CHAPTER - III ( PART 2 )

Bypass, surround, and destroy with mobile warfare. They will go around Ildoa's bases, cut the base off from the rear, then attack the isolated base. This was a tactic the vicious Empire, and General Zettour in particular, had employed frequently in the east.

"It all depends on what their target is… Are they after Ildoan and Unified States troops? Or are they trying to bottle up our field armies in the royal capital?"

What would happen to the troops when they had no place to run?

"For the Empire, who's desperate, having an enemy army trapped in a city could make for a good bargaining chip."

They could kill all the troops or use them for negotiations. Their fate would be in the Empire's hands, and with General Zettour in the picture, General Gassman was almost certain that he could think of several ways to use their lives for political purposes.

General Gassman, murmuring this all to himself, finally let out a wry chuckle.

General Zettour… It was the first time in a long time he'd recognized an Imperial general who could think politically, if at all, when it came to anything unrelated to war.

"And if Colonel Calandro's concerns prove legitimate…"

The capital would fall, and confusion on a grand scale would ensue. This much the general wanted to avoid at all costs. The odds, however, favored heavily that this threat was nothing more than a diversion.

"The fog of war, eh…? You hear about it all the time, but it's an eerie feeling to be unsure what the enemy is trying to do based on the map."

What exactly was their primary target?

"The capital? The field troops? If they're bloodthirsty warriors, then they will turn the capital into rubble. But would that sly con artist really charge a matador's red cape so simply?"

What if he was trying to trick Ildoa into believing that he was? Or what if they were going for both? General Gassman let out a large sigh.

"I haven't the slightest idea what they're thinking over there. What could they be after?"

The general folded his arms and thought about the problem once more. "What is General Zettour doing right now?"

What was the enemy general focusing on? The general had a timeline of

what he had done so far and was fairly certain he knew what his end goal was.

According to Colonel Calandro, defeat wasn't even on the man's mind. The colonel was just letting the enemy's intimidation get to him, though. But that said, it was likely the case that General Zettour had no interest in occupying all of Ildoa at the very least. So there must have been something else he was after.

Gassman's thoughts were collected up until this point.

"What on the surface looks like a violent tirade may actually be him occupying the north…? It's hard to imagine he would want to take the entire country."

Ildoa was neutral. That is, until they formed one too many alliances, tipping the Empire into aggression and creating a desire for a buffer in the north. It was an irrational notion, but consequential in that the Empire had actually attacked Ildoa.

From General Gassman's perspective, though it was a heavy blow…it was nothing more than to keep their nation in check. A jab to scare them, not knock them out of the picture completely. Although the general did believe that when the enemy stopped their advance, they would've hunkered down in the north.

"Which means…they'll attack the capital to cause fear. Or maybe it is to draw in our field troops and take them out there?"

It wasn't clear what Zettour was going to do, but it was logically one of these two. It was likely a jab to contain Ildoan forces near the capital and away from the north, and it would be foolish for them to take the jab head- on. For the Ildoan Army had already suffered tremendous losses, and they simply hadn't enough divisions left to fight back.

Were they to lose what was left of their forces, Ildoa would be left defenseless and at the mercy of the Empire.

And then… General Gassman mulled over concerns for a problem unique to the capital.

"We still have the royal family to worry about. Should I have the king evacuate the capital? Or would it be better for him to stand his ground…?"

Argh. The general grabbed his head as he continued to think about the far too many problems that were happening all at once.

-x-X-x-

THE SAME DAY, THE IMPERIAL ARMY VANGUARD

Things are simple on the battlefield. The rule is, when things get complicated, surviving always takes the highest priority.

Even a Nobel Prize–winning brain is just like any other brain in physical terms. The brightest mind will explode just like the dullest if hit with a bullet, and every second you spend thinking is just another chance you'll end up shot. Even the minds that created nuclear weapons would splatter when met with a single bullet, and there's no wisdom to be shared by a brilliant mind if it's mush in a corpse. This is yet another reason why Tanya is such a large proponent of peace.

"People can do such amazing things if they aren't busy fighting a war."

