At last, the awful truth has been revealed. After working for months to improve the conditions of Spearhead’s lives, and assuring them that reinforcements must surely be on the way, Lena’s subordinates finally informed her of her unit’s true nature. Spearhead isn’t just the most dangerous combat unit: it is explicitly designed as a death sentence, where soldiers endure unending frontline action until they ultimately expire. Lena’s attention is well-meant, but ultimately meaningless; in the end, every soldier she is commanding is going to die.
This reveal colors Shin’s reputation as the “Reaper” in a new light. He mentioned early on that he’s been the last survivor in the past, but given the nature of Spearhead, it’s likely he’s survived through multiple iterations of this execution-by-combat, carrying the hopes of his companions with him. The Republic established this unit specifically so the 86 could not build heroes and legends; through Shin’s work, he is quietly rebelling against that desire, and insisting his friends be remembered.
This knowledge will also undoubtedly impact Lena’s perspective, dashing any lingering faith in the righteousness of her homeland. The Republic is not blind to the conditions of the 86; in fact, it established Spearhead specifically to “address” those conditions, by executing any 86 who stretch too close to freedom. The Republic explicitly designed this system, and having learned its true nature, I can’t imagine Lena will be able to sit comfortably in her gilded palace. The Rubicon has been crossed, and I’m eager to see Lena’s next moves as we return to 86!