As the team worked together seamlessly, our exploration pace increased. In addition to the successful searches at the exploration points, we also managed to obtain random supplies on the second day, allowing us to have a quite luxurious meal for being on the battlefield.

Today is the third day of the practical test. While resting after completing two missions in the morning, I noticed something unusual.

"Hmm..."

Rough vibrations and flashing lights were being transmitted through the air. Some disturbance, likely caused by superhumans, was happening relatively close by.

"That's the area with the highest point value, isn't it?"

"It seems someone's aiming for a big score."

Cadets have the option to choose their missions. They can even skip missions and directly take on the quests that reward high points or kill monsters for more points. Personally, I believe in prioritizing safety and have no such thoughts.

"It's not just one team. There seem to be at least three teams going for it."

Just as Sergeant Smith said, I could sense that competition was heating up over the same mission. This was probably because cadets who hadn't earned as many points as expected in the first two days were trying to make up for it on the last day, or perhaps those who thought they had a chance were jumping in.

But what are they up against?

"It looks like Razor Bees."

As I squinted to get a better view, Private Nolan spoke up. Indeed, upon closer inspection, it was clear. Razor Bees were swarming around a building, attacking ferociously. Occasionally, there were explosions, indicating they were using their explosive stingers.

"I wonder if the soldiers are okay."

Razor Bees are tough opponents for soldiers with our current level of equipment. Even a slight lapse in vigilance could be fatal. If they were engaging with an opponent like that, casualties were inevitable, even if the soldiers were hiding inside the building, it would be in vain.

Fortunately, the superhumans' abilities seemed powerful enough to take down the Razor Bees one by one.

"Ah, that's a shame."

I couldn't help but feel envious. The trait "Strong Wrist" obtained from Razor Bees is incredibly useful. It enhances most abilities related to the hands, greatly aiding in mastering techniques like those taught by Rose and learning weapon skills. If I could collect enough fragments to complete this trait, my abilities would certainly improve.

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

"Commander, do you want to join the fray?"

"Haha, do I look like I do?"

They must have thought I was eager for the mission based on my contemplative expression. I chose to keep quiet for now. While I haven't fought them directly, Razor Bees shouldn't be a significant problem for me personally. But what about my squad members? With no special abilities, I couldn't possibly cover all those fast-moving creatures on my own.

'Maybe I should just give up and look for something else...'

I was about to voice my thoughts when Sergeant Smith offered his opinion first.

"We exist not to tie you down, sir," said Sergeant Smith.

"But still..."

I couldn't just leave them behind. In the past three days, we'd grown quite close, making it difficult to show an indifferent face.

"A soldier has a soldier's way. Let me show you."

For the first time, Sergeant Smith smiled at my hesitation.

----------------------------------------

We moved forward cautiously, keeping a building to our left. I focused my senses and heard the whirring of wings of Razor Bees.

'They're coming. Two of them.'

While signaling to my fellow squad members, I lowered my stance slightly. Blood rushed to my lower body, causing my calves to swell slightly. The moment the Razor Bees rounded the corner, I straightened my bent knees and strongly pushed off the ground with my heels. My body shot forward diagonally like an arrow.

The sudden high pressure was enough to propel my whole body forward. On the other hand, the Razor Bees reacted quickly. The moment I began my charge, they aimed their spear-like body attachments directly at me and thrust accurately. Their response was flawless. But that was all. Without time to think, the Razor Bees, having lost their 'distance,' could only watch as my heel slid along their spear and ruthlessly separated their heads from their bodies.

'One down.'

Humans can't fly. Without the propulsion to keep me airborne, gravity naturally pulled me down. The air was the Razor Bees' domain. I focused solely on defense as I fell, matching their attacks.

'Their spear techniques are better than mine.'

I had planned to grab them if I could, but I failed. All I could manage was to defend myself. At that moment, a beam shot from a right angle hit the Razor Bee's wings precisely. The staggering Razor Bee lost its balance and fell down.

"Nice shot."

I muttered, pushing off the ground again and launching myself into the air. As the Razor Bee attempted evasive maneuvers under suppressive fire, I managed to wrap myself around its spear, pulling it in close. The unfortunate Razor Bee was disarmed of all its weapons before it even crash-landed.

"It's over. Stand by for a moment."

"Roger."

I raised my hand and signaled with a large motion. Smith and the platoon were about a kilometer away on a rooftop. They had provided suppressive fire from a long distance.

'Elites are indeed elites.'

They accomplished this purely through their shooting skills without any additional targeting aids. Even amidst the Razor Bees' evasive maneuvers, their hit rate exceeded 20%, making their exceptional skills evident. They were supporting me in the best possible way.

I smiled slightly and dragged the Razor Bee's corpse to a corner. One was instantly killed, the other was still alive but missing half its body.

'Will this be enough?'

The long-awaited time had come.