Chapter 43: Meet (3)

A building of a considerable height is the headquarters of the Southern Army. It is located in, needless to say, south of Rosas kingdom, but at the same time, it is near to the center.

To be exact, they are stationed in a town called Raks, which has approximately 30,000 residents.

Of course, the Southern Army's main force members also live there, adding up to a total of 50,000 people.

Considering the size of the Rosas kingdom, it is a number big enough to contend with the cities near the capital.

Although the area near Raks is comparatively safe, the villages and towns in the border are not. The reason why they allowed that despite being called the 'southern army' is to respond to any threats.

If an enemy showed up from one side, they could respond to it, albeit slower than the usual. However, despite the time lag in responding, they are in Raks because of possible threats showing up from two or more sides.

By being in Raks, which could be called the centerpiece of the game board known as the 'south,' the Southern Army could fend off any invasion coming from any direction. They could also help in the west and east if necessary.

Besides, the feudal lords and their territories have their own army, buying time for the Southern Army to make their appearance.

As a big country, Rosas kingdom garners hostility from the countries around it. It would be correct to say that all borders of it are always in a constant battle.

That is why Prawler, the Commanding General of the Southern Army, decided to split his personal army.

The main force of the Southern Army that serves in the town called Raks and the core of the Southern Army that went with him during the expedition; those two are his personal army.

The real Southern Army, which is all over the south, is directed and led by their respective commanders. Prawler dedicated those men to protect the people from bandits, invasions, and monsters, resulting in the people dubbing him as a hero.

Being a Commanding General of the Southern Army and yet fighting only with his personal army to make sure the people are protected, who would not be touched by his efforts?

Incidentally, a personal army is like a noble's army. A few men who have distinguished themselves on the battlefield have one, even though those men are not nobles. Still, since he is the Southern Army's general, Prawler holds an absolute advantage when it comes to military might in the south.

Just considering the numbers in the Southern Army, he is a general of approximately 150,000 men! His military might is, without a doubt, comparable to a duke.

However, as there are different parts to a human's body, different people support the Southern Army.

It is definitely rude to say that the peace achieved in the south is only Prawler's work. Needless to say, many people pooled in their efforts to make, at least in the current times, peace.

And the person who did the most work, in terms of planning and making it a reality, was called the backbone of the south.

Logistic support, training the newbies, helped Prawler rise to his position, the one who made the south as if it was a spider-web, the one who could be called as the strategist of the south, Baby!

Together with Prawler and Rey, they are called the South's Three Towers.

And now, that Baby was looking over a report. A man as big as Prawler and scars could be seen here and there on his body.

His skin color was light, and with the combination of his military uniform, he truly looked dignified. The name, Tower, was definitely not a joke.

The hand holding the report moved to put it on top of the table. Light squeezed in through the window, and Baby's face could be seen.

As expected, his face was just as scary as a bear. Lines could be seen on his forehead, making it look as if he was making a frown. His nose was big, and his lips were split as a scar was decorating it.

A man is looking at Baby, who is sitting in a chair behind the table. He was studying every reaction on Baby's face. He knew that Baby was feeling happy despite that face of his.

Of course, he didn't miss the words flowing out from Baby's mouth.

"Guy finally showed his wits. Hulhulhul."

"Yes, sir. It is said that the reason why they were able to escape in time was due to him."

"What did General Prawler say?"

"He personally promoted 500-man commander Guy to a 3000-man general."

A smile quickly formed on his lips. He seems happy that Guy finally blossomed. After all, he was the one who found Guy, but he suppressed his joy for a moment before asking the crucial point.

"Wait, how about Raizen?"

"Yes, sir. The general promoted 500-man commander Raizen to a 1000-man general. It is said that the person himself is displeased about it, saying that he did nothing notable, but vice commander Rey was able to take care of it, it seems."

"That's good then. If one of them goes too far, the other one will lose motivation and won't be able to shine."

The man didn't reply, sensing that he didn't need to put in any word. After all, he served Baby the longest, and thus, he knew how Baby worked.

Silence descended on the room before a flash of light flickered in Baby's eyes.

"Jarg, two weeks have passed, yes?"

"Yes, sir. To be exact, 10 days had passed before we got this information."

Jarg replied briefly. He didn't show a change of emotions even though the fact that he just spoke was a fact that should not happen.

The advantage of having their soldiers spread all over the place is information gathering. Baby himself has prioritized this and made the web to ensure that any and all information will reach Raks.

That's why information related to their army is prioritized. When Baby is in-charge of the overall south, nothing could slip from his eyes.

Baby even stayed behind to be the wall that will protect the south while the general is out and ensure that the place is well and tidy when he returns.

Yet a report was late? Especially so when it is regarding Prawler retreating from the forest and even a potential threat...Don't mention Baby; even a baby will know what's happening just from that fact.

Baby spoke after organizing his thoughts.

"A rat? No, a plague?"

"I believe, instead of rat, a cat has appeared, sir."

"Why do you say so?"

"There's no way the defense system that Sir Baby himself has made would slip up so easily."

Those words were definitely not empty. The defense system that Baby made, combined with the information team of Jarg, could be counted as one of the best among the Rosas kingdom.

"A cat, huh. Hulhulhul, one of those geezers?"

"Yes, sir."

There, Baby made a happy expression as a smile crept up to his lips. It definitely wasn't a face one should make when faced with problems.

"Let's forget about that cat first. How about those in the forest?"

"It hasn't changed. If the cat could mess up even the emergency signals, then...but I believe not even the cat could do it."

Baby was about to reply with a 'Damn right,' but he was stopped when the door opened rather rudely. No one would barge in a general's office without knocking first. Of course, in their right minds, that is.

"Report! Numerous villages have been destroyed on the border! Commander Pete is amassing soldiers in town, Jihto, and General Prawler has sortied, but...all of the towns along the border have spotted suspicious movements!"

The man that barged in quickly reported what he has summarized while breathing heavily; his head was looking down. He expected some rude remarks since he just went into the office, but it seems like the general was magnanimous.

'T-thank goodness!'

Just the simple act of not getting angry has gotten the man to give thanks to the general. After all, the life of a normal soldier wasn't easy if a superior has set their eyes on them.

Besides, he was a newcomer to the army, and he always saw Baby as a giant that would eat anybody. Well, almost all recruits think of him that way.

"It went the way you predicted, Jarg. The cat was only a cat."

"Yes, sir. I shall make the necessary preparations."

Jarg took a bow while bringing the other man with him.

Baby just closed his eyes shut while thinking about various possibilities. After all, the intensity of the attack was great enough to compare it to a country. When he opened his eyes again, a hint of certainty and anxiousness could be seen from him.

He spoke while leaning his back on the chair.

"A cat inside and a tiger is outside, huh."