The Squad Returns

Ang stopped meditating. He felt that continuing would bring no further gains, and besides, his stomach had started growling. He rose to his feet, left the tent, and headed for the camp's mess area.

He had some jerky and bread, then drank a bowl of hot soup. After eating, Ang felt refreshed, so he decided to wander around the camp and relax.

Walking between the tents, Ang enjoyed the breeze against his face, feeling at ease. Just then, he saw his old friend Jack approaching. Jack was well informed about everything happening in camp and always got wind of developments first.

"Ang!" Jack waved in greeting, a mysterious smile on his face.

Ang walked over. "Jack, anything new?"

Jack nodded and lowered his voice. "During the day, the Logistics Regiment commander sent people into the forest. It looked like they were searching for Magoli, Kukaru, and the Lucas Squadron, who went missing while carrying out their previous mission."

Ang nodded, his brows drawing together slightly. "They've been missing for several days already. Have they found them? Especially since everyone from our squad went with them."

Jack shook his head. "Not yet. I heard they went to investigate the clues. Also, the Logistics Regiment seems to have received some important mission orders. Today, I saw someone ride into camp on horseback and head straight for the commander's tent. He stayed inside for a while, then hurried off again."

Ang thought for a moment. "Looks like things are more complicated than we imagined. Did you recognize the rider?"

Jack shook his head. "Never seen him before. He looked like a messenger, and his horse was no ordinary mount. Its legs were covered in scales. It probably had magical beast bloodline. The messenger must have brought important news. No one unimportant would be riding a horse like that."

Ang pondered in silence. This string of events was clearly no simple matter. As a member of the Logistics Regiment, he knew he had to be ready at all times for sudden missions and unexpected situations.

"Jack, do you have any other news?" Ang asked, hoping to learn more.

Jack spread his hands. "That's all for now. If I hear anything new, I'll tell you right away."

Ang nodded his thanks. The two chatted about a few trivial matters before going their separate ways. Ang continued strolling through the camp, thinking about what Jack had told him. He knew the missing comrades might be in danger, and the Logistics Regiment's movements suggested that a larger mission might be brewing within the Duchy.

The Logistics Regiment was responsible for clearing the way in advance and cleaning up the battlefield. Though they would not be the first to fight demons, they could easily encounter demon scouts while opening routes.

After making a round of the camp, Ang returned to his tent. He decided to check his equipment again and remain ready for orders at any time.

Night fell, and the camp gradually quieted down. Ang lay on his cot, thinking about the day's events and silently praying that his missing comrades would return safely. He knew tomorrow would bring another day full of uncertainty, and he had to prepare himself for every challenge ahead.

The next day, just as dawn was breaking, a burst of urgent hoofbeats tore through the quiet and woke the entire camp. It seemed the messenger's arrival yesterday had indeed foretold something important. The camp erupted into commotion as soldiers quickly donned their gear and emerged from their tents to see what was happening.

Someone shouted, "The people who went out on the mission are back!" The cry drew everyone's attention, and they all turned toward the camp entrance.

Ang stepped out of his tent as well, his gaze falling on the warriors surrounded by the crowd. Every face was filled with exhaustion and grief. The people around them gradually fell silent, and the atmosphere grew heavy.

Queby, commander of the Logistics Regiment, stood nearby with a deep frown, watching Brigade Leader Grunak return with three squadrons. He waved everyone else away and allowed only Grunak and the three squadron commanders into his tent, intending to learn the details.

Ang watched the returning warriors. Their faces carried traces of painful memories, as though they had endured a terrible disaster. Unease stirred within him, but he knew there was nothing he could do now except wait for orders from above. Only when the entire Logistics Regiment moved as one would they have any security.

Inside Queby's tent were only Commander Queby, Brigade Leader Grunak, the three squadron commanders Magoli, Kukaru, and Lucas, along with Quartermaster Erig. Outside stood only the soldiers on guard. They were all the commander's personal guards, and no one made a sound.

