When I exited the military command room, Kakuzu was standing there.

"I heard a lot of shouting in there," he remarked.

"Yeah, that's my superior, Lieutenant Mospizza. He seems quite on edge, so I have to be cautious," I replied.

"I didn't hear much caution from you," Kakuzu observed.

"I see." I had been careful, or so I thought, and I had refrained from speaking out too much.

"Well, I don't think it's worth saying that to Heisen," Kakuzu commented.

"That's not true. It's also the duty of military personnel to communicate effectively with their superiors and maintain discipline," I replied.

"What I don't understand seems entirely pointless," Kakuzu lamented, clearly frustrated and unable to grasp the situation.

As I made my way back to the training center, Warrant Officer Gabby from the 5th Platoon intercepted me.

"Emergency call for second lieutenants and warrant officers. The Cumon tribe has appeared. Gather in the large conference room," he informed me urgently.

"Understood," I acknowledged, immediately turning with Warrant Officer Gabby and heading toward the conference room.

Upon entering the large conference room, I found that most of the second lieutenants and warrant officers had already assembled.

"Slow! What took you so long?" Lieutenant Mospizza barked at us.

"It's not late. I've arrived here as quickly as possible," I defended myself calmly.

"Shut up!" he yelled, moving as if to strike me on the cheek. Kakuzu swiftly intervened, twisting his wrist.

"Careful, Kakuzu. Don't break his wrist," I cautioned.

At my instruction, Kakuzu released his grip, though Lieutenant Mospizza's face was flushed with anger.

"Let go! Let go!" he demanded repeatedly, struggling against Kakuzu's hold. Eventually, I directed Kakuzu to release him, and he complied immediately.

"I apologize, Lieutenant. Kakuzu isn't in the military, so he doesn't always follow military orders. His duty is solely to protect me," I explained calmly.

"What!?" Lieutenant Mospizza spluttered, clearly taken aback.

"Of course, if I make any mistakes, I'll accept the consequences. However, I won't allow unwarranted reprimands based on vague criteria. Furthermore, I won't tolerate unjustified violence. Kakuzu's actions were entirely appropriate," I asserted firmly.

Lieutenant Mospizza's lips trembled as he remained silent.

"Please understand. Kakuzu could easily crush a normal person's wrist," I added pointedly.

Sweat trickled down Lieutenant Mospizza's forehead and back. It seemed he found it difficult to comprehend.

"Instead, let's convene the meeting promptly. We've wasted enough time with unnecessary questions and delays," I suggested.

"Yeah, understood. Where did the Cumon people appear?" he asked, swiftly changing the topic.

"They're about 3 kilometers south of the border," Warrant Officer Asalak of the 4th Platoon responded promptly.

"That's within our jurisdiction. How many are there?" I inquired further.

"About a hundred," Warrant Officer Asalak informed us.

"8th Platoon, as the advance team, secures the neighboring villages. Our team will assess the situation and provide support as needed," I directed decisively.

"Understood," Sergeant Buz acknowledged crisply.

With that settled, I departed swiftly from the conference room.

"Shouldn't we discuss the detailed strategy?" Kakuzu queried, following closely behind.

"No need. Our priority is to reach the battlefield as soon as possible," I replied, mounting my horse at the stables near the training center.

"Got it."

"Point. Meet at 55 South, 37 West. Private Edal, confirm the coordinates, and lead the infantry. Sergeant Buz, maintain command and standby." I issued orders swiftly.

"Yes, sir!" they acknowledged in unison.

With that, I spurred my horse into motion, and soon everyone was in full stride. Despite the scattered pace due to the differing speeds of the horses, I focused on leading the vanguard.

Approximately five minutes later, we spotted the Cumon tribe ahead. I instinctively halted my horse, motioning for the others to do the same. Within minutes, the infantry arrived, using me as their rallying point.

"It's a good time," Sergeant Buz remarked, breathing heavily but composed.

