Kill The Dragons - Chapter 81

Han was in his room reviewing video clips of the second year mock squad battles. Squad 13 was battling against Squad 3. Simon was in the third squad.

There were rumors that there would be many new third year transfers. The higher-ups also observed the youths with a positive outlook. A couple were judged to have problems with teamwork and character, but this flaw was drastically reduced after many mock battles and actual battle experience accrued.

“Simon should know that he can’t fight a battle alone by now,” Han mumbled. Simon behaved differently from when Han first met him. He moved in sync with Squad 3 and followed the battle plans.

Between the current second year squads, Squad 3 had the most wins under their belt. They had seven consecutive wins. Han held the record for 8 consecutive wins, but 7 consecutive wins was not anything to look down upon.

“The difference in their military strength is too great.” Han mumbled while watching. Jose and Canute fought courageously, but it was impossible to stop Simon. Simon far surpassed any second year youth’s levels.

‘Is Kuro still in the medical ward?’

He couldn’t see a speck of Kuro anywhere in Squad 13. Squad 13 put up a good fight, but they could not hold out against Squad 3. Han carefully took note of every occurance in the battles.

“They shouldn’t have made a frontal attack against Simon. Jose, you should have used any means necessary to avoid a frontal battle- even if it means being petty.”

Han continued to talk to himself while watching the video clips. Simon’s strength was on another level. If so, there is no need to fight fair and square. They should look for a method that can increase their chance to win. Fighting head on against a stronger opponent was the same as agreeing to lose.

Di-ring.

Han checked his data bracelet alarm

-You’ve been summoned.

A map appeared with a point of destination. Han wondered if there was anything he would be needed for these days.

‘I can’t think of much.’

Han followed the map’s direction. It was the buildings designated for the executives. The map zoomed in and marked a room inside of a building. He’d never seen any of the people in this place.

‘These should be the so-called higher-ups of Ark.’

Han was summoned to the guest receiving room. The floor was covered with luxurious carpets and rugs; a cup of hot, steaming black tea was already prepared on the table. After a brief moment, a man walked into the room. Han observed the military insignia and reflexively saluted.

“So you’re Han. You used to be Squad 13’s leader, but now you’re one of the reserve troops of third year. I’ve heard your name more than once. My name is Alexander Lekor. I’m Ark’s Chief of Staff.”

Han flinched. The Chief of Staff should be a rank just lower than Commander. He must be one of the few authority figures of Ark.

Alexander sported a savage-looking beard. Yet, he wore a refined set of glasses which helped tame his wild appearance. His giant hand which held a pen showed scars from past battle wounds. Han continued to silently observe Alexander.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Han.”

Alexander stuck out his hand for a handshake. Alexander carried a wild atmosphere which greatly contrasted his actual position.

“Do you like black tea?” Alexander poured a cup for Han.

“This is my first time trying it.” Han took a sip and immediately frowned.

‘Instructor Wei and the Chief of Staff… they really enjoy bitterness.’

This was fairly palatable compared to oolong tea, but he really had a difficult time swallowing this sort of drink. Han could only manage a few sips before returning it onto the table. On the other hand, the cookies which accompanied the tea were fairly delicious.

“Do you know why you’ve been summoned here by me?”

“I do not know.”

“I must make an important decision at the moment.” Alexander said while observing Han. Han remained quiet and waited for his words. Wuxiaworld for visiting.

“….Kuro. I’m sure you’re somewhat aware. This child lost all will to battle and fight. He can’t seem to forgive himself for murdering another soldier. He can’t even sleep properly because of the nightmares.”

“As I thought…” Han softly muttered. It would be something Kuro would have a hard time bearing.

“Please try and convince him otherwise. S-ranked psykers are an important asset to our overall military strength. I cannot let a child with limitless potential go to waste. If I look through his progress in Ark, I could see that this could be only achieved by you.”

“Please let me think about it for a moment.”

Han looked down. The once steaming hot black tea was now cold. What would truly be best for Kuro?

Han gave a nod. He let another executive lead him to Kuro. In the end, he found himself in a room separated by a double mirror. The Chief of Staff and Executive were observing on the other side of the mirror.

Han opened the door and privately conversed with Kuro. Kuro was wearing a white hospital gown.

“Hi, Kuro.” Han said. Kuro looked at Han with eyes set in horrible looking dark circles.

“It’s been awhile, have you been well?” Kuro forced himself to sound cheerful. Kuro was shy but was one to laugh frequently. Han noticed that the other’s laugh was forced and unnatural immediately.

“It’s been a month. I’ve been well, but you don’t look well.”

Kuro’s fatigued face was a depressing sight.

“I can’t be strong minded like you. I can’t help but remember those people when I go to sleep. They said it’s my fault that they’re dying, they keep whispering things.”

“It wasn’t intentional. You weren’t thinking to kill them. It just so happened that the missile went in their direction.”

“You sound like you were there. It could be the case. However, it could also mean that I really wished to kill them with the missile as well. It probably was the case. I could have made a different choice at the last moment. They were caught into my viciousness.”

Han opened his eyes and looked to nowhere in particular. Kuro fidgeted with his fingers to cope with his anxiety.

“So? Do you think that is bad? They were trying to kill you. You fought to protect your friends. Nobody will blame you for it.”

“I know, everyone says that to me. I’m sorry. I can’t do this anymore. This is the furthest I can go.”

Han couldn’t understand Kuro’s despair. It seems Kuro’s heart was already shut. Han couldn’t understand Kuro’s pure and gentle heart. Pity against Han’s enemies was unnecessary luxury.

