After the Conquest Era initiated by Emperor Zaen came to an end, peace had endured on the main continent for over forty years. Now, the Dazilet Empire had once again taken up the mantle of conqueror, advancing northward to expand its territory. But unlike the past, the nations that survived the Conquest Era had since adopted Dazilet's industrial technologies and political ideologies. The path of conquest would no longer be as smooth as it once was.
"Just how big is this thing...?"
Along the march, the platoon paused as they passed a massive skeleton lying silently within the mountain range. The ribcage alone towered higher than the surrounding peaks, and the vertebrae stretched deep into the valley—evidence of a colossal creature's remains.
"Some archaeologists and historians say that people in the past lived in a dark and terrifying era, and creatures like this ruled that world," Sennia interjected.
"Who really knows? But if this thing weren't right in front of me, I wouldn't believe it either," Edwin replied, arms crossed and a hint of reverence on his face.
"It's getting late. Let's move," Otto called out, already stepping away from the cliffside.
The others ceased their speculations and resumed the march, following their platoon commander toward their mission objective.
…
Roughly six kilometers from Ripova, the platoon came to a halt in a forested area.
From here, the buildings of Ripova were just visible in the distance. The platoon chose to make a temporary camp.
"Don't move until I return. If something unexpected happens, head to the designated fallback point."
Otto was removing his uniform and changing into civilian clothing prepared in advance. Nordhausen, already changed, stood by, ready to accompany the platoon leader.
According to the mission plan, Fourth Platoon needed to first make contact with an informant embedded in the city and gather intelligence on the Luvina forces stationed within. Only then would they formulate an attack plan. To avoid detection by Ripova's garrison or arousing suspicion among locals, the contact task fell to Otto and Nordhausen. The rest of the unit remained on standby.
"Be careful out there," Edwin said as he took Otto's submachine gun, watching the two figures disappear into the woods.
"Well, since we're not doing anything right now…"
Edwin turned to the rest of the squad. As the highest-ranking officer present, he had to take command in Otto's absence.
"Groups of four, form three teams. Scout the surrounding area and regroup here to set up watch posts and a shift schedule. Move out!"
The soldiers dispersed immediately, vanishing into the trees. Only those carrying heavy weapons stayed behind, awaiting further orders.
"Sir, which group should I join?"
Edwin turned toward the voice—it was Sennia. He'd forgotten about the newcomer.
"Ah, go with Arcia. She headed off that way."
"Understood."
Watching Sennia push through the forest with an unsteady gait, Edwin shook his head.
"Is Altasa's training that soft now...?"
…
The trees rushed past like they would outside a train window. No normal person could move this fast. Sennia still wasn't fully used to her modified body.
"Wait up!"
Finally catching up to the figure ahead, Sennia called out breathlessly.
Arcia stopped and turned her head. Sennia stumbled to a halt just in front of her.
"What is it?" Arcia asked flatly.
"Edwin told me to scout with you."
Still panting, Sennia adjusted the submachine gun slung across her shoulder.
"Follow me."
Without another word, Arcia turned and continued weaving through the woods. Sennia had no choice but to keep up. After a short while, Arcia stopped again—this time before a tree so large it would take two people to wrap their arms around it.
"Tell me, what did you notice along the way?" she asked, arms folded like a teacher testing her student.
"Uh…"
Sennia was caught off guard. She hadn't expected a pop quiz.
"There was a stream… and we crossed a hill…"
"What else?"
"Um…"
Sennia strained her memory, trying to recall everything she'd seen on the move.
"There was a clearing not far to the left at one point!"
Pleased to have remembered something useful, her voice rose in volume.
"Where exactly was it?" Arcia pressed.
"It was…"
Sennia faltered. She hadn't thought that far ahead and didn't know how to respond.
"For instance, where was it in relation to our camp? How far away?"
"Northwest, about… 500 meters?"
Arcia shook her head, clearly dissatisfied.
"Take that clearing for example. You're right about the direction—it's to the northwest—but it's 2.5 kilometers away. It's marked on the map, but the wild grass there grows waist-high. Both we and the enemy could hide in it."
Sennia thought back carefully—Arcia was right. She had missed those key details. But… had they really already traveled nearly three kilometers?
"Come here and put your ear to the ground."
Snapping out of her thoughts, Sennia saw Arcia lying on the forest floor, listening intently. Imitating her, Sennia brushed away the fallen leaves and pressed an ear to the earth.
"Hear anything?"
Sennia closed her eyes and focused. The midday forest buzzed with birdsong and insects, while a gentle breeze rustled the leaves overhead. But beneath it all… there was a strange, rhythmic sound from the ground. Faint at first, then growing stronger.
"What direction is it coming from?" Arcia asked. From Sennia's expression, she knew she'd heard it too.
"East," Sennia replied without opening her eyes.
"How many?"
"…"
This time, Sennia didn't answer immediately. She focused harder on the rhythm of the sound.
"Three."
The noise grew clearer. Something was approaching. Sennia stood and raised her submachine gun, eyes locked on the eastern woods.
Arcia dusted herself off and rose as well, far more composed than Sennia. The two of them stared in the same direction, and soon, the source of the sound emerged.
A full-grown black bear stepped out of the bushes, followed closely by two cubs. They had clearly noticed the humans too. Cautious, the bear led its young in a wide arc around the duo, then vanished back into the trees.
"Your perception isn't bad. But you still have a lot to learn."
Arcia passed by the stunned Sennia. When the latter didn't move, she urged, "Let's head back."
"Right."
Back at camp, Edwin was poring over a map, compiling the scout teams' findings. Seeing Arcia and Sennia return, he waved them over to report. Naturally, Arcia did the talking, describing everything in precise, formal terms, while Sennia listened intently, learning from the exchange.
"How's the rookie?" Edwin asked in a hushed voice once they'd wrapped up.
"She's lacking in basic skills. We'll see how quickly she picks things up."
Edwin nodded thoughtfully.
"Were you scared of the bear?" Arcia asked later, sitting beside the solitary Sennia.
"Hm?"
Sennia was surprised to see Arcia approach but quickly answered.
"I wouldn't say I was scared. I've never seen a bear before and had no idea what to do. I guess… I panicked."
She chuckled self-deprecatingly.
"Panicked," Arcia repeated, expressionless, as if mulling over the word.
"I panicked at first too. But panic on the battlefield comes with a cost."
The mood darkened—but it was the truth.
"If you have questions, just ask. The platoon leader, me, Nordhausen, Edwin—during battle, follow orders. You'll pick up the rest as you go."
"Got it!"
After all, on the battlefield, one had to entrust their back to their comrades. Sennia understood that well. She had to learn fast—there was no other choice.
"What are you two chatting about? If you don't eat now, there won't be time later," Edwin said as he approached with the finalized watch schedule and duty roster.
The three of them sat down with their rations and shared a meal, continuing their discussion.