"Ha... ha... thank you," I replied, acknowledging his effort.

Observing the advancing Cumon tribe without turning back, I noted their characteristic traits. They were well-adapted to the mountainous terrain, with strong legs and adeptness with hatchets. Adorned in fur and body paint, they clearly reflected their indigenous roots in this region.

"Are there any shamans among the Cumon people?" I inquired.

"I saw only one who seemed likely. He's the one with the prominent headdress," Private Edal pointed out.

"On what basis?" I pressed further.

"The headdress signifies leadership among the Cumon. Yet, I'm unsure of his magical abilities," Private Edal elaborated.

"Understood. I'll draw him out. If he truly commands, he'll approach alone. Once we eliminate the Cumon shaman, the rest should be manageable," I strategized confidently.

Battles between mages often end in single combat. For someone who cannot use magic to fight, it would require significant skill or a large number of people. The Cumon army here is what we call a company-sized army. I can say the commander has a lieutenant.

Heisen left the 8th Platoon and emerged from another bush.

A few seconds later, one of the Cumon tribesmen noticed. To make a good pincer attack, I purposely let the enemy chase me and create distance.

At that moment, an ice circle flew from behind. I controlled my horse to avoid it, but the second and third circles attacked me one after another.

"I see, that's the ability of the magic wand." Heisen muttered to himself.

A Cumon wizard materialized an axe-like ice weapon from the tip of his magic wand and released it. The weapon rotated at high speed, forming a deadly circle. Heisen stopped avoiding it and held his wand, Fang Shadow, vertically. A gust of wind gushed out from his shadow, causing the ice circle to change direction and pass by harmlessly.

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Fang Shadow had the ability to manipulate shadows and wind. It was a versatile wand Heisen had crafted at a low cost during his school days. Despite its modest output, its adaptability made it his favorite.

Next, he shook Fang Shadow from side to side, generating countless thin, paper-like shadows from his own shadow. The shadow papers, carried by the wind, attacked the Cumon wizard. The wizard was thrown into disarray, unable to predict the erratic movements of the shadow papers.

Heisen held Fang Shadow high in the sky. At that signal, the 8th Platoon began their charge, with Heisen leading as the vanguard. The Cumon troops, seeing Heisen, charged at him, likely intending to overwhelm him with their numbers and unleash the wizard again. Heisen immediately turned his horse, twirling Fang Shadow while keeping an appropriate distance. Countless shadow vortices formed and, at Heisen's command, attacked the Cumon tribe one after another.

"Gaaaaaaa!"

As the shadow vortices passed, Cumon warriors were blown away one by one. By forming a wind path with shadows, Heisen created a spiral of wind pressure that disrupted the enemy's ranks. While it wasn't a direct attack, it was effective in breaking their formation.

The 8th Platoon attacked the disarrayed Cumon troops. The strategy, honed through daily training, ensured smooth coordination. They defeated the Cumon warriors one after another. The battle was swiftly decided, and the remaining Cumon began to flee. When Heisen raised his hand high, the 8th Platoon cheered in unison.

"Each sergeant should check for injuries," Heisen ordered.

"Yes, sir!" The sergeants responded vigorously.

"Five with minor injuries, none seriously injured, and no fatalities," Sergeant Buz reported.

"I see," Heisen acknowledged.

Half of the Cumon had died, and the rest had fled. It was a significant victory. Heisen approached the Cumon wizard, who was captured in the shadows.

"Can you speak?" Heisen asked.

“Uru! Nariaga! Korra!” The wizard spat in the Cumon language.

Heisen picked up the magic wand that lay on the ground and turned to Sergeant Buz. "Capture him."

"Eh? Aren't you going to kill him?" Buz asked, surprised.

"Treat prisoners of war respectfully. He could be useful as a bargaining tool."

"Understood."

"If any assault occurs, severe punishment will be imposed according to military regulations. Do not lack consideration as a proud warrior."

