kuro had done it before. I can do it too!'
Han's iris flashed with blue light from the sudden rise of psychic energy.
Within class B, most youths were not skilled enough to use their psychic powers during battle. The rangers understood this already, but they couldn't help but feel nervous.
'All I need to do is support the part I lack just a little bit. The rest I can do with my own strength.'
Blood flowed out from Han's nose. He was using more psychic energy than he was capable of. His head ached with intense pain.
"HAAA!"
Han let out a deafening roar and coiled his arm backwards, and catapulted his spear through the air.
WWooong!
Han added some strength to aid his throwing power and fine adjusted the throwing arch with his telekinesis. With just a little fine tuning, his spear flew a frightening distance.
SWwwoosh!
It seemed like the wooden spear was slicing the air into two. The spear howled as if it carried Han's anger. The spear hit Jose's center back with perfection.
Jose, who had been running, fell and tumbled down from the unexpected attack. His spine hurt like it had been shattered even though he had the battle uniform on.
Ding.
The battle uniform sensor rang, causing Jose's uniform to turn pure black. Jose could've handled the attack if he were a defender, however the system calculated that a ranger wouldn't have enough stamina to survive the attack. Flabbergasted, Jose peered behind him. The flag he lost hold of started rolling downwards.
'Nobody taught us javelin throwing during weapon mastery lessons!'
The students that died could not talk or communicate so he could only complain to himself in silence.
The rangers were taken aback upon Jose's death. Jose had died from a single surprise attack.
In that brief moment, Han rolled on the ground and escaped outside the encirclement.
"After him!"
The rangers shouted.
Han grabbed the flag that had fallen next to Jose's body. He began to run in sporadic directions.
"His body also has a limit. His movements are getting slower. Nevertheless, he's dragging out the time very well.'
Jose could only stamp his feet in anger. A dead comrade could not send messages nor speak.
Snap!
A ranger had attacked Han's legs. Han's body tipped and went tumbling. He had reached his stamina limit. Just a light touch would send him to his death.
"This is the end! Han!"
The rangers cheered in elation. They easily attacked Han's body.
Ding!
Han received the notification of death. The rangers grabbed the flag to return to their base. However, it was too late for the rangers to return now.
"Damn! We wasted too much time here."
The rangers who grasped the situation looked to Han's body. They took too long trying to catch him.
"WAAAH!"
The Eastern Army assaulters came running when they spotted the rangers. They had already captured the Western Army's flag. Their fighting spirit were at their highest. The Eastern Army members planted both flags into their central base.
-Eastern Army Winner!
A message projected above the gymnasium. An announcement rang all over the battle ground.
"It's the Eastern Army's victory!"
Sergeant Wei who had been observing from the second floor nodded his head.
'The Western Army had better military strength and tactics. However, Han who had been placed the sweeper had exceeded everyone's expectations. There are times when everything becomes futile.'
Sergeant Wei blew his whistle.
The youths of class B assembled. The youths of the Eastern Army couldn't hide their smiles, while the Western Army youths were clouded with misery.
"Everyone did well. Lead commanders come forth and explain your battle tactics."
Jose from the Western Army stepped forward first. Jose flashed a proud smile and looked to his team.
"Ah, first let me say sorry to my Western Army teammates. It was my mistake. We decided to give up the lower rocky terrain route, instead we would all rush through the upper rocky terrain and backtrack the same way we came from. That is also the reason why we had deployed more military forces through the upper and middle routes. The Eastern Army assaulters used the lower route, however I had judged our rangers would be able to be quicker to capture the flag."
Jose and the rangers of the Western Army had wasted more time than they had predicted against Han.
In that time period, the Eastern Army assaulters broke through the lower route. Jose ended his battle tactics. Sergeant Wei nodded his head.
"Next Eastern Army lead commander Karlheinz."
Everyone clapped for the victorious lead commander. Karlheinz proudly boasted with his head held high and explained his own battle tactics.
He decided against using any rangers, he would deploy all his military troops to the lower path to break through to the enemy's central command post.
"……. Instead of using Han's skills as a ranger or assaulter, I deployed him as the sweeper in case the rangers of the enemy team would reach the flag before us. I judged that Han had the capability to buy us time for our victory. My judgment had hit the bulls eye. This summarizes the basic reason for our victory."
Though this had started from a personal grudge, Han had greatly contributed for their victory. Everyone knew they could only win because Han was able to endure for them.
'He's very eloquent. He didn't have a shred of those thoughts in the beginning. He should publicize a novel.'
Han quietly laughed.
Karlheinz used his gift of gab to explain Han's placement as his own battle tactics.
Han didn't bother mentioning complaints. He was sensible enough not to ruin everyone's cheerful mood.
