"The RTA Tactics course is relatively new, only in its seventh year. However, it has already proven to be highly effective, which is why it's now a mandatory course for all cadets starting this semester."

The instructor continued the lesson, seemingly unbothered by the chaotic atmosphere.

"The course structure has also undergone some changes."

The large panels in front of each student lit up, revealing an augmented reality tactical table similar to those used by frontline commanders. The table displayed comprehensive information about a platoon.

"We’ll begin with smaller units. Please decide on a course of action for the platoon members displayed. All available information can be accessed through your tactical table."

"Starting small? Does that mean we'll handle larger units later on?"

"Yes. You won't advance all at once. Make as many tactical decisions as possible. The more your strategies positively impact future scenarios, the more points you'll earn. Once you accumulate enough points, your commander level will rise, and you'll be given larger units as case studies."

Understood. In other words, the better your performance, the faster you'll advance.

"Additionally, your grades in this course will directly affect your end-of-semester results."

"No tests?"

"Correct. There are no separate tests."

I carefully examined the tactical table. It contained much more precise and detailed information than I had expected. When I activated the virtual reality mode, the information felt even more vivid. I could experience the battlefield on the same sensory level as the soldiers, except for touch.

"During class, your actions are entirely up to you. You can discuss with fellow cadets, request assistance from me, or engage in personal activities, as long as you don't disturb others."

"Can we leave the room?"

"Of course not. Oh, and you can access the tactical table provided today anytime, even outside class hours. The information will continue to be updated."

This is more systematic than I anticipated. It's likely to be a hot topic among the cadets throughout the semester.

I decided to start by examining the platoon assigned as the first case. The subject was a reconnaissance platoon composed of ten members, following standard regulations. A quick glance around revealed that the other cadets were all working on the same case.

'Recon 22nd Platoon?'

The platoon's mission was simple: scout the ridge ahead and return. The platoon members were typical, without any special skills—a common gathering of resources. Nothing seemed particularly concerning.

'But these situations can be the hardest.'

RTA Tactics is designed to develop the situational judgment and tactical skills required of a commander and to help students become familiar with battlefield conditions. However, the course also includes a competitive element, with grades serving as bait.

Competition implies gaining a comparative advantage over others. In such a situation, can one really give a standard order like "maintain stealth and thoroughly survey the recon area"? Normally, it would be difficult.

'This is...'

The intention behind offering this as the first case is obvious. It's meant to familiarize us with the tactical table and give us experience with the most common scenarios a commander might face. Given the nature of RTA Tactics, where the situation can't be manipulated or booby-trapped, this is likely the case.

'Still, I should verify everything.'

I meticulously reviewed each piece of information provided. All ten cases I reviewed today, including the first one, had no room for significant intervention.

'This will need to be observed closely.'

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

After thoroughly examining everything, I completed tactical reports for all but one, staying faithful to the mission given. The one I set aside was, surprisingly, the first case presented. The recon area assigned to the 22nd Platoon was terrain that had once housed a hatchery cluster before being obliterated in a scorched-earth operation. However, I noticed a few suspicious details.

'It was... claw marks, wasn’t it?'

The traces were so faint they were barely noticeable, even in virtual reality mode. On a hunch, I ordered an investigation into these traces. It's uncertain whether the real platoon members would act according to my instructions, but if a related incident occurs, I could earn additional points.

Finally, I added the scenario to my watchlist and exited the tactical table.

For some reason, I’m looking forward to the next update. The situation with the 22nd Platoon continued to change. What seemed like a brief reconnaissance mission was thrown into chaos by a sudden encounter with a group of Claws, resulting in three casualties.

I thought about the Claws. These creatures were almost like the most basic combat units you'd find in a strategy game. They were the first entities to appear on most planets when an alien infestation began, and they were fast and versatile. It wouldn't be surprising to see them appear anywhere and at any time on an infested planet.

But despite that, why do they still bother me?

'I need more information. Can’t I request reinforcements?'

