SWNOVELXO Chapter 11- The Best Companions
After marrying Shiori,
I served as the captain of ‘SWORD’.
And then… the ‘infamous mission’ came to us.
‘Destroy the Intercontinental Stealth Ballistic Missile (IICBM) and prevent an attack on Japan.’
The adversary was a surviving mafia group from the former Soviet Union.
Many companions fell against this formidable organization.
Yet, we still couldn’t locate the launch site of the targeted missile.
One day, however…
“‘Ryuji! Dino has returned! I’ve eliminated the pursuers!'”
Aaron said so, carrying the bloodied Italian, Dino.
Because the mafia’s communications were encrypted, Dino, who could decipher them, had infiltrated as a spy.
Laying him on a bed, Dino struggled to report to me, barely able to catch his breath.
“‘I’ve found the location of the missile launch base… Latitude: 60.7°, Longitude: 101.4°, deep within the Gorason Forest…'”
“Well done! Let’s patch up your wounds now!”
But when I saw the location of Dino’s injuries, I held my breath.
His lungs and liver had been pierced by bullets.
Surviving and returning in this state was a miracle in itself.
It was a testament to Dino’s determination.
And… a bullet stopped just short of his heart, passing through the novel he had in his chest pocket.
Dino seemed to understand that he wouldn’t make it.
He tore his dog tag from around his neck and firmly grasped my hand with his bloodied one.
“Ryuji, my dream… was to create a library. A place where anyone could read lots of books for free…”
Coughing up blood, he spoke with a strong gaze.
“People fight because they’re scared… Fear starts with ignorance. If everyone reads and learns from books, we won’t need wars. Knowledge is more powerful than weapons…”
His words on the brink of passing away.
His strong wish was imbued in them.
“Dino, don’t worry! I’ll make your dream come true! I’ll build a library bigger than the White House, stock it with the books you loved!”
“Ryuji, thank you. Hehe… I’ll… depart on my journey first… I’ll write books in heaven. Looking forward to it…”
With a shaky salute and a smile, Dino’s strength left his body.
Aaron also saluted and quietly shed tears.
“…Bon voyage, mon ami.”
Shiori cried as she held Dino’s hand,
Gently pressing it against her cheek.”
Relying on the information Dino risked his life to obtain, Gilbert, Aaron, and I ran through the forest, heading toward the missile base.
However, as expected, the mafia’s defenses were strong, and it was difficult to breach them.
“This is our last shot!”
Gilbert exclaimed and fired the rocket launcher.
Given Gilbert’s near 100kg frame, he’d be blown away if he didn’t shoot it. This weapon was our trump card.
“Alright! The path’s clear! Move forward!”
Aaron, Gilbert, and I advanced toward the base.
There was no retreat left.
The mafia had surrounded us from behind, forcing us to proceed toward the missile launch base.
“Damn it, another ambush!”
However, just as Gilbert’s rocket launcher ran out of ammunition, we hit a dead end.
The longer time passed, the more the enemy would reorganize and gain the advantage.
To succeed in this ambush, we needed further chaos.
“I’ll cause a diversion. You guys break through while they’re distracted.”
Aaron said so and lightly nudged both mine and Gilbert’s chests.
“Originally, I was an American soldier, you know. I joined ‘SWORD’ thinking that as long as I could protect America, that would be enough.”
While visually confirming the enemy’s positions, Aaron spoke.
“But you know, living with you guys made me realize something. I love your country too. I won’t let a war happen.”
Aaron removed the dog tag hanging from his neck and put it around mine.
“Aaron…”
“Ryuji, Gilbert… You guys are like brothers to me. Even if we’re not blood-related, our hearts and souls are connected. So, let me protect you.”
Aaron let out a battle cry and sprinted while firing his machine gun.
“Uoooh!”
All enemy guns turned towards Aaron.
Amidst the splattering red blood, Aaron stormed into a corner of the enemy’s position without a hint of fear, breaking their formation.
In that opening, Gilbert and I ran.
Without looking back, without stopping.
To make sure Aaron’s sacrifice was not in vain.
Boom!
And then, a loud explosion resounded from behind.
He must have self-detonated with a grenade, likely taking many enemies with him.
We couldn’t even catch a glimpse of the valiant mercenary’s final stand.
“Move forward! Keep moving!”
“Aaron… Damn it!”
While running, with the chaos Aaron created, Gilbert and I shot down the confused mafia members.
We carried the weight of our fallen comrades, the sorrow, and our hopes, all while running.
That was the only way to repay my greatest companions.
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