138 Identity


    "Are you the man responsible for this note?"


    There was actually a part of him, the idealistic remnant of his former self, that yearned to believe in the U.S. military''s goodwill, to ce his trust in individuals like Captain Carter, and to consider revealing the truth and working together for a more advantageous third round and beyond. However, the persistent questioning from Captain Carter and the implication that he was the one responsible only solidified his determination to protect his identity.


    Despite the secrets he had shared and the good he had done to save lives, n understood that people would always feared the unknown. They were most likely unable to ept the truth that he had been sent back in time by extraterrestrial beings to participate and cheat their own deadly game. The most probable oue, in his eyes, would involve beingbeled as brainwashed by these alien entities, leading to his capture, interrogation, and a permanentck of trust.


    As a result, n had prepared a carefully crafted response. He continued to feign deep interest in the document, and then shed a warm smile at Captain Carter. "This is truly remarkable, Captain," he remarked, his tone filled with admiration. "I must admit that I can''t take credit for such a scientific masterpiece."


    The unexpected term "scientific" in his response caught Captain Carter off guard. Her expression shifted to one of curiosity and confusion as she asked, "Scientific?"


    n embarked on an exnation, his tone measured and confident. "Well, Captain, in the realm of science, we often seek answers through numbers, drawing upon probability and deductive reasoning to unravel the mysteries before us. I''m sure you''re familiar with these principles."


    With an earnestness that mirrored his passion for science, n began to elucidate his methodology. He described how he had meticulously studied the patterns and oues of the previous games, using probability and deductive logic to forecast the unfolding of the next game. He recounted how the food penalty in the second round had been something he and a young yer on his team, Kenny, had both predicted. This had led him to purchase potato seeds in preparation.


    n went on to exin his approach to identifying the weapon storage, which had emerged as part of an invasion scenario. When he heard about the WMD and its potential radiation threat, he quickly calcted that yers would need protection. Thus, he reasoned that gas masks, which weremonly found in fire stations, would be essential.


    There was a brief pause as the captain absorbed the information, her expression pensive. Before she could articte her thoughts, n interjected, his voice tinged with a sense of introspection. "You may be wondering how a science teacher like me could undertake all of this. I must admit, I surprised myself. But I can confidently say that the driving force behind it all was the sheer willpower of a desperate man."


    The captain had read about n, histe wife, and his ailing daughter. It was indeed the truth that these two individuals had served as n''s primary motivation to triumph in the game.


    Despite her initial skepticism, the totality of n''s argument and the undeniable logic behind it began to sway Captain Carter''s opinion. However, Captain Carter was no pushover; she had risen to her position through abination of smarts and a cautious disposition. She couldn''t be swayed easily. n needed one more piece of persuasive rhetoric to seal the deal.


    He chose his words carefully, allowing his thoughts and emotions to flow freely. "It''s possible that the person who wrote this note employed the same principles of probability and deduction," he proposed. "And even if it wasn''t the case, if this note is part of some kind of twisted plot or jest by the aliens... would that really be a bad thing? Personally, I would seize any advantage, any opportunity, and I would strike a deal with the devil if it meant saving more lives, especially my daughter''s life."


    This emotional outburstid bare n''s genuine feelings about the dire situation he faced. His unfiltered admission of truth resonated with Captain Carter, providing the final piece of the puzzle that satisfied her doubts.


    She couldn''t help but smile, abination of understanding and eptance in her gaze. "n, I agree with you," she conceded. "Given the remarkable uracy of this note, whoever authored it, I n to rely on its guidance once again in the uing round."


    With her agreement, n''s identity remained a well-guarded secret, and Captain Carter''s doubts were effectively put to rest, at least for now.


    "Now, for your reward," she began, "as you heard from the debriefing, I have one vacantpany leader position... What do you think, n? I n to grant you this authority—to lead your ownpany."


    Captain Carter''s offer hung in the air, and the room fell into a contemtive silence. It was an unprecedented proposal, one that defied the usual military hierarchy and protocol. Typically, in the event of amander''s demise, the second-inmand would step into the vacant leadership role, maintaining the established chain ofmand. The idea of an outsider, especially someone with no formal military background like n, taking on such a pivotal position was highly unconventional.


    As the captain borated on her n, it became apparent that her intentions were equally unconventional. She envisioned the newpany beingposed of non-military personnel, with the Wolverines, bolstered by their rising poprity, ying a central role. Captain Carter emphasized that n''s unique abilities, including his analytical skills and problem-solving acumen, could make him an effective leader for this diverse group. Her vision was one of adaptability and independence, where hispany could operate with flexibility to maximize their chances of sess in the game.


    Captain Carter then posed the pivotal question to n, her eyes fixed on him as she waited for his response. "What do you think, n? Are you interested in assuming this role?"


    n couldn''t help but let out a sigh as he considered the offer. While it might seem like a reward to some, he knew that leading argerpany came with greater responsibilities andplexities. His experience had taught him the value of a close-knit, efficient team, and he had no intention of expanding beyond what he could effectively manage.


    "With all due respect, Captain," n began, "I appreciate the offer, but Ick the experience required for such a position. It would be in the best to select a capable leader from one of your marines"


    The captain responded with a warm smile "Tell me, n, have you ever considered the difference between you and one of my Marines? What does it truly mean to be a Marine?"


    n found himself at a loss for words, his brows furrowing as he pondered the question.


    "Being a Marine is amitment to protect those who are weaker or unable to protect themselves. What you did with your militia is exactly what a Marine should do. I am confident that you are perfect for the job."


    n''s mind whirred with thoughts and possibilities. The captain''s words had stirred something within him, something that made him realize that hismitment to protecting others went beyond personal gain or rewards. It became evident that, at the end of the day, n would prioritize the safety and well-being of others over the game rewards.


    With the authority granted to him as apany leader, n could now carry out both objectives more efficiently. He envisioned leveraging military resources and information to tackle the increasingly challenging quests in the game.


    However, he knew that the sess of any mission depended on the team he would lead. With only three days left until the next round, n needed the flexibility to choose his own team members wisely. He voiced this request to the captain, who readily agreed, recognizing the importance of having a cohesive and capable team.


    With a smile, the captain sealed the deal. "I guess it''s settled then. You will lead our fourthpany, the Wolverines Company." She couldn''t help but be amused by the unique name n''s team had adopted.


    "if there is nothing else, you are excuse"


    n couldn''t help but bring up onest matter. With a somewhat mischievous tone, he said, "Hmm, actually, ...there''s the matter of the potatoes that the army hasn''t paid for."


    The captain''s response was a silent, intrigued pause.


    My apology for the long dialogue, what do you think about n decision? anyment will be much appreciated


    Avan