"Everyone is dismissed."
Sergeant Wei announced and left the gymnasium.
The youths all returned to their dormitory. Everyone was engrossed in discussing today's mock battle.
"When did you learn javelin throwing, Han?"
Jose massaged his aching back and asked. Han let out a small laugh.
"I can't use telekinesis like Kuro, but I thought fine tuning my strength with telekinesis was a plausible solution. If I failed, nothing could be helped. But, it would be better than doing nothing, right? The idea suddenly popped into my head and I went ahead and tried it."
"Good for you."
Jose couldn't help but feel a little frustrated.
He wasn't one to become competitive, but he was also a man. Han was his friend, but also his rival, and he had lost.
It would be strange if he weren't frustrated at all.
"Just try harder next time, Jose."
"Just you wait."
Once everyone returned to their dorms, it was free period. They usually passed the time with extra training with their personal equipments. Han entered the psychic skills training hall for extra practice.
'That wasn't such a bad feeling. I shouldn't forget my focus and how I enhanced my body.'
Han slowly thought over how he felt at that time. He finally managed to gain a higher level of psychic power mastery. He no longer felt the wall that had blocked his path like before.
"Look here."
Han looked behind him. Karlheinz opened the door and entered. He combed his shining blond hair with his hand.
"Do you have any business with me, Karlheinz?"
"Don't you have any complaints toward me? I'm referring to your words from before."
Karlheinz had bullied him into the sweeper of their team. He only had personal grudges when he thought to position him as the sweeper. Things turned out well in the end and he had been able to eloquently dodge a bullet.
"Then on that day were you planning to say 'I positioned Han as the sweeper because I disliked him, but I was surprised how useful he was'? I don't care about stupid things."
Karlheinz' face burned red.
'How did I turn into the childish one? Damn it.'
Karlheinz held his appearance highly. He was a youth who had the pride of a nobleman. He wished to let others view himself as a great man.
The sergeants pulled out a few profiles from their own hologram devices. Han had been among the few.
"Wasn't his IQ not that great during his admittance?"
"Han Lee had never received formal training or education before. Of course it would turn out that way after taking the test made for those who had done so before. After receiving formal military training, his combat potential scored double of the average score of those within class A."
"So he's a genius."
"He has high insight and tolerance to panic in actual battle. He is a genius in many ways. Sergeant Wei who had lead his mock battles will explain further."
"This child is significantly faster to understand the sergeant's intent compared to the youths in his class. When the sergeants assign a task, the students normally only look to themselves. However, Han deciphers the sergeant's thought process and the ultimate goal of the task, only following this point would he take any action. He has been the fastest student to adapt during the survival and mock battle drills. As shown during the sparring matches with Sergeant Red and Dimitri, he has high perseverance and mental strength. Even without formal military training, he has enough mental strength."
"You rarely over evaluate anyone, Sergeant Wei Chen."
"Haha, if we don't offer praises like this, our superiors would not transfer him over with the second years."
Sergeant Red who had been silently listening said while laughing. Sergeant Wei glared at Sergeant Red. Sergeant Wei played a video clip.
It was the clip of Han throwing his spear, planting it into Jose's back.
"His psychic potential is lower, the development of his skills are lackluster as well. However, his psychic control skills are excellent. The evolution of his powers is very slow in contrast to the amount of practice he puts in, but ironically it helped him develop absolute control of his psychic skills. It's impossible for a young child with that build to throw a spear this distance. But, Han has subsidized his psychic power to his strength and succeeded. Nobody taught him how to do this and he developed these skills himself."
"Understood."
Next a black youth was projected from the hologram.
"This is the rumored Kuro."
"His psychic growth speed is frightening. He has not received formal training like the other geniuses, but he had surpassed all their speed of growth. The chance that he has immediate foresight unique ability is high. He has already reached the halfway point of his enlightenment."
"I am aware as well. But, doesn't he have weak mental strength?"
"That's why we must move him up to the second year together with Han Lee. Han Lee contributed greatly toward Kuro's growth. Han has become Kuro's older brother figure."
"In the end, you're also trying to say that Han must be moved up with the second years. For crying out loud."
He flipped to the next profile. Dimitri and Simon Dell was projected.
"Dimitri and Simon excel in all aspects. They don't have any weaknesses. Simon can be quite dogmatic, so a squad leader is out of the question, but he has great psychic talent. On the other hand, Dimitri's character is excellent material as a squad commander."
They discussed several more profiles. Jose's profile had also been one of them. They finished looking through the profiles. The man sitting at the head position let out a deep sigh.
"Send Dimitri to my office. I'll send him to the superiors after I examine him personally."
"Understood, Chief of Staff."