Queby spoke first, his voice low and imposing. "Grunak, what happened? What happened to you?"

Grunak's expression was grave as he spoke slowly. "Deep in the forest, we discovered some strange tracks. They looked like they had been left by demons, and they seemed to carry some unknown aura. We followed them and eventually encountered a Foul Spirit Scout squad. These demon scouts were stronger than any we had encountered before. We fought while retreating, and many of our brothers..."

At that point, Grunak's voice choked. The other three squadron commanders lowered their heads as well, their eyes filled with pain.

"We did everything we could, but we couldn't hold them back. Many of our people couldn't withstand the demons' attacks," Kukaru continued. "The losses were simply too great. The enemy was powerful and vicious. We were no match for them."

"The demons were being cautious too. If they hadn't worried that we were leading them into an ambush, the rest of us probably wouldn't have made it back either," Lucas added.

Queby clenched his fists tightly, visibly furious, but he knew this was not the time for anger. He needed to analyze the situation calmly and find a solution.

He turned to Erig. "Erig, you also know about the orders we received yesterday. We'll be heading into the forest again soon."

Erig quickly gathered his thoughts and replied, "Commander, we need to replenish our supplies and weapons immediately. At the same time, we need to send out scouting squads to determine the enemy's exact situation and location as soon as possible."

Queby nodded. "Good. Everyone rest first and recover your strength. Next, we must make thorough preparations for the coming battle."

The atmosphere inside the tent grew even heavier. Everyone knew this crisis was far from over. Standing outside his own tent, Ang silently watched the camp. He understood that every step from here on would be crucial, and he too had to prepare for the battles ahead.

Captain Lika spotted Ang outside the tent and immediately rushed over, pulling him into a tight embrace. His voice choked slightly. "I really never thought you were still alive!"

A flood of memories instantly surfaced in Ang's mind, all from the time he had followed Captain Lika. Lika was the veteran who had guided him ever since he joined the Logistics Regiment during his military service. Ang had heard that Lika had once been part of the Duchy's Main Force, though for some unknown reason he had been transferred to the Logistics Regiment. Even so, he had remained an important figure there, a captain respected by all.

Ang hugged Lika tightly, feeling the sincerity in him. His heart warmed as well. "Captain, it's great that you're back. I was really worried about all of you."

At Ang's words, Lika's eyes darkened, and his tone grew heavy. "Ang, not everyone from the squad came back. Only Enbei and I returned. Fanshi, Nar, Kanglu, and Ben were all killed by demons."

Ang's body jolted at those words. Familiar faces immediately flashed through his mind, especially Kanglu, the thin man who had always looked after him. Every name carried a memory carved deep into his heart. Those comrades who had once fought beside him would never return to his side again.

Ang's eyes brimmed with tears, and his emotions slipped out of control. He choked out, "Captain, I never thought... they would just..."

Lika patted Ang's shoulder, his eyes equally full of sorrow and helplessness. "None of us expected to encounter monsters like that. They were too strong... But we can't stop. We have to keep fighting, for their sacrifice."

Ang nodded, doing his best to calm himself. He knew this was not the time to drown in grief. The fighting would continue, and he had to become stronger—strong enough to protect himself and avenge the comrades he had lost.

The two fell silent for a while before Lika continued, "Ang, the days ahead may become even harder, but I believe in you. You're an excellent soldier. You'll make it through."

Ang looked steadily at Lika and nodded firmly. "Captain, I won't let their sacrifice be in vain. We'll find those demons and give them the punishment they deserve."

Lika showed a weary but resolute smile. "Good. Then let's work hard together."

The two embraced tightly once more. At that moment, all their sorrow and pain seemed to turn into strength and determination. They knew the battles ahead would be even fiercer, but they also believed that as long as they stood united, they could overcome any hardship.

Ang raised his head and looked out over the camp, fresh hope and fighting spirit igniting within him. He resolved to use his own strength to protect this land and every comrade by his side, and to seek justice for those who had died.