“When your magic manifests, your small body will likely be unable to contain it. Eventually, the magic will run amok, and there’s a high possibility that you could cease to exist.”
 
“You mean…I could die!?”
 
“Yes. But you’re lucky.”
 
“…Is that really true?”
 
“I don’t tell lies.”
 
“People who say that usually lie through their teeth, though.”
 
Yan’s response made Hazen chuckle wryly.
 
She was right on the mark.
 
“Can’t you be trusted?”
 
“…I can probably trust that you’re trustworthy, but I can’t trust you yet.”
 
“I see. That’s a … Read the rest

Chapter 2 – Yan Lin
 

 
Several hours later, the 8th squad arrived at the village of kanahal. This was the village closest to the Kumin tribe’s activity zone, but it seemed there had been no damage.
 
While inspecting the village out of curiosity, the villagers gathered upon seeing the Kumin prisoner. Their expressions changed dramatically.
 
“Serves you right!” “You should be roasted alive!” “Soldier, make this one suffer!” “They killed my brother!” “My grandfather too!” “It’s only just punishment.”
 
The villagers broke out in a chorus of curses, their faces twisted with unpleasantness. As Hazen observed their behavior,
 
“Elelel … Read the rest

Battles between mages often turn into one-on-one duels. Those without magic need significant skill or numbers to fight them. The Kumin tribe force here is about the size of a company in our military. Their commander is probably a lieutenant.
 
Hazen left the 8th platoon and appeared from another thicket.
 
Moments later, one of the Kumin noticed him. He purposely let the enemy chase him to create the distance for the ambush.
 
That’s when ice rings came flying from behind. Hazen maneuvered his horse to avoid them, but the second and third rings kept coming.
 
“I … Read the rest

“Why not? Don’t you feel responsible to the families of those who died in battle?”
 
“They did not die in battle. Violating military code is the same as treason. Therefore, I have no obligation or responsibility to their families.”
 
“……”
 
Lieutenant Mospitza fell silent again. Hazen deeply pondered what this man was trying to achieve.
 
“Are you saying we should treat military code violators and battle casualties the same?”
 
“I’m not saying that!”
 
“Then what are you trying to say?”
 
“Guh……”
 
Once again, the captain fell silent, and Hazen was starting to get frustrated. Perhaps there was an issue with … Read the rest

Corporal Edal showed an expression of surprise and bewilderment, but eventually smiled and nodded.
 
“Understood. I gratefully accept.”
 
“Gratitude is unnecessary. It’s a reward for your work. Be proud of your own abilities and efforts.”
 
“No. Still, I’m grateful to the lieutenant. I’ve never been praised before.”
 
“…I don’t have the right to negate the feelings you’ve held. Do as you please.”
 
“Yes, I’ll do as I please.”
 
With those parting words, Corporal Edal left.
 
It was the afternoon, a week after being dispatched to the northern Garna region. During training, a summons came from the operations room. The superior … Read the rest

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, please spare me! It was Sergeant Chomo who put the poison in! He incited us to do it!”
 
“Poison? Is there poison in this wine? Surely not.”
 
Hazen feigns an expression as if he’s just learned of this for the first time.
 
“I don’t want you to misunderstand. Sergeant Chomo tried to attack his superior, so I punished him in accordance with military regulations. Rebellion is a capital offense, you see. If I were to acknowledge that there’s poison in this wine, I’d have to execute you all…in accordance with military regulations, of course.”
 
“…Hic, hic, … Read the rest

The shrill scream echoed, and the entire 8th platoon turned their attention. Meanwhile, Sergeant Chomo drooled from his mouth as he squirmed. A bright red blood started seeping through his uniform.
 
But without paying any mind to the scene, Hazen struck him again, and again. Suddenly, the fabric tore, and blood gushed out. Sergeant Chomo foamed at the mouth and passed out.
 
Seeing this, the entire 8th platoon was dumbfounded. However, the young man with black hair didn’t seem to care. He simply flashed a full-blown smile at them.
 
“I am Hazen Heim, the new second lieutenant of the 8th … Read the rest

“I could hire you as my own bodyguard. You’d have a much better life than serving on that harsh, low-paying frontline.”
 
” …… “
 
Dometa eyed Lei Fa’s body hungrily.
 
Hazen then stepped forward with a troubled expression.
 
“Dometa, could you please not bother my friends so much?”
 
“What did you say?”
 
“Even though you have the great advantage of being from a prestigious noble family, they’ve judged you as not worth their time, and chosen a mere commoner like me as their friend. Do you understand the significance of that?”
 
Hazen smiled brightly, tilting his head.
 
“Tch…”
 
“If I … Read the rest

Chapter 1: Demotion
 

 
The Gastro Empire. It is the oldest and most mature nation on the continent, with a history of over a thousand years.
 
Among them, the Imperial Palace towering in the center of the imperial capital is both magnificent and graceful. The imperial residence, where the lavish mansions of the upper aristocracy are lined up, is the residential area. The administrative district, where the imperial generals in the center conduct government affairs. The entertainment district, which gathers the pleasures of the entire continent and entertains the imperial family, nobles, and state guests.
 
Virtually all … Read the rest