Sheira's POV

Across the dusty ground. I crumpled to the earth, my labored breaths coming in ragged gasps. My legs, leaden and unresponsive, had finally given out after what felt like an eternity of fleeing. My heart pounded in my chest like a caged animal, desperate for freedom.

A figure approached. Through my haze of exhaustion, I recognized Yuri. The sight of him brought a measure of relief, but even that wasn't enough to alleviate the bone-deep weariness that clung to me like a shroud.

Yuri crouched beside me, a cup of water in his hand. "Here, have some water. You look like you could use it."

I accepted the cup without a word, the cool liquid trickling down my throat, momentarily easing the dry ache in my mouth.

"Thanks, Yuri," I managed to murmur, my voice hoarse from exertion.

"You've been running for hours, Sheira," he observed, concern etching lines across his face. "You look really worn out. You shouldn't push yourself so hard you know."

I shook my head wearily. "No. It's a punishment for a huge mistake I made. The punishment I've received doesn't even come close to atoning for those lives lost. Considering the consequences of my actions, this punishment is rather lenient. I deserve this. But thank you for your concern."

Yuri reached out and clasped my hand in his. "Of course, Sheira. You're my family. I care about you. I love you."

His words were a balm to my battered spirit, a reminder that amidst the darkness, there was still a glimmer of light.

"I have to report to the commander since I've completed my punishment. You should head back first," I said, willing my exhausted limbs to carry me once more.

"Alright then, take care!" Yuri called after me as I stumbled towards the heart of our camp, the weight of my mistakes heavy upon me.

As I made my way to the commander's room, the weight of the day's events bore down on me. My thoughts swirled with the gravity of the impending meeting, the commander's terse reminder ringing in my ears. I knew that whatever lay ahead demanded my full attention, and the weary ache in my limbs felt like a tangible manifestation of the burden I carried. Every step felt heavier than the last, and the minutes stretched out in a seemingly endless procession.

Finally, I arrived at the commander's room and took a moment to collect myself before stepping inside. The air inside was thick with the scent of candle wax, The place was enveloped in such profound silence that even the faintest whisper of a mosquito's wings slicing through the still air was discernible. I approached the commander, my weariness momentarily forgotten as I braced myself for the exchange to come.

"Excuse me," I began, my voice coming out quieter than I had intended.

"Come in!" the commander's response was brisk, but not unkind.

I entered the room and stood at attention, my gaze unwavering as I spoke. "I've completed my punishment, sir!" I announced, the words feeling hollow in the weight of everything else on my mind.

"Good, go get some rest," the commander's voice carried a note of gruff understanding, and for a fleeting moment, I felt a sliver of gratitude for his acknowledgment of my weariness.

"Thank you, sir!" I replied, the weariness seeping back into my voice as I turned to leave.

The commander's voice halted my retreat. "Don't forget about the meeting tomorrow."

"Meeting?" I echoed, surprised by the unexpected news.

"How slow is the news around here? Yes, a meeting at seven," the commander's brusque tone held no room for further discussion.

"Understood!" I managed to gather my thoughts enough to reply, eager to escape the confines of the room.

As I stepped back outside, the gravity of the commander's words settled heavily upon me. A meeting at seven-there was no mistaking the significance of the announcement. My mind raced with a jumble of questions, each one pulling at the frayed edges of my resolve.

The way back to my own place felt longer than before, and as the darkness deepened, the sounds of the environment took on an enigmatic quality. Every distant whisper seemed to murmur secrets that eluded my grasp, and the weight of the impending meeting hung heavy in the air.

The uncertainty of the future loomed like a specter on the horizon, and I found myself grappling with a disquiet that refused to be quelled.

As I settled into my bed, the hollow echo of the commander's words reverberated in my mind. A meeting at seven-there must be some important news or announcement to be made tomorrow. Were we planning another expedition? Or was it something else entirely, something that would alter the very fabric of our mission?

The night pressed in around me, suffusing my thoughts with a restless unease. As I drifted into the realm of sleep, I clung to the hope that whatever awaited us at the meeting, we would find the strength to endure.

***

The following morning, I sat at the edge of the room, my thoughts drifting to the upcoming meeting. The atmosphere crackled with an underlying tension, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something significant was looming on the horizon.

"Don't you think Eamon is a bit cold towards others?"

Yuri arched an eyebrow at my question, his expression thoughtful. "Eamon has always been focused on the mission. I don't think he means to be cold, it's just his way of maintaining control."

I nodded, considering Yuri's words. His steely demeanor had always set him apart, and while his dedication to our cause was undeniable, it often left him isolated from the rest of us.

"Attention!" everyone instantly turns to face the commander and the room falls silent, the only sound is the wind whistling outside. "It seems that everyone is here. I'll get straight to the point. The reason I've called all of you here is to announce that we're going to form 3 squads," he added.

Squads? That's new. Normally, we just form a group before embarking on an expedition. But now we're going to form squads for future expeditions. The commander must have a new strategy up his sleeve.

"Each squad will be led by a captain, and the members are to follow their command. I will now divide you all into 3 squads."

