Chapter 19 - The Will of the Unconscious

Alex gritted his teeth and ran towards the gym, knowing that nothing was going to happen to Liam, but his actions still moved him. He wasn't going to waste Liam's sacrifice.

"Hey, brat, do you think what you just did is worth it?"

Liam, who was recovering from the throw Volkov had done to him, was surprised by his question. Was it really worth it? He didn't know, but he didn't act on impulse. Deep down, he acted because he felt it was the right thing to do.

"No sir, cough, bu-but I felt like I had to do it, ugh."

Seriously, that was a good suplex he did to me...

Liam didn't notice, but Volkov turned around to look at him. The sergeant couldn't understand where he got the courage from. The brat was panting, even coughing from the blow he had just received.

But his hand keeps grabbing my leg.

Bam

Volkov kicked the boy in the ribs. He even heard how the air left his lungs and he coughed uncontrollably.

But still…

"S-sorry Sergeant, cough, cough, ugh, but you will have, ugh, what to do more than that…"

****

Volkov had a strange look on his face, but the orders that came through the intercom he had to follow.

"Sergeant Volkov, this is Captain García. Take the cadet to the limit of his tenacity. Let's see what he's made of…"

"Captain…"

Abatino and Nicolau looked at Captain García. They wanted to talk, but the seriousness with which she looked at them and his next words made them remain silent.

"It's an order, Sergeant Volkov."

****

Volkov closed his eyes for a moment. Even he didn't think it was right to continue hitting the boy, but seeing his gaze full of determination made him also want to see how far his so-called bravery went.

"Child, how long do you plan to hold on to my leg…"

Bam

Another kick, this time at his chest height, made Liam immediately curl up. Fortunately, it didn't knock the wind out of him, but the pain of being hit with a military boot was still there.

I-I can't lose him. A-Alex depends on me.

He wanted to give up. He had never fought before. Hell, he never even imagined this situation in his life.

There is no point in continuing, Liam. Go to sleep and maybe tomorrow they will let you return to your family...

No! Alex depends on me...

Hey! Give up, Liam. It's the end. You're not made for this...

And crawl back home? I'm a man…

"S-shit, cough, I'm sorry, Sergeant, but I'm still breathing."

Liam, who was fighting against himself, was still persistently grabbing the sergeant's pants. His gaze was becoming blurry, his strength was gradually leaving, and in his mind, there was an intense battle between fighting and surrender. But still, his hand did not falter. He would not die, but if he gave up now, it would be the same as dying, because now, although he did not know it, he felt that he was fighting against himself.

"Child, don't you know that recklessness is not bravery?"

Bam Bam

Volkov hit him twice in the head in a row, moderated the force with which he hit, but he could still see how the little boy coughed up blood, probably from some wound caused to his mouth.

"S-sergeant, cough, m-my mother, ugh, always, cough…"

Liam could hardly stand it any longer with his eyes open. The race, the sleepless night, the blows that had taken the wind out of him, and now the blows that had left his ears ringing. He didn't even know how he was awake, but a smile formed on his face. He knew that by now Alex would have arrived at the gym, and had already given his all.

And suddenly, his mother's voice echoed in his mind before he passed out.

"...Son, remember always, have to keep a smile in the face of adversity…"

...He fainted. Volkov saw how the boy fainted clinging to his leg. Little time had passed, but we must give him his credit. He had managed to buy time until his companion was no longer in sight.

"Captain, this is Volkov. It is impossible for me to pursue the cadet…"

****

Elizabeth was smiling at Volkov's message, especially since she could see that the sergeant had pulled out a blanket and covered the cadet as he sat next to him.

"Hey, Volkov, you're getting soft… good. Hold your position, sergeant. Good job."

With a soft smile, she looked at the two lieutenants, who looked worried at the cadet.

"Tch, you two, tell Sergeant Wang it is impossible for Volkov to continue."

The lieutenants looked at each other in surprise. Their captain had never shown that kind of concern before, but they still smiled and conveyed the orders.

"Sergeant Wang, this is Lieutenant Nicolau. Volkov has been detained. Continue with his mission."

****

Wang, who was neutralizing the two cadets in the gym, was surprised by the information. He knew that it was completely impossible for Volkov to be held by the cadets, yet he answered.

"Roger, this is Wang. I continue with the mission."

****

Huf, huf, I see the gym...

Alex, who didn't know what had happened to Liam, arrived at the gym. He took some time to collect himself and proceeded to open the door, being careful not to make any noise.

"Whew, there's the table. It seems like there's no one there…"

Alex, who whispered to himself, carefully advanced to the table where the button was. He had 5 steps left and he could reach the button with his hand.

"Child"

At the voice, Alex froze.