"Summer Defense"

Joe felt a wave of embarrassment wash over him as both Saria and Shin stared at him expectantly. He wasn't accustomed to suggesting names or making significant decisions, especially when it came to something as important as naming a child. However, he understood the weight of the moment as he met the serious gaze of his wife and the warm gaze of the child in front of him.

Did he like it?

Joe questioned himself internally, unsure if his suggestion would be well-received. However, as Shin whispered the name that Joe had proposed, a sense of relief washed over him. It was clear from the child's expression that he genuinely liked the name.

"Shin..." Joe repeated softly, his voice filled with a mixture of surprise and satisfaction.

Saria's teasing remark lightened the mood, and Joe couldn't help but smile at her playful demeanor. Her smile mirrored his own, both of them sharing in the joy of giving the child a name that seemed to resonate with him. In that moment, they felt a deeper connection to Shin, as if he had always belonged with them, with a name that felt right and true.

"Glad to have you as my son, Shin," Saria said warmly, holding out her palm for Shin to place his hand in hers. As Shin complied, Saria enveloped him in a tender embrace, solidifying their bond as mother and son. Then, Saria extended her left palm towards Joe, silently inviting him to join them in their embrace.

***

Anny sat in front of the computer, sipping her coffee as she moved and tapped her fingers across the keyboard.

"Finished!" Anny exclaimed, stretching her arms out to the sides after spending a considerable amount of time at the computer.

She had successfully created a fake identification and discreetly added it to the HQ's database. The identification was for the child, Shin, whom Joe and Saria had adopted just seven days ago. Anny's intention was to ensure that Shin could remain at the HQ and be protected from any potential dangers that might arise.

Ernie and Jasmine, known by their tags as "Black Dog" and "Snow" respectively, were also present when they rescued Shin from the ruins. Jasmine was assigned to guard Saria and Shin, while Ernie accompanied his captain. Saria took it upon herself to teach Shin various things that children commonly learn, but she found herself taken aback when Shin quickly grasped concepts after just a few attempts or even at a single glance. Jasmine offered advice to Saria on what Shin could learn and how to approach his education.

Despite being only six years old with a small frame, Shin showed a remarkable ability to absorb knowledge. Saria, who typically prepared simple meals, now focused on cooking healthier foods instead of relying on canned options for Shin's nutrition.

When Joe returned, he took on the role of teaching Shin about weapons, martial arts, and technologies, although Saria often scolded him for exposing Shin to such things at a young age. Anny focused on teaching Shin academic subjects. Black dog Ernie instructed Shin on how to be a gentleman and how to make someone fall in love, but Jasmine frequently intervened to prevent Ernie from showing Shin inappropriate material. Jasmine also taught Shin how to make friends and understand people. Together, their guidance helped Shin absorb valuable lessons and potentially mitigate any trauma he might have experienced while growing up.

***

Six years later, Shin has grown into a fine young man on the brink of his teenage years. With guidance from Anny and Joe in martial arts, technologies, weapons, logic, and general problem-solving, Shin has become adept at navigating his new environment. Thanks to Black dog's instruction on gentlemanly behavior, mannerisms, and charming women, Shin has developed the skills to interact confidently. Jasmine's lessons on emotions have enabled him to express himself openly to others. Lastly, Saria's teachings on morality and cooking have instilled in Shin the importance of using his strength for good and nurturing his culinary skills. Together, their mentorship has filled Shin's days with knowledge and continuous improvement.

***

Shin stood before Ernie, Saria, Joe, Anny, and Jasmine, presenting a dish made from vegetables and the meat provided by Joe from the HQ.

"A soup?" Joe pondered. He was aware of Shin's proficiency in many areas, but cooking wasn't one of them.

The other four looked at Joe, silently urging him to taste the dish first. With a hesitant expression, Joe sighed and took the first spoonful of the soup, prepared by his son.

*Slurp

Joe took a sip of the soup and his expression transformed into one of pleasant surprise. The other four, noticing Joe's reaction, exchanged surprised glances amongst themselves before deciding to try the soup for themselves.

*Slurp*

As they tasted the soup, their expressions mirrored Joe's surprise. Shin, unable to decipher their expressions, watched curiously.

"It's good..." they all thought simultaneously.

Saria, with a smirk, opened her mouth to speak and then gently patted Shin's head, a gesture of pride and approval.

"You did your best, it tastes good," Saria said with a warm smile, reassuring Shin.

Shin's faint smile grew as he finally understood the meaning behind the expressions of the five.

"Thank you," he began to say, but before he could finish, a loud explosion shattered the calm of the moonlit night, startling Shin and the others.

Anny hurried to her office to alert the entire unit, while Joe, Saria, and the other two swiftly armed themselves. Shin grabbed the sniper rifle his father had given him on his 11th birthday and joined them. As the unit prepared and rushed to the location, Shin remained at their barracks, readying his sniper rifle to provide support.

Peering through his scope, Shin observed the advancing team. Only four vehicles were visible, carrying a total of 16 soldiers, with two stationed at the entrance to their Unit HQ. Using advanced weapons, they steadily fired upon the UM forces pushing toward their position. With precision, Shin targeted and took down each UM soldier in his line of sight, while Anny provided updates on the approximate number of UM forces advancing towards the unit HQ and monitored their movements.

At 8:28 PM, under the cover of summer darkness, the UM launched a direct assault on UNIT HQ 86. The unit members swiftly mobilized to defend their headquarters against the unexpected attack.

(SUMMER 8:28 PM) UM attack the UNIT HQ 86.

(To be Continued)

***

Snow, also known as Jasmine Rechie, is 25 years old and exudes an aura of maturity despite being treated like a little sister by Saria. With long black hair, fair white skin, and captivating blue eyes, she carries an air of elegance. Despite her appearance, she possesses a maturity that often surpasses even Saria's.

Black Dog, or Ernie Swerth, is 45 years old and has been acquainted with Joe since their early military days. With his vibrant red hair and piercing blue eyes, he stands as the second in command, or vice-captain, due to his close relationship with Joe and the need to balance Saria's authority.

Anny Swerth, Ernie's younger sister, is 42 years old and shares her brother's eye color. With apple-red hair and a graceful figure, she is both a scientist and engineer for the unit's weapons, as well as serving as a medic. Her role as the commander of the monitoring team earned her the nickname "Wandering Eagle," as she oversees the team's movements and provides crucial information, guarding them from above like a vigilant eagle.