The 22nd Platoon had a casualty rate of 30%. Under normal circumstances, this would be a level where the operation could no longer continue. Moreover, no reinforcements were expected. The military had already shifted its focus further ahead, forming a new frontline and engaging in fierce battles, having left behind the area that had been "cleaned up" by the scorched-earth operation.

'It's only natural to retreat since the area didn't even show up on the precision scan.'

Most cadets would likely choose to retrieve the casualties and retreat at this point.

'I need to review the tactical map again.'

I examined the surrounding terrain closely. Magnetic storms and frequent earthquakes had begun as alien contamination worsened. The battlefield was littered with alien corpses, hatchery remnants, and metallic ground due to the frequent battles. All of these factors were interfering with precision scanning.

'And if we add this...'

I carefully observed the Claws captured in the battle footage. It was clear that these were newly born creatures. I couldn't pinpoint the reason, but it was just a feeling. Considering that all the active and recently active hatcheries on the tactical map were far from this area, the Claws must have been born in this already scorched region.

'The possibility that they hatched from a miracle surviving egg? Unlikely. Their behavior doesn’t match that theory either.'

After pondering, I concluded that there must be a hatchery that survived the scorched-earth operation. Such cases are rare. A scorched-earth operation is exactly that—scorched-earth. Overwhelming firepower is concentrated to wipe out all hostile resources on and below the surface. A hatchery, or anything else for that matter, should not have survived.

'I need to find a reason to prevent the retreat.'

RTA Tactics is a course where you receive real-time battlefield information and create strategies, but the strategies devised by cadets are not actually implemented. You only observe how the situation changes over time and think about what outcomes your strategy might have produced.

So, I worked hard to find evidence that could convince the higher-ups. To truly move those troops on the tactical table according to my will.

‘…Found it!’

After thoroughly combing through not only the tactical map but also the supplementary information, I finally found what I was looking for. Using this evidence, I prepared a report and submitted it.

'If I'm wrong, then so be it.'

Feeling at ease, I prepared for the early morning class with Sahil, unaware of the results this report would bring.

----------------------------------------

“Lemon, are you taking this course too?”

“Yeah. It’s a required course, after all.”

“Then have you looked at this? What should I do?”

Rose asked, showing me her tactical table. A quick glance revealed that she was still struggling with the ten scenarios presented on the first day. Her indecision was evident from the way her tactical history fluctuated.

“What did Barton say?”

“He said to just leave it to the platoon leader’s judgment. He warned that trying to meddle could make things worse.”

Rose answered, sounding disappointed. Barton gave the right advice, so what’s the problem? However, I can’t say her attitude is wrong. It’s not easy to seriously ponder an issue that’s far removed from your area of expertise.

“He’s not wrong.”

“Ugh, really?”

“Try following Barton’s advice for now. Then, only create strategies for scenarios you’re confident in. How about that?”

“Would that really be okay?”

It would. After a week of tinkering with the program, I had a rough idea of how it worked. At first, everyone receives the same scenarios. As the course progresses, scenarios where a cadet is more likely to make the wrong choice gradually decrease, while those more aligned with the cadet’s strengths increase. This automatically increases the chances of earning additional points.

'The more you do it, the better you get, which makes it more engaging.'

This course is well-designed the more I think about it. At this rate, Rose might even find the right position as a commander.

“Yeah.”

“...Hmm.”

“Don’t stress too much. Doing well in areas you’re good at is enough, right?”

“Right! You’re absolutely right. You’re the best, Lemon.”

Rose laughed heartily and playfully smacked my shoulder. I flinched at the sudden touch but quickly regained my composure. I thought I’d gotten used to it, but it still catches me off guard sometimes.

“…And if you keep working hard like this, you’ll shine one day.”

“You think so?”

We arrived at the RTA Tactics classroom. For some reason, the class had suddenly changed to a joint session for all students, meaning I would be taking the class at the same time as Rose.

“Leonard.”