I make this comment from atop an advancing Imperial vehicle before reaching for a phone. Incidentally, this phone connects to the inside of the tank that I'm sitting on top of. A phone is necessary for the passengers enduring the bumpy ride on the top of the tank to communicate with its drivers, who are deafened by the delightful sound of a revving engine. It should also be mentioned that these aren't standard. A bit of ingenuity to make things easier on the field, and though making such modifications is technically a violation of the rules…there just so happens to be a few open spaces in the tank's armor large enough for a telephone cord to pass through. With enough ingenuity, anything is possible.

Anywho, I'm using the phone to talk with the leader of the panzer unit, Captain Ahrens.

"Any signs of enemy's reinforcements?!"

My shout is almost as loud as the battlefield, which is so muffled by the tank's roaring engine that Captain Ahrens must yell over it to be heard.

"According to reports, none have been sighted! The enemy may not be falling for our diversion!"

"It seems that way!"

The air nearby warps as I respond. A mortar round must've landed a bit too close for comfort. The enemy soldiers are doing a decent job putting up resistance. The artillery that falls upon them seems incessant.

Examining my shell, I find it hard to tell what kind of shrapnel is lodged in there. Was it a cannon round, a missile, or anti-aircraft artillery?

Tanya gives her defensive shell a nudge with her finger before showing a wry smile. Surely the foot soldiers on the ground with neither a protective film nor a defensive shell to shield themselves with must be at their limits. Unlike them, Tanya and her battalion, however, had the privilege of being a part of the tank desant…!

While I have no qualms about using human shields, it's definitely strange for me to shield a tank with my own body. I wonder who came up with such a ludicrous idea before that chain of thought comes full circle and I realize it was me. Should I question my own sanity or blame the absurdity of war?

"The world is a tough place for a pacifist."

Setting aside who's at fault here, the enemy's impressive volume of fire and lack of a reaction to our diversion would normally be the signal for us to hightail it out of here to save fuel and ammo.

The enemy reacts with nothing but artillery fire, or at least that's what it seems like. It's almost strange how little movement there is in the base itself.

Though I question whether my intuition may be misguided, there's also a rush of anticipation.

"Captain Ahrens! We must bear in mind the fear they must be feeling. What if they aren't ignoring our diversion?! What if they are simply ignoring our assault as a whole?!"

"I'm sorry, but what did you just say?!"

"I'm asking what you make of this if they are ignoring our assault." "That can't be right, can it?!"

I want to agree with him. If the enemy is keeping themselves cooped up in their base… If they are trying to fend us off with artillery and not even venture out…

The Kampfgruppe needs to capitalize on this chance and fast. The proper response would be to fly in, blow them to bits, and scatter the survivors. To do so would be a large gamble, though.

A frontal assault on an enemy base bears significant costs. If they have a thoroughly thought-out counteroffensive prepared, the Empire could easily be fended off.

I want to believe in my instincts. After factoring in my personal desires, it's no longer a very objective decision…but…

Whether it be a regiment or a division in there, whatever's in that base isn't showing any signs of life. The utter neglect to take initiative in their counterattack shows that they're cooped-up badgers in there—or fish in a barrel. Blowing a single hole in their base may well be all it takes for it to fall apart. Maybe even worse than falling apart. The Empire could absolutely dominate the base.

I close my eyes for a moment and mentally weigh the potential returns against the heavy risk. The possibility of dominating this base, and the dangers of attacking a well-defended base.

The idea of going out on a limb and risking it all is agonizing, but my hunch is supported by experience—the blood and sweat I've paid in tuition tell me that this is a chance worth taking.

We need to take our shot, and it needs to be a big shot. It's time for a recon in force. That's what mages do best.

"Mage battalion! Prepare to charge! I say again, mage battalion, prepare to charge!"

Clear orders to start up the instrument of violence. My battle-ready battalion of mages grip their rifles and rev up their orbs, as they each shoot Tanya a questioning look, the answer to which she'll give in her next address to them.

