High School Soldier
108. Handpiece

The bodies of the Imperial army and the defenders of the city littered the ground on both sides of the wall, the ground painted red with dried blood.

The people who still had the strength rushed to go back and forth extinguishing the fire. Small blazes can be extinguished with water, but burning buildings must be left alone.

The women tried to help the moderately and critically injured, while the children gathered scattered arrows and weapons.

Mildly wounded people buried the dead, using hoes to dig up the soil in the suburbs. There would usually be a ceremony to release the dead, but there were many corpses, so they had to bury them in mass graves. The bodies of the Imperial army were simply dumped in the field to be eaten by vultures or wild wyverns.

The safety of the ambassador takes precedence, luckily fighting did not take place in the palace where the ambassador was located. Indeed, the Imperial army had been repulsed by Sheyn's 1,000 knights, and the townspeople were happy to have won and survived.

Sheyn desperately uses her brain and looks for reasons why the Empire likes the thing called ‘war’.

**

A group of horsemen drove towards the capital of a new country that would soon have its official name.

Their hands clasped a flag-adorned spear with a black rose at the center, then red, white and yellow roses. The sound of footsteps rang out from their war horse boots.

Their polished chest guards and helmets reflected gold and silver light, and the flags tied to the raised spears waved as the troops drove at the highest speed the horses could.

The knight who led them was very important, and the second strongest after Sheyn.

She was a luxurious female knight whose maiden hair swayed in the wind. He whipped his horse many times. His mount silenced the pain and ran fast forward in response.

“Yellow Rose, you are too fast!”

The one speaking earlier was a silvery-haired knight, or called with a White Rose. This female knight caught up with the Yellow Rose who was speeding faster than her.

Behind them was a group of equestrian warriors, who would catch up with their comrades who had already arrived at the venue.

“We're late, White Rose!”

“The team will not be able to match your speed like this.”

“No problem, time is the most important thing now.”

That was all the Yellow Rose could say to suppress the uneasiness in her heart. He ordered his horse to focus his energy on the path that continued to stretch in front of him, and the palace where the event was held began to look like a small dot.

But, something like a wagon had them approach.

Five green-colored carts were traveling at a much faster speed than a horse. From a distance they could not know exactly what it was, but it seemed to be some kind of carriage.

The two commanders of this army raised their hands as a code for the troops to stop, and these two Roses ordered their horses to walk.

The knights behind them looked relieved, as they had the chance to give the mount a rest. Drinking water is the most relieving thing after a long trip, it applies to both humans and animals.

“Ah! It sucks! Ask them to step aside!”

“They will also head for the palace, are they the green troops that control the Gate?”

That way, the two Roses slowly ordered their horses to walk forward.

Nio contacted his Guild members via wireless communication, and they had already prepared a rifle as a standby. Nio ordered them to hold fire so as not to happen, because the number of female troops is about 500 people.

The Yellow Rose approached Nio before speaking, he looked at this young man as if he was an idiot.

“Where are you going?”

“Ke palace Her Majesty Sheyn.”

When he heard Nio's reply, the Yellow Rose shouted, “What did you say!?”

They were simply troops who wanted to catch up with their comrades to attend the invitation. Moreover, they had carts that could move without being pulled by horses, and they carried small swords on their backs.

Nio realized that they were not a group of women playing soldiers, but a professionally trained military group. And this army has formed a defensive line.

The members of the Cruiser Squad 1 take an attacking stance with their rifles, and Chandra prepares a heavy machine gun towards them, with a metal clink of machine gun safety.

The Yellow Rose grabbed Nio's cheek and pressed on it very strongly, but Nio was able to break free and open the door of the carrier's tactical vehicle to meet this woman.

Then he called out the Yellow Rose in the local language.

However, the woman became angry due to the casual tone of those words.

Nio suddenly felt they were staring at him like a villain, and casually said, “Quiet, let's talk about this.”

White Rose pointed her sword at the end of Nio's Jacoon, and told Nio to surrender.

These troops would not feel satisfied before disarming and torturing this mysterious group.

They don't know why there's a green army here, but the leader of this army won't take any chances. But, Nio continued to talk, “Let's relax, Miss. Let's talk carefully.”

“Close your mouth!” The Yellow Rose snapped and slapped Nio with her hand that was laced with metal gloves.

The rover squad 1 was already filled with killing intent when it saw this, but Nio shouted to try to stop them, “Kabur! Now! You all Run!”

