Squad Members

If I were to encapsulate my squad in a single word, I'd dub them as "weird." Within this room, it's evident that each of the seven individuals possesses their own distinctive traits and idiosyncrasies.

At the far end of this rectangle table, Ariana found herself enveloped by an array of fans and blowers, each varying in size, collectively dispersing refreshing currents throughout her surroundings.

Consequently, three individuals took up positions along each side of the lengthy table, with me seated on the side opposite Ariana.

Evidently, once my name was announced to join forces with the vice commander of this swamp, envious glances were directed my way. Some found it amusing, while the majority suspected that I had orchestrated something behind the scenes.

Honestly, even I found it perplexing why I was recruited by her.

Even so, do I look like a person who does shady things?

"Newbie, introduce yourself. Say whatever you want."

Gently pulling the chair back from the table, I rose from my seat in the same spot and assented.

"Erm, good morning, seniors. My name's Gin Vence. You can call me Gin, for short. Well, I'm not going to sugarcoat everything, so I'll keep it simple."

Nodding my head slightly in a gesture of respect towards the seniors, I proceeded, "I hope we can enjoy our time together. If you have the time, I would love to learn more about each of you and the expertise you bring to the group."

Ariana, wearing a gentle smile, rose from her seat and nodded, seemingly acknowledging and welcoming my inclusion into her squad. The other eccentric individuals, like her, appeared to have no qualms or objections regarding my presence in this space.

'They might be weirdos but they are at least nice.'

That somehow reassured me.

"Now then, enough useless chit-chat."

In the end, I despise engaging in this activity. It's the very reason I prefer maintaining simplicity in everything.

"Gin, you will get the opportunity to know everyone else in the near future but not now."Ariana surveyed everyone around the table before clearing her throat gently.

"We're facing an urgent crisis. I'm certain I'm not the only one who observed the unusual movements of the soldiers earlier," she remarked.

Finally…

"A sudden power outrage happened and a few Horrors were spotted scattered around the place." 

Ariana seized a sheet of paper from her table and handed it around for everyone to examine.

"As you can see," she began, "the guard we have in the prison reported that there's no breach from the facility. Therefore, it's implausible that the creatures spotted were the Horrors we've captured."

She took a moment to catch her breath, a glint of indifference crossing her expression.

"As of now, each squad leader is responsible for briefing their members on this situation. I've discussed the matter with Oliver, and we've outlined the initial steps for how we'll proceed from here," she declared.

Looks like I won't be able to rest on my first day.

"The entire battalion has been assigned the duty of inspecting the first base for any signs of seepage!"

…

The task may sound straightforward when spoken, but it's as challenging as it can be. Essentially, it involves inspecting every corner of the location, both inside and outside the walls of the first base.

And that's precisely what we're engaged in at this very moment.

"Newbie. Place an x mark in this ground and place the torch there after lighting it up."

The one who issued the order was Mandy Forth, the vice squad leader under Ariana. He's a dependable and unassuming individual, a man of few words. His most distinctive feature is his disheveled hair, which stands out with its green, wavy resemblance to seaweed.

Following his directive, which defined my role in this mission, I returned with the group and resumed our patrol.

"Usually, Horrors tend to move by themselves. They are strong on their own and it's rare for them to be in a group. In the history books, there's no classification nor are there any official ranks used. Do you know why it is, newbie?"

The individual next to me, a rather talkative soul who initiated a conversation seemingly out of thin air, is Adrian Napole.

Sporting a mischievous smile with his two eyes closed, he posed a question that was completely out of the blue.

Looking at him for a moment, I answered, "It's because no one really knew what they are made of or how they function. Some Horrors may be large but lack strength compared to others. Some might be small yet very strong. In a sense, humanity can't figure out the strengths of these creatures because of these qualities."

"Ding! For that, I give you perfect points!" Adrian chuckled, "Taking that into the matter, it's only natural to consider every Horror you meet as a strong one. But even so! We're able to give names of some monsters and it's only because of…"

"It's because certain monsters that have been eliminated share subtle resemblances with others."

Adrian nodded, "Correct again! You can say the Horrors can evolve in some way, becoming more horrendous as each time passes. Sometimes, they took the form of an animal we used to know. Even fictional creatures that we often see in the books are there."

'like the theory of evolution from Charles Darwin… I read that at the academy…'

Reflecting on my own thoughts, recalling the times when I felt confident back at the academy, I voiced, "Are you trying to warn me about them, sir Adrian."

"Obviously." He scoffed, "You seemed unlikely to sacrifice for others, so let me advise you. If you come across a Horror, trust your instincts and flee if they signal danger. If you happen upon a group of Horrors, well, you are fortunate if you came back while losing only a limb."

"Stop scaring the newbie on his first day, Adrian."

A woman with a robust physique, donning a mask that concealed the lower part of her face, issued a caution with a disdainful expression. Initially appearing kind, her peculiar behaviors tend to unsettle some individuals.

"If you're going to scare him, make it real! Lose a limb? Wish that you came back alive without losing anything else! Well, would it be possible for you to be alive if your body is the only thing left?"

Her name is Freda Targa

She proceeded to touch me as though I didn't mind, when, in fact, I strongly objected!

"Say, are you available tomorrow?"

No, no, Gin… Resist. You have to resist… Striking a senior on your first day would become a source of mockery. I don't even have a good reputation to begin with, so relax…

Despite her intrusive touches, I didn't hate it a bit. No, wait! That's incorrect. I utterly despise it. This is a form of sexual harassment!

"…"

Even though Freda had weird antics… she's very a busty lady— just what am I thinking?

"You can stop your charm now, Freda."

"Awww…"

'Wait, charm?'

Almost instantly, the foggy sensation enveloping me abruptly ceased, and my clarity of thought returned. The emotion that had been swelling inside me vanished, and I noticed that Freda adjusted her mask slightly, as if restoring it to its normal position.

Casting a glance at Freda, who avoided my gaze, the individual who had cautioned her earlier continued with a small sigh.

"She's always like that,"

Oddly scratching his two pointed ears, the old man coughed lightly while expressing strong emotions of indifference. "If she tries it again, give her a good punch in the gut. Aim for the guts. Use some serious force!"

His name is Ned Alfonso.

"I punched Freda when she did that to me!"

"Me too!"

A man and a woman quickly stood beside Ned, their faces contorted in anger as they glared at Freda, their fists clenched. Nevertheless, Freda remained unfazed, prepared to remove her mask if they dared to take any inappropriate actions.

Their names are Alice and Alex.

Despite being much older than me, they exhibit a child-like attitude. Their diminutive stature makes them appear like teenagers. These two individuals are the twins of our squad.

...and they were adamant about not wanting people to discriminate against them because of their height.

"Hey, newbie, stay focused on the task." Ariana, positioned in front of us, stated firmly with a serious expression while wielding a miniature fan. "Ignore them and concentrate on listening to Mandy."

Comprising a group of eight individuals, myself included, this is Ariana's squad. Despite their eccentricities, they seem to be dependable when the situation demands it.

"Yes, ma'am!"

"Oy newbie! Here, do the same thing earlier!" 

Grumpily pointing in one direction, Mandy issued his instructions, and I promptly followed his lead.

For the next few hours, the patrol continued as planned. There were no signs of irregularities, and 'signals' weren't made either. 

After a while, the lookout on each section, subsection, and sector was deemed successful, as the entire area became illuminated by the temporary torches. Following instructions, the first base, both within and outside the walls, had been thoroughly inspected.

Morning arrived, and the outcomes of the patrol were reported.

No Horrors were spotted within the area, and neither the walls inside nor outside the base were damaged. There were zero casualties reported.