Arc 2 Chapter 5.1: A Normal Day with an Unknown Future (edited)
(Bryan POV)
“Speaking of which, how’s the students under your command Bryan?”
“They’re doing fine. I’ve been teaching them various things about the battlefield. At the rate they’re going, they should be able to take care of themselves”
“Hmm… are you just teaching them military studies?”
“Nah. If I do that, they would become muscle heads who only know how to fight. I have Miselle teaching them history, Sara’s teaching them arts and Lily… decided to teach them how to cook”
“Hmm… that’s, pretty varied. What about reading, writing and math?”
“That’s all part of Sara’s art curriculum.”
“Oh, so their still having a good variety of education. You know, you should build your own school.”
“Nah. If I build a school, I’m going to be tied down.”
She gave a slight giggle.
“True. Well, aside from that. Mind if I visit you guys today?”
“Sure I guess, but you’ll have to wait for the caravan to arrive.”
She looked past the balcony towards the road below.
“You mean, that?”
I looked where she was pointing at. There, three vehicles could be seen approaching. One was an armored vehicle called the badger ICV. It had a 30 mm cannon that was mounted above it. Not only that, there were ten soldiers inside, waiting to be deployed. Behind it were two Humvees manned with small rapid firing arms. They were weaker though, but in this world. They’re practically unstoppable. Well, it’s not like I’ve made a lot of these. To be exact, I actually limited everything. The four artillery pieces where shortened into small howitzers that could be carried easily in the battlefield. We only have five main battle tanks with twin cannons and three rapid fire arms mounted in the front. We have a total of three badgers, ten Humvees, and lastly a blackbird. Who knew mana stones could be used as engines for practically everything.
“Well, I guess they’re arriving a bit earlier than I thought.”
“That’s good news then. Let me just change my clothes before we actually set out.”
“Alright, just don’t be late. Were probably leaving 30 or 40 minutes from now.”
“I got it Dad!”
She said that sarcastically as she disappeared from the room. Really, such a relaxed princess. To think she still had this much spunk even after learning that the empire is beginning to move. Well, it only shows that her title, the sword princess, isn’t just a title. Really, her nerves are pretty much made out of steel now. I looked back at the meeting we had. For the past two months, we’ve been having several war meetings. Of course, the other nobles and higher ups didn’t like my presence, but I don’t really mind. But still, I have a bad feeling about that dark mass they’ve been reporting. I wonder what it is.
“I guess I should send out the blackbird for some info.”
With a sigh, I quickly went out of the room and headed for exit.
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“Bryan Sama, there is urgent news from Madame Lily.”
One of the soldiers quickly exited the Humvee and reported to me. But still, to have it sent by person and not telepathically, I guess an espionage battle is happening right now. Without anyone noticing, I quickly activated a mana dome around us. With this, no one would see or know what we’re talking about.
“You’re good to go. Now tell me, what happened?”
“Lily-Sama said that there may be spies at the base.”
“What? How did they get in?”
“It’s not a matter of how they got in, but who master.”
I was shocked to hear that. That means, one of my students was a spy. This is not looking good, rather I’m quite upset.
“Alright, thanks for giving me this…”
“There’s more master. Lily-Sama also told me to tell you that there are four spies and an assassin that has surrounded the entire compound.”
“Are you serious?”
He nodded vigorously. Well, my problems are just adding up aren’t they? To make matter worse…
“Bryan, are we leaving yet.”
“Yeah, get in the middle car. You should know how to use a seatbelt by now right.”
“Ugh… it’s like you’re my dad or something. Yes, I know how to use it. Come on, I’m really excited to see how you’re students are doing.”
With a disguise that made her look like a peasant farmer girl, Artura quickly got inside the middle car.
“Artura, wa…”
“No Marlana, I’m going alone. Plus, no bodyguards. I think Bryan can…”
“It’s not that. I also want to go with you guys!”