"We're engaging in recon in force. Our target, the enemy base! I say again! Our target is the enemy base!"

The 203rd is a bloody mage battalion—drenched in the blood of their enemies—and its commander, who embodies this the most with her Rusted Silver moniker, grew up fighting in the trenches on the Rhine front. In an age where veteran soldiers are rarer than diamonds, this mage battalion, which honed its fangs in the north, south, east, and west, is a precious strategic asset for the Empire—and Tanya is going to bet this precious asset on one single attack.

"They think they can hide in their base?! Well, we'll just have to pop their war cherries for them! Aerial Magic Battalion! We are proud comrades! Our battalion of Named mages shall devour the world! The time has come for us to show the world what we are capable of!"

Yes, mages excel at anti-tank warfare. The tough exterior of a tank

means little against a top attack.2

Even against anti-air attacks, they could manage, though not without more difficulty. Mages are capable of taking an entirely different trajectory than conventional aircraft, with their ability to almost instantaneously change directions and lift off or land at the drop of a hat, giving them a much better defense against incoming AA fire.

Support fire is another strong point for mages. Needless to say, explosion and optical formulas lead the pack in quick and effective aerial fire support. We're essentially flying artillery. When used in tandem with actual artillery, they become artillery observers that can also fill in the blanks.

That being said, the Imperial Army's aerial mages are, in essence, hunting dogs. Their ultimate raison d'être is to chomp down on their enemies. Concealing a sense of repugnance and resignation for what I've become, I rally the troops.

"My Imperial hunting dogs! Follow me! I'll lead the charge!"

I bark more orders before taking flight, and her troops need nothing more than a commander willing to commit and lead them. They follow Tanya, with her adjutant covering her rear as always.

With Lieutenant Serebryakov at my side, most challenges can be overcome. My other subordinates? There's no need to worry whether they will follow, either. There isn't a chance in hell my officers won't perform their duties. This is where aerial mages excel the most! Chipping away at the stalwart fortification that blocked their path, perhaps even flying in and dominating it alone.

I shouldn't have to explain all this. This much has been driven home to the leaders of each company, and three of the four that were conducting a tank desant came together as soon as the orders to charge went up. In their current wedge formation, they keep close to the ground as they hurtle toward the base. Suppressing fire from enemy rifles and machine guns does little against our defensive shells, and it's a simple matter to add a little evasive maneuver to make it harder for the enemy to hit us in the first place. Think of it as an Imperial Mage Panzerkeil.3

As I lead the charge, I take out the Elinium Type 95 usually kept tucked

away. In exchange for sullying my free will, this device provides the

thickest of defensive shells.

"Lord and savior, guide my way. I walk with you, in pursuit of hardship. I will climb a mountain of thorns and praise your glory from its bristly peak."

Littering the Ildoan soil with verbal rubbish, I manifest optical decoys one after another. That, combined with the speed of a fighter plane, should be enough for a successful assault.

The shellshocked enemy doesn't even have time to keep up with the sudden action, and as glittering spells fill the sky with explosions, they will soon be reunited with the shit they soiled their pants with.

"Dominate them! Dominate everything! My battalion! Dominate!"

Explosion formulas pepper the base, with a single penetration formula blasting through its wall, turning the part of the base the mages come into contact with into a hell on earth. The outer wall of said corner easily caves to the attack.

Intent on causing fear for whoever is in the base, be it some mythical hero or whoever, the 203rd Aerial Mage Battalion, a battalion that specializes in raiding, penetrates their walls.

The good soldiers of the Ildoan Army take out their handguns with quivering hands as the horde of Named mages come piling toward them with shells that would require at least a cannon to penetrate.

Those who actually get a shot off are real modern heroes. Those who try to aim first, wise sages. But neither of their fine efforts amounts to anything in the face of the rich experience that has gone into honing the pinnacle of the Empire's art of war in its aerial mages.

Now, with this fearsome threat before them, just how intense is the utter shock they must feel watching their brave brethren be crushed? How intense is it, to watch the base they believed to be impenetrable be demolished?

The result is simple. The second line of defense watches as its first line falls in a single fell swoop.

