As the bullet from the ARK-TS1, fired by Martin, pierced through the double-barrelled armoured TTC, it exploded. With no obstacle remaining, Major Argis ordered all troops to charge. The remaining hectagon infantry and vehicles counterattacked, but their resolve was broken, and they had to retreat.
The remaining four soldiers of Martin's squad ran to the collapsed ridge and found the injured Martin and Pierson. After shouting their names and running here and there, they found them.
"His leg is bleeding. His shoulder is…broken. We need a medic," Narkit spoke as he checked Martin. Then he ran to Pierson. "The captain only got a broken leg."
Alfred contacted the medic through his communications, and, after ten minutes, they arrived. Both of them were put on a stretcher, and they were sent to the medical camp.
"How is he?" Alfred asked the doctor.
"The boy is alright. His shoulder is severely broken. It will heal, but it will take time, so he can't use a gun for almost 3 months." The doctor replied.
"And the captain?" Ferry asked.
"He only has a broken leg; therefore, it will heal faster." The doctor replied and went to check the other injured soldiers.
"He really…pulled a stunt and won." Valkin continued.
"He would have done it, irrespective of our answer," Barnett added.
The four of them laughed lightly.
"I know him. He wouldn't have failed." Narkit said.
"Why?" Ferry asked.
"You have the result, no need for my answer," Narkit replied. "I will stay here. You should go and rest."
The four of them nodded and left the camp. Narkit grabbed a chair and sat beside Martin. After ten minutes, Martin opened his eyes. He tried to get up, but stopped due to his injured shoulder.
"Don't try to get up. You will open the wound." Narkit said.
Martin looked here and there and then at his bandages. He realised that he was in a medical camp. As he stared at Narkit, he remembered where he was before. He was about to ask, but Narkit spoke first.
"We won. You broke your shoulder with that shot, but you were a huge help." Narkit said and stroked Martin's head. "Congratulations."
Martin smiled and looked to his left, and saw Captain Pierson. He was awake as well.
"Well, you really used the ARK. Never expected this from you." Pierson said and smiled. "Well done." He clapped lightly.
"Thanks," Martin finally spoke.
Martin grabbed the water bottle on the side table and began to drink. He had a few sips, and as he placed the bottle back, Colonel Yornus stepped inside the camp. A brigadier was with him as well, Brigadier Hensfer. Narkit was about to stand, but the Colonel signalled him to remain seated.
"Well done, Martin. You have proved yourself. You have indeed crossed your brother in both bravery and guts." The colonel spoke and patted Martin's head. "Rest, your achievements have made you worthy of a break." He said and looked at the captain. Both of them nodded at each other, and then they left. The brigadier stared at Martin all the time. But it was a kind stare. He was studying and judging him. And he seemed to find what he was looking for. Then the brigadier left as well.
Martin then went to sleep again. When he woke up, his squad was standing around him. He rubbed his eyes, and after a long stare, the five of them began to laugh.
"You literally stole the show with one fire." Alfred laughed as he patted Martin's shoulder.
"Such a leader…I would say Martin move." Ferry continued.
They all laughed and smiled. Martin looked outside the camp. He could see the sunset from the position of his bed.
Martin had succeeded in a part of his oath. He had overcome his fear of losing. He was no longer a coward. He had grown. He had grown into something he had to, he wanted to. He had grown into someone who could now achieve his dreams.