Lappland pov
I thought , looking as he pull the hood of his cloak from his head. This , revealed the full look of his white mask covering the upper part of his face . And a black scarf that was wrapped around the top of his head and forehead. So the only visible things left to see , were his mouth and his chin, which had a scar running all the way to his neck.
At a one glance, I could tell that it was a reminder of a deep wound that he had been lucky enough to survive. The wound missed his arteries but certainly damaged his windpipe. The fact that he can still speak or breathe without any audible difficulty is just his luck.
Then he threw off his cloak, revealing a familiar to me uniform stretched tight across his muscles. Tight-fitting black pants, black military boots, and gray shin guards. A tank top revealed his muscular, bandaged arms. Over this, he wore a white vest with a high collar.
He also wore a pair of black gloves and a gray protector on his right forearm. And there were also two knife holsters on his thighs. But not just any knives . From the handles alone, I could tell they had been modified .
Singular irregularities in his uniform, which differed slightly from the normal acceptable dress code of white fang members . The whiteness of his mask, on which several red decorative lines were clearly visible .
And, of course, his modified knives , showed that he was not some accidental cannon meat . However, I could already tell that just by looking at his clothes. You can only modify the appearance of your uniform with the permission of your superior. And to do that, you have to stand out.
Still , practically everything he wore , was standard equipment issued by white fang . Only his weapons were not. Weapon modifications come out of the pockets of people who are willing to put the money into them. This means that he modified them at his own expense and according to his own preferences.
'And that means he already has a personalized fighting style and the money to spend on his wepons. An ordinary soldier would have neither the money nor the skills for that. Not to mention that he modified his uniform, which means he stands out enough to get permission for it.'
I thought, watching the way he stood and smelled. He stood confidently and calmly, but in reality his muscles were tense. Not from stress, but from readiness. He wasn't afraid. I could smell him, pure adrenaline and anticipation. I could hear his steady, calm heartbeat and his steady, calm breathing.
But despite the calm demeanor he displayed, he was actually ready for a sudden attack at any moment. He is a veteran. Leader of a small team . Someone with experience. Someone who reeks like blood, sweat, and smoke.
The two people following him also threw off their cloaks. They wore almost the same uniforms . The difference, however, was that their masks were more gray and covered their cheeks, revealing only their mouths.
They wore black hoods protruding from under their white vests. The shirts under their vests had long black sleeves. They also wore standard gray guards on both forearms. As for their weapons, I honestly didn't pay attention to them as soon as I saw their general appearance.
There was something about their uniforms that made them stand out. Something that made them looke different on them ..... Instead of the aura of a formidable opponent . They were , less menacing . Something that made one part of me struggle not to laugh . Meanwhile, the other part could not utter a word. And then another one completely froze in shock.
Both were shorter ,which wasn't a problem in itself. After all, they may have been shorter than their boss, but they were certainly taller than me. Their less " impressive " physique weren't a problem either. As If anything in their physique could be called "impressive" .... But the truth is that not everyone needs to have perfect muscles or be tall to be dangerous.
' However, leaving that aside . Both of these problems combined with one single factor , create this ridiculous sight before me. '
I thought, and at that moment my mind confirmed what my eyes were telling me. It wasn't my mind playing tricks on me, it was the truth.
' Their physique wouldn't be a problem if their uniforms fit. '
I thought with sincere amusement , disbelief and a certain form of disappointment . I was truly unable to take my eyes off them .
' For now, I've managed to keep a straight face, but I don't know how long I can keep it up. '
I thought, hearing distant echoes of uncontrollable laughter in my head. But there was a good reason for all of this.
Their uniforms didn't fit . One mam was skinny, without much muscle or stature. So his clothes were clearly too big for him. I bet that if it weren't for the belt hidden under his vest, his pants would have fallen off his butt. His shoes were too big too. I could tell by the way he walk.
At first, I didn't even pay attention to it, thinking of it as some minor injury. For people who do dangerous things and fight , minor injuries that affect walking are normal. But now I can see that his shoes are just too big. As for his standard armor issued to recruits ?
' The gray armor on his body was quickly altered so that it wouldn't fall off his skinny limbs. '
I thought , and then I looked at other subordinate. On the other hand, he had the exact opposite problem. He was clearly too big for the clothes he was wearing. The bottom of his vest was unbuttoned and his belly protruded from under his tight black shirt.
So it's no wonder that the moment I saw them, all the charm of the iconic shedding of outer garments disappeared. Although I managed to keep a neutral expression on my face, inside I , as well as many other voices im my head , were dying of laughter.