"So this is what happens when you throw a scant thirty mages at the problem."

Tanya sighs to herself and turns to find her adjutant smiling awkwardly. "I mean…it is us we're talking about here. I think it would be different

against any other group of mages."

"Veterans we may be, for them to crumble like this says a lot about their forces."

Ignoring Lieutenant Serebryakov, who looks like she has more to add, Tanya takes a radio that she seems to have acquired from the base and listens in.

"Chaos, confusion, and no composure. Mm-hmm, sounds like the momentum of a losing army. Ah, it's so easy on the ears."

Tanya grins widely.

A firm defense is only effective if the defending side seeks taking initiative in defending itself. Even the dogmatic and rigid Federation showed a hunger for taking the initiative from the onset of the war.

"The enemy is mistaking a defensive war for defending its line. It seems they've forgotten what it means to defend."

With this attack, on top of the fact that enemy forces have yet to try and recapture or destroy taken land in retaliation, This gives me a general sense for the enemy's will to fight.

Defensive wars are retaliations, attempts to cause stagnation, and the exchange of space for time, and no bars should be held to do so. But look at these fools.

"I think I may like the Ildoans, Visha."

"Then I guess I, and the rest of the battalion, will like them, too."

"I bet you're right! Judging by Captain Ahrens's response earlier, it seems we do, in fact, share our own common sense."

A shared common sense is a beautiful thing. Two coworkers getting along is worth celebrating. Everything is going well.

Well, it's about time to call the troops. "Captain Ahrens, can you hear me?"

"How was the assault reconnaissance?"

"We ripped apart their defensive line. Sorry, there's nothing left for you."

"Oh, lord…"

The loud tank engine that can be heard over the radio isn't enough to drown out the captain's surprise. His reaction is limited to that outburst, though, as Captain Ahrens has worked with this battalion long enough to know not to verbally question news like this.

"Then…I assume now is our chance to pursue the enemy?"

Instead, he responds with a question about the situation. He's a good officer, who knows when to pitch ideas. I appreciate his enthusiasm to create more value in our operation and admires him for the fine human resource he is. Setting aside his delightful response, though, I must correct the slight misunderstanding he's making.

"Not exactly, Captain. We can't expect to pursue them." "Is the royal army on their way?"

"No, not quite!"

Tanya ends up grimacing at her own giddy enthusiasm while she relays the unexpected sight that is unfolding before her to Captain Ahrens so he can enjoy the news as well.

"It seems enemy command doesn't intend on letting go of this position. They're hunkering down at a different part of their base. It appears we won't need to pursue them after all. Not if they're just going to stay here for us."

"What? They're not going to retreat and reorganize?"

"Common sense dictates they should, but evidently, we don't share the same common sense as the Ildoans. They're digging their heels into this base to fight."

This time, the captain cannot hold back his doubt. "That can't be true, Colonel."

"Why is that, Captain?"

"They have a city right behind them! Even a civilian can hold out and stall a battle until reinforcements arrive by escaping into an urban area. But you're telling me they're going to stay out in the open to get surrounded?"

The enemy shows no signs of heading for their city at all. For a soldier with ample experience, yes, it makes sense that not doing so is out of the question. It's clear from his voice that Captain Ahrens is in utter disbelief at how the enemy is handling themselves.

Which is why I've taken it upon myself as a civilized person to teach him the glaring truth.

"Calm yourself, Captain. Escaping to a city is out of the question for most armies around the world."

"What? No, I'm not saying I would ever actually want to fight the Ildoans in their own city or anything, but…"

No, no. I signal with my hand even though I'm on the radio. He's not

understanding me.

The captain's opinion is correct for someone who's been fighting in this great war, but he's forgotten a truly basic part of being a civilized person.

"These people do not understand total war." "What do you mean by that, Colonel…?"

"The Ildoans still have their sanity. Their too afraid to bring tanks, cannons, or Gatling guns to use against mages into the places where civilians live."

