High-Iron Rank
The gates groaned open as Ethan approached. Zhang stood alone in the entrance area, his uniform clean and undamaged. No sign of blood or combat.
Chen and Taylor's absence was expected; the infirmary would be busy trying to save what remained of their limbs.
Ethan studied Zhang with interest. Either the man had exceptional survival instincts or remarkable luck. Perhaps both. In this world, sometimes avoiding trouble altogether showed more skill than surviving it.
"Scout Brandon." Captain Morrison's voice cut through his observations. The captain approached.
"Report."
Zhang shifted slightly, his eyes meeting Ethan's. A silent communication passed between them.
'Interesting.'
"Sir," Ethan began, adopting the proper military stance. "After deployment, the team experienced immediate disciplinary issues. Taylor and Chen broke formation against direct orders."
"Explain their actions more clearly," Morrison commanded, his face hardening.
"They chose to separate from the group, sir. Taylor suggested splitting up to cover more ground. When I advised against it, citing standard protocols, they disregarded the warning." Ethan kept his voice neutral, stating facts rather than accusations.
Zhang nodded slightly, confirming the account. "It's true, sir. Brandon attempted to maintain unit cohesion."
Morrison's frown deepened. His fingers drummed against his leg before he said.
"Continue."
"Zhang and I maintained position together," Ethan said. "We responded to the emergency signal when it was deployed. Beyond that, I have no direct knowledge of events involving the other team members."
The captain's eyes narrowed. "Nothing else to report? No encounter details? Two soldiers return with severe injuries, and you saw nothing?"
Ethan met his gaze. "I can only report what I witnessed firsthand, sir. Speculation would be inappropriate."
A calculating look crossed Morrison's face. He turned to Zhang. "Your account?"
"Same as Brandon's, sir."
Morrison clasped his hands behind his back, analyzing both soldiers. "You understand that abandoning formation during scout duty is a capital offence. Their actions endangered not just themselves, but yours too."
"Yes, sir," both soldiers responded in unison.
"The investigation will determine their fate," Morrison continued. "However, the mission parameters haven't changed. The 500-meter perimeter still needs clearing." He gestured to a group of soldiers waiting nearby. "Two more scouts will join you."
…
The new cannon fodder stuck close together, Morrison's warnings still fresh in their minds. No one wanted to end up like Chen and Taylor, sustaining a serious injury whilst also waiting for their punishment for breaking the rules.
...
Hours passed. The forest remained surprisingly quiet. Almost too quiet.
"Our mission is over," Ethan announced finally. "Let's head back."
Before the team could respond, a snort shattered the forest's silence.
Not just any snort - the kind that makes your survival instincts scream.
Time slowed. Options flashed through Ethan's mind like game prompts.
Fight? No - too many witnesses. Run? Yes, but for a purpose.
"Run!" he shouted. "All different directions! It can't chase everyone!"
No one needed convincing. The scouts scattered like startled birds, each choosing their own path to potential survival. Even Zhang, who'd shown such composure before, vanished.
Ethan deliberately slowed his pace. Just enough to be the most tempting target. Just enough to make the boar's choice obvious. The thundering footsteps behind him confirmed his plan worked.
Perfect.
A quick glance confirmed his solitude. No witnesses. No complications. Time to change the game.
The change felt different this time.
He felt much more powerful. His status window was updated with an unexpected surprise:
"Wow," Ethan thought as his body completed the transformation.
Ethan felt the power that surged through his new form. This wasn't the same wolf that had struggled against the Mid-Iron Shadowfang earlier.
The Razorback Boar skidded to a halt, its small eyes widening in confusion. The easy prey it had been chasing had vanished, replaced by a predator that radiated dangerous power. Its iron-enhanced tusks suddenly seemed less impressive against a High-iron-ranked opponent.
Ethan's enhanced senses picked up everything - the boar's rapid heartbeat, the tension in its muscles, the subtle shift of its weight as it prepared to either fight or flee.
His own Enhanced Speed Talent increased his Agility attribute by 1.5x.
A grin spread across his wolf features.
'Time to test this upgraded transformation.'