My Players Are So Fierce

(New Year’s extra update~ Happy New Year everyone~)

“How much longer to cross the swamp?”

Two days after the Baphomet Canyon position was destroyed, in the Polluted Swamp, Colonel Fraser, leading the soldiers on a march, yawned wearily and asked his adjutant, Major Reno, who glanced at the map and gestured with a ‘two’ hand sign.

Indicating it would take at least two more days to reach the Maginot Line.

Major Reno isn’t naturally silent, but right now he truly didn’t want to talk.

Young commanders from military families generally pay attention to their appearance, but after repeated intense battles, leaving aside Major Reno, even the noble-born Fraser has turned into a “battle-hardened veteran.”

He no longer cared about neat clothes; his beard hadn’t been trimmed for several days, and his hair was messy, making him look like a disheveled young man.

But in contrast, the colonel always kept his weapon nearby, ready to draw his blade at any moment, the pistol chamber loaded with bullets, and his marksmanship becoming increasingly deadly. His scruffy face was adorned with eyes as vigilant as an eagle’s, his former vitality tempered into a deeper maturity by this war.

Perhaps the colonel’s former prestige came from his birth and position, but now, the supreme reputation he enjoys within his army comes directly from his command over hundreds of battles and personal bloodied combats on the battlefield.

Even his personal strength has changed.

The former Fraser did not pursue personal strength, but the brutal Black Disaster forced him to pick up his martial skills. Although not as fast as the exaggerated pace of foreigners, Fraser can feel his combat skills progressing to a higher level after several brushes with death.

According to his guard, in maybe another month, the colonel can start preparing for the Silver Trial.

This isn’t an exaggeration.

His good foundation since childhood and the intensity and frequency of battles during this period are unimaginable for peacetimes soldiers. Breakthroughs under the pressure of life and death aren’t surprising, but compared to personal strength improvements, Fraser now focuses more on the impact his army and nation will face amid the Black Disaster.

This issue kept him restless, and he decided to travel to Kato to speak with his father face-to-face after reaching the Maginot Line.

His soldiers urgently need rest, as their morale is already very low.

Continually abandoning Shadow Valley and Nord Position, while preserving living strength, is seen as two complete failures for ordinary soldiers who can’t see the overall picture, making them pessimistic about future battles.

“Reno, pass the order down that everyone will be rewarded upon reaching the line, and take turns resting. I’ll apply for special stipends for troop entertainment during their downtime.”

Fraser told his adjutant:

“I have ties with Boss Huo at Treasure Bay, ensuring the soldiers get the best treatment there, but the prerequisite is we must reach the line within a day.”

“Colonel, the soldiers are exhausted, forcing another march might…”

Major Reno, somewhat worried, was interrupted by Fraser who said:

“Look around, Reno.

The Transia People have turned the entire swamp into a death hunting ground. The traps we can see are merely bait in plain sight, I’m certain every part of this swamp hides life-consuming peril, don’t you feel it?

Since we entered the swamp, a strange will has been watching us.

This swamp is ‘coming alive’…

I heard from those Avalon Cultists that this place is blessed by the God of Nature, I’m unsure what happened here but I know staying here is dangerous. Distribute the tasty Transia rations and accelerate the troop advancement!

No lunch today, the sooner we reach the line the better.”

“Mm.”

Major Reno no longer objected. He too felt the changes in the Polluted Swamp, the unsettling shadow hiding in the mud waters, just like a hungry creature yearning for life as a sacrifice.

“Buzz Buzz”

As the troops commenced force marching, Fraser, mounted, suddenly heard his Calculating Pearl buzz; surprised, he opened it and heard a familiar voice:

“Hey, Fraser, Iron Hand and I are at the Maginot Line.

We’ve been stripped of our military ranks; my old man kicked me out, severed ties, and forbade me from using the Solos surname to shamelessly boast anymore. Worst part is we are completely broke now, not exaggerating; we’re begging our way to you, dear young master.

So, how long till you arrive?

If it doesn’t work out, we might crash at Treasure Bay for a free meal; hopefully, Boss Huo won’t kick us out.”

“Damn it! Ron, you rascal got released? Damn, I thought you’d be executed.”

Upon hearing his friend’s words, the colonel laughed and cursed:

“You just mention my name at the mess hall, and you won’t miss a meal, but what are you and Iron Hand planning next?”

“We’ve registered a mercenary corps called ‘Black Flame’.”