CH-30: CROAK.

The seven experienced Evloutionaries quickly reached the defence line in a few minutes with incredible speed. Seeing the Aberrations giving the Corporals and soldiers, they sprang into action. With slight punches, the Aberrations that were cornering the Corporals exploded into a mush, smudging the poor soldiers in their flesh and blood. They would have to bathe all night to get the smell off of them. But they didn't complain, what was smelling a little when they could've lost their limbs or life? Sweeping the battlefield, the seven made their way into the command tents. They would learn about the situation at other defence lines and move accordingly. As they reached the backline, they were greeted with salutes. Not unfamiliar with such sights, they nodded slightly and continued their advance. Lieutenant Vilue exited the tent, saluted them just like the rest, and welcomed them in. 

"We have received information from other defence lines that they have dealt with their end of waves."

"I smell a 'but' is coming." Captain Henry quickly noticed the oddness in her tone.

"But, the problem is we have an Aberration of Blue Grade on our end that we couldn't locate due to technical issues."

"Technical issues?" Zane and the rest of the elite team were shocked. In an Evolutionary Camp of this degree, there shouldn't be any massive problems to cause such a blunder. 

"Tell me what happened." Captain Henry pressed her to continue. First Lieutenant Vilue started from the beginning to explain.

"First, we have noticed irregularities in the behaviour of the Abominations, and even in Aberrations. The conclusion we came to was a psychic Rank 4 Aberration was controlling the Abominations, sending them to their deaths while making them wreak havoc to weaken the defence line. I received permission to conduct a more sensitive Ether Scan and to mobilise the Etherrail Cannon upon the Aberration. As we were collecting the data, we suddenly lost the Ether signals of the entire sector, including the Aberration's. The strange part is, other sectors did not have such issues and the Ether readings were of the norm."

"Hmm." While he was dived into thoughts, Captain Henry brought out a bead from his spatial storage, which was still shining brightly.

"Damn it! It must've absorbed the Ether of the Gate."

The First Lieutenant Vilue Dyne stared at the shining bead with an incredulous look, was it a natural treasure? They had managed to salvage a natural treasure from the Gate in such a short amount of time? Her respect for the Captain reached new heights. Meanwhile, the person in question was oblivious to her admiration.

"I guess you guys will be staying here for longer than we thought." He said to the Elite Savants. "I will talk about it with the General." Then he turned to the First lieutenant. "Let's move the injured into the camp, with the Gate closed, Abominations should disperse. The Aberration's location is unknown, so we will be going into isolation, no one is allowed to get out after getting in, without a 4th Rank Evolutionary in charge. Execute Code-51 and request backup."

"Yes sir!"

—

Sean and the others were back at the tents, now they were picking up the tents to move back. Sean had told them about the Abominations' behaviour, and the group had been restless ever since. They had already encountered one psychic Abomination before, and now there was an even stronger one that popped up. They really had terrible luck. Fortunately or rather, unfortunately, they would be going to the Arctic front in two months, so they wouldn't have to face another one. Of course, the military would take care of it, since they also knew the severity of the problem. They were anything but incompetent. The only thing they had to focus on was getting their six strings ready for the Engraving. The faster they were done with it, the faster they would get stronger. They were looking up to see what kind of abilities they would get from their evolutions. 

Distracting themselves from dangers outside with their tasks, the group quickly tidied up the tents and the medical supplies. They also helped to load the injured to the carrier vehicles, before the trainees were called to the where battle against the Abomination horde happened.

"Watch closely, this is how you extract the cores of a high-rank Abomination." One of the Sergeants instructed the trainees. He cut down the head of the Abomination before he continued his instruction. "Always cut the heads, and stab the heart. Even if the heart isn't beating. The Abominations of higher ranks are more cunning, they can play dead to drop your guards. Then, after confirming it's dead, you skin it." He quickly skinned the Abomination and raised a pristine pelt above his head. Look at the vein marks here, it will show you the location of the cores. Now, get your equipment and loot the corpses. You don't have to worry, we have already done a double-check."

The trainees reluctantly picked up the equipment, wasn't this too dangerous? You just said they could play dead!

The Sergeant knew their worries and recognised them. As they were not thoughtless, they had 3rd Rank Corporals to oversee the trainees. No matter how many times they make sure an Abomination is dead, there is no telling it wouldn't just spring into life and wreak havoc. The trainees collected cores and other valuables from the corpses of the Abominations. When they were near finishing they heard a trainee's scream.

"Kya!"

The corporals quickly moved and brandished their weapons only to sheath them again. Sean rubbed his eyes at this. He could've sworn that the girl's blue eyes shone violet for a moment. He quickly forgot this thought as he continued with the Abomination corpse in front of him.

"Look at this toad it's too cute! Sir, may I take it as a pet?"

"What is a- oh my of course. We don't ban pets in the camp. I will report it to the higher-ups, you don't have to worry."

{CROAAK.}