BXBX NOVEL Chapter 13
Chapter 13
Chapter 13
Even the elves are aware of the Empire’s intriguing Medal of Honor.
Eloise Loengrand, the Commander of the Extermination Unit, was one of those elves.
She had a hobby of gathering information about recipients of the Medal of Honor.
Humans who achieved quite remarkable feats together. Paragons of bravery and strength, strong men.
Listening to their stories made one’s heart race and excitement overflow.
There was a desire to meet them immediately and exchange opinions about strength.
However, such individuals were mostly no longer of this world.
It was inevitable. To accomplish such deeds and still be alive is miraculous.
But this time was different. A survivor received the Medal of Honor.
So, there was a slight interest, but it quickly faded upon hearing it was for rescuing allies.
‘Isn’t there anything else besides rescuing allies? Like Luzerne. Those scoundrels who used to cut off ears.’
It’s not fun this way. It doesn’t make my heart race anymore. I need strong men.
I’m no longer interested in fellow male kin who cry like women all the time.
Strong human men are the best. Always exhilarating. Always new! Ahh!
Honestly, I had some expectations hearing about the recipient of the Medal of Honor.
A sharpshooter from the Imperial Army who unexpectedly targeted Luzerne’s leader.
Naturally, I thought he would come forward and receive the medal, but he didn’t.
‘Could it be that Luzerne sent assassins?’
If we look at it that way, there’s not much difference with this recipient of the Medal of Honor.
They supposedly rescued hundreds while being treated like idiots, but isn’t that more shameful?
…Ah, I don’t know. I don’t know, but I hope that sharpshooter shows up soon!
Tododot! ―
I heard the sound of something rushing quickly causing my ear’s to perk up.
Knowing what it was, I sighed.
A little while later, a cute-looking squirrel came running in..
The little creature, which had been scurrying around, soon handed something to me that was strapped to its back.
– Extermination Unit Commander, Eloise Loengrand’s Report –
Ugh. Here we go again. What nuisance are they bothering me with this time?
I need to retire soon. What kind of nonsense is this outside of office hours?
Grumbling inwardly, I received the orders and opened my mouth.
“Roger. Go ahead, speak~”
As I did, the squirrel’s eyes lost focus, and its mouth opened.
[ Detected movements of surviving Luzerne individuals. ]
“Oh my. Really? Where are they heading? Cliffs? Caves?”
[ The Empire. ]
My expression instantly sharpened. Have these guys lost their minds?
[ Their objectives are anticipated to be one of three things. Assassination of Empire’s high-ranking officials, terrorism targeting noble families and their offspring, and finally, the assassination of the recent recipient of the Medal of Honor. ]
“Wow….”
Have they all gone collectively insane? Every single one of them is acting like a fucking lunatic, aren’t they?
“Could it be they’ve finally decided to become suicide commandos?”
[ Unknown. Hence, we are investigating. Orders are issued, Leopard. Destination: the Empire. Targets: those aiming to disrupt the peace between us elves and the Empire. ]
“And the method?”
[ As always, reconnaissance and extermination. Over. ]
As the voice faded, life returned to the squirrel’s eyes.
Then, it dashed away and soon disappeared from sight.
“…Haha. Hoho!”
Oh my god. An assignment I never thought I’d have to take, not this boring forest, but in the Empire.
Thank you, Hawk. Thank you, Luzerne. Shall we have a taste of the Empire’s water!
As a gesture of gratitude for that. No, that’s a bit much. I’ll kill you a little less painfully.
With a seductive smile, Eloise immediately began preparing for the mission.
* * *
“Leaving home, getting on the train. The day heading to the training camp….’
Ugh. Damn it. Just singing a line makes me feel like a private again.
I’ve been in the military twice, I thought I was immune to this, but apparently not.
Ah. Why am I suddenly singing a song? The situation doesn’t call for it at all.
Clank, clank―
This world is where swords, magic and science coexist.
So, you can imagine a chaotic scene with both magic and gunpowder on the battlefield.
On top of that, there are trains running on steam like this.
“The recruit training camp is a 40-minute train ride from the city. Everything’s prepared on this end, so Sergeant Karl Adelheit, all you need to do is accompany us.”
Did I really take a whole day off for this? Feeling guilty and miserable…
Normally, I’d have slept in, done some exercise, and leisurely strolled around the academy.
In my heart, I wanted to demand an audience with the recipient of the Medal of Honor.
I’ve worked hard and retired, did they really have to send me back to a place smelling like the military?
But… damn it. When I think about it, it’s my fault that the four protagonists are behaving like this.
Those Hydra guys kept asking, ‘How did you get over the confession?’ and I was like, ‘Yeah. I enlisted in the army, and boom, I’m cured! Hey, join the army!’ I was spouting nonsense like that.
And now, to say ‘Oh, I don’t know! Figure it out yourself!’ would mean my conscience is still functioning normally.
The square in my heart, which I thought had worn out in the storms, is still sharp…
“Sergeant Karl, would you like some eggs? They have sparkling water too!”
