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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Wjin
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Debra Bennett’s proposal was simple. Company evaluations typically presented each platoon with a scenario to assess their ability to handle it. There were five standard scenarios:
Main attack and breakthrough.
Long-range fire support.
Close-range fire support.
Defense against enemy cavalry/infantry.
Defense against enemy magic troops.
Debra Bennett suggested the 5th Platoon take on the “defense against enemy magic troops” scenario.
“Defense against enemy magic troops is the simplest of the five, involving only the deployment of magic barriers. It also has the lowest score. They test defensive magic, but they only check the barrier structure, they don’t actually cast any spells, right? But what if we actually cast spells and then impressively block them?”
“The impact would certainly be significant.”
“Exactly!”
I could almost hear Debra Bennett’s smug laughter along with her voice.
“So, I’ll talk to Captain Arendt and ask him to assign the anti-magic combat scenario specifically to the 5th Platoon. Platoon Leader Enoch, you need to make a strong case for it too, understand?”
Even with an evaluator, the decision of which scenario to assign to which platoon rested solely with the company commander, Captain Arendt Schultz.
The evaluation itself was essentially for show. It was eerily similar to how, in a certain Eastern country, higher-ups would announce their inspection schedule and focus areas beforehand, yet still call it a “surprise” inspection.
The more I saw, the more it reminded me of the K-Army… both endearing and disheartening. I knew all too well the fate that awaited such a military.
That’s why I was here. To save the doomed nation from being split in two at the onset of war, and to survive.
That was the goal of Hearts of General veteran Kim Jin-hyeok, and the ultimate destination of the newly appointed Platoon Leader Enoch Levandal.
Besides… why refuse a free upgrade to my magic barrier? Even though I knew Debra Bennett wanted a piece of the action, it was hard to turn down someone offering to bring more side dishes to the table. I had to strike while the iron was hot.
Thanks to this, my platoon and I could focus solely on preparing for the evaluation. We’d been relentlessly firing magic at the unfortunate open space for days.
I was finally getting the hang of controlling my mana core. I could now cast beginner spells like Fireball without any problems, controlling their power to just the right level.
Unless I had a mana runaway, I wouldn’t accidentally destroy walls while practicing indoors like last time. And thanks to the ‘dedicated’ help of Belle Meyer and Roxana Elim, there was now hope for overcoming the inherent frailty of my body.
Sergeant Belle Meyer, the master of healing magic, and Sergeant Roxana Elim, with her abundant mana reserves.
Since my problems stemmed from rapid fatigue buildup and excessive mana loss, with the two of them providing support in those areas, I no longer felt constantly drained as long as I didn’t overexert myself.
Although I did worry about using the two as batteries and a living healing station…
“It’s okay, Platoon Leader. I, Roxana, want to be of help to the platoon in any way I can!”
“Healing magic isn’t that difficult.”
Since they were volunteering, I didn’t bring it up. If they wanted to do it, so be it. My proactive ‘excessive’ consideration could be counterproductive. Right, of course.
Moreover, both Lumia and Sergeant Claude participated in training more readily than I’d expected. Considering the sudden news of the evaluation, things were progressing surprisingly smoothly.
As we were diligently going about our days,
“Platoon Leader Enoch, the Battalion Commander wants to see you.”
“Ah, thank you.” The day I’d been waiting for had finally arrived.
“Glory to the Motherland!”
“Glory.”
The Battalion Commander returned the salute leisurely. He already had a wide grin, unable to contain his smile whenever he saw me. This was bad; I wasn’t into men.
“You already know why I called you, right?”
“Are we going to the capital?”
“Yes, we’re scheduled to depart tomorrow. The situation in Chernoe City has stabilized, and Major Lannister said she’ll return with us.”
It seemed we would be heading to the capital with the Military Police. That was the safest option. The person who instructed Security Chief Lamur to inquire about the artifact was still unknown, so sending me and my squad alone was too risky.
These were people who brazenly stole military secrets from the Security Police and rallied Rex’s criminal organization, the Empire’s spies, and bandits near the border to attack the fortress. Eliminating a single identified magic platoon would be child’s play to them.
“I can’t attend, unfortunately, but please convey my regards to His Majesty King Orlando Luce.”