“Kuro, I saw one of my associate die in the last military operation I took part in. He always talked with a gentle tone. In my case, if I could save that person, even if I have to kill another human being, I will do so without a moment of hesitation. The people who remain next to me are much more important that the people whose names I don’t know!”  Han said as his voice strengthened in volume.

“But…”

“But what? If you fall in danger amongst many people, I will protect you even if it means killing everyone. But I guess it won’t be the case if I fall in danger in front of you? Then there is no reason for you to stand next to me anymore. If you can’t fight, then forget everything and quit right now. You’ll be able to find a use for your skill even if you don’t fight.”

Han grilled Kuro in frustration. Han muttered many times silently to himself.

‘Just quit everything, Kuro.’

Han decided to quit trying to convince Kuro to continue any longer. He rather hoped Kuro would stop everything. Han had a deep realization when Herald died. Witnessing an associate’s death was horrifying. Witnessing a friend’s death would be even more horrifying than just despair. Han hated to experience the despair of losing friends and family.

‘It’s okay to quit now.’

Kuro had endured all this time with the determination to not to fall behind Han. He was different than the other youths of Ark, he had no self determination. If he were to take his only source of resolve away, then Kuro would have to quit.

Bam! Bam!

People began to bang on the door. The executives seemed to notice something was wrong when Han’s tone took a different direction.

Gggeeeee!

Han used his psychic power to block the door with the room’s chair. The people observing the room outside stood in shock.

“Open the door! Han!”

The executives shouted outside. Han spoke as his eyes brightly glowed.

“Shut up! We’re in the middle of a conversation!”

His voice had a chilling intensity that settled down to a person’s bones.

“Han…?”

Kuro watched with large round eyes.

“I was wrong. You’re not fit to fight. If you continue this route, even if you survive the war, you’ll end up living the rest of your life in pain.”

Kuro was different from the other youths of Ark. His sensitivity didn’t match this war scene. Han only came to realize after repeatedly experiencing real battle. It was a brutal path that Kuro wouldn’t be able to endure.

“You will be punished for your actions.”

“What can they do to me? They’ll just admonish me. I’m a psychic soldier who is capable of participating in actual battle. They won’t let me sit and laze for punishment.”

As Han predicted, his actual punishment would be food limitations or solitary confinement.

“You’re smart, so you only make calculated moves.”

Han tightly sealed the door with his psychic powers. He wouldn’t be able to hold out much longer. The soldiers outside began to shoot their guns into the door.

“If I convinced you with idealistic words to follow me…, then you’ll probably force yourself to get transferred into the third year. You won’t be able to endure the third year with that kind of resolve. You’ll get broken into pieces. Do you remember Kato? The squad leader who attempted suicide. When I went to visit him, he looked at me with the exact same kind of eyes as you.”

The door Han held down burst open. The executives suppressed Han as soon as they entered the room. Han obediently laid face down on the floor. They locked handcuffs onto Han’s arms. They didn’t need to resort to violence.

“Stop it!”

Kuro shouted hysterically. All the items in the room floated into the air. Psychic energy spilled from his irises. It was becoming extremely difficult to suppress his powers after gaining S rank powers. The tiniest emotional shift set a flood of psychic energy to manifest.

Flinch.

The executives who arrested Han observed toward Kuro. They understood Kuro’s strength. His psychic strength could easily bat away a flying missile. If he wished, he could easily kill all the people in this room in a bat of an eye. He was a super psyker that would appear in only movies.

“…. Han convinced me. I will continue to receive treatment and training. When my condition recovers, I will transfer into third year. So please release those handcuffs.”

Kuro felt his blood surge with anger when the soldiers suppressed Han. Even if he must use his strength to kill others, he will save Han. He was shocked he had such anger and courage inside of him. If he thought about it carefully, he could only manage to block the missile because he was next to his friends.

If Kuro was alone, he would have fallen apart from pure fear.

Han who always stood strong had weaknesses as well. Kuro now had great strength to support him.

‘I have the strength to help Han. I’ve always needed his protection but…, it’s different now. I will become his friend who can look at him eye to eye.’

Han let off a bitter smile while watching Kuro. Happiness and sadness welled up at once. He shook off the hands which held his hand and walked out.

Chief of Staff, Alexander, stood at the corridor outside.

“Were you acting? Or is that your honest feelings?”

Alexander almost had a heart attack from Han’s sudden outburst. The youth he sent to support Kuro was trying to do the opposite. Han was a youth who acted logically and sensibly. Therefore, he didn’t think that Han would act in this way at all. This youth had never disappointed the instructors and sergeants, he was truly a model youth of Ark.

“Of course I was acting.” Han said matter of factly.

Alexander looked to Han with confused eyes.

“You can’t tell me ahead of time?”

“It won’t be believable that way. The shocked expression of everyone was amazing. I’ve completed my task, I’ll be on my way. I haven’t had my lunch yet.”

Han walked away. Alexander watched Han’s back figure satisfied and a little fearful. Han already brought many youths of Ark into his side with his charisma. Whether it has been his honest feelings or acting, Kuro obtained courage once again thanks to Han’s words.

‘That’s a very dangerous charisma.’

Alexander deeply ingrained Han’s name into his mind.

Han had great strength in gathering people. He was like a bonfire on a cold winter night. People gathered around warmth, but at the same time he was burning himself to ash as well. At a glance, Han looked level-headed and logical, but he hid an explosive flame inside himself. He was prepared to burn himself at a moment’s notice.