"That's good, then it's not a major problem. Messenger, inform every squad leader. Organize another round of shooting—five consecutive shots again!"
Hodge's orders were quickly carried out. Once the soldiers were ready, they stopped again and fired five consecutive rounds. They were in slightly worse shape this time, and their aim was poorer than before, but after observing, Ash told Hodge that they had successfully halted the white bones' momentum once more.
The tightly furrowed lines between Hodge's brows finally eased.
As long as bullets worked, it wasn't a big problem. What the Expeditionary Force feared were problems that bullets couldn't solve. The things behind them wouldn't pose much of a threat.
But Ash's next words made Hodge feel as if he had fallen into an ice cellar.
"They've caught up again."
"What?!"
Hodge froze, disbelief clear in his voice. "Weren't there only a few of those white bones?"
"There weren't many."
"Then how did they catch up again? And they're getting faster. After the first round of shooting, they stayed quiet for half a day. Why have they caught up so quickly this time?"
"I don't know. This batch of white bones doesn't seem injured. Perhaps they were farther back before."
Hodge fell silent for a moment before gritting his teeth. "Keep firing! We still have plenty of ammunition. Another round, then. Messenger! Relay my orders—"
This round of shooting was just as effective, but all ease had vanished from Hodge's face. He continued onward in silence, and when Ash's voice sounded again, his entire body trembled.
"The white bones have caught up again."
Hodge asked, "How many?"
"Not many. Still the same ones."
Hodge took a deep breath and looked at Ash. "Lady Ash, could I ask you to fall back a little and help me see exactly