My 100th Rebirth a day before the Apocalypse novel Chapter 419

Despite the efficiency of the team and the speed of the drones, the operation had taken nearly an hour.

Even with their skillful handling, it took time to thoroughly follow the web-like formation Duke had mapped out.

However, within that hour, they had managed to cover a substantial portion of the eastern part of the city.

The methodical process was necessary—Duke’s plan demanded precision, leaving no gaps that could compromise their mission.

Clearing such a large area in this time was a significant achievement, as it allowed them to eliminate any potential threats while simultaneously gathering valuable intel on the city’s layout and key locations.

The drones’ surveillance revealed more than just enemy positions; it also provided insight into strategic points they could use to their advantage in future operations.

As the team prepared to advance to the next section, they knew they were making progress, but Duke’s instructions remained clear:

’No rushing. Ensuring each zone was fully secure was essential, as any overlooked threat could spell disaster later.’

After finishing up in the current area, Duke led the team to the next location, moving with an air of calm efficiency.

It almost seemed as if he was more of a babysitter than a commanding officer, guiding them through the city and ensuring they stayed alive and well.

He only provided extra resources, like food or supplies, when absolutely necessary—just enough to keep them going but never coddling them.

Some of the warriors began to realize that Duke’s approach felt more like a practical exam for soldiers on their first real mission.

His leadership style resembled that of an instructor overseeing a field test, quietly observing and evaluating.

Duke wasn’t just leading them—he was grading them, taking note of how they handled themselves under pressure, how they followed his orders, and how they adapted to the challenges they faced.

It became clear that this wasn’t just about clearing areas or defeating zombies.

Duke was using this mission to assess their capabilities, identify their strengths, and reveal any weaknesses that might surface under real combat conditions.

This field experience was like a proving ground, a way for Duke to determine how each of them would perform in future, larger-scale operations.

He needed to know who could be relied on, who showed potential, and where the gaps in their training were.

By stepping back and letting them take the lead while offering just enough guidance, Duke was allowing them to show their true potential while also learning what issues they might face as they progressed.

It was a test not only of their skills but also of their endurance and ability to think independently in the heat of battle.

And they weren’t wrong—Duke was indeed doing exactly what they suspected.

It was much like the final phase in military training, where cadets are sent on a minor mission before they can officially graduate.

These missions were often reconnaissance-based, never involving high-risk target elimination.

The goal was to test their readiness in the field under controlled, but real, conditions.

Just like those military exercises, Duke had briefed them thoroughly on the area’s condition, the challenges they might face, and the tactical choices available.

He had mapped out their formations and ensured that all the resources they would need were prepared in advance.

It was clear that his role mirrored that of a seasoned veteran or instructor, present not to fight the battles for them but to observe, guide, and ensure they didn’t fail completely.