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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Wjin
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BOOM!! BANG!!
Colonel Viktor Zelensky observed the scene, unfazed by the deafening noise. He’d seen countless spells cast during his time as a three-chrysanthemum officer, and he could identify the type of magic just by observing the formula structure and mana volume.
‘Just standard intermediate magic, nothing more, nothing less.’
The firepower was certainly higher than what the other platoons had displayed, but that was due to brute-forcing mana into the spell rather than the spell’s inherent power. While the instantaneous firepower was high, the sustainability was low.
‘Since they were given an anti-magic combat scenario, they’re trying to showcase the strongest firepower possible.’
It wasn’t a bad performance, but it wouldn’t earn high marks from Viktor Zelensky. Just as the colonel was about to deduct points for the platoon’s superficial tactics,
BANG!
Fizzle—
The colonel’s eyes widened at the Blaze Ballista, a penetration spell, launched by Lumia. It was already a spell known for its high penetration power, and with the added firepower, it seemed poised to pierce even advanced magic barriers. This wasn’t a spell for show; it was a genuine attempt to break through the barrier.
But then, a different kind of mana emanated from the faintly shimmering magic barrier amidst the shower of sparks. Defensive magic? No. It was a weak, but distinct, offensive spell. Probably Magic Missile.
‘Casting a separate spell while deploying a magic barrier? Such a talent in this backwater place…’
Not all mages were created equal. Unless they were an Archmage, a being beyond normal standards, Dual Casting two spells simultaneously, especially spells of opposing natures like offense and defense, required immense skill.
Even Colonel Viktor Zelensky could only Dual Cast under ‘limited conditions.’ Curiosity flickered in Viktor’s eyes, which had been indifferent until now.
“Fire Rain.”
Another fiery spell, following the Blaze Ballista, erupted into the air. A typical wide-area intermediate spell that rained fire arrows. And it was then that Viktor Zelensky realized his assumption was completely wrong. It wasn’t Dual Casting.
‘They’ve transplanted a separate magic circle into the gaps of the magic barrier and are activating it remotely!’
It was an incredibly ingenious idea, unlikely to originate from a mere field platoon leader. The new type of magic barrier was enough to catch Viktor’s attention, but when he realized the reason for overlaying the magic circle onto the magic barrier, his surprise turned to awe.
‘Defending against magic with magic?’
He’d considered the concept, but this was the first time he’d witnessed the theory in practice. The evaluation was over. This was more than enough.
“Stop! Company Commander, stop the evaluation!”
“Yes, sir!”
Captain Arendt Schultz, relaying the evaluator’s order, hurriedly stopped Lumia and Claude’s offensive magic. As the dust settled, the magic barrier stood firm. It was damaged in places, but the formula itself wasn’t broken.
The scarecrow, used as a target, was only slightly dusty, with no signs of direct hits. The barrier had effectively blocked the intermediate offensive magic, including Blaze Ballista.
‘Now that I look closely, the mana density of the formula isn’t ordinary either. The barrier was designed with a 45-degree angle in mind from the beginning.’
It was an incredibly interesting magic barrier. Viktor Zelensky, having never seen such experimental attempts in a field magic unit, nodded and scribbled a number on the evaluation sheet.
5th Platoon: 10 points. A perfect score.
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“Platoon Leader of the 5th.”
“First Lieutenant Enoch Levandal!”
Viktor had taken the bait. His satisfied expression was proof.
“Just as I heard. They said you excelled in many areas, and it seems they weren’t exaggerating. I’m Colonel Viktor Zelensky.”
“It’s an honor to meet you, Magic Staff Officer” I replied in a firm voice, shaking his hand respectfully. The plan had worked.
“Did you really devise and create all of this yourself?”
Now it was all about how I presented myself. I looked directly at Colonel Viktor and continued,
“Not entirely. I provided the idea for the sloped barrier maintained at a 45-degree angle, but the Dispel-Defense magic was only possible thanks to Second Lieutenant Debra Bennett’s flawless design and Company Commander Captain Arendt Schultz’s support.”
“Dispel-Defense magic…”
“The principle is to deploy a separate magic circle on the upper part of the barrier, where the mana density is relatively low, and use attributeless magic to reduce the power of the enemy’s attack.”
Colonel Viktor Zelensky turned his head to look at Roxana, who was dispelling the magic barrier.
“So, First Lieutenant Enoch provided the idea, Second Lieutenant Debra Bennett designed it, Captain Arendt Schultz supported it, and Sergeant Roxana Elim operated it?”
“That’s correct.”
The evaluator smiled faintly and looked back at the bewildered Company Commander.
“It seems you have a strong bond with the 5th Platoon Leader, Company Commander. A deep relationship of trust.”
“Uh… Ah, thank you.”
“The days of superiors taking all the credit are over. A true officer recognizes and supports the abilities of their subordinates. I’m pleased with your attitude.”
It seemed the captain had earned some points with Colonel Viktor, albeit unintentionally. I gave the stunned Company Commander a discreet thumbs-up. Earning him some brownie points would ensure he looked after my squad members after I left.
“Then, we’ll conclude the evaluation here. The 3rd Battalion, 2nd Company’s final score is 7. The highest among the companies I’ve evaluated recently. You should be proud.”
If 7 was the highest, the other battalions must have been decimated. I could almost hear the screams of the other company commanders who had been mercilessly evaluated.