The roar of the armored vehicle's engine caused the horses of the knights to panic, and the 1st Cruiser Squad retreated. Because they were speeding so fast, the knights could not catch up to them.

And Nio was left alone amidst hundreds of female knights.

**

It's late, and the ceremony is about to begin. However, Nio and the rest of his squad have yet to arrive at the palace, where Radit and the 32nd Cruiser Squad are waiting.

Meanwhile, the knights reached the palace with a feeling of relief after seeing the ceremony could be held in peace, without interference from the Empire and the green troops. However, upon seeing the 32 green warriors and someone dressed in ‘aneh’ attire were near Sheyn, they instantly drew the sword, just as they did while blocking the speed of the Cruiser Squad 1.

With this action of theirs, they hope that if Sheyn and Commander Ragh will praise their attitude towards this ‘enemy’.

The Yellow Rose said that he had managed to bring one of the same green troops with the bodyguard of the strangely dressed man, and he thought he would get credit for this.

But, Nio was dragged with a rope tied to a horse saddle, his uniform torn here and there, with a face that was barely recognizable. Alias, Nio was ganged up by these hundreds of female knights while on the way.

Nio lay beside the throne, along with the medical members of the 32nd Cruiser Squad who were trying to treat him. The body of this young man was without strength, as it struck hundreds of metal-clothed women.

The nobles and Ragh shook Nio's body while shouting, “Master Nio! Mr Nio!”. But all over Nio's body was filled with bruises and abrasions, so that physically and mentally it was reduced, so he could not respond to the calls he received.

It is not difficult to imagine what his knight did to Nio, who must have all the audience saw Nio's hand tied to a rope and dragged using a horse that drove at medium speed.

“What did you do to Mr Nio!?”

“We brought him here like a regular prisoner.”

The manner of treating the prisoner, which the knights and warriors did, would usually drag the prisoner behind the horse, and when the prisoner fainted from exhaustion, he would be stabbed with a spear or whipped with a metal whip, he said, and forced the prisoner to get up and walk again. Even if the prisoner could still stand, he had already received fists and kicks from hands and feet that were covered in metal shoes and gloves. In this way, the prisoners would lose the will and strength to fight and escape, it was also part of the process of mentally destroying the prisoners before making them slaves.

“It's bad, really bad.”

But, that was not a problem for both the Cruiser Squad and Radit. Because the soldiers they were brutally treating were special forces members who must have gone through far worse than just being gang-raped by hundreds of female knights.

But, after all, his knights had injured one of the soldiers from the army who could kill two fire dragon kings.

Calmly, Radit spoke to Sheyn, “Don't be too thoughtful, Your Majesty. Nio will not be that easy to beat.”

“What do you mean, Mr Radit? Is he a very strong knight.”

Radit could not reveal Nio's true identity, because it was a violation if spread to foreign parties.

The White Rose and Yellow Rose had previously laughed at Nio's runaway subordinates, instead of trying to save him. However, they now knew why they had chosen not to retaliate, but to choose to retreat.

The air became cold, and the faces of the nobles turned pale after seeing Nio being dragged into the treatment room to get first aid.

Then, Sheyn said, “Well, the situation depends on Mr. Nio.”'s decision

In other words, he tells all the women present to ‘please’ Nio by all means.”

**

The Yellow Rose and the White Rose had already felt the wrath of the Black Rose, Sheyn. While the Red Rose could only bow listlessly and pray that his comrades would receive forgiveness from Nio.

Then, at the edge of the palace complex, the 1st explorer Squad hid without their commander.

The entire army shuddered at the treatment Nio received when he was left alone. They had witnessed Nio being dragged and beaten by the knights, so Nio's chances for their lives were slim.

“He won't die that easily kok.”

Liben nodded as a sign of approval for Chandra's words. But it made the whole group confused.

“I mean, he's a member of the Special Student Forces.”

“Who is he?” seen from Dinda's face an expression of disbelief.

“Who else besides Peltu Nio.”

“Do not talk nonsense now.”

Liben then interjected, “It was serious.”

Almost all members of the 1st Cruiser Squad who coveted the PPK badge felt their dreams tarnished right then and there.

After all, everyone's impression of Nio was that he was a soldier who could only be calm, and a great decision-maker, and the inventor of easy problem solving of complex problems.

In essence, from the looks of Nio is suitable to be a special forces member, but for some things he still looks like an ordinary teenager.

**

“Job! Why is he always lucky!”

The door where Nio was being treated opened, and showed dozens of soldiers with faces that had been painted in a deep layer.

