The Forsaken Five

“From here on, apart from joint operations, you will work with the team you were assigned to. No matter how tough the situation, try to avoid interfering with other units and resolve the issue as best you can with your own section.”

“Sir, yes, sir!”

This proclamation of Tsukasa’s was essentially a death sentence for Section 8.

“I-I object!”

While everyone else remained powerless before Tsukasa’s ‘General’ skill, one person struggled to defy him.

“SSG Oyama. You may only say ‘sir’ or ‘yes, sir.’”

“S-sir...no, I refuse! This grouping isn’t fair!”

Daigo breathed heavily, forcing the words out of his mouth.

“Section 8 clearly lacks fighting power compared to the rest of us. Do you intend to sacrifice them?!”

“Those who can’t fight will only get in the way and compromise our survival. I’m merely eliminating nuisance variables.”

I thought I was the only one considered a burden since I didn’t have a skill.

However, it appeared that the other four in my unit had also been branded useless.

It’s true that our meek student librarian, Shizuka, was the type of person who wouldn’t harm a fly. No matter how good her skill was, it might as well not exist if she couldn’t use it in battle.

“Transfer me to Section 8, please!”

“No. This is for the best. You’ll see.”

Tsukasa’s voice grew louder.

“Get back, SSG Oyama!”

“S-Sir, y-yes, sir.”

Daigo finally gave up and got back in line.

It seemed as though Tsukasa was able to increase the effectiveness of his skill by raising his voice.

He was starting to sound hoarse after shouting nonstop since our battle with the goblins.

My eyes met with Daigo’s.

I nodded to let him know that it was okay.

Obviously, I had no idea whether we would make it or not. I just didn’t want Daigo to worry about me.

“It’s pointless. We’ll probably all die anyway.”

Saburo, the commander of our unit, said in a low voice.

The guy lacked motivation and was often scolded by our teachers for handing in his exams blank. He was another person unlikely to use his skill, no matter how efficient it was.

“I hate this. I wanna go home, pleeease...”

“How did this happen? It’s gotta be a dream. It has to be.”

Chika had balled up crying like a baby, while the chubby Futoshi was trying to escape reality by snacking.

“Ryo...”

Our second-in-command, Shizuka, looked at me anxiously.

“It’ll be okay. Let’s work together and do our best.”

I reassured Shizuka, not just for her sake but for mine.

“We shall now head north. Section One will lead the way. Section 8, you bring up the rear.”

Tsukasa’s red mustache flashed as he shouted.

“Sir, yes, sir!”

I’ll show him. I’ll survive no matter what.

Even as I glared at Tsukasa, the force of his skill compelled me to salute in reply.