Chapter 89: Why am I so unlucky (VI)
In an instant, I successfully drew everyone’s attention, and they all turned to look where I was pointing.
Sure enough, the noble squad spotted a large, dark shape lurking in the forest nearby, along with drag marks on the ground.
We exchanged glances, then silently moved toward it.
“…The wreckage of a transport truck?”
As we neared the forest’s edge, we saw what it was.
A burned, mangled truck carcass.
“…It was destroyed no more than an hour or two ago. Freshly attacked.”
Nico inspected the wreckage closely, her face grim as she spoke.
“Something’s off.”
Carter scanned the surroundings.
“It looks like it was hit by alien forces, but all the supplies are gone. No soldier bodies nearby either. Judging by the ground marks and those caltrops earlier, this truck was destroyed and then dragged here to hide it.”
“But where are the ambushers?”
I looked at the wreckage, a bad feeling creeping into my mind.
“This doesn’t sit right. The alien infiltrators seem way too familiar with the layout around Blackshine City… like someone handed them a full map of our defenses.”
“It’s unlikely this is an inside job from the empire.” Carter’s brow furrowed.
“This area’s a prime training ground, crawling with noble squads like us. No high-ranking official would risk our lives or Blackshine City’s defenses for a stunt like this. The betrayal of our defensive plans is probably common knowledge by now. They’re likely already rooting out traitors internally… That’s a crime punishable by death for entire clans.”
“Wait, I found something over here… in this direction!”
Emil, after circling the area, picked up a faint clue.
“There… drag marks from something being hauled away! The attackers clearly took all the supplies.”
Emil crouched, carefully examining the traces.
A sinking feeling grew in my gut.
“W-Wait, you’re not planning to investigate this, are you?”
I looked at the noble squad, suddenly feeling a bit scared.
This was not good! Better to stay out of trouble!
Sure, I suspected someone was behind this, but I had no interest in meddling!
“…Our truck’s tires are gone, so we’ll have to walk the next stretch. But before that, we should figure out who’s behind this to warn others to stay alert.”
Carter spoke with a heavy expression.
“It might be mercenaries or rebels. So far, the nearby forces don’t even know they exist. We don’t know why they’re not here now, but we can’t let more people die for no reason.”
“We don’t have to wipe them out, but we need to at least identify them.”
“I agree.”
“Me too.”
“Same here.”
“Ditto.”
The other four squad members nodded in agreement with Carter.
Looking at them, I realized they weren’t just talking—they meant it.
They were true nobles, not spoiled brats hiding behind fake titles.
Or rather, they were knight nobles.
Humans are a fragile race, always have been.
Shorter lifespans than other races, weaker innate talents and bloodlines, with only their rapid reproduction, learning, and adaptability to rely on.
Everything humanity has achieved was built on sacrifice!
The first nobles were knight nobles!
Humility, integrity, compassion, courage, justice, sacrifice, honor, soul!
In the face of a mighty foe! Fearless and unyielding! Loyal and righteous! True to heart! Steadfast and just! Unbending in death! Protecting the weak! In harmony with justice!
These are humanity’s pioneers! These are knight nobles!
This is the noble squad!
In a daze, fragmented memories from my past life surfaced.
I vaguely recalled serving in a noble squad myself once.
Now, I understood that the title of noble squad was more than just a name.
It carried the weight of a noble’s duty and responsibility.
Everyone in a noble squad was a knight noble.
“…Sigh, today really is my unlucky day.”
Looking at the noble squad, I knew I couldn’t sway their resolve.
I nodded reluctantly at them.
“I understand, but if we encounter an enemy we can’t handle, I hope I can retreat first—no offense.”
I blinked, bluntly stating something inappropriate to Carter and the others.
By all rights, I should be fired up to fight alongside them, but… sorry.
I’m a mother now. My priority is the two egg babies in my backpack.
If things go even slightly wrong, I’ll grab them and run without looking back.
“I understand. Don’t worry, Su Mengmeng. If things go south, Nico and Daniel will prioritize getting you out.”
Carter looked at me, seeming to understand my concerns, and nodded in response.
Satisfied, I nodded back.