And the one who says rudely like that is Chandra, because Liben already has Ivy.

Nio knew Chandra was angry because he was currently surrounded by dozens of beautiful maids and had a nice body. Nio was allowed to wear the maid as he pleased.

After all, the type of woman Chandra wanted was available in front of her. No matter what the gaze of the entire rover Squad 1 looked at her, Chandra had a hard time choosing one of the 10 servants Nio introduced to her.

Chandra just grinned silly, and tried to think carefully, because he, Chandra, is not the approachable Nio of women.

Chandra's female type may be almost the same as Nio's, which is a little older. Upon seeing his dream maid taking care of Nio, Chandra could not help but curse at Nio.

“Hurry and get out of my sights, or I'll shoot you in the ass!” that's how Chandra grumbled against Nio.

Nio grinned when he heard Chandra's grunt, and decided to speak, "Hey, Chandra, this young lady also wants to meet you, I hope you guys get along.”

Just like Chandra and the maids did, the others also mingled with the troops of the 1st and 32nd Cruiser squads.

**

Upon returning to the fortress, Nio's battered face became the laughingstock of the officers.

“Nio, did you fight again with the commander?”

“This time who challenged you? Don't say you lose to them.”

“Shut up! I got robbed of 500 people know!”

If there were people who annoyed him, be it older or younger than him, Nio would be arrogant towards the party who had already made him run out of patience.

After today's work was completed, the flag was lowered, and the sound of the trumpet sounded to tell the Expeditionary Force to stop whatever they were doing, except defecating.

Anyone who can see the flag should pay their respects, regardless of where they are. Once the flag is lowered, they can return to their respective activities.

At this time, the soldiers would come to the bath to bathe, or go to the canteen to eat. Some soldiers choose to polish their shoes, wash and iron their clothes, fix holes in their uniforms or read books and so on to pass the time.

Basically, they are free to do whatever they want until the lights are turned off.

Nio headed for the cafeteria, after treating his wound at the soldier's health center.

He had only been away for two days, but the refugee camp was almost as crowded as Karanganyar Square at night.

When Nio entered the shop or canteen, the other residents greeted Nio and told their friends about Nio.

“Welcome, boss Nio!”

Although the canteen workers are sangar-looking people, but they are quite humorous, making the atmosphere of life here more friendly.

In his seat, Nio noticed that Edera was always watching him, but did not join him for dinner.

Both Nio and Edera did not hate each other. No, actually they like each other, yeah, like each other.

Edera is beautiful, she doesn't need makeup to be attractive. Her face was beautiful, her hair was reddish, her skin was smooth and soft, and her body was slender. His cat's eyes had a mysterious charm that Nio could not resist.

However, Nio felt that there was a wall that could not be overcome by him, so he could not approach and just talk to Edera.

**

In the room that was the dwelling of Edera.

Edera is seen kneeling before a small statue that is a form of the god of war, sacrifice, and the god of vengeance. The small table in his room had been turned into a small altar belonging to Edera.

This girl was wearing her battle clothes, complete with a long iron sword.

Her beautiful face, now decorated with a tattoo made of natural paint made of red.

“Free me from fear, from mercy, from confusion. But don't spare me from love. This body, with this sword, will take the life of the enemy.”

It was the prayer of the Edera tribe of warriors.

Once upon a time, the Edera origin tribe had a small territory in the northern plains of the Empire.

According to records, the Edera tribe was a pack of demihumans half-cat cruel and lustful kill. However, it was a record of humans being frightened of them. This tribe was a fertile tribe, but they produced few men. Thus, men in this tribe were rare.

Since they only had a few men, women would have sex with men from the Demihuman tribe as well as ordinary humans to obtain offspring. Since they do not have a husband-wife concept, they will sleep with whoever they like.

However, the Edera origin tribe was destroyed when the Empire attacked them.

The last of the tribe that can still be resisted, killed after ‘played’. After that, a portion of those who did not fight, would be sold to the slave market, like vegetables.

Of course not everyone was arrested. Some of them managed to escape. However, life on the run is much harder than being a slave.

They left the house and spread out in all directions to avoid capture. Surviving day by day was extremely draining of their strength. They steal and sell bodies just to get the food they need to survive. Some of them chose to cut off the ears and give up instead of living a miserable life.

Their determination is easily faltered, including Edera who is still tied to ‘his native tribe’.

Rather than living a miserable life in order to maintain a small dignity, they chose to be slaves who had a definite life.

