Chapter 4 - Stealth Operative, “The 7 Elites”
Creating a “Stealth Operator” was the first of Krist’s elite soldiers he devised much later in the past life. However, Krist was not going to waste time and was trying to accomplish as many goals as possible before the impending wars that would take place in the near future. Therefore, Krist had begun to take the entire Reserves of the 7th Infantry completely on the grasp of his hands by creating the first team composed of Special Forces.
Marching. Marching. Marching. Marching.
Soldiers wearing the national colors of black and gold were trekking the earthy, flat ground. Other Sergeants were made aware of the mission. They could not hide their competitive nature as most of the Reserves respected the Captain. This time, there was no such thing as an ‘ordinary’ soldier in the Reserves. All of them were competent in their regard.
The Strike Team is composed of 7 members consisting of Krist as the leader, Loutch the Ranger (Vision/Scout), Saix as the muscle, Reddas the dexterous and experienced fighter, Laciel the talented Assassin, David Cross and Jarvis Mondair as the junior and senior colleagues.
“This is exhilarating,” Sergeant Cross remarked.
“I had expected this from the beginning,” Sergeant Mondair rang along.
“Loutch, you can see them all, right?” Krist wanted his friend to give an analysis of the total situation of the entire landmark.
“Enemy Sentries… 8 of them placed in strategic positions,” Loutch was confident in his reply.
“You can see that far?” David and Jarvis were surprised.
“So it’s true. You really do have eyes like a hawk,” Jarvis attested to the rumor about Loutch being able to see from afar as true.
“You already assessed their main forces and trying to figure out a weakness, is that right?” Krist perceived the intentions of his friend and was going to guide the next steps.
Listen Up! Invoking a voiceless technique taught exclusively by Lord Kenesis, Krist made no noise as he gave sensitive information to his comrades. We have to move and make a detour so that we can attack the enemy from behind. Make sure to not let anyone run away.
The order was given and the Reserves of the 7th Infantry moved stealthily. Everyone, even the weakest link was on the level of an expert in the Art of Stealth. Moving with as little noise as possible was the key to success with the whole mission.
More than that, even with the Art of Stealth playing as a great card for the Reserves, the chemistry between these soldiers was what was hiding from the rest of their eyes as that was the true, defining reason why they were going to be successful under the leadership of The Disciple, Krist Ceringer.
They moved about swiftly as their early training with Captain Nickson was nothing short but elite, puking-inducing, and near at the edge of passing out, the soldiers were quite fit to serve in the military. This played a role in this operation today.
Getting the jump on the Carceronians, each member of the Special Forces was equipped with a shortbow excluding Loutch who favored the longbow and launched a barrage of arrows, each landing on the forehead of enemy soldiers.
In total, every Sentry, who are the “eyes” of the soldiers guarding the delivery routes was killed with the barrage of arrows. Following suit, the Special Forces wasted no time and went straight to business, unsheathing their weapon for assassination.
Reddas, having a dexterous body and experience fighting from a young age, was the first to take the initiative of the surprise attack by slicing two heads off. Up next was Sergeant Mondair, a specialist with a greatsword that paints this person as a “depth” of character to be able to operate with such a big and cumbersome weapon during a stealth mission. However, it mattered very little to the Sergeant, he was already experienced when Krist had been enlisted in the Lukedonian Army. Jarvis stealthily pierced a soldier with the standard greatsword made from iron (flawless). And in so forth, Reddas and Jarvis Mondair made easy work of the elite enemy soldiers of Carceron.
Krist, Saix, and Laciel acted as baits while the other members could get the jump on them from behind, a “Smoke-and-Mirror” to induce a mayhem of illusion and panic towards the enemy's psyche.
“Retreat! Fall back!” Although being at the level of the elite themselves, Lukedonia had shown some peculiar players in the dark.
“When a rat gets cornered…” Krist was expecting such behavior from the enemy as his words that darted off to a bigger picture were shown through action.
With all the running and mayhem, David Cross cut the path of retreat, “You, Carceron, are done for.”
As time dwindled to no less than an hour, a single enemy remained.
Loutch. The confident and silent order had been commanded by Krist.
Long before Krist was expected to give such a wise and smart command, Loutch was awaiting such orders when his eyes had overlooked the entire battlefield the whole time.
Thwack!
One second had gone by after the quiet order had been given and the Carceronian Elite Soldier had been shot through the skull.