I can't help but feel a little bit apprehensive about this new development. The commander's announcement brings an unexpected shift in our dynamics and the formation of the squads introduces a significant change in how we'll be operating in the future. I wonder how this will impact our unit's comradery, especially considering the challenges some of us already face in getting along with certain members like Eamon.

As the commander proceeds to divide us into the three squads, the weight of his decision settles heavily in the room. The prospect of forging new dynamics within these squads looms ahead, and the uncertainty surrounding this change feels palpable. I can't shake the feeling that this reorganization will require a reevaluation of our roles and relationships within the unit. We all start to move, grouping ourselves into 3 different areas. These must be the squad divisions.

"To my right is Squad A, the middle is Squad B, and to my left is Squad C. Now, I will announce the squad captains," the commander decided.

The squad captain should be a high-ranking soldier, someone reliable and talented. Otherwise, leading a squad will be challenging. Eamon is likely to be one of them. Given his strength, it's obvious he's captain material. He's also one of the best soldiers humanity has and-

Before I could finish my thought, the commander stated, "Squad A will be led by Yuri Kimura, Squad B will be led by Eamon Levisay, and Squad C will be led by Sheira Zane."

"Sheira Zane!? Me? A squad captain? Impossible!"

Whispers fluttered through the air, carrying the weight of skepticism and disappointment. It seemed the soldiers weren't too thrilled at the announcement. Doubts clawed at me-was I truly fit for such a role? The battlefield hadn't exactly showcased exemplary leadership on my part.

The commander cut through the uneasy murmur with the force of thunder, barking, "Seems like some soldiers are itching for a few extra laps."

"No sir!" The room snapped back to attention, the would-be jesters silenced by the threat of extra physical exertion.

Without dwelling on the unrest, the commander pierced the silence, "As I mentioned earlier, squad members follow their captains' orders. Disobedience carries consequences. Clear?"

A resounding "Yes sir!" echoed from the crowd, punctuating their compliance.

A brief pause ensued before the commander continued, "Excellent. Now, get acquainted with your squad members. Chemistry is the lifeblood of success on the battlefield. Dismissed."

The commander is right; chemistry is indeed vital on the battlefield. To build strong chemistry, we need solid relationships with our squad members. Understanding each other's strengths and weaknesses is essential. That way, we can complement each other when facing challenges.

Everyone gathers with their own squad, and so do I. With measured steps, I approached my newfound comrades, acknowledging the responsibility that now rested on my shoulders.

"Hello everyone, I'm glad to have you all in my squad. I'm looking forward to our future teamwork," I greeted.

Surprisingly, my team members responded to me with enthusiasm and warmth.

"Yeah!" an older man exclaimed.

"Looking forward to it!" chimed in a spirited woman, setting the tone for what lay ahead.

"I see all of you as family, and I hope you all feel the same way," I continued.

Time slipped away as we delved into conversations, weaving intricate plans for the path that lay ahead-a path demanding our utmost readiness. In my squad, a trio of inseparable friends, Aria, Blair, and Cara, radiated an infectious enthusiasm. Their friendship painted a vivid picture of unity born from shared childhoods.

Observing their interactions was like witnessing a canvas of vibrant energy. Youthful exuberance melded seamlessly with an unwavering resolve-an enchanting fusion. Their shared determination formed an adorable mosaic of unity.

Aria, a ball of energy, bursts out with contagious excitement. "Hey, Sister Sheira!"

I turned to her, meeting her gaze. "Hey, what's up?"

She hugs me like a little sister, saying, "I'm so happy to be in your squad. Can't wait to start this journey with you."

Blair, the curious one, asks a lingering question. "How strong are you, Sister Sheira?"

I laugh, making it clear I'm not super powerful. "Not as tough as you might think, Blair. But I promise I'll do my best."

Cara, the supportive one, steps up. "I'll follow your lead, sister, and learn from you. Don't worry, I trust you!"

Gratitude welled up within me as I acknowledged their trust. "Thank you, all of you. I'll strive to be the best I can for our squad." The commitment lingered, binding us together in the tapestry of shared aspirations.

After the warm gathering, I weaved through the thinning crowd, closing the distance between myself and the commander. The room's lively energy shifted, replaced by a quieter, contemplative air.

"Excuse me, commander," I ventured.

"What is it, Zane?" The commander's response, authoritative yet tinged with curiosity.

I began, "Why entrust me with the role of squad captain? I lack the strength and extraordinary skills others possess. There are more suitable candidates for such responsibilities. Why me?"

The commander's gaze met mine, weathered and wise. "I chose you because I see potential in you, Sheira Zane." he tapped my shoulder gently and left.

A weight settled on my shoulders, an invisible burden that seemed to bear down with tangible force. The commander had placed this mantle upon me, a responsibility that now rested squarely on my untested shoulders. Left standing there, I found myself rendered speechless, caught in the gravity of the moment.

***

The following day arrived, me and my fellow comrades were facing the gigantic gates, our hearts filled with fear and hope at the same time.

"Open the gates!"

"Advance!"