What Edera received was a crowded refugee camp, and was near the bastion of green troops who were brutal in the war. He treated this place as a second home.

**

Nio sees Radit leave after accompanying him to visit 50 victims kidnapped by the Empire.

Nio returns to the barracks to communicate with his brother and his friends, and prepares himself for the extra duties of the General.

Nio's face felt like it had been twisted, and some of the blisters had still not dried up.

While his subordinates were still carrying out their respective activities, Nio still had to meet the Combat Group Commander 1 for an escort mission tomorrow, as the ambassador for the Kingdom of Arevelk would be sent there.

Also, there are some officers who ask for help from Nio to take care of the arrival of additional troops who will arrive after the new year. Nio had to demand a raise because the job was growing, that's what he thought.

Nio was one of the soldiers whose work was still unfinished at this late hour.

Canteen does not provide instant noodles that are cheap, if Nio continues to buy food that has a price above 20,000 rupiah, he will not be able to save for his future. He also could not ask for the food of the treatment center, because the hospital food must have tasted bad.

The serviceman's treatment center was designed to accommodate 100 people, and is now still inhabited by abductees who will soon be returned to their families. One of the members of the 1st Cruiser Squad is a helper in this unit.

There was a bench near the entrance of the examination, and a man was sitting there.

Radit hasn't returned to where he lives here.

He could not smoke in a room as large as a regular room, he also wanted someone to accompany him to smoke.

“Oh, Nio yes,” Radit spoke like that while thrusting a box of cigarettes to Nio.

Nio is not an active prokok, if lucky, he will smoke once a week. Most often he uses e-cigarettes rather than tobacco cigarettes, but both types of cigarettes have their own enjoyment.

Cigarettes can also be used to reduce the stress that accumulates, if consumed within reasonable limits.

Using Radit's gas match, Nio smokes the ambassador's cigarette after it is lit. Before Nio's arrival, Radit smoked in a state of loneliness.

They both have a workload that makes them want to bang their heads against the wall. Smoking is one way for them to reduce stress and fatigue after work.

Then, Radit suddenly held back a laugh until his saliva spurted out. Without asking Nio could tell what the ambassador was laughing at.

“I'm surprised, special forces members like you can still live after being gang-raped by 500 people.”

“Don't reveal it again, please.”

When recalling the incident, Nio's bones were instantly linu and did not want to deal with the Sheyn's knights anymore.

“That I could have almost died by then.”

Nio tried to think of a way he would die if he continued to be a soldier and this war would not end anytime soon. While Radit, he tries to encourage Nio to get through all the same mentally draining work while being a special forces student.

“I expect you to die, Nio. If you don't want it, I'm ready to go after you and kill you.”

A Demihuman half-cat was standing in front of the two of them. He was wearing a disguise that could thrill his opponent, but it was no good with Nio.

“Who!”

Nio took out his gun, and pointed it towards the head of this cat girl.

Nio felt that the voice and gaze of this cat girl were almost the same as Edera, but she was still not so sure.

“Who ordered you!?”

“Head of tribe.”

Nio stood in front of Radit who was trembling after seeing that there was someone who resembled an assassin.

“You are a threat, Nio.”

“For some things, you look similar to Edera. Or maybe you are Edera?”

This girl moved quickly after Nio mentioned someone's name.

Nio pointed his gun at this girl, and pulled the trigger until half the bullet ran out without hesitation. However, this girl's movements were much faster than what Nio thought. This cat girl tipped back in the air and dodged Nio's bullet, then swung her sword towards Nio's arm that was clutching the gun.

Nio dodged the slash by sheer coincidence, and he kept trying to protect Radit who might be the target of the assassination as well.

An extremely sharp sword tip scratched Nio's forehead, then he aimed a kick at the curled cat girl. The metal coating on his shoes could be used as a deadly weapon. However, the cat girl again jumped back.

Nio knew he wouldn't have time to hit or anything like that, he would keep shooting.

The cat girl darted forward quickly towards Nio who was behind her was Radit.

Since the cat girl attacked from below, Nio could not react quickly. His arm was pierced by the sword until it pierced through, making Nio feel if his hand was on fire.

However, after that Radit saw the blood coming out like from a tap of water from Nio's right hand that was cut off. It was a very fast attack, so Nio did not realize that his right hand was already lying on the floor. He could only say, “Eh," as he looked at the piece of his own hand on the floor.

Without knowing the target he shot, Nio fired his gun until the bullets in his magazine ran out, until he completely fainted and lay in his own pool of blood.