At that moment, it might have seemed awkward, but apparently it wasn't for them. Neither of them was embarrassed by the clothes that didn't fit them. They even tried to stand tall and look tough, which was really cute. But I immediately saw that it was false confidence.
I had already noticed everything. From the way they stood, to their clothing and hidden bodily reactions such as heartbeat and smell. Thanks to this, I knew that they were untrained rookies. Literally people who had probably been snatched off the street and squeezed into these clothes.
' Or they really are good actors. '
I thought, tilting my head to one side. I really couldn't help but giggle, which sent shivers down the spines of those two. I heard their breath become still as their hearts quicken.
Lappland : " What does Adam tell you at recruitment meetings that makes you truly believe you can fight ? What is anyone who sent them you here thinking ? What are they planning by sending you here? Wasn't it supposed to be a trap? "
I said, openly and honestly, without caring about their emotions. Those were the first words that came out of my mouth after we had been staring at each other for so long. Because, yes, my thoughts weren't running any faster than what was happening. We literally stared at each other in that awkward silence for about two minutes.
At that time, I was judging them in my mind and out of them . Because to be honest, I wasn't hiding anything . My facial expression and gaze must have already told them what I was thinking . Still, I said it to be sure they understand .
Lappland: " And being honest , I certain that if the recruiter changed careers, she or he would do great as a motivational speaker. Besides, I really don't know what else to say. Does Adam really have no people left ? "
I continued, not giving them time to respond. Their reaction was obvious. Their boss didn't care and remained calm. However, the two recruits blushed. The larger one even tried to secretly pull his shirt down to cover his stomach. Other than that, they were definitely angry, but they didn't say anything. Whether it was out of fear of me or their boss, I don't know. But it was funny. So funny that I smiled broadly, showing my teeth.
Lappland : " It really looks like he is scraping dirt off the ground around the barrel. "
I said , amused by the idea. But I also knew that it was too good to be true. So I was joking, knowing that what was happening made sense. Still, I said it out of pure malice, to spit in the face of Adam and his faction.
Lappland: " Hahaha haHAha haHahA !!! "
Finally, I burst out laughing . I bent my body over the pillar, laughing until I was out of breath.
Lappland: " Cool uniform, did it shrink in the wash? And you , do you got your uniform from your older brother? . Hahaha hAhaha ."
I continued, feeling as their emotions rise. However, after taking one step forward, they immediately backed away. They stood there awkwardly, their lips pressed tightly together. Their leader, however, stood calmly, looking at me.
Lappland: " Okay, I'm joking, I'm kidding..."
I said, slowly calming down. Then I returned to leaning against the pillar and looked at them with renewed seriousness.
' Who am I kidding? I'm still laughing at them . '
I thought, sighing.
Lappland: " People who are incapable of fighting but want to help the cause are given other tasks, such as logistics, espionage, and infiltration. Everyone has tasks created for them, and White Fang does not reject those willing to be brainwashed... So .... Why , somebody decided that these two are fit for a mission that will surely end in a fight with me? "
I asked, looking at their leader.
Lappland: "Don't answer, I already know the answer."
I said, shaking my head.
Lappland : " " Why give people who are going to die good uniforms? Just put on them whatever you take from the corpses. " " No matter how much I hate that bastard, he knows how to save money. "
I said mockingly, making it clear to them what I meant. Besides, I reluctantly admitted that Adam had some management skills and charisma. After all, if he didn't have them, it would have been impossible to create a hidden and functioning faction within the White Fang.
Lappland: "White Fang"
I said, feeling a smile spread across my lips. My gaze returned to the leader, who unceremoniously pronounced my identity on entering .
That means he knows who I am. So he is an idiot who knows me and yet stands in front of me. Having as his support a cannon fodder. A two poor little bastards who don't know what they're gett themselves into.
Lappland: " That's typical of Adam. Sending people on a mission from which they have no chance of returning . "
I said, feeling the murderous rage growing inside me. Along with it, my senses were already becoming drowned out by growls and hums.
Lappland: " But there is no turning back now. Now it's either me killing you, or your buddies will. As soon as you withdraw or run away, you become deserters. which means death. "
I said, and I think it was only then that the two recruits understood the seriousness of the situation.
Lappland: " So, my dear bait, I hope that you, as well as the few people hidden here who prepared this place and are now hiding somewhere, will live to see the arrival of reinforcements."
I said with genuine passion, pushing myself away from the pillar , doing a quick stretch while doing so. Giant wolf heads emerged from the darkness behind me, baring their fangs at the fresh meat.