I gave a surprised look. Now that I look at it, she is dressed rather… rough. With leather armor, a knee length skirt and combat boots, it look like she’s some kind of adventurer heading out for an expedition. It also means that she’s not asking, rather… she is going. I sighed. Guess I’m having another visitor. But still, the spies as well as the assassin may be a problem. I wonder why Lily hasn’t taken care of them herself.
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“What is this place?”
Artura glanced around her like an excited kid. Right now, we were passing through village section of the compound. Of course, the houses were kept in a medieval style setting, but inside these houses, it was practically a modern lifestyle. Each house accommodated at least one or two families. Each had their own kitchens, bathroom and bedrooms. As we passed by, the villagers all noticed us and began to either bow or wave. Really, such happy folks.
“Who are these people?”
“Uhh… some of them were the prisoners we saved during the bandit extermination. The rest are the families of the knights that now work under me.”
“The knights? Oh, you mean the former elite guard.”
“Yeah… honestly, I was surprised. One day, around two hundred people showed up in my doorstep asking me for my approval to join. Really, such strange people.”
Artura gave a troubled look as we continue to pass by. Soon, we managed to pass the area and arrived at the military section. Here, the knights, the students and the soldiers were doing training. Since it’s still early in the morning, they’re doing basic combat exercises. I could see the marines pairing up with the knights as they taught them some cqc techniques.
“What are they doing?”
“They’re practicing close quarter combat.”
“Eh, but those don’t seem to be close quarter combat techniques I know off.”
“Well, not this worlds cqc. My world.”
As soon as the knights appeared, I was really curious on how they fight in close quarter combat. That’s why I asked Nana to fight one of them. From there, I learned that this world mainly utilizes boxing with a bit of martial arts. Although it was effective, my world mainly focuses on practicality. It’s a mixture of boxing, judo and instant disengagement. With a weapon, we would mainly do our best to put distance with the enemy, grab our guns, and shoot. Without a weapon, our main priority is to get in close, lock the opponent down and either kill or stun them. I could still remember the surprised look on the knight’s face as Nana beat him.
[Flashback]
“Take it easy on him!”
With a nod, Nana took her position as the knight slowly approached.
“YOU CAN DO IT RAFAEL!!”
“SHOW HER OUR KINGDOM’S PRIDE!!”
“KNOCK HIM DOWN NANA!!!”
“SHOW THEM OUR MASTER’S TEACHINGS!”
The surrounding people were excited as they saw the two combatants in front of them. As for the combatants themselves, the knight must know that Nana is pretty strong since the man was generally watching her every move. Nana on the other hand seemed really relaxed. Seconds began passing as the two looked at each other. As if finally running out of patient, the knight stepped forward with a left jab. He must have been going for a feint since at the last moment, he seemed to be switching his punch’s aim. I could also see his legs move forward, probably to help him perform a low kick accompanied by a jab to the side. Sadly for him, Nana went low, latched onto the incoming arm and threw him over her shoulder. The knight had a surprised look on his face as he smashed to the floor face first. Without giving him a chance, nana instantly went on the man’s back and locked his arm in place.
“Winner, Nana of the Marine Corps.”
“Hoh.”
Everyone gave out a voice of admiration at the scene they saw. As for Nana, with a smile, she released the man and helped him stand. Although the man was pretty bruised, he seemed to be very satisfied. Cheers began erupting alongside a couple of troublesome comments. Either way, they seem to be in high spirits.
[Flashback over]
“Bryan, neh. BRYAN!”
“Huh, oh. Sorry about that, I was just remembering something.”
Right now, we were heading towards the students group. Half of them were practicing with the knights. The other half were practicing with the marines. If you think about it, I rather have a huge force under my disposal. For the past two months, I’ve created about a hundred more automatons who look very human. Right now, I currently have two hundred under my employment. Mixing in the sixty knights, I have two hundred and sixty soldiers currently under my power. The students I have with me are currently a hundred. Since they’re part of the militia, I can’t really add them in. But for now, if you include them, I have a total of three hundred and sixty personals in my army… somehow, I really feel as if I’m making an army to go against Artura. Shaking the thoughts away, we finally arrived at the small training area.