What is common sense for the great war is utterly out of the question for the rest of the normal world. It reminds me of Colonel Calandro when he came to see the Imperial forces as a military observer. He was trembling. Trembling at the current state of the war in the east.

Tanya and the rest of the Empire have long accepted what it means to fight in this war, but for the rest of the world, it must look like the deepest part of hell. It's almost possible for her, as an objective observer of this reality, to feel a personal benefit from their relative difference in values.

"The enemy is too civilized." And that's exactly why…

Tanya chuckles scornfully.

"We have to give our civilized friends a much-needed dosage of the violence machine."

Now that Tanya has peered into the minds of her enemies, there is no longer a need for her to hold back.

"Salamander leader to the 8th Panzer Division. Break through the enemy line at a point of your choice and surround them."

-x-X-x-

THE SAME DAY, THE 8TH PANZER DIVISION

General Zettour, who was with the regiment under the pretense of rallying the soldiers, had been walking around with a natural gait greeting each and every face he knew well—and it was now the substitute commander Colonel Lergen's turn.

As if fighting the enemy wasn't enough of a stomachache on its own, having to sit with the general while he eagerly awaited the report that they'd made a breakthrough gave birth to a whole new kink in his digestive system. Colonel Lergen, who for better or for worse, routinely wore the iron mask of a military bureaucrat, knew that the time he spent pretending to look at a map while he kept his facial expressions under control would amount to mental torture. Which was why the colonel was praying for relief to come as soon as possible.

As fate would have it, a higher power seemed to have pity on his poor soul, as his prayers would be answered in the form of a running communications officer. The excited officer held out a message for the colonel, which had incredible news that had come straight from the front line—the news he had been waiting for. The colonel read it and nodded to himself before happily handing the message to General Zettour.

"Break through the enemy line at a point of our choice and surround them?"

The general finished reading Colonel Lergen's note and rubbed his chin with a grin.

"So this is the vanguard unit's decision."

It could be said that Lieutenant Colonel Degurechaff possessed a truly grand outlook. The Empire was in a superior position. This was on top of the fact that the enemy's main forces, its aerial mages, had already been removed from combat. The skies were clear as well. Having pulled as much as they could from the east and west, the Empire had managed to maintain aerial superiority so far. They had a good hand of cards, but even then, reports from the front lines that penetration could be made at will was about as splendid as things could get.

General Zettour had a choice to make. He folded his arms in thought. "Yes."

There were holes made up and down the enemy line, so he agreed with the report that they could penetrate any one of them. The general was caught off guard by the prospects of surrounding their bases, though.

Naturally, he was the first to take urban warfare into careful consideration when thinking about taking over the royal capital. It all depended on how the Ildoans fought their defense. Worst-case scenario, he could accept having to abandon their conquest on the Royal Capital

altogether. But if they could surround the enemy field troops outside the city? Then it was free rein for the Imperial Army. In fact, he could even go to their capital for dinner just as he had phoned the embassy the night prior.

"What do you think, Colonel Lergen? It seems that Colonel Degurechaff, with that fine hunting dog nose of hers, has picked up the scent on a fantastic chance."

"I agree, General."

The colonel answered with a quick response and nod, prompting Zettour to display a satisfied grin.

"Then, Colonel. I believe it's time you go out for a run as well."

"I'll do everything in my power to make this work! Now, please excuse me!"

Colonel Lergen gave a salute, then gallantly trotted out of the command center to give the orders to advance. The entirety of the 8th Panzer Division, which had been waiting for the orders, kicked into high gear on his orders.

The sudden change of pace almost looked like a panic, but the collective of soldiers doing exactly what they were supposed to do was like a well- tuned orchestra. Him offering a salute to the soldiers and officers waving their hats was a product of preestablished harmony.

The general knew it wouldn't be long until he heard the results of the attack. They were going to win a complete victory.

"It's funny. When the enemy falls, it's always all at once."

The enemy was unable to fight against the brunt of the Empire's attack. Zettour couldn't help but mutter to himself his sense of dissatisfaction in the show they were putting on for him.

"The defensive line established by the Ildoan-Unified troops appeared firm, but that firmness is only determined by the soldiers inside the bases."

