After the era of conquest initiated by Emperor Zaen came to an end, peace lasted for more than forty years across the main continent. Now, the Dazilet Empire once again plays the role of conqueror, expanding its territory northward. The nations that survived the conquest era have also learned Dazilet's industrial technologies and political ideas, so the path of conquest will no longer be as smooth as it once was.
"How big is this thing, really...?"
On the march, a squad paused involuntarily when they passed by a giant skeleton quietly lying among the mountains, taller than the surrounding peaks. It appeared to be the ribcage of some colossal creature, with several massive ribs neatly extending towards the sky, and its spine running through the valley below.
"Some archaeologists and historians say that people lived in a dark and terrifying age, and creatures like this ruled back then."
Sennia interjected.
"Who knows if that's true? But if this thing weren't right here in front of us, I wouldn't believe it either."
Edwin folded his arms across his chest, his face showing a hint of awe.
"It's getting late, let's move out."
Otto, leading the squad, urged from the cliff's edge.
Hearing this, the squad stopped their musings and followed the squad leader to continue marching towards their mission destination.
About six kilometers from Ripova, the squad halted in a forest.
The buildings of Ripova were visible in the distance, and the squad chose to camp here temporarily.
"Don't relocate before I get back. If something unusual happens, head to the rendezvous point."
Otto was changing out of his uniform into civilian clothes prepared earlier. Nordhausen was already waiting, fully dressed.
According to the plan, the Fourth Squad needed to meet with local informants first to gather intelligence on the Luvina army's deployment within the city, then devise an attack plan. To avoid detection by Ripova's garrison or local civilians, the meeting was to be carried out only by squad leader Otto and Nordhausen, while the rest remained behind to wait for orders.
"Be careful on the way."
Edwin took Otto's submachine gun and watched the two figures disappear into the woods.
"Well, since there's nothing to do now..."
Edwin turned to face the squad. As the highest-ranking officer present, he had to take responsibility during the leader's absence.
"Split into three teams of four. Scout the nearby area and return here to organize sentries and shifts. Move out!"
The squad members immediately dispersed, vanishing into the surrounding forest. Only those with heavy weapons remained to wait for further orders.
"Sir, which team should I join?"
A voice called out—it was Sennia. Edwin had nearly forgotten about this new recruit.
"Ah, you go with Arcia. She just headed that way."
"Understood."
Watching Sennia's somewhat unsteady steps as she moved into the woods, Edwin shook his head.
"Is the training at Altasa really this relaxed now...?"
...
The trees flashed past like on a train, impossible for a normal person to keep up at this speed. Sennia was still not quite used to her modified body.
"Wait up!"
Finally catching up, she called out excitedly.
Arcia stopped and turned around. Sennia stumbled to a halt in front of her.
"What is it?"
Arcia asked expressionlessly.
"Edwin told me to accompany you on the reconnaissance."
Sennia adjusted her heavy clothing and tightened the submachine gun strap across her shoulder.
"Follow me."
Without further questions, Arcia resumed moving through the forest. Sennia hurried to keep up. Soon, Arcia stopped by a massive tree that needed two people to wrap their arms around.
"Tell me, what did you notice along the way?"
Arcia folded her arms, adopting the tone of a teacher testing a student.
"Um..."
Caught off guard by the question, Sennia hesitated.
"We crossed a small creek... climbed a mountain..."
"And?"
"And..."
Sennia racked her brain to recall what she saw while moving.
"There was an open clearing not far to the left!"
Finally recalling something potentially valuable, her voice grew louder.
"Where exactly is that place?"
Arcia pressed.
"Uh..."
Sennia froze, not having thought about that question.
"For example, its position relative to our camp, and the distance."
"To the northwest, about 500 meters?"
Arcia shook her head, clearly dissatisfied.
"Take that clearing as an example. It is northwest of our camp, yes, but about 2.5 kilometers away. The clearing itself is marked on the map, but wild grass there grows half a person's height. Both we and the enemy could hide in it."
Sennia thought carefully, realizing Arcia was right and she had missed crucial details. But... had they already traveled nearly three kilometers just now?
"Come here, put your ear to the ground."
Snapping back to attention, Sennia saw Arcia intently listening, pressed her ear against the ground after brushing away dead leaves and twigs.
"Do you hear anything?"
Sennia closed her eyes and listened carefully. The summer forest was alive with insects and birds, leaves rustled softly in the breeze. From the ground came a faint, rhythmic strange sound, growing louder and stronger.
"In which direction?"
Arcia asked. Judging by Sennia's expression, she heard it.
"East."
Sennia kept her eyes closed, listening.
"How many?"
"..."
This time, Sennia didn't answer immediately, focusing on the rhythm.
"Three."
As the sound grew more distinct, Sennia knew some creatures were approaching. She stood, raising her submachine gun and fixed her gaze on the source of the sound.
Arcia dusted dirt off herself and stood calmly, more composed than the alert Sennia. The two stared in the same direction, and soon the mystery was revealed.
A grown black bear appeared from the bushes with two cubs. They had clearly noticed Sennia's group as well and cautiously bypassed them, disappearing back into the forest.
"Not bad senses, but you still have a lot to learn."
Arcia walked past the stunned Sennia and, seeing no response, urged:
"Time to head back."
"Oh, okay."
Back at the camp, Edwin was sorting through the reconnaissance reports on the map. Seeing Arcia and Sennia return, he called them over to report their findings. Of course, Arcia gave the formal report while Sennia listened carefully, using clear and detailed language to explain their observations.
"How's the rookie?"
After summarizing the local geography, Edwin asked quietly.
"Some basic skills are clearly lacking. We'll see how she improves."
Edwin nodded thoughtfully.
"Are you afraid of bears?"
After leaving Edwin, Arcia sat beside the lone Sennia.
"Huh?"
Sennia was surprised but answered:
"Not exactly afraid. I've never seen a bear before, so I didn't know how to react. I guess I was just at a loss."
She laughed self-deprecatingly.
"At a loss."
Arcia remained expressionless, thinking deeply without commenting.
"At first, I was at a loss too, but on the battlefield, being at a loss will cost you."
The topic grew heavy but was true.
"If you have questions, ask any of us: the platoon leader, me, Nordhausen, or Edwin. In combat, follow orders without hesitation. You'll learn the rest gradually."
"Understood!"
On the battlefield, your life depends on your comrades' backs, and Sennia understood she had to grow fast.
"What are you two talking about? If you don't eat soon, there won't be time."
Edwin approached holding the watch schedule and sentry roster. The three discussed plans while eating canned food.