The night mountain is different from the day. As the sunlight that had warmed the atmosphere disappeared, the temperature dropped sharply, lowering body temperature.
For spacystro soldiers wearing suits with special performance, the drop in temperature isn’t a problem. However, the difficulty in securing visibility remains unchanged.
They have to rely solely on the moonlight floating in the sky, with no trace of light. On days when the moon is obscured by clouds, even the little light available vanishes, making it even harder to secure visibility.
Today was one such day. The temperature dropped, and the moon was hidden behind clouds, creating the worst conditions where nothing could be seen.
One advantage is that the enemy also finds it difficult to identify their allies. For humans, that is.
“Is it still floating there?”
Kluger, who had taken a spot in a corner with the remaining comrades, muttered to himself while looking up at the drone that had been chasing them all day.
They had managed to break through the enemy team, only to suddenly face a drone, resulting in several comrades retiring due to the drone’s attack.
The current number of remaining personnel was half of the starting number. They hadn’t expected nearly half the team to retire in just one day.
Given it was a team competition, they thought they would only need to engage with other teams, which turned out to be a significant miscalculation. They should have anticipated more risks from the moment communication issues arose and supply lines were blocked.
“I guess my senses have dulled a bit.”
After years of competing, Kluger realized his combat instincts had significantly deteriorated. But recalling it now wouldn’t change anything.
He had prepared various strategies and trained accordingly, but he overlooked the fact that A designed the training. He had assumed that after creating an environment where competition could occur, the training would be similar to survival competition.
“What else could A prepare?”
In response to Theo’s question, Kluger shook his head. Given how well they knew each other, it was impossible to predict what they might do.
It was too late to catch up with A’s thinking, which had already predicted their behavior at the design stage. The certainty was that whatever action they took, A would likely foresee most scenarios.
“If everything we’ve done so far was based on the characteristics of our previous trainings…”
“No answer.”
Theo shook his head. They had undergone countless trainings, and none of them had gone without complaints. If the training was designed based on all previous data, some situations could be predictable.
However, it was impossible to predict exactly when, where, or how these situations would arise.
A already had a bird’s-eye view of the training ground from above, and with poor communication, it was impossible to surpass A’s thinking.
“Let’s move.”
There was no conclusion other than moving. At Kluger’s words, the resting comrades stood up.
Was it because it was a night on a mountain? Even slight movements sounded loud, putting everyone on high alert.
“Current time. AM 0427. Report your equipment status.”
“Nothing wrong.”
“Battery level of rifle 37%”
“Suit battery 62%, rifle battery 24%”
“Nothing wrong.”
“Me too.”
While checking his comrades’ status, Kluger pondered the cause of the current situation.
Though they had tried to coordinate during combat, something felt off.
Given the almost real-life scenario, it was crucial to remain calm and assess the situation. In the absence of a team leader, Kluger, who implicitly took on the role, had to consider the team’s dynamics.
“There’s no issue with coordination itself. What’s the problem then?”
Despite having many new teammates, they were all veterans who had experienced numerous situations. So, if the coordination conditions were met, there shouldn’t be any problems. Yet, there still was.
“If we had battle suits, we could have easily broken through.”
“If we use assault suits here, breaking through isn’t the problem; it’s actually about potential casualties…”
Theo paused mid-sentence, realizing the implications of wanting better battle suits over assault suits.
As Theo pointed out, using battle suits would make breaking through effortless. They outperform assault suits in output and functionality, allowing for much more equipment usage.
“Hold on, let’s gather.”
Battle suits maximize individual abilities but create coordination issues due to the large gap in individual capabilities.
They are suitable for solo missions or large-scale battles but are prohibited during Earth invasions. Most newly formed teammates had experience with battle suits.
Kluger, accustomed to coordinating with assault suits through long-term combat, was different from the others who weren’t as familiar.
Theo and some teammates had been on Earth for a while but had only recently experienced their first real combat. While they were trying to maintain coordination through experience, they were still not fully accustomed to it.
“Tell me about your combat specialties.”
Returning Kluger had prioritized coordinating with the team based on 10 years of competitive experience. This was also the case for Team Leader Luche.
But it was unrealistic to force coordination without considering individual traits, especially since the team composition had changed. They were no longer the same old comrades.
This was the reality of Team 3.
Yet, despite knowing the team had changed, they tried to align with the old coordination methods.
Even if spacystro soldiers had the same unit, each individual had unique traits. There was no practice for invasions; every situation was treated as real combat. They created environments where individuals could maximize their abilities in real-time combat.
Listening to his comrades, Kluger slapped his forehead in realization.
“From now on, I’ll change the plan. Forget all the strategies I previously told you.”
Currently, there were nine members left. Four specialized in close-range combat, and five in long-range combat.
Broadly, they could be categorized like this, but each had slight differences in their weapons.
Holding their primary weapons, they varied widely: spears, swords, guns, sniper rifles, plasma cannons, etc.
“How will you handle it, Theo?”
Knowing Theo’s preferred weapon, Kluger asked. Due to supply line blockages, certain weapons were unavailable, and Theo pondered silently.
