Chapter 176: Die For Him

Words : 1002 Updated : Sep 25th, 2025

Ten days passed. During that time, Hal switched jeepneys at every meal and rest break, ensuring that it wasn’t just the same nine people growing closer to him, but also the other ten. He managed to accomplish his goals of learning about the personalities of his subordinates. For example, Rocky was as straightforward as his name. Hao, on the other hand, was extremely intelligent but was a bit inexperienced in socializing. Celis is willful and a bit aggressive, while Yhohan was timid yet calculative, somewhat reluctant to participate in risky maneuvers. They all had their unique personalities. However, there were also similarities among them. Hal was glad that there wasn’t anyone condescending towards their comrades, though, because if there was, the guy would be the weak link in the platoon’s synergy, possibly even causing problems. As the scenery passed him by, Hal’s expression suddenly turned serious. "Hao, that was a border village, correct?" Yes, Lor– Boss Hal. Based on my knowledge, the village we just passed is called Bonbon Village." This meant that they were leaving the empire’s territory and entering the Outlands. Hal nodded and fell silent, seemingly deep in thought. The once light atmosphere inside the vehicles had now turned quite heavy. The young army soldiers, too, felt uneasy, as this was their first time leaving the borders. Who knew what horrors awaited in The Outlands? Would they even reach the camp with just twenty people? Among them, only Hao was relaxed. The tense atmosphere didn’t last for long, however, as they spotted F- and a few E-ranked monsters and beasts roaming around. It seemed that the outskirts weren’t that dangerous. Perhaps the more deadly and horrifying creatures lived farther away. The reason why the short nerd was calm soon came into view: Camp Ironheart—one of the four training grounds for army veterans. There was simply no way high-ranking beasts or monsters would be allowed to thrive in its periphery. The convoy simply passed the camp, though, leaving Hal a bit baffled. "We’re not entering?" he asked. "No, Boss Hal. We’re ordered to head straight to the Parralen Valley Outpost." "I see..." The convoy fell silent again after the brief interaction, except for the rather strange Cleo, who kept on mumbling unintelligible words. It was as though she was chanting curses, adding to the already heavy atmosphere. Perhaps in a few days, some of them would be forced to remain in the valley forever. The thought of dying far from their families sent shivers down their spines and made their blood run cold. They didn’t want to die. Nonetheless, the pressure was quite healthy, as they needed to be a bit on edge to increase their chances of surviving. Another two hours passed. Soon, gray smoke billowed in the distance, allowing the more perceptive ones like Hal and Hao to breathe a sigh of relief. Those less blessed in the smarts department, meanwhile, grew restless and needlessly alert before finally relaxing as the mana barrier fences came into view. They had arrived at the Parralen Valley Outpost. The sentries also spotted them, informing the guards beneath the watchtowers to open the gates. As soon as they entered, they noticed three people who were seemingly waiting for them: a stern man in his early thirties with long green hair tied up in a ponytail, donning a different attire from the two Imperial Army Officers behind him. Hal didn’t recognize the guy, but he had a guess as to who he was. "You’re late, Prospect Platoon." the green-haired man began, "Line up, double time." Naturally, the well-informed Hao recognized the man and immediately carried out his orders, compelling the others, including Hal, to do the same. The guy must be important if the nerd was in such a hurry. Sure enough... "I’m the current Magna of the Wind Element, Zephyron." Zephyron introduced himself, turning to Hal the next moment, who was dressed differently than the others. "You must be Hal Fennec, the recently appointed Magna Prospect of...Chaos, was it?" "Yes, Sir Zephyron," Hal confirmed with a respectful salute that he learned from his subordinate. The Wind Magna scanned him from head to toe, though the man didn’t have any notable reactions. Zephyron merely turned and said, "Follow me." Hal and the others naturally complied, trailing close behind the trio and into a large meeting tent. Arriving inside, Hal looked around. There was nothing but a huge table at the center. The situation quickly changed, however, as one of the Imperial Army officers cast an earth elemental spell, causing small earthen seats to emerge from the dirt ground. "Sit," ordered Zephyron. Hal and the others quickly did. The Wind Magna simply has that stern aura that forces one to immediately act on his instructions, as the air around them would slightly tremble with every word from the man, though none of them noticed. They only felt it subconsciously. "Now, I’m sure that you guys have already been briefed on your missions, so let me keep this concise. The entire platoon’s main goal is to slaughter as many lower-ranked Fell beasts as you can, both in the ambush operation and while waiting for the forming horde to advance in the valley. Hal Fennec, make sure you don’t die, or the losses would apparently be greater than whatever gain we would obtain from succeeding. Platoon members, the prospect’s safety is the top priority. Die for him if needed. Are we clear?" No one was able to respond for a while. On one hand, the platoon members were impressed by how highly the empire regarded their leader. On the other, their blood froze at the cold order: "Die for him." Those were the scariest words they had heard in a long time, making them slightly regret volunteering to be part of the platoon. Unfortunately, Zephyron wasn’t about to give them much time to process it, as the Wind Magna followed up in an even colder tone, forcing them to answer: "Understood?" "Sir, yes sir!"

Chapter 176: Die For Him

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