Any weapon needs to be tested in real combat, and firearms are no exception.
Watching those monsters howl under the experimental flamethrowers, Isha let out a sigh of relief.
Although the magical flamethrower’s flames had been tested before and proved effective against these monsters, seeing them burning still brought an inexplicable sense of satisfaction to Isha.
However, even though the monsters were completely engulfed in flames, with several mouths hoarsely screaming, they still had enough strength to rush toward the Firebreather Squad.
But Isha was well-prepared; holding a firearm in one hand, her squad quickly responded, using firearms to suppress these monsters viciously, ultimately burning them alive amidst their cries.
This was just an experimental flamethrower, intended to test whether the firearm could inflict effective damage on monsters, whereas the one Flora possessed was clearly not an experimental model but was specifically designed to incinerate the large creature at the center of the battlefield.
Isha looked at Noam, who stood like a small mountain on the battlefield, and then led the experimental squad back to their position.
“Teacher Isha!”
A few soldiers who had just come down from the battlefield and were reeking of gunpowder excitedly greeted Isha.
Isha paused, momentarily stunned, as it had been a long time since she had been addressed that way.
Looking at these young soldiers, Isha prided herself on her good memory but did not recognize them at first.
“Does the teacher not remember us? No wonder.”
The soldiers took off their hats and saluted Isha.
“We were among the first soldiers during the Graywhite Territory, and we attended your lectures.”
At this point, Isha began to recall. Back during the Graywhite Territory, in addition to teaching students in schools, she also provided basic education and ideological lessons to soldiers. However, most soldiers at the time had been half-asleep.
“I remember now.”
Isha smiled and nodded in return, jokingly said, “You guys didn’t hold back on sleeping during my lectures back then.”
The soldiers scratched their heads awkwardly. The Graywhite Territory had strict regulations for officer education; if they didn’t meet the requirements, it would be very difficult for them to get promoted.
Judging by these soldiers’ uniforms, they were clearly veterans, but their current appearance suggested that they hadn’t been doing well since Isha left; it was evident they hadn’t been studying properly.
At this time, one of the leading soldiers hesitated for a moment before stepping forward under the urging of his companions and asked, “Teacher Isha, can you give us another lecture? Like the one you gave to the Secretary. This time we will definitely pay attention!”
Isha was somewhat puzzled. She carefully observed the soldiers’ equipment, confirming once again that they had just come off the battlefield, and then asked, “Didn’t you all just come down from the battlefield? Isn’t it more important to rest? Only by resting well can you confront the next wave. The Lord Governor also said that the time for the counterattack is approaching; without proper rest, it won’t do.”
But the soldier at the forefront had a determined look and bowed, saying, “Teacher, please, this is really important for us.”
Isha thought that these soldiers were finally making some progress and wanted to take advantage of this battle to get promoted, so she insisted, “Rest well now; being able to survive on the battlefield is the most important thing. After this war ends, I will return to Graywhite Territory to continue teaching.”
After saying this, Isha prepared to leave. After all, there were many matters in the rear that required her attention, and she still needed to report on the experimental flamethrower’s performance.
However, one of the soldiers blocked her way, saying, “Teacher Isha, we also want to become Secretaries, but we are a bit clumsy with words and really don’t know what a Secretary should do, so please teach us!”
Isha was somewhat surprised. In the army, Secretaries had many strict requirements and couldn’t just rely on experience to get through. Were these soldiers who used to sleep in class really trying to become Secretaries?
In an instant, Isha thought of something and asked, “What happened to your original Secretary?”
“Sacrificed.”
The soldiers’ response was quite plain, as if they were discussing an ordinary matter.
“The Lord Governor had long issued orders prohibiting Secretaries from leading charges, but the situation on the battlefield changes rapidly. Our previous Secretary sacrificed himself to cover our retreat.”
The leading soldier added.
“Other teams also suffered casualties among their Secretaries. So, the Lord Governor ordered us to become Secretaries and be dispersed into other squads. So, Teacher Isha, can you give us some supplementary lessons? This time we will really pay attention!”
The casualty rate among Secretaries was too high. Even though Lind had issued many orders, it was still difficult to restrain these Secretaries.
The cold wind and snow hit Isha’s face. The war was so cruel that even Isha, who was in the midst of it, had forgotten how bloody it was.
Isha really wanted to ask how many of the soldiers she had taught before were still alive, but seeing the hesitation on the faces of these soldiers, she didn’t have the courage to continue asking. Instead, she turned and asked, “What do you think of your previous team’s Secretary?”
Hearing this question, the few young soldiers, with their flushed faces frozen red, couldn’t help but smile. The leading soldier grinned and said, “He was good. Although the Secretary was a bit strict, he was really good to us. When we lacked warm clothing, the Secretary even brought over the supply officer and yelled at him.”
Another soldier added, “But the Secretary could also be terrifying when scolding people; thankfully, that time he wasn’t scolding us.”
The soldiers began to chat about their previous Secretary, but soon they all fell silent.
Seeing this, Isha encouraged, “Look, don’t you all clearly know what a Secretary is supposed to do? I believe that even without lectures, you can become excellent Secretaries. Now, go rest well.”
Upon hearing Isha’s encouragement, the soldiers finally felt relieved and chorused, “Thank you, Teacher!”
Then they all scattered.
But Isha fell into a state of melancholy. After this counterattack ended, how many of them would still be left?
Once she arrived at the rear square, Isha handed the performance report of the flamethrower to Lind.
At this time, the magic-powered train nearby was still unloading cargo. Coupled with the resources accumulated earlier, the quantity of holy water and weapons in the position could be described as horrifyingly abundant.
Lind restrained himself very much regarding the holy water’s use. Besides two bottles per person, he would only actively use it for defense when the Demon Clan began to push forward frantically.
This wasn’t actually Lind’s decision but a plan discussed by the staff and the higher-ups. Everyone had calculated together how much holy water would be needed to eliminate these monsters from the Demon Clan all at once.
Now, the accumulated holy water was finally about to be投入 on the battlefield.
Sometimes Isha wondered if just putting the holy water directly into battle would result in fewer casualties. But if that were the case, the length of the war would probably be dragged out indefinitely, leading to more deaths in a war of attrition.
Isha didn’t know if she had the courage and determination to make this decision, but at that moment, she was a bit relieved that it wasn’t her bearing this pressure.
After a sigh, Isha once again solidified her resolve; no matter what, this war should come to an end.