“Do you have a metal rope?”
“I have one.”
Prepared for constructing temporary fortifications or bunkers, Kluger had a metal rope, and one of his comrades had brought a metal rope from their bag.
“It’s 60 meters long. This should be enough.”
“If you see any issues, speak up.”
“Would speaking solve it? Issues arise during combat. So, what now?”
“We need to deal with that first.”
The biggest hindrance to movement was the drone hovering in the sky. Prioritizing its elimination, they decided to address it first.
Flying drones with rough propeller sounds navigated the dark sky, continuously tracking targets. Although equipped with night vision, finding someone hiding in the woods was challenging. They monitored the dense forest, reacting to minor movements and searching for targets.
Detecting rustling sounds, the drones aimed their barrels at a single point, and something quickly ascended into the sky.
“Pull!”
Theo shouted while holding the metal rope, and his comrades below grabbed and pulled him down.
Chasing the sudden figure, the drone aimed its barrel at the rapidly descending Theo and stopped in mid-air. An incoming plasma blast hit the drone.
The drone chasing Theo aimed at the source of the plasma blast, and Theo, who had descended, suddenly rose back into the air.
“Got it!”
Holding the wire with one hand, the comrades on the ground caught the hovering drone with the wire in their other hand.
Recognizing the fast-moving enemy and those shooting from the ground, the drone attempted to attack both simultaneously but was struck down by multiple plasma blasts.
Using the metal rope, Theo spun mid-air, crushing the captured drone against another.
“Pull!”
At his command, the ground comrades pulled the rope again.
Judging aerial attacks ineffective, the drone’s AI tracked Theo as he descended. As the altitude decreased, armed figures emerged from the forest.
While menacing in the air, the enemies became vulnerable in the narrow forest.
Several drones got stuck in trees upon landing and were destroyed before identifying the enemy. When the remaining drones in the air started moving towards the 3rd team members in the forest, a bright beam from afar hit the drone.
A member of the 3rd team wielding a sniper rifle began eliminating the remaining airborne drones from a distance.
“Move! We need to get there before they do!”
Eliminating the airborne drone instantly, the 3rd team moved under Kluger’s command.
“Check your battery levels immediately. Anyone with spare batteries among those not using plasma cannons, pass them on.”
“Checked!”
While moving, they confirmed their statuses and passed supplies without hesitation.
“Are your arms okay?”
Checking Theo’s condition, who used a non-functional metal rope instead of a functional wire, Kluger asked. Theo, running swiftly through the forest, shook his head.
“They’re not okay. I thought my arm would snap when pulled to the ground.”
“Just endure this time. You won’t die.”
“I can’t die!”
Encountering barriers set up along the way, the 3rd team was fired upon by plasma cannons. A comrade with a sniper rifle aimed at the barriers as soon as they appeared, while nearby comrades used objects for cover.
The pursuing team identified the barrier positions and promptly destroyed them.
Everyone made independent judgments. They assessed the most needed support, observed their comrades’ movements, and recalled the necessary actions for that moment.
If coordination was based on experience, there was no need to forcibly align individual traits. Each maximized their capabilities, and all coordination relied on individual senses.
An all-or-nothing strategy. It wasn’t really a strategy, but it fit the 3rd team perfectly.
“What time is sunrise today?”
“7:20 AM.”
“That’s too late!”
Kluger, appearing behind Theo who held a barrier with a metal rope, struck another barrier with his sword.
Extreme situations delayed their ascent. With no time to spare, the 3rd team chose to continue moving without rest.
They ran quickly, sometimes moving slowly while crouching.
Engaging threats and catching their breath, they encountered challenges and moments of respite.
As something emerged from the bushes, Kluger swung his sword and paused.
Clashing with something that emerged from the woods, he recognized the opponent clearly despite the darkness.
“Senior!”
“Roy? Why are you here?”
Seeing Roy, whom he thought should be at headquarters, Kluger was puzzled.
“Roy! Found you?”
“Yes, I’m here.”
Hearing a familiar voice from behind Roy, Kluger turned around.
Team 3 members, including Luche and Alt, who were supposed to lead from headquarters, were present.
“Team Leader. Shouldn’t you be leading from headquarters? Why are you here?”
“The communication is dead. How can I lead? This training isn’t proceeding as initially instructed.”
“Still, team leaders are supposed to lead from headquarters…”
“A’s trap. This training isn’t following the initial instructions given.”
“What?”
“Think about it. We couldn’t use the basic rules we were told about from the start. The training deviated from the rules announced by the designer. So, we don’t need to follow the initial rules.”
“…Thank goodness.”
In a situation where they couldn’t even catch their breath with fewer people, Kluger felt relieved to meet his allies.
“So, Team Leader. What now?”
“You take charge of commanding.”
“What?”
“I just joined. I came here to provide support after locating your position from headquarters. I don’t know the current situation or the ongoing strategy. From the start, the retrieval team’s leadership was yours, Kluger. That was your role.”
All eyes turned to Kluger, and the sweating Kluger took a deep breath.
