[1] The Air in Afghanistan is So Fresh

Chapter 1: The Air in Afghanistan is So Fresh

Boom————

Following the deafening explosion, the shell landed on the ground, kicking up a massive cloud of dust that left the soldiers behind the cover covered in dirt.

"Shit, those bastards are at it again."

"This is the fifth firefight today, isn't it?"

"Open fire! Conserve ammo!"

The soldiers, clad in bulletproof vests, grabbed their assault rifles and began pulling the trigger relentlessly, aiming at the enemy ahead.

"Tsk, those sons of bitches are quite enthusiastic."

Among the soldiers, a blond teenager, holding a sniper rifle, held his breath and pulled the trigger, aiming at a grimy enemy in the distance. A single bullet struck the target hundreds of meters away, blowing his head off.

"Aren't those guys cozying up to 'Uncle Sam' lately? Why are they coming after us?"

"Because we're here for counter-terrorism too."

"Tch."

The blond teenager curled his lip, leaned against the cover, and grabbed a can of food beside him. He used a small knife to cut it open and poured all the meat and broth into his mouth.

Amid the roaring artillery, there was no time for him to savor the taste of the food.

After wolfing it down, he tossed the empty can aside and turned to a bearded middle-aged soldier nearby. "How long have we been stuck in this hellhole of Afghanistan?"

"Three months and five days."

"What about support? Artillery support, CAS (Close Air Support), or at least have logistics deliver some KFC?"

"That's definitely not happening."

"Damn it!"

The blond teenager spat to the side, then picked up his rifle and fired two more shots toward the enemy.

With his delicate features, he could easily be considered a handsome young man under normal circumstances.

However, covered in dust and grime, coupled with his constant stream of foul language, many felt he was wasting his good looks.

At that moment, a soldier suddenly emerged from the stairwell and approached the blond teenager, saluting him.

"Lieutenant, we have a call from headquarters."

"Huh?"

The blond teenager was momentarily stunned upon hearing this. He tossed his rifle aside, pushed past the soldier in front of him, and headed down the stairwell.

He picked up the communicator and spoke directly: "This is IW Afghanistan Branch, Fifth Regiment, ID 0054. We're currently engaged with the enemy. If this isn't important and you're just messing around, I'll [beep] your ancestors."

"Ronan, it's me."

"Oh, Uncle Sagara? What's up? Has headquarters sent reinforcements?"

Hearing the familiar voice on the communicator, the blond teenager named Ronan relaxed a bit.

"No, we're planning to withdraw from this war."

"Withdraw? What about the outposts we've set up? Just leave them all here?"

"How much longer until your mission is completed?"

"About a week."

"Then pull out in a week. Someone else will take over here."

"That's a relief."

Ronan laughed.

"I'll pass the news along. The guys will be thrilled to finally get out of this hell."

"Oh, and are you happy?"

"...Of course I am, hahaha."

"Don't lie. I knew your father well, and you're just like him—struggling to adapt to life outside the battlefield."

"..."

"After you return from Afghanistan, how about heading to a new place?" the voice on the communicator suggested.

"A new place? Lebanon? Syria? Or Israel?"

"Not in the Middle East."

"Congo? Somalia?"

"Not in Africa either," the voice on the communicator said. "You're going to Japan."

"..."

"What do you think?"

"Can I not go?"

"Huh? Why not?"

"Uncle Sagara, have you forgotten why I snuck out of Japan in the first place?" Ronan immediately made a bitter face. "I absolutely refuse to go back to that place."

"There's a position waiting for you there, with a high salary."

"Of course I know the pay is good there; a lot of the headquarters' projects and institutions are based there... I mean... I just don't want to go."

"Japan isn't so bad. Your father and I both went to school there."

"Yeah, right. I heard you two almost tore the school apart. Auntie already told me all about it," Ronan said. "Is there some mission for me in Japan?"

"Yes. School."

"Hello? What did you say? I can't hear you! Ah! The enemy's attacking! I need to go support!"

Ronan shouted in an exaggerated tone, pretending to hang up the communicator and make a quick escape.

"Wait, this is your father's decision."

"Dad wants me to go?"

"Yes."

"..."

"You're at the age where you should be in school. Besides, if something happens to you here, I can't explain it to your father."

"If Dad dared to put me in your hands, it means he's not worried about me getting into trouble," Ronan sighed. "Fine, I'll go."

"Good that you agreed. I've already arranged your identity, school, and accommodation. You can start school right away when you get there."

"Understood."

"Alright then. Contact me again once you're in Japan."

With that, the communicator was cut off by the other side.

Ronan stared at the communicator for a moment, then shook his head and headed back up the stairwell.

It was unusually quiet upstairs, likely because the firefight had ended.

"Report the casualties."

"Sir, three lightly injured, no fatalities."

"Good."

Ronan looked at the soldiers, all covered in dust, and announced loudly, "Gentlemen, we've just received word from headquarters. Hold out for one more week, and we'll be able to withdraw."

"YES!!!"

"Finally, we can leave this place!"

"I don't want to spend another second in this hellhole!"

As everyone cheered, Ronan couldn't help but walk to the side. Ignoring the sandy ground, he sat down and pulled out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, lighting one out of habit.

"Lieutenant, is headquarters planning to abandon the outpost?"

It was the same bearded soldier from before. He sat down beside Ronan and asked quietly.

"No, I heard someone's coming to take over."

"That's a relief... So, Lieutenant, are you planning to take up a position at headquarters after we return?"

"No."

At the question, Ronan immediately lowered his head.

"I've been transferred to Japan."

"Japan? To work in the research department?"

"No..." Ronan's face darkened. "To go to school."

"Pfft—HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!"

"Damn it! Can't you show a little sympathy for your superior's misery?"

"It's not so bad. Japan is way better than a war zone—peaceful, stable, and the benefits are great," the soldier said with a laugh. "Besides, Lieutenant, isn't it about time someone your age went to school?"

"I just don't really want to go."

Ronan took a drag from his cigarette, exhaling a cloud of smoke.

"I had a bit of a run-in with some financial conglomerates over there, which is why I snuck out in the first place."

"I remember your father was... What kind of financial conglomerate would dare mess with you?"

"The Shinomiya conglomerate. And it's not that I'm afraid of them—it's just... emotional scars, man!"

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

If you want to read 10 advance chapters ahead.

Visit my patreon: patreon.com/EggZy