Six Awakened had been notified to report to training room 66 after being selected as the cohort for one of the Irregular team captains.
Less than twenty minutes later, all six of them had arrived. Since they didn't know each other beforehand, they exchanged brief introductions before shifting their attention to the squad's composition and their soon-to-be captain.
"What is this composition anyway? It's totally unbalanced," Saria complained.
"If the captain is the seventh member and a heavily offensive close-combatant, then it makes sense," Veylen replied thoughtfully.
"So, does anyone know anything about this guy who's going to be our captain?" Raha asked.
"I know that he's really young, but apparently, he contained a Category Three Gate almost by himself," Garrik added.
"I haven't heard of him, but aside from the lack of offense, we have everything we need. We've got enough utility to scout effectively, someone who can pilot vehicles, and someone who can maintain machines. I'd say he's been thoughtful with his selection," Veylen analyzed.
"How come you don't know him? Have you been living under a rock?" Lirian asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Oh? Do you know something?" Saria asked excitedly.
"He's the Sleeper who stayed behind on the Forgotten Shore," Lirian said with a hint of sadness in her voice.
"It was him?" Garrik asked, his expression shifting.
"Yes. He came back about two weeks ago. He conquered his Second Nightmare alone as a Sleeper."
"No way—if that's true, then no wonder he contained a Category Three Gate outbreak. If the rumors are right, he wiped out a few hundred Awakened and Fallen Nightmare Creatures as a Sleeper. Imagine what he can do now as a Master," Raha said in disbelief.
"You guys should pay more attention to your surroundings," I interrupted, standing up from a crate in the corner. "I've been here for about five minutes, and none of you even noticed."
At the sound of my voice, all of them tensed and immediately saluted. As I stepped closer, I felt a strange resonance from within my Soul Sea. Lirian was resonating with one of the kneeling person in my soul sea.
I shook off the feeling and refocused. "Anyway, most of your information is correct. I am heavily focused on combat, which is why I need a team that can support me in other areas. As Lirian mentioned, I recently returned from the Forgotten Shore and contained a Category Three Gate outbreak."
"I am Master Christopher. You can call me Captain or Sir. Nice to meet you."
"As you probably know, you are my cohort, which is part of the First Irregular Company, directly under Master Jet. Our main objective during this campaign is to handle tasks that normal soldiers and Awakened cannot."
"We have about two weeks before we leave and another two weeks until we arrive. That gives us a month to get familiar with each other. For that reason, you now have three minutes to come up with a strategy to defend against me. Your time starts now."
I began counting down from three minutes. At first, they were stunned, but they quickly scrambled together and started discussing tactics.
"Time's up. Here I come."
The moment I spoke, they snapped into formation. The three ranged members immediately backed off in different directions. Garrik stayed close to Lirian, shielding her, while Raha positioned himself to cover the ranged fighters.
"Good formation," I said before swiftly dodging the incoming projectiles.
I rushed at Garrik. Knowing he was slow, I maneuvered around him with minimal effort and struck Lirian in the neck with a light but decisive blow.
"The healer is out," I announced.
I caught an arrow mid-air and threw it at Orin, who had gotten too close.
"Orin out," I said as the arrow grazed his cheek.
Garrik and Raha overcame their hesitation and attempted to engage me, but it was too late. I had already caught Saria's leg and tossed her aside.
"Saria out."
Raha finally caught up, ready for close combat.
"Hmm, good strength, and fast enough for a defensive fighter, but your technique is crude," I commented while dodging his attacks. Then, with a quick strike to his gut, I took him out.
"Raha out."
Now, only Garrik and Veylen remained. I could feel their tense gazes locked onto me. Without hesitation, I charged at Garrik, landing precise strikes on the weak spots he wasn't covering.
"Good defense, but you're too focused on maintaining your Aspect and barely move," I noted.
Veylen tried to circle around to get a clean shot at me. Before he could, I disengaged from Garrik, closed the distance to Veylen, twisted his arm behind his back, and used him as a human shield.
"And now, you're the only one left," I said to Garrik before releasing Veylen.
"This was too easy," Saria pouted.
"Don't worry about it," I said reassuringly.
"I like that you quickly understood the purpose of this cohort, but your formation still needs work."
"As you probably guessed, our combat strategy revolves around me being in the middle of the enemy while you provide support. Saria, Veylen, and Orin, your focus will be on eliminating as many Nightmare Creatures around me as possible while also providing cover for Garrik and Raha."
"Garrik and Raha, your main duty is to protect Lirian. As you all know, Lirian's Aspect can heal you but not herself. That means keeping her safe is your highest priority—even if it means taking injuries yourselves."
"Raha, you're fast, so you should be moving around and covering for the ranged fighters, just like you attempted. But you need to stay more composed. If you overcommit, you'll start chasing enemies instead of protecting your allies."
"All in all, I see potential. We just need to polish things here and there."
"For now, consider this your welcome gift." I transfered them the cold resistance charms I got from Neph.
"You'll need these, so don't lose them," I joked.
"Now, Saria, Veylen, and Orin, stay. I need you for something. The rest of you can leave."