It reminded him of a time when he was a young officer who had been assigned to be an observer. To the best of his memory, he'd debated with Rudersdorf on the importance of a will to fight when engaging in positional warfare.

"I argued the defenders held the advantage, and he argued it was the will to fight that mattered above all else."

Judging by these results, it appeared both sides of the argument were true.

A base with soldiers who hid inside it without a strong will to fight could not persevere against a determined attacker. That said, defenders within a base who had a strong will to fight were nigh impenetrable. It could be considered the obvious conclusion. Although, no matter how willing to fight the defenders were, or how solidified their base was, in the end, fire and national power prevailed. Power had the ability to mow down any defense, and in conclusion, national strategy was the be-all and end-all.

"Argh."

Zettour grumbled. He was the supreme commander of the Imperial Army and a lone man foolishly challenging the world to war. There was no amount of effort he could put forward to garner a national strategy that could actually defeat the world. How lonely it was to be in such a powerless position.

"The Empire and its army are undoubtedly powerful."

What his nation did have was fists capable of pummeling Ildoa as well as the soldiers the Unified States sent to help. Centered around its panzer units, the Imperial Army's exercise of power was like something out of a textbook.

It was a feat that had been made possibly by Lieutenant Colonel Degurechaff and Colonel Lergen. The Imperial Army surrounded the Ildoan Army, who insisted on holding their positions outside the capital. Once they had the enemy surrounded, they came under attack from US forces who came to relieve their allies, which the Empire purposefully allowed to penetrate their encirclement before closing the hole up behind them and continuing their siege.

If this had been a boxing match, then that maneuver would have been a perfectly executed counterpunch. A single counter used to knock out the enemy in the ring of the century.

What became of the soldiers the Ildoan citizens watched from the city with hope? They were facedown in the ring, unconscious, leaving the capital defenseless.

By the time the citizens realized that their defense had crumbled away, the Imperial Army 8th Panzer Division had already set foot in the heart of the Ildoan royal capital. Of course, this rapid pace was something the Imperial Army needed desperately. To take control of a city full of civilians, both domestic and foreign…there was very little margin for error.

Colonel Lergen brought the command center into the city and immediately began administering the occupation and dealing with the many new problems that were cropping up…which a person at General Zettour's level had no business meddling in.

Instead, the general was plucked out of the base and brought to his car by his entourage. In stricter terms, it wasn't as if he was actually leaving the colonel to do his job, but…his purpose for being there—namely, the soldiers he was there to encourage—had made incredible gains. Most of the officers assumed that his guards were getting him out of there after a job well done…

Zettour, however, felt no need to fall in line with their assumption. He appreciated his security detail finally giving him some relative privacy and took the time to think while he enjoyed a cigarette.

The situation was good. The enemy had lost their will to fight with a swift attack. There was a chance that survivors would re-collaborate to pose a counteroffensive…but he had a good bodyguard sitting right next to him.

Weighing the risks against the merits in his mind, Zettour came to his conclusion: that since he had the aerial mages led by Degurechaff with him, his scheme was worth a shot.

His scheme to leave his name in history, that is.

His name would be the one left in history books for the world to peruse. Unless he was desperate to prevent this from happening, it would be irrational for him to hesitate at this moment—the moment he claimed Ildoa.

There were times, after all, when military rationale must kneel before political and national demands.

"Lieutenant Grantz. Do you have a moment?"

The young mage lieutenant ran up to the general. He likely intended to show a stern face, but his expression was just stiff. The young man had good instincts, but Zettour was in no position to show any mercy. Thus, he would cajole the young lad in terms a soldier could understand.

"Bring me toward the capital. We must make haste. Hesitation could lose us this prime opportunity."

"Yes, sir!"

Grantz nodded and got straight to work, obedient soldier that he was. He didn't make an effort to prolong the preparations or play any tricks to stall. Instead, the convoy set out soon to head to the Ildoan capital.

An easy trip it was, on the nation's beautiful roads. Setting aside the company of aerial mages defending his vehicle, it was a pleasant day for a drive.