Captain Arendt Schultz, not one to refuse a free meal, straightened his shoulders and replied with a brighter expression, “Thank you!!”
“You’ve worked hard preparing, Company Commander.”
“Thank you, Battalion Commander!”
Just as the evaluation seemed to be concluding on a happy and heartwarming note, with a decent score,
“Me too! I have something too!! Wh-What!? Kyaaaaa—!!!”
Second Lieutenant Debra Bennett, covered in soot as if she’d rushed from the middle of some work, suddenly fell from the sky.
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“I apologize…”
Second Lieutenant Debra Bennett bowed her head so low her face almost touched the ground. She’d tried to fly over but nearly crashed. If Belle Meyer, standing nearby, hadn’t cast Featherfoot in time, she might have broken her neck.
“I apologize! I’m so sorry!!”
“Lieutenant Enoch spoke highly of you… Even if you were in a hurry, there was no need for such theatrics.”
Second Lieutenant Debra Bennett’s eyes widened at Lieutenant Colonel Lockhart’s disapproving words.
“I-Is that so?”
“Second Lieutenant Debra, did you not trust me?”
“No… that’s not it… I was worried you might have forgotten…”
Debra scratched her cheek awkwardly. It was a completely unprofessional attitude for a soldier, but Colonel Viktor Zelensky seemed amused.
“Quite a colorful bunch in this battalion, aren’t they?”
“Haha, it just turned out this way. But they’re all excellent individuals who do their jobs well. I enjoy it, actually.”
“Indeed. You’re blessed.”
Colonel Viktor added with a hearty laugh. Lieutenant Colonel Lockhart joined in, but the junior officers remained stiff, forcing awkward smiles.
“I’m stepping down from my position as Corps Magic Staff Officer. I wish the people I work with were filled with such young and interesting individuals.”
“Do you have another assignment?”
“I’ve been appointed as the Head of Magic Research at the Central Education and Technology Research Department, which is undergoing a major reorganization.”
The Central Education and Technology Research Department. An organization ostensibly responsible for researching and developing the Ukrainian military’s doctrines and technologies, but currently treated as a glorified ghost department.
There was a reason why all the weapons and equipment supplied to the military were imported, despite the existence of this research department. They hadn’t even improved existing equipment, let alone conducted any research, so how could they produce weapons independently?
Even their military magic formulas and doctrines were just slightly modified versions of those from when Ukraine was still a mere duchy. It was practically a useless department militarily.
Naturally, it became a prime target for King Orlando Luce III’s ‘Ukrainian Military Reform.’ Just yesterday, all department heads, except for the working-level staff, had been demoted. And Colonel Viktor Zelensky was filling the vacant position.
“Fortunately, His Majesty seems to favor me. The problem is, the Technology Research Department is rotten to the core, so I need to recruit new personnel…”
The colonel looked at Debra Bennett. The meaning of his gaze was clear.
“You said you’re scheduled for reassignment in June?”
“…!! Y-Yes!! That’s correct!!”
“I’d like you to join the Technology Research Department. Your ‘Dispel-Defense magic,’ with some refinement, could rapidly elevate our military’s capabilities.”
“Thank you so much!!!”
Bringing Second Lieutenant Debra Bennett wasn’t a bad move for Colonel Viktor Zelensky. This was an officer who interrupted an evaluation, abandoning her current work. It showed her dedication. Fortune favored the bold.
Colonel Viktor saw that ambition in Second Lieutenant Debra Bennett. With that level of dedication, she wouldn’t slack off in the new department. Laziness and complacency were the two things Colonel Viktor Zelensky despised the most.
‘But First Lieutenant Enoch Levandal, the one being evaluated, seems indifferent.’
He’d practically offered Second Lieutenant Debra Bennett a guaranteed position.
While Captain Arendt would remain in the battalion for another year, regardless, First Lieutenant Enoch Levandal, with his one-rank promotion and disrupted seniority, was also scheduled for reassignment in June.
Yet, he hadn’t shown the same eagerness as Debra Bennett.
‘Is he not interested in technology research?’
The colonel felt a strange vibe from the blond officer. He seemed aloof, not the type to be popular with superiors or subordinates. But his actions during the evaluation, subtly praising his direct superior and treating his subordinate NCO’s with respect, suggested otherwise.
He was the opposite. Competent, proactive, and with a good character? And a fresh graduate from the officer academy?
‘What a shame. If he’d been more proactive, I would have taken him along with Second Lieutenant Debra Bennett.’
Colonel Viktor Zelensky clicked his tongue, thinking to himself. An officer who demonstrated such ability likely had his own plans. It wasn’t his place to interfere, and his influence on personnel decisions was limited to the Northern Corps, where he currently served.
It was understandable if Enoch Levandal had no intention of staying in a field army corps or wasn’t interested in the technology research field he was joining. Still, his assertive demeanor during the evaluation suggested he hadn’t become an officer without ambition.
‘He certainly deserves that promotion to first lieutenant after just one month. The rumors weren’t exaggerated.’
As the saying went, the tree that would grow tall could be spotted by its sprout.
‘Perhaps we’ll meet again at the top of the military someday.’
Looking at the young officer, who listened to his words with a cool, detached gaze, Colonel Viktor Zelensky thought to himself.
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Enoch: No! Take me with you!🤣