Chapter 13

Chapter 13

[Translator – Angel Dust]

[Proofreader – ChiSync]

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.Folll0w current novÊls on n/o/v/3l/b((in).(co/m)

‘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!”

...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!

[Translator – Angel Dust]

[Proofreader – ChiSync]