We're going on an expedition to learn more about our enemies. Squads B and C have been assigned the mission.

I still can't believe the commander chose me to be a squad captain.

The commander's choice hung heavy in the air, a decision that I couldn't afford to falter on. The weight of responsibility pressed down, a constant reminder that I had to give nothing less than my absolute best. The pressure loomed large, an ever-present challenge that I had to navigate. The stakes were high, and victory was the only acceptable outcome.

Cara's words echoed in my mind like a rallying cry, injecting a surge of confidence into my veins. "I will follow your command and learn from you, sister! Don't worry, I trust you!" Those words became my anchor, a testament to the trust my squad placed in me.

"I can't let you down, Aria, Blair, Cara," I affirmed to myself, feeling the collective weight of our shared mission. We stood at the forefront, facing a colossal threat to humanity-the Heians. The gravity of the situation pressed upon me, but there was no room for doubt. This was our battle, and we had to emerge victorious.

Swiftly, they moved on all fours, their long tongues lashing out. Massive creatures, standing about 3 meters tall, they posed a formidable challenge.

"Target spotted, 3 o'clock."

Instinctively, I reached for my sword. "I'll handle it! Everyone, keep the death rate low, only engage when necessary. Our priority is finding their weakness. Remember, safety first!" I commanded, the weight of responsibility reflected in the collective nodding of the soldiers.

"Aria, Blair, Cara. Work as a team and stay close. Don't die," I emphasized, each word carrying the gravity of the looming threat.

"Got it!" the three of them shouted at the same time, showing their deep connection with each other.

Their responses were more than affirmations; they were pledges etched with determination. The trio moved with practiced coordination, a silent dance born from years of friendship. As they positioned themselves, the unspoken chemistry between Aria, Blair, and Cara became our unwavering strength, resonating through the charged air as we confronted the colossal adversaries.

Eamon's POV

Squad B is a solid team, a cohesive force in the face of challenges. Yet, the awareness lingered that in the unpredictable dance of combat, caution was our silent ally. The unspoken understanding echoed through our ranks - in unity and watchfulness, we found strength.

A distant growl alerted us to an impending threat.

"Enemy spotted, up ahead," my command cut through the tension, urgency in my voice. "Assist Squad C! Help them!"

Soldiers snapped into action, their acknowledgment ringing through the air. "Roger."

"I'll handle this one." I echoed as I moved with purpose towards the looming menace.

The metallic whisper of my sword being drawn signaled my own readiness. Charging forward, the blade gleamed in the dappled light.

I need to move faster. I'll aim for its belly. The thought propelled me, a surge of determination accompanying the strike aimed at the creature's underbelly.

The clash was swift, the metallic clash and guttural roar merging. "Huh? Just a scratch? It seems that the belly isn't its weakness." Disappointment laced my words, the reality settling in as the creature, undeterred, shrugged off the assault.

The blade cut through the air as I slashed at its menacing tongue, a desperate attempt thwarted by an unnerving realization-the tongue regenerated, rendering my efforts futile. The tongue isn't its weakness.

Meanwhile, the trio, having disengaged from their own skirmish, approached me.

"Any info?" I queried, my voice tinged with urgency.

"The tail isn't its weakness," Cara responded, her face etched with confusion.

Frustration etched our faces, the puzzle deepening in its complexity.

"Heellppp!!!" A sudden scream shattered the air, a desperate plea cutting through the chaos.

"Oh no! Sister Sheira, what should we do?" Aria's voice wavered with confusion and concern.

"These creatures will wipe us out easily," Cara added, her words heavy with the weight of the impending danger.

Blair, after a brief pause, chimed in, "We can't fight back without knowing their weakness."

The situation is deteriorating. The urgency of withdrawal intensified as the Heians claimed another victim, the threat of more lives hanging in the balance.

"Everyone, retreat!" My command echoed, a bitter admission that the unknown weaknesses of the Heians demanded a strategic withdrawal.

Observing my retreating army, Eamon and his squad chose to fall back, forming a protective barrier against the relentless onslaught of the Heians. The decision was clear-engaging in prolonged combat with the creatures was a path to inevitable doom.

we managed to return to the safety of the kingdom. Failure lingered in the air, a bitter taste of disappointment that seemed to haunt our every endeavor. Perhaps, humanity had grown accustomed to the sting of defeat.

Yet, amidst the failure, a glimmer of hope emerged. The chemistry among squad members on the battlefield was undeniable. The seamless coordination, the unspoken understanding-they were the threads that wove a tapestry of resilience.

The toll of casualties, though present, was notably lower than in past expeditions. It marked a stride forward, a tangible progress that couldn't be ignored. We had faced the Heians and emerged with valuable lessons.

The journey was far from over, but with every challenge, there came an opportunity to improve. The seeds of progress had been sown, and as we regrouped, there was a collective determination to refine our strategies, to evolve, and to face the looming threat with renewed strength.

To be continued...

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Sorry for the long chapter😔 hope you enjoyed tho.

Fact:

Heian (黑暗) [ㄏㄟ ㄢˋ] [hēi àn] in Chinese means "dark/darkness".