Near the hill, the squad commander "Tombstone" suddenly raised his fist again, and the whole squad instantly froze. All the members tacitly searched for the nearest cover, their gun muzzles vigilantly pointing towards their respective sectors of responsibility.
"Anything?"
The deputy commander inquired softly through the throat microphone, his voice tense.
"Not sure..."
The voice of "Tombstone" carried a trace of barely detectable doubt, as he strained to widen his eyes, scanning the dark sandy slopes on both sides through his panoramic night vision goggles.
Too quiet. Even the annoying wind from before seemed to hold its breath deliberately at this moment.
This was an unnatural silence, as if the sound of the entire world was being sucked away by some invisible force. The unease in his heart grew stronger and stronger.
Just as he was about to issue the order to retreat for more thorough reconnaissance—
Whoosh—
Whoosh—
Whoosh—!
