"I had already reviewed all of your service records. They were all quite impressive, so I have great faith in your abilities. The reason I called you here this time was simply to speak with you in advance and prepare for the upcoming mission. As for this support mission to Fauken Bay, do any of you have any thoughts?" John paused slightly before adding,
"You may all speak freely. This is merely a private chat and will not be recorded or included in any formal military strategy meeting, so there is no need to be so nervous."
"Phew!"
Watching everyone let out a long breath because of his words, John felt an inexplicable sense of foreboding.
Still, he forced himself to turn toward Barnabos on his left and said in a deep voice,
"Captain Barnabos, as the only captain among the company commanders, why don't you share your thoughts first?"
"Reporting to the battalion commander, I personally believe this will be an extremely difficult support mission."
Having been called on, Barnabos did not shy away. He immediately stood and voiced his opinion.
"To be honest, when I learned that the legion had transferred me into the 1st Battalion and that I would be heading to support Fauken Bay, my first thought was that I ought to buy myself a coffin in advance."
"After all, anyone in the Empire could ask a child playing by the roadside about the deadlock on the Fauken Bay front, and they would know all about it."
"Moreover, beneath the cover of Fauken Bay's dense rainforest, it is difficult for Mage Soldiers' Explosive Magic to accurately strike enemy positions. Jungle warfare is also what we are worst at."
"So, to be honest with you, when I first heard we were being sent to provide support, I