Capítulo 43: A good day for a challenge
Back when Kowalsk served in the barracks, he was more than capable of putting arrogant recruits in their place.
'Ah! So you mean Sergeant Dugger executes people who come to negotiate with him.'
And looking arrogantly at Kowalsk, he exclaimed:
'And what exactly would an old trash like you have to negotiate with me?'
'If you don't release my friend and me in 10 minutes, let Colonel Cleaner know that the percentage of his men will drop considerably, and what's left will become food for the dragons in the region.'
'Are you threatening me, old man? Know that now you are my prisoner, and I will do with you as I please. And as for the dragons, that will be your last concern. That's a promise I make to you.'
With a strong headbutt, Kowalsk threw a soldier who hit Sergeant Dugger so hard that he fell startled.
The other subordinates hurried out of the cell, dragging Sergeant Dugger and locking it, leaving Kowalsk alone.
'Don't make promises you can't keep, Sergeant Dugger. You are not even a threat to me, but I will take care of you quite gently if you don't let me go soon.'
'So you think I'm not a threat to you, old man? Let's see if you can withstand grenades and bullets. Let's find out how strong and resistant you are.'
Threatened the enraged military.
'Alright, Sergeant, do it, but do it efficiently because if you don't do it efficiently, I will end you and your morale. Every time you look at me, you will tremble so much that you will kneel and beg for your life. Are you listening?'
Sergeant Dugger felt pressured by Kowalk's gaze, and even though he saw that guy behind bars, he felt that in some way that crazy old man could carry out his threats.
And he ran to inform Colonel Cleaner of what was happening, obviously hiding the details of the undue approach in the base of aggression and excessive violence.
Colonel Cleaner, suspicious of Sergeant Dugger's actions and sensing a certain fear in his voice, still warned him:
'Sergeant Dugger, why don't you tell me this story exactly as it happened so we can avoid future mishaps?'
But without wanting to alter his story for fear of contradicting himself, Sergeant Dugger simply said:
'Colonel Cleaner, there is no other version. It happened exactly the way I told you.'
'Alright, Sergeant Dugger, I'll believe you. I'm on my way to see this troublemaking prisoner.'
Minutes later, Colonel Cleaner not only showed up but recognized the prisoner.
'Kowalsk,' said the Colonel in a grave tone, his voice echoing in the cold hallway. 'It's good to see you, despite the bleak circumstances that brought us here.'
'Colonel Cleaner, we need your help. We brought vital information that can change the course of this war.'
The Colonel raised an eyebrow, his stern countenance revealing a mix of curiosity and suspicion.
'Information? What guarantees me that they are not just empty promises, like so many I've heard before?'
'Colonel Cleaner,' Kowalsk continued firmly, facing the tired gaze of the base's leader. 'We have come with crucial information. We need to join forces if we are to stand any chance against the dragons.'
Colonel Cleaner raised his gaze, his face hardened by the desolation surrounding him.
'Information? I've heard empty promises before, Kowalsk. I'm not sure I can trust again.'
Before Kowalsk could respond, an unexpected challenge echoed through the cold corridor.
'If you don't trust me, Colonel, prove that you can still lead this base!'
Kowalsk's audacity cut through the cold air. Surprised by the soldier's boldness, the Colonel accepted the challenge with a grave nod.
Kowalsk, known for his determination and military respect, had previously developed a friendly bond with the Colonel.
However, the Colonel being confronted in this way might not look favorably upon the challenge. And what would the outcome serve?
If Colonel Cleaner won that combat, nothing would change; it would only reinforce his image of invincibility. But if Kowalsk won, it could create a standoff over the base's leadership.
Colonel Cleaner remained silent, observing Kowalsk from head to toe as if searching for a weakness.
And he kept it up for a few minutes.
Kowalsk, known for his determination and respect for military hierarchy, faced the Colonel with a mixture of respect and concern. He knew that the time for tough decisions had come.
And although it seemed that this decision was not easy, it was not a settling of scores, nor was it a game to see who was stronger. But rather a demonstration of strength and leadership for the winner and weakness and inferiority for the loser.
Colonel Cleaner was strong, fast, and knowledgeable in countless war tactics as well as various tricks in close combat, but in front of him, he knew he was not an ordinary person. This was Kowalsk, the Desert Whisperer, a soldier who specialized to such an extent that if a battalion of men were to go looking for him anywhere but unfortunately left him with a firearm in hand, no matter how weak it was, it would be practically impossible to capture him alive.
Long had Colonel Cleaner heard about his exploits and strongly desired to meet him to propose a challenge in combat, but this obviously before the awakening of the dragons.
'I am freeing you from this prison, but please behave as if you are still a prisoner of the army.'
'Don't worry, Colonel Cleaner, I don't intend to do anything stupid.'
And seeing Sergeant Dugger, who seemed to be hiding behind his soldiers, Kowalsk said:
'After all, the only one whose actions are incompatible with the rank he holds is Sergeant Dugger. Who not only assaulted me but also maintains...'
And before Kowalsk finished his sentence, one of the men under Sergeant Dugger's orders hit him with a butt stroke on the head.
'Colonel Cleaner, forgive my lack of manners, but I can't accept that a guy comes here, says whatever he wants, and even insults you with a challenge, a Wild West thing. And then comes to insult me saying that I did something against him. Sorry to tell you this, Colonel Cleaner, but in the past you never acted so passively. You are the man who inspired us, taught us, and made us strong. So strong that we were not defeated by the dragons that surround us to this day. So strong that you taught us not to surrender to a more powerful enemy. You made our instincts sharper, and we became the most capable soldiers in this country. And now we bow our heads, listen to threats and all kinds of provocations from this Kowalsk guy? I ask you, Colonel, what kind of soldiers are we?'"
Estado de energía semanal
-- Ranking de
Poder 
-- Piedra de
Poder