'Flames.. blood.. smokes.. screams.. tears... smile..'
'Smile..?'
'Who's smiling in a battlefield..?'
In Theo's thoughts, the entire fight is playing back like a tape. Recalling everything that occurred is a nightmare. As he recalls everything, he is perspiring profusely.
...
After a while, he was able to open his eyes and awaken from the terrible nightmare that had been plaguing him. When he discovers he is now in a Northern Military medical tent, his eyes widen and then narrow again.
He attempted to peek at the illumination from a candle next to him, but the general of the North was there instead. General Robert, with emerald eyes and sleek black hair. Theo recognised the man's features right away.
With a stern expression on his face, he sits up as though he is wary of the general.
Theo's action makes General Robert laugh. Theo questions what makes this circumstance humorous.
"Private Theo Smith, correct? Don't worry. With the exception of a friend of mine who is currently your doctor, I have personally asked the medical staff not to enter this tent."
A tiny smile appears on his face. Theo's look indicates that he is still being cautious.
The general grinned once again. 'My... what a fierce guy. Reminds me of someone.'
"You are... General Robert from the Northern Regiment." Theo speaks with a strong tone, but he is gradually becoming more relaxed. Unit 109 was ordered to deploy on a rescue operation in Area 63 by the general. Their goal was to locate the remaining survivors and return to the military zone.
The informant assured them that since the last group had already cleansed the area, it was clean and free of machines. Unit 109 entered their deathbed without alert because they were merely carrying out orders.
The instant those machines came, Theo realised that the operation was a trap set by the higher-ups. He will no longer blindly follow the general. Who knows what could occur? The general may then attempt to kill him by trapping him.
General Robert is already aware of Theo's thoughts. Naturally, it will be difficult to trust the person in charge, the person who led the entire unit to its demise. Nevertheless, he requires Theo's trust.
"Private Theo Smith. Since I was the one who gave the order for Unit 109, I understand that it will be difficult for people to trust me after what happened to them, but I do need you to keep low for the time being. If you want to exact revenge on me, do so after you have successfully left the Northern Area." The general gives a small grin.
Theo appears to be more irate than before, and his eyes narrow. He repressed his want to use a knife to cut the general's throat in order to avoid making a bigger commotion.
"Why do you think I would want to take revenge on you?" Theo is curious as to why the general made such a snap decision; perhaps it was due to his aggressive tone. However, is the general truly prepared to die in that manner? Nobody is certain.
"Well, who wouldn't have thought so with your ferocious face?" He grinned once more. Theo feels uneasy about it. Does learning that instantly make him joyful or something? He appears to have yearned for death in any case.
"That aside. Private Theo, I'll tell you everything about what has been going on outside for as long as you were unconscious, but you need to take my deal first." When Theo hears that, his eyes narrow. He is still unwilling to interact with the general in any way.
"I'll protect you, and I will grant you everything you want." First, the general discusses Theo's benefits. Theo felt that the general would gain more from this arrangement than he would, but he does need security because here is the Northern Area and everything is different from the Southern Area.
"In exchange, you will follow my command for as long as you're in the Northern Area." The general uses a firm tone when speaking.
Theo is aware that something was off, and this is it.