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“Whoa.”
Artura couldn’t help but sigh in admiration. This was the first time she’s seen this. Seeing as it was me visiting the kingdom instead of her visiting, they’re really is a lot of things she has not seen yet. First of all, the training ground is divided into three different sections. The magic grounds, the non-magic grounds and the mastery grounds. The magic grounds is filled with students who were focusing on magic only. You could see fireballs, lightning spells and other offensive magic being used. Although you couldn’t see it, and the students were also taught how to use defensive magic. Although it’s common for magicians to use the elements to form a shield around them, they’ve also been taught how to use the mana around them.
Now, for the non-magic group, they mainly specialized in weapons. People could be seen sparring with a different assortment of weapons. One was even in a close ranged fight with a bow as he shot, parried, strike and shot again.
Now, the mastery group is the highlight of this place. Only ten people were in it. These were the students who were practicing with both sets of skills. One girl was currently summoning a huge amount of fireballs as she fended of her opponent with her rapier. On the other hand, the boy was currently using his shield to bash through while using a water whip to douse out the fireballs. I have to hand it to Yuusuke, he sure trained them well.
“WHAT IS THIS???!!!!!!!”
I looked towards Artura who was gazing at the students with a horrified expression. What happened to the admiring gaze she had previously. Marlana too, though her expression was more shocked than horrified.
“B-b-b-bryan… these guys are the militia group under your command right?”
“Yeah, though it’s only a hundred now. I was supposed to be teaching… a thousand I think. But those guys were wimps so they quickly backed down”
“… The numbers doesn’t even matter even more. The more I look, the more shock I’m getting. These guys are probably stronger than even my elite guards now!”
She then looked to me with a serious expression.
“I guess me coming here was a good idea, Bryan. We need to talk.”
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[Inside an office]
“So, I guess my premonition was correct.”
I sighed as I stare at the dejected looking queen in front of me. We were currently at my office inside the mansion. Here, she told me about the true status of the political area of the kingdom. Turns out, the kingdom’s nobles are beginning to scrutinize my actions. Since I’ve managed to gain a strong personal force, they’re wary that I would use it against the kingdom. Add that to the fact that I’ve been creating weapons for war and have a considerable amount of support from the commoners, they’re beginning to think of me as a power of revolution. Really, such a pain.
“Speaking of which, this is the first time I’ve ever heard of the Aristocratic Parliament. Who and what exactly are they?”
“They’re the kingdom’s oldest government. You can say, they are the true power of the kingdoms ability to sustain itself.”
“I thought the queen had the most absolute power.”
Artura gave out a small laugh, though it quickly died down.
“The queen is merely a figure head for the people to follow. In actuality, it is the Aristocratic Parliament that holds the complete power. Though, I do still have a say in some things. You’re position for example. I’m allowed to institute people positions if I deemed them worthy. Military expeditions are also made by me, but regarding the kingdoms true policy and economy, that power is solely reserved for the Parliament.”
Then, this was a considerably powerful group. But, if they truly exist, why hasn’t my intelligence bureau managed to find them yet?
“If what you say is true, then why have I never heard of them before?”
“That’s because they reside far away from here.”
“What do you mean?”
“They’re hidden in a remote area of the kingdom. As you’ve gathered, there are four major cities. But in actuality, there is five. The fifth city is called Agner, the citadel of the dragons.”
“That sounds… pretty grand. Why is it the city of the dragons?”
“In the past, it was known that the entire kingdom was invaded. Yet, the city of Agner was known to have never fallen. No matter how many times it was invaded, the people seemingly fought ferociously. The battlefield was always littered with fire so the city earned the nickname, city of dragons.”
That’s, a real interesting story. But, considering that Artura was actually not the sole power in the kingdom. That’s, quite shocking. Furthermore, my intelligence really can only go so far. But something is really piquing my interest.
