The Magician of Sound

After dinner, they didn't go back yet as they were waiting for the explanation from Nathan.

"Alright, you want to know more about operators, right? For this, I think it's better for Daisy to explain it to you." He looked at Daisy and nodded.

Daisy then started explaining. "An operator has three main jobs. The first is to get all the data for the entire mission layout like if there are any buildings, slopes, hills, or even mountains. Their second job is to locate the enemy and predict their movement. Knowing where they go allows you to create a plan ahead of plan in whatever terrain you want.

"The third job is to fight alongside you. Of course, there are two meanings for this "fight." The first is literally fighting in the front line, while the other is to fight as your operator. Maybe it's a kind of a shadow member of your group. We recognize it as a sixth man.

"If you are going to have an operator, you can find one among your peers. You are still too young, so it's better to grow together with your group. The operator and your group will have an easier time if it's something like this.

"Unfortunately, as much as I wanted to suggest this for your group, you are more suited for the second option, which is to get an experienced operator. Why did I suggest this? It's simple. Your group's growth is far too tremendous for a normal student to catch up with you.

"Suppose you are asking me about this when you just become a freshman, I will ask you the first option. Well, it's better to move on and don't indulge in that. Although the operator has an important job, it's not like the group can't function without one around." She shrugged. "So, any question?"

"Nope. I only have one problem that I feel concerned about. That is whether they are counted as the member of my group or not. If it's the latter, it's good because I might be able to search for one. If it's the former…I already have six members, so it's not good to add another one." Kai sighed.

"Indeed." She nodded while glancing at Sofia. "Well, they are not counted as a party member unless they are assuming a fighting role in your group. We can take the example of your teacher. She currently has the role of an instructor. If she is working as your operator, she won't be counted as the seventh member because she just stays inside the school.

"But if Evan is your operator. Then he is included because he does have a portion of fighting. That's why I believe your current condition needs one operator that is not counted. You can probably hire one and pay them money for one mission. You do have cash lying around, right?"

Kai thought for a moment and nodded. "We do indeed have a quite amount saved up for our group, but I don't want to hop from one to another for various reasons. At the same time, I want someone that I know to take the position, so it won't be too awkward for us."

"In that case, why don't I ask, Sister Becca?" Ayaka suddenly offered a solution. "I mean, she is pretty good at doing her work like this. At the same time, she used to be a fighter on the frontline, so she has the experience, which is good. I don't know the details, but I think she changed her job to an operator three to four years ago."

"Oh?!" Kai looked at her with amazement. If Becca could do it, he felt there was no problem. Not only did he know her ever since he got a weapon from Kudo Group, but he also went through a lot during the escape. The relationship between them was pretty good to be honest.

"What do you think?" She asked.

"The suggestion is good, but let's not be hasty to decide. I want to ask everyone's opinion first, no, I should say, I need to see her skill first and whether she can assist us or not."

"Let me ask first." Ayaka pulled out her communication device and called Becca. After a series of beep sounds, the latter picked up.

"Hello, Ayaka? It's rare to see you call me. Do you need anything?"

"Big Sister used to be an operator, right?"

"Yeah. Because of various reasons, I converted from the frontline to an operator for two years. And the accident happened, so I never worked as an operator anymore, considering it has been so busy to set up the new Kudo Group. Well, since the whole situation and company have been established, I start thinking about rejoining the army either becoming an operator or fighter. Maybe, I can train the younger generations from Kudo Group also."

"That's great."

"Great?" Her voice was full of confusion.

"Yeah. My group and I are talking about an operator, and I remember you. That's why I am calling you to check whether you have free time or not."

"You are not asking me to be your operator, right? I mean, I am already an old lady, probably the same age as your teacher, so I shouldn't intrude on your school life." Becca still hesitated.

"I know that, but there will soon be a big transition after changing the terms. Sofia will return to EU Base while Tasha graduates. That's why we only have four members, we need your power the most. And Kai also needs to handle the business for three months straight, so we will be down to three members."

"So, you want me to join?"

"Yes. The sooner the better since you can get used to our fighting style for the last few missions." Ayaka nodded.

"I see. That's something worth considering. I don't know a single person in the army, and the family has its own instructors, so this one is truly tempting. I have been following you guys too, so I can understand what you have gone through and how much you have gotten from all those missions. However, this is not something I should decide alone, maybe you should talk to your mother and father first and see whether you can get their approval."

"Hmm…" Ayaka furrowed her eyebrows while looking at Kai. The call was on speaker, so everyone could listen to their conversation. They never expected that there was an experienced operator candidate in their own circle.

Kai thought for a moment and nodded.

"Alright. I will ask them later."

"Sure."

"I will finish the discussion first before going back, so I am going to hang up."

"Alright. I won't take your time any longer."

"See you later."

"See you later."

Ayaka hung up and looked at Kai and the others, noticing the amazement coming from their eyes. But she saw there was a single person who wasn't happy with it. It was none other than Nathan.

"Tch. I have been beaten by a little brat. I was just going to nominate Via here." He clicked his tongue. "I mean, she should have more experiences since she was studying under me. And her Light Element was useful in various situations."

"I know your goodwill, and she won't probably reject it if the request comes from you, but I don't want to risk it. I mean, her skill is extraordinary on a battlefield, so it's a waste to have her with us." Kai shook his head.

He had worked together with her a few times, so he understood her quality and works. However, the problems were stated above, so there was no point in considering it.

"Anyway, there is no point in this talk anymore. Since you are going to have an operator, I don't have anything more to say. I am just going to tell you another matter." Nathan let out a long sigh before staring at Kai.

"Hmm? Is it about me?" Kai tilted his head in confusion.

"Yeah. Your rank has increased once again, and you have officially become a colonel. Only one more to become a General. Considering you have three more missions before Tasha's graduation, I believe you can get the status. Just make sure that you aim as high as possible during your school day because you won't need to obey someone when you graduate." He laughed.

"Ehm…" Kai didn't know what to say. He checked his email and found the letter from the army, saying his rank has been upgraded to Colonel.

"Since you are planning to train from January to March in your Teacher's house, it's better to spend the remaining days with your family, especially the new year."

"Why do you sound like I am going to die?"

"You are not?" Nathan looked surprised—mouth wide open.

"I will die, but it's just a battle simulation. I am not going to die for real, alright? Anyway, I will use these few days to plan for whatever I need to do and probably make a schedule for me to follow." Kai nodded while admitting defeat to Nathan.

"Yeah. You can do that. For the others…You all can do the same as him. Spend your time with your family while writing down your plan, so you know precisely what you need to do during this holiday." Nathan nodded in agreement before looking at Sofia with a teasing glance. "Yeah, you need to spend your time with your family. This means you can go home earlier."

Veins bulged on her head as she wanted to punch this old man to death. But considering he wouldn't meet Kai and any other else until next year, she should return like what Nathan said.

As for the others, they indeed needed to make a concrete plan because their "training" would be as intense as Kai.

"Enough with the teasing, Sir Nathan." Kai sighed. "Anyway, it's time to go home."

"Sure. I will ask the driver to send you back."