“Yes. I’ll have one, please. Lieutenant Catfish.”
In the midst of this, the boiled eggs and sparkling water sold on the train are a godsend.
The only downside is that the taste of the sparkling water is a bit bland.
Well, I’ll endure. Without these, it would’ve been a train terror.
“Thank you.”
“Huh?”
“To think the recipient of the Medal of Honor is going on a mission like this. Even a hero who saved hundreds!”
“Ah, I see. So it seems.”
But Lieutenant, whether you know it’s a mission or an order, I don’t.
It seems like you keep forgetting, but I’m not in the service anymore. Damn it, I’ve retired!
[ Passengers, the next stop is Nonsen. Nonsen station. ]
“Ah. Looks like we’re getting there soon.”
Lieutenant Catfish quickly shoved a boiled egg into his mouth and downed the soda in one shot.
He has a big mouth, even for a catfish. There’s a lot going in there.
Or maybe he still has a soldier’s appetite? Did I eat like that when I was in active service?
As we disembarked from the train, a group of officers came out to greet Lieutenant Catfish.
“Ranshtak! Are you Sergeant Karl Adelheit? We’ve been waiting for you!”
Yep. I knew this was coming. I’d seen it coming, and now I’ve decided to embrace it.
It’s absurd that people ignore someone who’s a war hero like in a novel.
War isn’t child’s play, and people tend to go wild for those achievements.
But what I don’t like is that they only remember the glory. Do they even know how many people died or got injured behind these medals?
At least I got this. But how will those who only risked their lives live on?
“I’ve heard the recruit training camp is in quite a predicament.”
“Well, yes. That’s true. New recruits like Sergeant Karl have come in this time…”
“It’s not like it’s urgent as the moment I enlisted, is it?”
Thank you, past me. Huh? Why bother with such crap talk and go through all this trouble?
…What? Unfair? Did I really not expect those bastards to act like that?
Okay. I admit it. They’re the ones who took medical leave as an excuse for dropping out of school. I should understand that.
As I got on the carriage, I listened to the chatter of the officers from the training camp.
Mostly about the four protagonists, it seems like they’ve been through quite a lot.
“…Thanks to that, how are we supposed to handle the training intensity—”
“—But what’s driving me crazy is how all four of them are subtly keeping up—”
“…It’s driving me insane. Superiors are urging for their dismissal, yet the individuals themselves are holding on—”
The only somewhat positive news is that none of you four are getting discharged.
I thought there might be some chaos even within the training camp, but apparently not.
Are they protesting because they’re protagonists or what? Anyway, they’re unpredictable.
“Um, but… Can you really send those trainees back to their families?”
“Asking that puts me in a difficult position. Even I… hehe. Those individuals are looking for me, asking for favors.”
“Oh…”
“I’ll try my best to convince them first. Regardless of the intent, ultimately, it’s my responsibility.”
As the officers responded with the most positive answers they could muster, sunlight poured through the somber atmosphere.
They all sincerely hoped the four would leave the training camp soon.
It’s a shame. It wouldn’t be so bad to have a few sticking around and suffering quietly.
Honestly, it’s a bit unfair that I’m the only one rolling in the mud as a soldier.
“But, there’s something. Sergeant Karl Adelheit, the camp commander wanted to ask you something.”
“Yes?”
“After convincing those four trainees, could you perhaps give a short lecture during the remaining trainees’ discipline training?”
“….”
“I’m asking you as seeing a recipient of the Medal of Honor isn’t something that happens often!”
“Alright.”
“T-Thank you!”
“But. I have a condition.”
“A condition? What is it?!”
It’s simple. Nothing too difficult. Just let those four, for a brief moment, be under my control.
I’ve been in the military for three years here. Add that to my past life’s memories, it’s almost five years. I deserve at least a little bit of a break.
* * *
Trainee number 124, Shulifen. Trainee number 125, Wilhelm. Trainee number 126, Alexander. Trainee number 127, Joachim. The squad of four comrades received a sudden order to move from their instructor.
“Instructor? Where are we going?”
“Quiet. Just look ahead. Don’t talk.”
It seemed like there was no intention to answer. So, all four of them simply focused on keeping pace.
After several instances of being scolded for sloppy marching, this became their top priority.
Finally, they arrived at an empty, deserted training ground.
“All trainees, wait here.”
The instructor who spoke turned and disappeared into the barracks.
Suddenly, everyone began to look around with questioning glances, wondering what was going on.
“Trainee number 124. Standards.”
It was a voice they had heard before. For a moment, they all looked around in confusion. But soon, Shulifen reflexively raised his right hand and shouted.
“Trainee number 124, standards!”
“Arms-length interval, align to the left and right.”
“Arms-length interval, align to the left and right!”
In the training camp, responding loudly and clearly was basic courtesy, as the instructors had instructed. The four of them faithfully followed this, but there was one issue.
“Listen to my voice. Are you ants? Get down.”
Someone standing on the podium, who had enlisted in the Imperial Army three years ago, was a human who had endured a much more terrifying military life than now!