“So I’m curious, why are you telling me this?”
I stared at Artura, trying to find her real reason for telling me everything. Sure, I can just hypnotize her and read her entire memory like I did with Miselle, but that won’t solve anything. Plus, her eyes are only showing a person who truly worries for me as well as that hint of hope.
“It’s because, out of all the people I’ve ever met, you were the first one to have a personality that doesn’t go against the kingdom’s code.”
… Ok, I expected something like, ‘It’s because I’m the one that summoned you’ or ‘you’re my responsibilty’ but… what? Personality? Kingdom’s code?
“Ahh… excuse me, what?”
Seeing me confused, she gave a small laugh.
“A person who truly cares for the people, surrounded by smiles no matter where he went. Turning his prisoners into close friends. Bryan, there is no one like you in this world. Probably not even in your world. That’s why, no matter what everyone says, no matter what the nobles or the parliament says, I can’t bring myself to not trust you.”
She then went over to the window and looked out into the cloudy day.
“That’s why, I think if it’s you. You can clearly change this world for the better. Sure, the weapons you make are concerning, but even you have been toning them down. If it was another noble, he would have kept amplifying his force. Gaining the people’s support, that’s not for a rebellion. It’s to actually take care of those in need. That’s why, its better if I tell you these so that you can at least prepare yourself for the incoming hardship we’re both facing.”
Although her back was to me, I could feel her smile which seemed to brighten up the room. I couldn’t help but rub the back of my head.
“Really, what are you saying? But I guess this means you have faith in me”
“Are you still saying that after my grand speech? Are you dense?”
I laughed.
“No, no. I’m not, though I have a habit of ignoring troublesome things.”
“Like what, you’re growing harem.”
“Please don’t remind me…”
We continued to laugh as the cold air blew into the room. It was as if nature was telling me that I was heading towards the proper path. Artura slowly raised her hands in front of her.
“I really hope you can keep lending me your strength for the future. We both know of the coming hardship. As for me, I’m now taking a path I’ve never considered before. Frankly, it’s scary. But, I won’t mind if my friends can help me out.”
I clasped her hand in a handshake.
“Alright, I’ll help. It seems interesting. But for now, we should probably deal with the empire first before fixing the kingdom itself.”
“Yeah, I guess we should.”
Unbeknownst to the world, an alliance was formed between two people. An alliance that will soon be known in history as the Liberation Faction of the Sword Princess.
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(Small off topic conversation after the small meeting) [Artura POV]
“I forgot to tell you, I’m actually a commoner.”
I took a sip of tea and felt its soothing effect on me. Although I felt calm, my drinking partner was anything but. Bryan was coughing as Lily patted him on the pack.
“You’re a what? Wait, how did… if that’s… what is my intelligence group doing?”
“Hahaha… don’t worry about it. Remember, I’m a figurehead. When the Aristocratic Party saw my achievements in the battlefield, they quickly placed me as queen for the lost royalty.”
He blinked in surprise.
“Ok, so what happened to the previous king and queen?”
I shrugged.
“No one knows… the official report says they were killed in action. But, another report stated it’s possible the kingdom’s enemies assassinated them.”
“…”
“…”
“… This kingdom is rather harsh, even on the royalty.”
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Author notes:
So, I'm posting this unedited. Until my editor is good for editing I will be posting unedited stories.
P.S. I've decided. I just can't add mature scenes. No matter how I try to make it work... it just doesn't work with Bryan's character. (Sorry samurai but you can't have everything)
P.S.S. I know it took me a while to make this when I said I'm almost done. Well, I had to change this like five times lol
also, I've been researching military type novels so I can see how they do battle scenes. I think it was worth it O:
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Editor: Thanks for reading this everyone and sticking with us, I will try to make a mature scene so I can present it in a way that it is believable as Bryan and the other girls doesn’t have enough development as of yet for that type of scene.
P.s I got you Previous comentor.