The Plan of Attack

As the guard's head flew in the air, blood splattered in the air.

It fell down on Daniel and the others, covering their shocked and horrified faces.

THUMP! THUMP!

From behind the trees, a humongous figure appeared into view, the ground shaking with every step it took.

Blood dripped down from its sharp canines and claws as its ferocious golden eyes darted left and right for the next prey.

Encapsulated by the horror, every cadet was unable to move under the pressure of the giant feline monster.

The only ones who still remained in their senses were Daniel, Celine and…

Mikhail and his squadron.

Mikhail observed everything happening with a calm expression. There was not an ounce of fear in his heart.

And it was the same for the ones behind him, who had experienced much worse than this along with him.

However, as said, it was not the same for everyone.

"Don't move." 

Daniel tried to whisper to the cadets, remaining still still under the beast's eye.

Unfortunately, some of the weaker cadets were too scared for their lives.

Not being able to take the pressure anymore, one finally made the run.

"I can't!! Save me!"

"No!!" Daniel screamed as he quickly sprung in front of the beast to hold him off.

But something even he didn't expect was another beast to jump out from the trees.

With the body of a half-mantis and half-tiger, it was smaller but much faster.

Mikhail watched Daniel try to counter and reach the second beast but..

'He won't be able to make it.'

Which left only one person who could reach him fast enough.

Everyone's eyes instinctively moved to Celine at the last moment, expecting some help.

She might hate them but they still existed for their use right?

She was definitely not just going to let them die here. Not the whole academy.

'Wrong.'

They all froze when they saw the expression on her face.

'The same expression she had on the last time.'

There it was.

One of pure and absolute disregard and indifference. 

As if she had no relation with what was happening in front of her.

It was at this moment that every cadet in the camp realized their future.

The Dominiques or Empire had nothing to do with their lives or well-being.

Their existence was comparable to that of a simple paper. 

Weak and feeble with no importance whatsoever to them.

In that split second, it felt as if the time had frozen for everyone. Like it was truly the end for most of them.

But then…

Click. Cluck. BOOM!

An ear-deafening boom resounded from the corner, as something tore through the air.

CRUNCH!

Within the next second, the nearing head of the monster was torn off its body, exploding into a thousand tiny pieces.

Every cadet looked in shock at the monster's lifeless body lying on the ground.

It was only when their senses started to return that they followed the trajectory of the shot.

Their eyes landed straight to a young man in the distance.

There was no sign of distress on his face as he stood there with a gun in his hand.

His blue eyes were fully calm as the sea, like there was no doubt in his mind on what to do.

Lowering his gun, Mikhail noticed Celine spare an interested glance to him from the side.

'I have no time to entertain their bullshit plans.'

Unfortunately, because of her, he also couldn't use his oath powers.

It was a well known fact that Dominiques could sense other Dominique's power within a certain distance.

It was one of the methods they used to identify the new Dominique.

Mikhail didn't know if it was the same for his element. However, he had no plans to take risks.

He had to make do with his other elements.

Feeling that everyone's eye was on him now, Mikhail knew this was the right moment.

Stepping forward, he reloaded his guns.

Click. Clank.

"I'll not repeat again so listen closely. This isn't the first time you people are facing such threats, so stop crying and screaming."

Mikhail turned back to Modric, giving him the gesture.

The latter nodded, and turned back to convey his order to the squadron.

"You have faced such beasts outside, you can face them if they come inside. Don't act as if you are going to die."

Mikhail raised his gun again.

"Cindralic Morphis."

BOOM!

The bullet passed straight through the crowd, blowing the head of another monster.

Its headless body fell down the trees from where it was trying to sneak through.

The cadets who just witnessed what happened were left in complete awe now at his precision.

But Mikhail quickly brought them to their senses.

"There's no difference between you fighting them outside or inside. So grab your weapons and start fighting if you don't want to die."

From the side, Mikhail saw Daniel arrive as well.

The humongous monster he was fighting at the side was now completely torn to shreds.

"Mikhail is right. This isn't your first time and it never will be."

He cleaned the blood off his sword.

"This is how life outside the walls is, you will need to fight and survive against such unexpected situations."

Everyone visibly suppressed a gulp and nodded, now mustering up their courage and confidence.

"According to the information, it's a multiple wormhole breach. Let's hope there aren't many to handle."

Daniel ran a look around the area.

"The large number of monsters makes it impossible to fight them together and get done sooner. Which is why, everyone will separate into packs of ten platoons"

Mikhail nodded.

"So basically 75 platoons into 7 companies where a single company consists of 10 platoons."

Daniel affirmed his statement.

"That's right. 7 companies and the remaining 5 platoons will be with me."

"That's fair."

"The first company will be led by you Mikhail. The second one will be headed by Modric and third by Icarus." Daniel finalized the captains.

It was clear that people had objections but currently their lives held more importance to them.

And Mikhail had clearly shown his abilities so they naturally felt safe around him.

For the rest of the 4 companies, Mikhail saw Daniel choose other strong candidates as leaders.

Three females and one male.

Deciding everything, Daniel turned back to the platoon leaders.

"Time is short. The more we delay it, the more destruction we will face. Spread out to different parts of the camps and clear the area of beasts."

Not a single complaint was heard. Everyone agreed with what the old man said.

He clearly knew better than them.

Unfortunately, because of the visit today, other staff were not present to join them in the fight.

As everyone started spreading out, Mikhail was called out by Daniel.

"I'm going to head to the administration section for the people there. You head towards the entrance gates."

Mikhail's brows raised his surprise.

The entrance was definitely the most dangerous area, so it made no sense for Daniel to leave that to him.

Even if that was what Mikhail wanted to ask of the old man.

Understanding his surprise, the old man spoke up.

"This attack, you already knew something about it didn't you?" He asked.

Mikhail's eyes widened with surprise.

"No wonder you were acting so off these days. Don't worry, it's not that I think you are the main cause behind this."

He put a hand on Mikhail's shoulder to calm the young man down.

"Far from it. I'm sending you there because I think you know the real people behind this."

Mikhail was taken aback momentarily.

'How did he even-'

He saw the old man let out a slight laugh.

"My bones might be old young man, but not my brain. You know how to stop this don't you?"

For a moment, Mikhail was left speechless by how much he knew.

But returning to his senses, he nodded.

"I do."

Daniel smiled, tapping his shoulder.

"Then get going lad. I'm counting on you to end this before my bones run out."

Mikhail bit his lip but nodded slowly.

"Yeah…I got it."

Daniel gave a light ruffle on the head before turning to leave.

'Crazy old man.'

Turning, Mikhail quickly ran to his squadron.

Initially, his plan was to ditch them to run towards the gates but now, it was much easier.

He was just going to take the whole platoon there.

'I'm grateful. Sir.'

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