William Russell walked along the beach with John, who was about his height, maintaining a kindly smile without saying anything.
However, John, who was walking beside him, appeared somewhat nervous despite his usually calm and indifferent expression.
After all, during the tactical briefings every Sunday, Kent would show the Spartans videos of past containment operations.
Seeing those Agents who disregarded their own safety and sacrificed their lives to buy time left a deep impression on John.
It strengthened John's resolve to protect reality and humanity.
Influenced by Halsey as well, he felt a sense of awe toward William Russell, the founder of Umbrella.
As for William Russell, he was unaware of John's internal thoughts.
He arrived at a spot on the beach with tree shade behind him and the slightly turquoise sea in front.
He sat down, stretched his legs out, braced his hands on the ground, and gestured to John beside him, saying,'Sit down, keep me company and let's chat.'
Yes.
John sat down a person's width away from William Russell, and his body and mind gradually relaxed, no longer as constrained as before.
William Russell took a moment to admire the scenery.
He glanced at John, who was becoming increasingly composed, then looked out at the sea and smiled. 'John, I recall telling you all that you had a seven-day break back in the Osprey's cabin. How is it that when I come out for a stroll, I see that none of you can seem to sit still?'
Boss...
Eh.
William Russell raised his hand and waved it slightly, saying,'Since you address Dr. Halsey as Ma'am, you should just address me as Sir. I'm getting tired of hearing Boss all the time.'
As he spoke, William Russell rubbed his right ear to show his plight.
Uh...
John did not expect William Russell to be so easygoing in private, so he immediately nodded and said, 'Yes, Sir.'
(He paused) I believe that the Spartans cannot and must not stop training; we must maintain a state of high alert. Because the Spartans are humanity's last line of defense.
You, oh you, what am I supposed to say to that?
William Russell placed his right hand on John's left shoulder and gave a bitter smile, saying,'Silly child. Although you are warriors, you are not robots. Haven't you heard of balancing work and rest? It's time to take a break.'
I...
John looked at William Russell, wanting to say something but stopping himself, and finally returned to his usual demeanor, saying calmly, 'Yes.'
William Russell lowered his hand, turned his head slightly, and looked at John from the corner of his eye, praising him. 'The operation in Dadaab was the Spartans' first public appearance within the company. You all did very well. Especially you, John, you did not let Dr. Halsey or me down.'
You flatter me, Sir,
John replied in his usual calm tone.
However, the gleam of pride and satisfaction in his eyes 'betrayed' him.
For a child, receiving affirmation is better than any prize.
Heh.
William Russell chuckled and shook his head, once again casting his gaze toward the turquoise sea, remaining silent.
Due to his work, he could not stay on Minos for long periods to accompany the young Spartans like Dr. Halsey could.
But in reality, William Russell cared more about the Spartans than anyone else.
In his spare time, he would review the information sent by Dr. Halsey to understand the personality and strengths of each child.
When he first transmigrated to this World, he was very selfish.
Holding a survivalist mindset, he wanted to build the Spartans and massively expand the company's military technology.
As time passed, he discovered that those Agents who had not been assimilated were also extremely loyal, reaching the point of treating death as returning home.
He couldn't help but ask himself... Was it for money? Or the non-disclosure agreement? The results included both, yet neither was the deciding factor.
One of the conditions for recruiting Agents was that the company's observers would judge whether the candidate possessed a strong sense of responsibility.
And the most important point: they had to be locals.
When abnormal events occurred, Agents were often the first unit to make contact, resulting in an extremely high mortality rate.
Agents could not retreat, because behind them were their hometowns, family, friends, and everything they were familiar with.
They would rather die than give up, just to buy time for the Containment Troops to arrive.
Those tragic containment videos completely shocked William Russell and caused his mindset to slowly change.
From his initial focus on absolute survival to later taking the protection of reality as his own duty.
He no longer prioritized running away and began to earnestly fulfill the company's manifesto.
It was precisely because of this change in mindset that he took extra care of the young Spartans.
He transferred Kent, whose combat strength in the USS was second only to Hank, to Minos to teach them personally, ensuring all kinds of training equipment were fully provided.
The fact was, unknowingly, he had long regarded every Spartan as his own child.
Sigh. I really hope the mortality rate during the augmentation surgery... is zero.
Sir.
Hmm? Hearing John take the initiative to speak, William Russell composed himself and looked at him.
Actually, I...
John's face was conflicted, as if he wanted to pour out his heart.
After struggling for a moment, he still confided to William Russell,'Sir, I make the Spartans keep training because I want them to be stronger. I... I don't want to lose them. They are like my brothers and sisters.'
I know,
William Russell said, maintaining his smile. 'That is why you and I are here.'
Sir?
John was taken aback.
William Russell chuckled without a word, braced his hands on the sand to stand up, and brushed the fine sand off his pants.
John set aside his confusion and hurriedly stood up as well.
Afterward, looking John in the eye, William Russell said solemnly, 'Number Seven, in view of your outstanding performance in the city of Dadaab, I am appointing you as a First Class Sergeant Major of the Umbrella forces.'
The Spartans are divided into four teams: Blue Team, Red Team, Black Team, and White Team. You will serve as the Captain of Blue Team, and in wartime, you will have command over the other three teams.'
! Hearing this, John immediately straightened his posture and saluted, saying in an impassioned tone, 'Yes, Sir!'
At ease, Soldier,
William Russell laughed.
Yes,
John replied.
Immediately after, William Russell raised his hand to signal John to walk back to the Base with him, and instructed, 'The Spartan unit is not just the so-called last line of defense; it is also the spiritual symbol of the company's forces, a banner.'
Molded so that as long as you are there, anything can be contained. Humanity needs heroes to give them hope.'
'Spartans never die.' John, your mission is just like that declaration: ensure your brothers and sisters... survive in battle.
Having gained some insight, John's demeanor changed, and he said in a deep voice, 'Yes.'
Mm, I believe in you.
Just as William Russell's voice trailed off, the system's notification rang in his ears: [Detected that the Host has appointed John 117 as Sergeant Major, triggering his hidden skill. This system will grant the Host a reward, currently redeeming... Redemption complete. System funds remain unchanged, reset days adjusted. Reduced from the original one hundred and twenty days to thirty days.]
??? What the...
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