"Yes, sir," Buz replied.

Half an hour later, a company led by Lieutenant Mospizza arrived.

"You're late. The enemy has already been defeated," Heisen noted.

"Are you saying you acted on your own?" Mospizza yelled, his face turning red.

"Yes," Heisen confirmed.

“Why didn’t you wait for orders?” Mospizza demanded.

"If I had waited, the Cumon troops would have attacked the nearest village. Therefore, I decided to engage them immediately."

“Oh, that's the result! What is the advance team for!? Isn't it your job to give us information?” Mospizza's face was bright red with anger.

"I determined that if I had asked for instructions, we wouldn’t have made it in time."

"You’re not the one to judge."

"I am aware that I have discretionary authority to make decisions when I am appointed and dispatched as the advance team. This is the same relationship between the central government of the empire and us, the North Karena border security. The lieutenant's statement is denied; is that okay?”

"Huh, I wouldn't have said that."

"Then what do you want to say?" Heisen asked with a suspicious expression, but Mospizza remained silent. The result of the battle was an overwhelming victory with no fatalities. Heisen interpreted that the reason he was sent as an advance team was to take advantage of the infantry's characteristics and carry out a surprise attack from the bushes.

"Why did it take so long for you to arrive?" Heisen asked.

"Because you guys didn’t give us enough information," Mospizza retorted.

"What kind of information?" Heisen inquired.

"The size of the Cumon tribe's troops, for one."

"Maybe that's why we sent an advance team," Heisen responded calmly. "Even if there were no wizards, wouldn't the action of stopping a village attack remain the same? If so, is there a problem with understanding it after meeting up? Is this a reason to delay the march?"

"You! Apparently, you had a one-on-one battle with a Cumon wizard!" Suddenly, Mospizza changed his tone. It seemed the earlier problem had been resolved.

"Yes, I did."

“Did you want to keep your accomplishments to yourself? Is that why you decided to launch a surprise attack alone?”

"It was my best bet, so I did it."

“Then, could you tell me what the lieutenant's plan was in addition to the surprise attack I initiated?”

Mospizza fell silent again, and the scene grew quiet. Heisen wondered what was happening.

"What were you going to do if you had lost in single combat?" Mospizza finally asked.

"I won’t lose. If you doubt my ability, could you show it off in single combat with the lieutenant?"

"What?" Mospizza took a few steps back.

"I think the lieutenant is very strong, so I would like to learn from him."

"Why do you think I am strong?" Mospizza asked, his face filled with confusion.

"Judging from the lieutenant's words and actions up until now, I thought you must have risen to this position due to your ability as a magician."

"That's rude!" Mospizza turned purple and screamed.

"I'm sorry. Did I say too much about incompetence? His intelligence was extremely low, his personality insidious, his ethics poor, and he had no courage. I thought he must be very strong as a magician," Heisen replied sharply.

Lieutenant Mospizza fell silent, and the platoon leaders around them gasped and stared at Heisen. Warrant Officer Gabby of the 5th Platoon found it difficult to speak.

"Um, isn't that a little rude?" Gabby finally said.

"It is not rude to point out the facts. I am reporting the facts based on objective analysis," Heisen responded.

"Oh, I see," Gabby replied.

"Lieutenant, if you don’t have any more questions, please excuse me. We need to check for damage in the villages," Heisen said, turning to leave.

As Heisen returned to the 8th Platoon, everyone looked shocked.

“What happened? Is something wrong?” Heisen asked.

“No, um, Ensign Heisen, you—”

“What are you talking about? Of course, that’s not true.”

"Normally, it's not normal," Sergeant Buz responded with a trembling voice.

"Is that so? Well, everyone is different. Instead, let's check the nearby villages for damage," Heisen said, shouting and urging his horse forward.

The 8th Platoon arrived at Kanaharu Village, the nearest point to the Cumon tribe's frequent appearances, but it seemed there had been no damage. As they inspected the village, the villagers gathered, their expressions turning hostile upon seeing the Cumon prisoners.

