Beyond The Frontline

Fragment Echo

Bang

As the unmistakable sound of the gunshot echoed through the surrounding area, Colt couldn't contain his curiosity and was the first to peek from behind cover and take a look at the result.

"Damn," Colt exclaimed in disbelief as he surveyed the scene before him.

Dani, intrigued by Colt's reaction, followed suit and peered out from behind cover. To his surprise, the gun was still intact and undamaged, its makeshift construction holding up against the force of the discharge. A mixture of relief and astonishment washed over them, especially Colt.

As Colt and Dani approached the makeshift gun and metal sheet, their eyes focused on the small hole punctured through its surface. Colt observed the result with a mixture of satisfaction and surprise.

"Well, would you look at that, the gun didn't blow up," Colt remarked, feeling a sense of accomplishment.

Colt shifted his focus back to the improvised gun. With a practiced eye, he carefully inspected every detail, ensuring that nothing was out of place. He checked the alignment of the barrel, the stability of the trigger mechanism, and the integrity of the overall structure.

Satisfied that everything seemed to be in order, Colt nodded to himself. Despite its crude construction, the gun had performed admirably.

As for Dani, he was crouching and observing the thin metal sheet that had been penetrated. Then, a realization slowly dawned on him, wanting to clarify the situation, he turned to Colt with a serious expression, "Colt, just one question. Is there a reason why the metal sheet you brought is about the equivalent of a standard armor that most people wear?"

Colt met Dani's gaze with a solemn look and replied, "That was my thought process, Dani."

Dani's expression shifted, a hint of concern creeping into his voice, "Wait, Colt, you don't intend to use the bullets you made on people, do you?"

Colt paused for a moment, his eyes reflecting the weight of his response, "If the time comes, you'll have to make a decision. As for me, if the situation calls for it, then I won't hesitate."

"Tell me, Dani. What if they came charging and the bullets I made aren't penetrating their armor?" He continued.

Dani, couldn't believe at what Colt said, and questions him with an agitated tone, "Why, Colt? Why're you so sure? I can't believe you'd even thought about this."

"Dani, if there's one thing that I've learned throughout my life, both here and in my previous world, it's that no matter how dangerous and terrifying an animal or monster can be, the most dangerous one will always be humans," Colt responded, cold and earnestly.

After hearing and absorbing Colt's words, Dani pondered the weight behind them. Not knowing what to properly reply, Dani opted for a simple, "I see."

Later, the remainder of their time in the forest passed in a blur of activity as Colt tested his remaining handmade bullets. With each discharge, he carefully picked up the spent casings, not wanting to waste precious casings. He also recorded the results of every fired shots, and gathered the necessary data. Colt concluded that it was safe enough for him to use these bullets with his rifle.

As the sun began to dip towards the horizon, casting a warm glow over the forest, Colt and Dani packed up and prepared to head back to the village. Evening was fast approaching as they arrived near the village gate, and Colt offered Dani the option to stay here for the night, but Dani politely declined.

With a nod, Colt accompanied Dani to the guards to retrieve his horse. As Dani prepared to mount his horse outside the gate, Colt stepped forward, halting him before he could proceed. Dani gave him a curious look, prompting Colt to speak.