***
Sergeant Krist had sent Laciel as a messenger to give an order to the main Reserves being led by Captain Nickson. In the meantime, Krist and the rest disguised themselves as the Carceronian guards that they had assassinated before the sequence of events.
“At last! The supply carriages have arrived!” A guard shouted the news as the carriages were flocking to another secret encampment.
“Hooh,” Krist removed his helmet.
“It’s been some time since the last robbery. Is the escort team getting smaller? Any emergencies?” A soldier from Carceron inquired.
“Haha!” Krist publicly chuckled at the comment and continued forthwith. “We get paid more, which means we're the real deal, requiring fewer numbers for jobs like this. Oh, and we received orders to audit the transport of supplies. All of it.” In this scene, Krist was showing his superiority in terms of rank and skill.
“Is that so? An audit…?” Although Krist may know future events and whatnot, his young face plays as a liability in the dark and shadowy world of the military.
“This is sensitive information given from someone above you,” Krist imposed his position as the elite escort guard and reminded the soldier of his duty.
“Soldier!” The guard fell for the rouse. “Show them what we're carrying.”
Shortly, Krist was escorted to the food warehouse, the oil storage, and other miscellaneous compartments belonging to the Monarch of the Carceron Kingdom. “We thank you for your cooperation,” Krist acted as if it was an official audit and performed perfectly for such a role.
“Also… That person is in charge, correct?” Krist imposed another question that no one had the right to refuse.
Moving along, Krist gave his report, “Excellent work, soldier. We’ll be taking our leave now. Of course, bigger pay means more important work.”
Before leaving, a soldier blurted out, “Ah! By the way, where are you guys from? I was recently deployed to this base, but, I’ve never seen you guys.”
Knowing what to do in such situations, Krist invoked dark speech, “That’s none of your business. Asking about the workings of the Monarchy is subject to martial law. Know your place soldier.” With those words alone, the soldier who was more perceptive than the regular Carceronians was being played with like a chess-move.
The soldier’s face was sweating, “It’s best not to ask questions.” Krist relieved the soldier and the tensions dwindled slowly allowing for the perceptive guard to leave and save face.
Fool. Not knowing your rankings and the workings of the military makes it too easy to play you fools. Krist openly shared his thoughts with his companions. Get in position everyone. The perfect moment will come. Cutting the flap inside the tent with a dagger, an enemy soldier was seen through the hole. Get ready for my signal. Krist gripped his weapon by the point of the dagger and threw it with precision and accuracy.
Thwack!
Too easy. Krist had thrown the dagger several meters ahead and landed on the head of a guardsman. Unlike the past, the alarm had gone off and the camp was alerted before the main force had arrived. This time, Krist had wanted a full surprise attack led by the main force. Therefore, no alarms were triggered.
“Ge… General…” A soldier couldn’t gather his words as the inconceivable had happened. “Enemy forces encroaching…”
“CHARGE!!!” Captain Nickson led the ground forces and gave the command.
“Enemy forces attacking! Ring the alarm!” Unfortunately, it was too late for this secret encampment to react to the situation. KABOOM!! An explosion was heard from a distance and fire began to burn the buildings they had made.
“Fuck!!”
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“Put out the fire!”
The situation was too much for Carceron to handle as the frontline fighters of Lukedonia had crushed them. It was then that Krist and the rest no longer had to hide themselves.
“Spies in the camp!” Given that the whole base was compromised, the news came at a bad time, especially for Carceron.
Perfection! Mayhem and fire, alongside the elite and competent backing of Captain Nickson and the main troops, victory was within their grasp. The General should be in shock right about now…
“What a disgrace!..”
Speaking of the devil, the General himself was about to mount a horse and flee the encampment. “Where do you think you’re going?!” Before the General had time to gallop the horse, Krist threw a dagger.
Thwack!
“Gha!” With a force imbued with Aura, the attack was fatal and dealt an instant death.
Thwack!!
?!~
Out of nowhere, a long arrow pierced at the same position where Krist had thrown the dagger.
“Whoah,” Krist was impressed due to no such events happening in the past life.
“Damn! You got to him before I could…” Loutch was busy trailing behind Krist in hopes of catching the General himself as that would lead to the downfall of the secret encampment, and therefore, incurring upon their supplies resulting in a mission success.
***
In the glimpse of moonlight emanating from the night sky, Lukedonia was victorious in this stealth mission, “My brethren, we today stand… victorious!” Captain Nickson brandished his two swords in the sky.
