Chapter 16: Opportunity For Promotion (3)

Chapter 16: Opportunity For Promotion (3)

The day after the operation meeting in the morning.

At the Raintlant front, the Francois Republic’s 12th Division commander, Karl de Henri, woke up at the same time and sat at the desk to look over the division’s affairs.

Normally, he would have complained about having to write a report every day, especially when there weren’t any significant changes.

However, today he felt grateful for the responsibility and the right to write a report about the current situation on the Raintlant front.

It was because they had successfully executed a decoy operation, defeating over 1,500 of the enemy while minimizing the sacrifices on their side.

An experienced commander would never fall for such a strategy, but fortunately, inexperienced student company leaders bit every bait thrown their way, ensuring success.

He felt like buying a drink for the enemy general who sent those inexperienced student leaders to the front line.

If things continued this way, he would be recognized for the victory on the Raintlant front and be assured of more land, wealth, and promotions.

“When I was first deployed here, I cursed Lord Deus for placing me on such a hellish front line. But looking back, it was all a blessing from God. Hahaha!”

Just thinking about it brought a smile to his face, and he felt hopeful for the bright future ahead.

However, this reflective mood didn’t last long.

It was because some foolish officer rushed into the division headquarters, panting heavily and not following reporting protocol.

Karl wanted to scold the officer, but not wanting to ruin his good mood, he instead asked with a slightly irritated voice.

“What brings you here?”

“I came to report directly to you, commander, as it’s urgent.”

“Speak quickly, then. And remember the reporting protocol next time. If you neglect it again, you’ll be disciplined.”

“Understood, Commander. Reporting, as of the current time, the Reich Empire’s 8th Division is preparing to retreat. The situation seems dire, as they haven’t properly organized their headquarters, only taking minimal food, weapons, and armor, and they are trying to flee.”

Hearing this, the commander was so elated that his previous anger at the reconnaissance officer for ignoring the reporting protocol vanished.

Instead, he started to see the intelligence officer who had carelessly bypassed protocol as a cute fellow trying earnestly to share good news quickly.

“It’s okay to report urgently without following protocol. Especially if it’s good news. However... In the future, unless it’s an urgent situation like this, always follow the reporting protocol.”

“Yes, understood, Brigade Commander.”

The Brigade Commander, as was customary, handed five gold coins to the officer who delivered the good news, saying,The inaugural upload of this chapter took place via N0v3l-B1n.

“If what you say is true, we will soon be celebrating. At that time, embrace a woman to relieve the fatigue. Judging by your looks, this seems to be your first real battle. Embracing a woman that the merchant ships bring to the battlefield can also be a valuable experience.”

The officer, upon receiving the money, saluted his superior officer in front of him with a perfect angle and expressed gratitude before swiftly exiting the brigade commander’s tent.

“Yes, understood. What will you do, sir?”

“I, as acting Battalion Commander, will personally inform the Brigade Commander about the start of the operation. It might take about 10 minutes. Make sure all preparations are thoroughly completed by then.”

“We will follow your orders.”

After everyone dispersed, I went to the brigade commander to report the start of the operation, and then hurriedly walked back to the battalion’s main square.

When I arrived, all the soldiers of the battalion were standing by, holding spears in their left hands, torches not yet lit in their right, and crossbows strapped to their backs.

Seeing this, I realized the weight of the lives of over 100 soldiers hanging on my command.

However, given the situation, there was no time for sentimentality. I decided to make a small speech before heading out.

“Forget everything else, and just remember this: Trust your battalion commander and fight as if you’re throwing away your lives. If we return victorious, I’ll personally beg the brigade commander to promote all of you. Don’t you all want to return to your families sooner rather than later? And one more thing, let’s make sure to meet again alive.”

While another commander might have spoken of the empire’s honor, family, and wealth, what resonated more with the soldiers was their discharge.

Because that word contained their families, peaceful daily lives, and the leisure of returning alive.

If this surprise operation succeeds, first-class merit would be promised to me for leading a battlefront that was on the verge of defeat to victory.

With such merit, it should be more than possible to request and get approved for a one-rank promotion for all the soldiers without undermining my achievements.

“Long live the Commander!”

“Let’s get promoted and go home a day sooner!”

“Let’s eat warm food prepared at home, not shitty oatmeal and half-rotten cheese!”

Thus, I was able to boost the morale of the soldiers and approach the enemy as covertly and closely as possible without being detected.

During the process, we nearly got caught several times by the enemy scouts, but we killed all of them with arrows before they could sound their horns.

This way, we were able to safely move to our predetermined point.

There, I commanded the soldiers.

“The mages should shoot fireballs as far away as possible to set the enemy lines ablaze. The soldiers will be divided into two groups. Group 1 consists of the 2nd and 3rd squads and the mages, while Group 2 is the 1st and 4th squads. Group 1 will fire only one crossbow bolt and leave the rest here, then charge with me. Group 2 will use all the remaining crossbows as per their squad leader’s instructions. Then everyone will become one and charge into the enemy line without hesitation. If you show fear and flinch, we will all die. Just follow me!”

At those words, the soldiers nodded in agreement, and the mages and soldiers launched magic spells and arrows toward the enemy lines at once.

Then, with the soldiers of Group 1, I charged like a madman—no, like a lunatic high on drugs.

“Charge! Chaaaaaaarge!”

Like a mad bear that harvesting soldiers as if they were wheat.