After settling into my room, I started looking through the files of the Awakened we could choose from.
"Hmm, this is hard. After fighting alone for so long, it feels more natural to be surrounded by enemies rather than allies. A few ranged attackers would be good."
"I need at least two close-combatants to protect them from Nightmare creatures that aren't attacking me, and I need someone who can heal a bit."
"I'm clueless when it comes to all this modern technology, so I need someone who knows how to operate and fix it if needed."
"I want a Rhino too. That thing is awesome. I need someone who can operate it as well."
"Someone smart and strategic would be good too."
After a few hours of reading and thinking, I finally decided on the six Awakened who would be under my command.
Name: Veylen
Rank: Awakened
Age: 28
Sex: Male
Aspect: He can multiply projectiles after shooting them, and the farther they travel, the stronger they get.
Other Information: Calm and calculating, a perfectionist when it comes to combat. He takes his time analyzing situations, always looking for the most efficient way to deal with threats. Deeply values his team and ensures they always have a plan.
Specialty: Strategist – Excels at battlefield tactics, positioning, and predictive combat analysis.
Name: Saria
Rank: Awakened
Age: 25
Sex: Female
Aspect: She can channel wind into her arrows, allowing for faster shooting. She can also redirect her shots mid-air and use her winds for movement.
Other Information: Energetic and free-spirited, an adrenaline junkie who enjoys pushing her limits, whether in combat or high-speed maneuvers. Fiercely loyal to her squad.
Specialty: Pilot – Master of operating various vehicles.
Name: Orin
Rank: Awakened
Age: 26
Sex: Male
Aspect: Enhanced vision—he can see movement through walls and detect heat signatures. He can also imbue projectiles with marking energy, leaving a faint glow on targets.
Other Information: Quiet and observant, not the most talkative, but when he speaks, it's insightful. Prefers efficiency over brute force.
Specialty: Technician/Mechanic – Skilled at fixing and maintaining gear, weapons, and vehicles.
Name: Garrik
Rank: Awakened
Age: 34
Sex: Male
Aspect: His body hardens upon impact and grows stronger if he remains still. However, excessive movement weakens his armor.
Other Information: Stoic and disciplined, takes his duty seriously, and has a protective nature, always putting himself between danger and his allies.
Specialty: None
Name: Raha
Rank: Awakened
Age: 27
Sex: Male
Aspect: He can absorb and store kinetic energy, then release it for a short period of time.
Other Information: Charismatic and easygoing, treats life as a challenge to be enjoyed and sees every fight as an opportunity to improve.
Specialty: None
Name: Lirian
Rank: Awakened
Age: 23
Sex: Female
Aspect: She can release a wave of energy that boosts natural regeneration and irritates Nightmare creatures. She can also weave essence into wounds to enhance regeneration. However, she cannot heal herself.
Other Information: Gentle yet firm, has the aura of someone who's seen too much suffering but refuses to let it harden her heart. She's patient and kind but won't tolerate recklessness. A survivor of the Forgotten Shore.
Specialty: None
"Yes, this will be good. Three ranged attackers, two defensive close-combatants, and a healer. We have a pilot, a mechanic, and someone who can plan. Their personalities don't clash more than a healthy amount."
I read through the files again, then confirmed my choices. Afterward, I took a quick shower and went to sleep.
Lying in bed, I sighed.
"Ah... It feels awkward sleeping without her," I mumbled before drifting off.
The next morning, I met with the rest of the officers in the cafeteria.
"Morning," I greeted, receiving nods and responses in return.
"Hey, Sunny, have you picked your squad?"
"Yes, I finished last night. You?"
"I also did after a few hours of thinking," the officer replied.
"I looked at your squads, and while Master Sunless's squad is well-balanced, yours is quite unique," Master Winter commented.
"Oh, it's because I'm quite unique myself."
"Elaborate," came a strict voice.
"Of course, Master Randall. As you probably know, I was stuck in the Dream Realm alone for almost two years, so I never really had an opportunity to fight alongside comrades. Because of that, I became very skilled at fighting while surrounded and feel more comfortable that way. That's why I took three ranged attackers to support me and two defensive close-combatants to protect them. A healer is always necessary, too."
"But your ranged attackers lean more towards support rather than offense," Master Winter pointed out.
"I pack quite a punch myself, but I have zero utility or expertise in the areas I think we'll need. So, I sacrificed their offense in exchange for covering the areas where I lack."
"Smart move. After all, you're the focal point of your team," Jet added.
"Can I ask how your cohorts look if you've finished picking?" I asked curiously.
"Davis snatched all the sneaky ones, Winter took most of the ranged attackers, Dale went for the more defensive ones, Randall and Jesse are all about melee carnage, and I took anyone who can boost my strength," Jet said leisurely.