Squad Debrief

The debriefing room was quiet as Jun stood before his team. The holographic display replayed key moments from the battle, highlighting areas of strength and weakness. Jun’s voice was steady but firm as he addressed his squad.

“We did well out there,” he began, pacing slowly. “But we also made mistakes. Kenta, your reaction time was too slow during the flanking maneuver. Mei, your explosive placement left our rear vulnerable. These aren’t criticisms; they’re lessons. Learn from them.”

Kenta and Mei nodded, their expressions solemn but resolute. The rest of the squad remained silent, absorbing Jun’s words.

“That said,” Jun continued, his tone softening, “you all showed incredible courage. We held the line, and we’re still standing. That’s what matters. Now, let’s make sure we’re even stronger next time.”

The squad broke into quiet discussions as they reviewed the footage, sharing insights and strategies. Jun watched them with a sense of pride. They were growing, just as he had under Captain Ren’s guidance.

Training with the First Division

A few days later, Squad 14 was summoned to the Eastern Division’s central training grounds. The sprawling facility was a hive of activity, with soldiers from various squads honing their skills. Jun’s squad joined the drills, pushing themselves to the limit under the watchful eyes of senior officers.

Captain Ren approached as Jun’s squad completed a grueling obstacle course.

“Yoshida,” Ren called, his voice carrying over the din. “Walk with me.”

Jun fell in step beside the captain, his posture straight and attentive. Ren glanced at him, his expression unreadable.

“Your squad has potential,” Ren said. “But potential means nothing without discipline and growth. Do you understand?”

“Yes, sir,” Jun replied. “I’ll make sure they’re ready.”

Ren stopped, turning to face Jun. “It’s not just about them. Leadership is a two-way street. You need to trust them as much as they trust you. Show them that you’re willing to learn and improve alongside them.”

Jun nodded, the captain’s words sinking in. “I won’t let you down, sir.”

Ren’s lips curved into a faint smile. “Good. Now, let’s see if your squad can handle the Gauntlet.”

The Gauntlet Challenge

The Gauntlet was a brutal training exercise designed to test a squad’s teamwork and endurance. It consisted of a series of increasingly difficult scenarios, ranging from simulated Harbinger attacks to complex tactical puzzles.

Squad 14 entered the first phase with determination. The simulation chamber transformed into a ruined cityscape, complete with collapsing buildings and hostile drones. Jun took command, issuing orders with precision.

“Kenta, Mei, take the left flank! Akari, cover our rear! Hiro, with me!”

The squad moved as one, their training evident in their seamless coordination. They cleared the first phase with minimal setbacks, but the challenges grew more intense with each level.

By the final phase, exhaustion was evident on everyone’s faces. The simulation pitted them against a towering Harbinger replica, its arms morphing into spiked hammers. Jun’s mind raced as he formulated a plan.

“Mei, set charges at its feet! Kenta, distract it from the right! Akari, Hiro, provide cover fire!”

As the squad executed the plan, Jun darted forward, his blade drawn. The Harbinger’s movements were slower than the real thing, but it was still a formidable opponent. Jun’s strikes aimed for its joints, buying time for Mei to detonate the charges.

The explosion brought the replica down, and the simulation ended with a triumphant chime. Squad 14 collapsed to the ground, their breaths ragged but their spirits high.

A Moment of Reflection

That evening, Jun sat alone in the barracks, staring at the dog tags in his hand. Each tag bore the name of a fallen comrade from previous missions, a reminder of the cost of their fight.

Kenta approached, his usual nervous energy replaced by quiet confidence. “Hey, Jun. You okay?”

Jun glanced up, a small smile breaking through his somber expression. “Yeah, just thinking. Today was a good day.”

Kenta nodded, sitting beside him. “You’re a good leader, you know. We trust you.”

The words caught Jun off guard, but he nodded. “Thanks, Kenta. That means a lot.”

As the rest of the squad joined them, laughter and camaraderie filled the room. For the first time in a long while, Jun allowed himself to relax. The fight was far from over, but they were ready for whatever came next.