Unaffected by the abnormal zeal, they followed the chain of command’s orders. This was the fruit of rigorous training, befitting the mighty Empire’s reputation.
 
However, in terms of troop quality, Diode was not inferior either. While the Empire’s soldiers might surpass Diode’s on average, Diode had specialized in certain military branches.
 
Captain Nidel of the cavalry, Captain Zonan of the heavy infantry, Captain Konahawan of the archers, Captain Noyudara of the infantry – each had trained their specialized troops to the utmost.
 
“……”
 
Yet the battle situation was still unfavorable. Their morale was indeed high.… Read the rest

Chapter 6: “The Declaration of War”
 

 
The day of the declaration of war. It was a clear and sunny day Unusual for recent weather,. Hazen was stationed at the central gate. There were 2,000 soldiers posted at the front of the gate, and 1,000 more within the castle walls.
 
The young man with black hair surveyed the enemy troops from the castle walls.
 
Before him was an army numbering more than 10,000. Previously, he could have taken them on single-handedly, but with his current abilities, it would be an almost impossible task. Therefore, he would have … Read the rest

 
“Colonel Gedol, I’ll temporarily step down as captain and transfer the authority to lieutenant Hazen.”
 
“…Do you think that will be allowed?”
 
“We have no choice.”
 
To win this battle, that man is necessary. Everyone knew it, yet everyone tried to avert their eyes from that fact.
 
Only Captain Lorenzo, who had witnessed Lieutenant Mospitza’s disgrace firsthand, can do this. Rather than becoming like that man, handing over the seat to someone half his son’s age is the better choice.
 
There are more than ten thousand soldiers at his back. This fact, which no one else even considers, is something … Read the rest

 
“…Shall we send an advance party of one battalion?”
 
“No. We’ll crush them with our full force. Don’t bother with the surrounding villages.”
 
By having the allies defect and lowering their morale, he could finish them off in one fell swoop.
 
Gizal grinned with eyes more fierce than ever before.
 
*
 
The report reached them four days later. Captain Lorenzo, returning hastily from the military command room, informed Hazen.
 
“General Gizal’s large army is heading towards this fortress. They’ve already reached the vicinity of Garrist Village.”
 
“…The information is late.”
 
“It was discussed among the higher-ups and didn’t filter down. … Read the rest

Chapter 5: The Duchy of Diode
 

 
The Argeid Fortress in the Duchy of Diode was renowned as impregnable. First, it was protected by magical barriers that rendered projectile weapons useless.
 
Additionally, it was guarded by a legion of heavily armored soldiers known as the “Strong Armor Guards,” stationed at the fortress gates to block any frontal assault.
 
The armor used by these soldiers was made of Madoma Steel, a material exclusive to the Duchy of Diode, boasting the 10th lightest and 15th strongest properties on the continent.
 
“It’s an unbeatable defense, isn’t it?”
 
murmured General Gizaal, the commander of … Read the rest

 
“It’s fine, isn’t it? You’ve captured the characteristics of the troops well. From now on, just make sure to submit it by the deadline, even if there are a few mistakes.”
 
“I-I see. But was it still hard to read? I’m sorry about that.”
 
“Well, the easier to read, the better. But I’ve corrected it for now. What’s more important is the content. If you get caught up in these peripheral things and neglect the essence, then it’s fine as it is.”
 
“…Yes! Thank you very much.”
 
Marde Sergeant bowed deeply.
 
“Hm? I wasn’t thanked for anything.”
 
“Actually, Lieutenant Mospitza … Read the rest

 
“That’s the problem. No matter how many times I tell you, you won’t fix it. Your pride and vanity may be the cause, but both are unnecessary.”
 
“I take pride in my work as an Imperial military officer.”
 
“That pride of yours is only sullying the name of the Imperial military. Your presence is dragging down the reputation of the Imperial officers.”
 
“…Ugh.”
 
For some reason, Lieutenant Mospitza glares at us. What a rude fellow. But I was told by Captain Lorenzo to ‘go easy on him’.
 
Top-down order. I have no choice but … Read the rest

“First, you’ve defied your superior officer and disrupted military discipline, using your status as a cover. Ten lashes.”
 
“Gah…gaaah…”
 
“And despite repeated warnings, you’ve failed to use proper honorifics. That’s another 11 lashes for your casual speech.”
 
“No…that would surely kill him…”
 
The kindhearted Lei Fa interjected.
 
“It’s alright. I’ll use magic to heal you after every 3 lashes. That way you won’t die.”
 
“Eek…I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry…”
 
Lieutenant Mospitza groveled in apology, but was ignored.
 
“But…my time is valuable too, so I’ll ask the rest of the 8th squad to help.”
 
“Yes, sir!”… Read the rest

 
“That’s why my age or anything else is completely irrelevant. In fact, the reason you’re still a lieutenant at this age is that you don’t even understand such basic things.”
 
“Guh…but I don’t think Lieutenant Hazen has been very loyal to me, his former superior officer!”
 
“That’s because you’re incompetent.”
 
” …… ” “
 
Lieutenant Mospitza glared at Hazen intensely. Why, though? Hazen was just stating facts plainly.
 
“The core of top-down command is that the superior officer has better insight than the non-commissioned officer. People like you, who try to attack the nuances … Read the rest

 
Ten days passed, and the situation remained unchanged. The upper echelons of the military had decided to launch a full-scale war with the Duchy of Diode in the spring, after the winter. Captain Lorenzo summoned Häzen to his quarters to convey this.
 
“I’m sorry, I was trying to convince the upper echelons, but in the meantime, new information came in. It seems General Gizal has been assigned there.”
 
“General Gizal?”
 
“You don’t know? General Gizal, the Thunder General. He is a true powerhouse.”
 
“…How formidable is he?”
 
“He uses a lightning-attribute magic staff. Does that ring a bell?”
 
“I see.”… Read the rest