“Let us drink our fill tonight!”
“We can afford it!”
For the rest of the night, the 7th Infantry Reserves would be celebrating their victorious battle with food and liquor.
Early in the morning, Krist was not the first to be awake. Yawn!
“Time for a run,” disciplined, this was to be one of the defining reasons why Krist is successful.
I’ve fully synchronized with The Divine Art of the Lionturtle Breath in this young body. Completion of The Final Purification Method is halfway in progress. Krist was grinning, sinister in his ambitious thoughts.
If there was anything to be optimistic about was the fact that Krist was now able to combine two Mana Breathing Methods into one which transcended everything. This should be good enough. My rudimentary skills are polished to perfection. Thanks to all these activities, my skills have developed at an explosive rate…
Krist looked at his, manifesting a ball of mana while being ranked in the Peak Realm is not supposed to happen, unless, the person has a way to manipulate mana in such a refined state. Transcendence Realm is upon my reach. Everything has changed for the better: Loutch, The 7th Infantry Reserves, and myself.
Dissipating the ball of mana like a dust cloud displayed the level of control and skill that Krist had in manipulating mana, far beyond what any Peak Realm warrior could do. At best, a Peak Realm fighter could activate Blade Energy for some time. Such a technique requires a concentrated pool of mana which the conventional Aura users do not possess in any other nations. Time for my wings to grow. The Divine Art of the Lionturtle Breath cultivated so far has made it possible to kill someone like the Spear King! This was to be an early declaration that Krist made for himself due to the ongoing success of events that made the crazy notion of slaying someone like the ‘Spear King’ possible.
“Run for the sake of survival!” Sergeant Cross was one of the early runners and led the junior and senior superiors.
“Krist, I was also exempted from official training in the morning,” Sergeant Cross greeted Krist.
“Aren’t you lucky? Kuku. There's going to be a joint exercise in the evening,” Krist replied.
“You got that right! Let’s show the other Squadrons that we don’t mess around!” Sergeant Cross continued with leading the soldiers even during his days off.
“That was a magnificent strategy, Sergeant Krist,” Lieutenant Zecht made his appearance. “Your Division has made a lot of major changes, hasn’t it?”
“Thanks in hand with the approval of the Captain,” Sergeant Krist made sure to give full credit to the one who gave consent for such a dangerous mission.
“Well, without risk there would be no reward. It would be such a waste for the Reserves of the 7th Division to lay waste to complacency,” Forris Zecht gave respect where it was due.
“The Captain was necessary. His dream of Knighthood stands tall after all this time of long service,” Krist had made known the contributions made upon by the Supreme Slashing Swordsman.
“He is the object of envy. Longing for such a position would mean the burden of a greater weight upon one’s shoulders. Tell me, what can the Reserves of the 7th Division do about the war effort other than thieving for their supplies?”
I know it's too early to reveal yourself. Krist glared at Zecht and knew what he was thinking about. As cautious as always, old friend. The reason why you’re here posing as some Lieutenant is to see who you could ally with and to hide your Noble status.
His father, Count Ludwig Van Solidor, alongside his brother, is searching for talented people as well, however, not for the same reason. I remember this distinctly when you were the perfect choice as a sparring partner to gain practical experience. There wasn’t a chance to test it out, but, I want to see how far my power can reach while in the Peak Realm. There was a reason why Krist had not transcended to the heights of a “Master.”
“Will you honor me with a spar, just this once?” Krist asked plainly. If it’s the Double Executioner we’re talking about. I need to know how high my powers can reach.
***
“You’ve unsheathed your sword…” Krist made an astute observation. He usually thinks most people are below his level, which is true. But, you’re serious, aren’t you?
“Cocky brat. You’re too young to act that way,” Zecht emitted his ‘Killing Intent,’ a highly technical skill that releases a physical force that pressures a target’s psychological nervous system. And, Forris did not hold back with the skill and fully emitted his power.
Sweat.
A single bead of sweat descended from Krist’s face. Kuku. However, it wasn’t out of nervousness, only, the excitement of facing an old memory. In the past, the first time that Krist and Forris had sparred was when the former had a glimpse at just how wide the world is and what real power looked like. Forris Zecht was the embodiment of that notion as he was truly someone to be called “Master” or “Master Knight.” Yet, he was tethering on the level of the Transcendence Realm.
This feeling! How I’ve missed this feeling! Krist prepared himself as Zecht began to charge.
