1 The Last Battle

The interior of the aircraft shook in mild turbulence. Its engine howling drowned out the slightest noise.

Inside the helicopter sat two dozen men. Their silent presence bathed in a subdued red light from the ceiling, their casted shadows blackening the floor on which they rested their feet. Next to them were oval-shaped windows that showed the bright sky. Flashes of sunrays scintillating from the outside of the aircraft sometimes shone on their concealed faces.

Each gripped assault rifles tightly in their hands. They were a special force deployed to siege enemy bases. Their age ranged from thirteen to at most, twenty.

Baby boys were separated from their parents to be trained to be efficient soldiers. Then, at the age of thirteen, they were deemed prepared and were sent to war. Few made it far in life, but they did not mind it; the battlefield has always been their sole purpose.

One among them was deemed a hero. His list of exploits went on as well as being the youngest man to have ever led a full battalion, at the current age of seventeen.

As officer-in-charge, he was seated in the frontmost right row closer to the pilots. His attire was moderately light with his head, arms, and neck exposed. He was well-built and could've been considered handsome if he wasn't plagued with trauma from the war. Even so, the expression on his visage spelled nothing short of determination.

Adjusting the mouthpiece on his headset, the boy due informed his soldiers of the situation they were to plunge into. He was resolute and commanding in his tone.

"Alright, listen up. This is what I've received from reconnaissance."

His subordinates returned him the due attention. The look in their eyes was sharp, and spelled hunger for their objective.

"The enemy has made the town its base. The place is very well guarded and equipped with air-based weapon systems. You know what to do, prepare your parachutes."

Simultaneously, the large door to the aircraft opened.

They had to jump, or else the counter-air defences would forcibly bring them down.

Alas…

BAM!