"Serves them right."

"They deserve to be burned alive."

"Soldiers, make them suffer."

"They killed my brother!"

"And my grandfather!"

"They're getting what they deserve."

The villagers began hurling insults, visibly displeased. As Heisen observed their reactions, a Cumon wizard shouted, "Elerel Arsol!" glancing around, likely retorting against the villagers despite the language barrier.

"What's that barbarian saying?" shouted one villager, throwing a stone at the Cumon wizard. Heisen swiftly caught the stone in midair.

"Why stop me!?"

"Abusing prisoners is prohibited. Any further attempt to harm him will be punished according to military regulations."

"They killed my father! Why can't I throw a stone or two!?"

"This is protocol."

"We're not soldiers! We don't follow your rules!"

Voices echoed in agreement. Heisen surveyed the villagers, then sighed heavily.

"Then let's release this warrior. If military intervention isn't needed, we'll withdraw. This man is a wizard. He could decimate your village overnight."

Silence fell. The villagers stared at Heisen in disbelief. Finally, the man who had thrown the stone spoke through clenched teeth.

"Just because you're an Imperial soldier doesn't mean you can act however you want. Do you think that's acceptable?"

"Don't misunderstand. Our duty is to protect law-abiding Imperial citizens. It's your right and our duty. Conversely, we have no obligation to protect Imperial citizens who disregard orders."

"Ha... huh..."

"This time, the Imperial Army arrived promptly and protected this village from the Cumon attack. If you believe 'no military intervention is needed' and 'you won't follow our instructions,' feel free to inform your superiors. Contact us anytime."

Heisen replied with a confident smile.

"T-that's not..."

"Then endure it. That's war. Qualifications are needed to claim the rights of those protected."

He spoke calmly, then walked away. The villagers looked at Heisen as if he were a monster, but he paid them no mind. Sergeant Buz watched in astonishment.

"What's wrong? Is there something on my face?"

"N-no. Ensign Heisen, I thought you were here to serve the people."

"Confirming the situation is a soldier's duty. Whether they're civilians or not is irrelevant to me."

He had once been intoxicated by heroic ideals for the common folk. However, he now understood how arrogant and deceptive that mindset had been.

"Some ordinary folk are villains, and some noble nobles are good. It can work both ways."

"Right."

"In the end, a person's worth isn't judged by their background but by their actions and choices in life."

Heisen answered, and Sergeant Buz nodded in understanding. He entrusted him with leading the 8th Platoon in his absence, so it was necessary to convey his thoughts as much as possible.

As he prepared to resume walking, Heisen was briefly distracted by his thoughts.

"...?"

He sighed, pondering the reason behind it.

"I need to make one correction."

"Huh?"

"Just a little. I let my personal feelings slip. I despise those who arrogantly mistreat defenseless people."

"...!"

"If you want to avenge your father, act immediately when the other side is powerless. Criticizing them once they're weakened is cowardice."

He had mentioned reporting to his superiors, but in reality, it was just a threat.

He wasn't acting in accordance with military regulations. He was merely aligning his actions with them.

Whether it was the Empire's constitution, a general, or even the Emperor, any discipline, law, or order was no match for his determination.

He pondered this, and Heisen sighed softly.

"But it's tiring."

"... Huh? What did you just say?"

The Sergeant Major asked again.

"I complain too. Because I'm human. When you're a soldier, you have to be very aware of those around you, so it's exhausting."

"Be... aware?"

For some reason, he looked like he was hearing things.

"Ah, yes. Of course, I was prepared for that. But being in the position of a general can be quite tense."

"Is that so?"

The Sergeant Major smiled awkwardly.

Why? Heisen tilted his head.

However, if you are an officer complaining to your subordinates, do you want to be disqualified as a soldier?

Heisen refocused his resolve.