Those in the Peak Realm can manifest Aura and imbue such energy into a weapon, however, the few in the Transcendence Realm can “spew” or “discharge” such force outwardly and deal tremendous damage. This is the final goal of every warrior in the world.
“Is it fear?” Forris inquired as he approached the apprehensive Krist.
The Force Users of Lukedonia have a specialized system in which to gauge the power of an individual. It is a rudimentary analysis of how mana and the incorporation of a stimulus such as a Human Vessel can create superhuman features.
3rd Rate - The base and standard warrior with fighting capabilities with little to no chi. Typically composed of cannon fodder and grunts who fight on the frontline.
2nd Rate - Experts who have been practicing their skills and techniques for years and are close to mastery. Somewhat more useful than the lower dregs.
1st Rate - Have mastered their individualistic Martial Arts and can feel the semblance of infusing chi into a weapon. A Dantian in the shape of a sphere is formed at the perineum. 1st Rates are often considered worthy heirs for discipleship due to their expertise in fighting and adept experience.
Peak Realm - Can actively imbue mana into an object externally or enhance the body internally. Although lacking in volume or the concentrated amount to sustain Aura for a long duration, Blade Energy is symbolized as a warrior of the “Elite” class and is respected and honored worldwide.
Transcendence Realm (1st Metastasis) - Commonly dubbed as “Master” in most civilizations, Lukedonia terms the individual who has formed a “Neidan,” a concentrated orb within the Dantian, as a warrior who can release Aura from their bodies. A technical mastery is required to reach such a level. Only 1 in 1000 is born with the ability to reach such heights.
Mystic Realm/Divine Realm (2nd Metastasis) - This is every warrior’s life goal, the level of a ‘demigod’ in which the body is immune to a thousand toxins and no poison or disease can harm the individual. It is allegedly said that simply emitting Killing Intent can kill any living creature. Aura has been perfected to an extremely refined state where it is now called Aura Fire (Perfected Mind Sword), a power that is stronger than any material that can be found in the world.
Life and Death Realm/Ascedence over Life and Death (3rd Metastasis) - A state in which all qi is perfectly organized, such a dimension of fine-tuning of mana surpasses the limits of mortality enabling the transcendent to the level of the gods themselves.
Objectively, Krist and Forris are both at the Peak Realm while the latter is closer to being a Master. I see… You can infuse Blade Energy but lack the mana to sustain that power.
Forris Zecht revealed his Aura and emitted a radiant-blue Sword Aura. Well-tempered. Krist thought. Enough. In this instance, The Disciple steeled himself and subtly changed his form.
Hmm?! Zecht was suspicious of the sudden change in the atmosphere. His eyes…
Evil eyes.
Krist remembered all that conspired in his past and future life thanks in part to being a Regressor. The greatest advantage of holding such experiences was the fact that it was like muscle memory and that combat experience was easily connected.
Those cold, heartless eyes… So you have them too? Kaha!! Zecht was exhilarated to have found someone similar to himself and discharged slashes of Aura Waves.
Replying to the high density of Aura Wave incoming, Krist manifested Sword Aura into both swords and easily cut through the slashes of Aura Waves.
“Quite good!” Forris Zecht did not hold back. Thanks to this newfound knowledge of finding someone on his level, Zecht was going to get to the root of things and figure out if Krist was an enemy or an ally.
“It’s too early to be excited,” Krist took the offensive and dashed towards Zecht while after-images were being made.
?!
CLANG! CLANG!
Krist had made two quick slashes as fast as the speed of sound, but, Zecht had parried both attacks in a hair’s breadth. Am I hallucinating? Forris was feeling a cold breeze through the spine.
Krist far outclassed Zecht and concluded the fight with supreme fashion. In the past, you have overwhelmed me in our first fight. I could barely hold my sword at the time.
Although the battle could have gone for longer, Krist knew ahead of time that a messenger would come, therefore, ending the bout with nothing short of efficient and true combat mastery for someone like Forris Zecht, who is said to be the ‘Double Executioner’ in the not so far-off future.
“I have learned much from this engagement, Lieutenant,” Krist saluted his superior.
Lieutenant Forris Zecht held an astonished face and found himself completely confounded. Maybe he could… Forris thought for a moment if Krist was someone to be on the stage. No, forget it. I’ll keep watch for now.
The messenger had come for Krist and departed from the training grounds. Before, I could never dream of defeating you in our first bout. I wonder how the future would reflect upon this action?