“I’m sure it won’t be necessary. The apprehension of Lamur wouldn’t have been possible without Battalion Commander Lockhart’s full support.”
“Is that so? Hahaha! That’s our platoon leader! I knew I had a good eye for people. You’re a lucky charm!” He really was a simple man.
“I’ve ordered new dress uniforms for you. You can receive them when you arrive in the capital.”
“You even did that…?”
“Of course. You can’t meet the head of state and supreme commander in those clothes.”
Lockhart said, twitching his mustache. I looked down at my uniform. A few loose threads aside, it didn’t look particularly dirty.
Seeing my puzzled expression, the Battalion Commander snapped his fingers.
“You’ll understand when you get there. New second lieutenants and regular NCO’s rarely wear dress uniforms. While Ukraine’s military uniforms are well-made, once you see the dress uniform, you’ll eagerly await the day you can wear it.”
“Th-Thank you.”
“Don’t mention it. Just remember, I have high hopes for our Platoon Leader Enoch Levandal.”
“But won’t this clash with the company evaluation schedule?”
“The official schedule is only two nights and three days. Including travel time, it’ll be four nights and five days, but you should be back in time for the evaluation.”
Two nights and three days in the capital, out of a four-night, five-day trip. That meant two full nights of travel. It really was far. I was reminded that this was the true front line.
Partly because the only readily available mode of transportation was carriages… but even then, spending a night on the road meant it wasn’t exactly close.
“Oh, there’s something I forgot to mention.”
“What is it?”
“Due to the personnel limit on the escort carriages, you can only bring three squad members, including yourself.”
“I’m sorry, what?”
“Of course, the remaining squad members will receive equal rewards for their contributions. But having all five of you meet His Majesty is a different matter.”
“Then how should I decide on the personnel…?”
“Isn’t that your responsibility? The departure is tomorrow, so discuss it with your squad members today.”
Lieutenant Colonel Lockhart carelessly passed the buck to me. Three out of five meant only two squad members could accompany me, excluding myself.
This was going to be a headache.
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“That’s what he said.”
“…”
“Hmm.”
Belle Meyer and Lumia’s expressions hardened slightly when I told them not everyone could go to the capital. It was Claude who broke the uncomfortable silence.
“I’m not interested, so you can exclude me.”
“Are you sure?”
“The capital, Kayef, is noisy and crowded. I hate that.”
Indeed, Claude seemed like the type who disliked crowded places. Plus, meeting the King would require all sorts of formalities… which would likely be an ordeal for Claude.
I could easily imagine him skipping parties and ceremonies, just like he’d probably done when receiving recognition for his past war contributions.
‘Sergeant Claude has opted out.’
I looked at the remaining members: Lumia, Bell, and Roxana.
“Sergeant Lumia, you’ll come with me.”
“Thank you!”
Lumia beamed at my words, unable to contain her excitement. She clearly wanted to go, and she’d been working hard as the acting deputy platoon leader, so I thought it best to take her.
Now it was between Belle Meyer and Roxana…
“As for the two of you—”
“Belle, you should go.”
“Huh? What?”
“It’s dangerous for me to be too far from the battalion.”
Roxana spoke up before I could finish.
“Really. If my Mana Heart Disease acts up in the capital, it’ll be a burden on you and the others.”
Roxana conceded readily. It was a shame she was trying to act so mature, when she could have asked for a chance to go. But Roxana’s argument wasn’t entirely without merit.
Honestly, I didn’t fully understand Mana Heart Disease, and I wasn’t confident in handling a potential health crisis.
“I’m sorry, Sergeant Roxana.”
“It’s okay! Don’t worry about me and have a good time. Sergeant Claude will be at the battalion anyway! Right?”
“…Sigh.”
Roxana turned to Claude. He sighed with a displeased expression but reluctantly agreed. He looked like an uncle stuck babysitting a troublesome niece.
‘He’s not a completely bad guy.’
“Alright. The two of you will be heading to the capital with the National Military Police tomorrow, so pack your bags today.”
The final members were Belle Meyer and Lumia Blyue. They were relatively manageable, so there shouldn’t be any unexpected situations during the trip.
“That’s all for today. Be ready by 8:00 PM at the latest.”
“Yes, sir!”
“Good. Dismissed!”
I clapped my hands, dismissing the squad.
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