“Yes, understood. I’ll brief the plan while we move.”
“Alright.”
As time passed and the sun slowly rose, they continued moving.
They worried they might be late, but thanks to constant movement, they could visually confirm their target point.
“Over there!”
Just as they spotted Team 4 heading towards the high ground, they engaged simultaneously. Luche, wielding her giant scythe, deflected an incoming plasma blast with it, clashing with Siera’s sword.
“I didn’t expect to meet everyone here.”
“Were you uncomfortable with us at headquarters?”
“This time, I didn’t want to lose.”
“Same here!”
Shouting at each other, they rapidly exchanged blows with swords and scythes. Demonstrating their roles, neither side dared to interfere between the two.
“Don’t stand there!”
The objective was to reclaim the high ground. There was no time to waste fighting. Kluger kept moving, keeping Team 4 in check.
Luche and Siera were also engaging in combat while moving. When Luche’s scythe aimed at Siera, she countered and pressed forward.
Siera kicked closer and swung her scythe, dodging Luche’s attack.
Both noticed the change in each other’s gaze before the training. It wasn’t just between them; Esmeralda and Angelique showed the same shift. Though they hadn’t discussed it, they sensed something had happened between others and A.
Regardless of what happened between others and A, they didn’t care. They didn’t feel anxious. But they aimed to achieve results in A’s designed training to enjoy a special moment.
Though personal emotions could influence, it certainly boosted everyone’s motivation.
Each team was nearing the high ground, and Kluger confronted Esmeralda.
“It’s the first time meeting like this, Team Leader.”
“Indeed. Sorry, but we can’t afford to go easy on each other. The biggest risk in my training is you, Kluger.”
Esmeralda extended her massive mechanical arm towards Kluger.
“Are you going to use that?!”
With a seismic vibration, a plasma blast launched from Esmeralda’s mechanical arm. In the bright morning, a blinding flash surpassed the sunlight, and Angelique blocked it with her large sword taller than herself.
“Esmeralda, being so serious again after so long?”
“Did you think I’d be serious too?”
“Of course.”
Angelique’s usual gentle demeanor vanished, replaced by a serious expression. Seeing this, Esmeralda broke into a nervous smile, though it wasn’t a comfortable situation.
Individually, Angelique was the most notable person in the training. She had always been the focus.
When team leaders started engaging in combat, something flew overhead. Everyone’s attention shifted, and Kluger widened his eyes seeing the object.
“Theo?!”
“Stop spacing out!”
Using the recoil from the metal rope, Theo flew towards Kluger and threw the rope at him with his other hand.
Without prior planning, Kluger predicted Theo’s intention and caught the rope.
“Fail, and I’ll kill you!”
Spinning in mid-air, Theo aimed Kluger towards the target point.
As Kluger flew, a massive beam swept over Theo.
“Ah!”
Theo fell to the ground as his suit’s battery drained, and Esmeralda clicked her tongue.
“Tsk. Missed.”
Esmeralda shot another plasma blast from the ground, chasing Theo. Landing, he continued running towards the high ground, with team leaders and all team members moving towards it.
“Kluger! Stop!”
Siera, launching numerous swords in the air, sent one flying towards Kluger. Faster than Kluger’s running speed, the sword chased him.
“Will I stop just because you tell me to?”
Standing in front of a small tower at the target point, Kluger pulled out a USB to insert into the tower’s computer. The incoming sword collided with Kluger, causing a shockwave.
“Ah!”
Pushed back by the shockwave, Kluger’s suit’s battery drained, signaling the end of the training.
“AM 0754. AM 0754. We will conclude the high ground retrieval training from this time. I repeat, we will conclude the high ground retrieval training from this time.”
Hearing A’s familiar voice from the speakers, everyone realized the training was over. Some sat down, exhausted.
Sighing in relief, Kluger checked the USB plugged into the tower’s small port.
“It’s over.”
Luche extended her hand to help the exhausted Kluger stand up.
“You worked hard.”
“Yes. Thank you. Can we discuss the briefing later?”
“Sure. Let’s rest once we return.”
Previously, they had pushed each other to collapse during the training. Now, they checked each other’s conditions, asking about injuries. Reflecting on the entire training area, Kluger sighed, feeling both relief and concern.
After the training, everyone returned to the dorms.
Post-training meetings would be held after returning to Seoul headquarters, and they agreed to take sufficient rest.
Watching his comrades’ movements on the monitor, he initially felt exhilarated knowing everyone participated in his designed training. Later, he grew tense watching how the training progressed.
The monitor only displayed dots for their movements, and conversations or specific actions were unknown, but tension was clearly conveyed.
Having designed a demanding training, he felt a sense of accomplishment at its completion and hoped his comrades could rest.
To relax his own tense body from the night-long training, he went to the hot spring in the basement of the dormitory.
“Tired.”
“Hey, you jerk!”
Before entering the hot spring, muttering to himself, he was suddenly cursed from behind and thrown into the hot spring.
“Haha! Who are you?!”
Turning his head to look at the submerged face, he saw Kluger, Theo, and the rest of Team 3, whose eyes met his.