"My guards aren't giving me any lip. Finally, some time to myself."

General Zettour enjoyed a cigar in the back of his car as he savored this moment of peace and quiet. Although it wasn't long before First Lieutenant Grantz, being the good soldier he was, grew curious about their exact destination.

"Do you mind if I ask where we are headed?" "You'll find out once we reach the capital."

The general answered in vague terms, though it was more difficult to keep up the facade when they entered city limits.

"General, are we going to the palace, or a government facility? Or are we set to convene with Colonel Lergen at the new headquarters?"

"Hm? Ah, this isn't an official advance."

The young lieutenant was utterly confused by these words. He likely assumed he was advancing the general into the city for official business related to its occupation… Keeping him confused kept him quiet, so it wasn't too big of a problem.

"I suppose we've come far enough."

Zettour gave Grantz a wide grin. This was enough for the poor boy to realize the dire straits he had landed in. The first lieutenant immediately stiffened up. Seeing this, Zettour, as his general in command, politely asked him:

"What do you say, Lieutenant Grantz. Are you in the mood for a walk?" "Sir, you don't intend on stepping out of the car, do you?"

First Lieutenant Grantz did everything in his power, even shooting an overtly cautious glance outside of the car, begging his superior not to do so. Though unable to talk back to his superior, he made his concern utterly clear. He was a good young man, but this didn't amount to anything.

"Look how wonderful the street is. Is it unrefined of me to want to go for a little stroll? Let's go outside."

It wasn't as if First Lieutenant Grantz's concerns were lost on the general, of course.

An urban environment was a nightmare for those charged with keeping him safe. There were blind spots in every direction inside this concrete

jungle, with tall buildings offering enemy snipers countless vantage points. Given the hostile civilian populace, everyone was a potential threat.

Even for the elite aerial mages who made up his security detail, defending him in this environment was a tall task.

But this was where the general wanted to go.

"General Zettour, are you truly going to go for a walk here?"

Grantz appealed for the general not to. He needed the general to change his mind at all costs. He was just a first lieutenant, though. It was outrageous for him to even give his opinion to the general.

"Did you not hear me? The falling of the royal capital is a historic event.

We should take this rare chance to march through the town triumphantly." "March…? Uh, due to cautionary reasons, I—"

"Cautionary? You're a soldier, man, toughen up. Do you want the world to think I was some sort of scaredy-cat?"

Grantz began shaking when the ill-tempered General shot him a nasty glare. He could feel the sweat dampening the collar of his uniform and even began to feel a bit dizzy. Nevertheless, he needed to fulfill his duty as the general's bodyguard.

"I'm sorry, General, but we're in enemy territory! This is the capital we've just seized! It's far too dangerous out there! Please…stay in the car!"

"You're got it backward." "What do you mean?"

"Do you want it to look like the deputy director of the Imperial Army was hiding in the back like a coward? It's more dangerous for me to stay hidden away."

This sort of angry reaction from a general was a nightmare for a lower- ranking soldier.

"Understood… We'll be surrounding you as you walk."

"Are you dull in the head? Maybe I should've listened to Colonel Degurechaff when she said you weren't fit to be a guard. Listen, the whole point is that I don't want to make myself look like a coward. Guard me from far away."

And just like that, the general whimsically opened the car door and stepped onto the Ildoan road. To start off with, General Zettour, as natural as could be, stretched his back. He then stretched his arms before taking a cigar out and blowing smoke toward the beautiful Ildoan sky.

With the simple expression a man makes when he enjoys a good cigar, he began walking. He stood up straight as he walked, blowing out more smoke.

His nice and shiny shoes clacked as he made his way down the stone road, and his freshly starched pants were picture perfect, as if this were a military parade, thanks to the diligent orderly who had prepared them.

Looking dignified, he walked down the road in leisure. His swagger told a story of a man who hadn't a fear in the world.

Historic landmarks seemed to line this road in particular, and every now and then, the general would stop and read the metal plates mounted here and there that explained the spot's significance, like some stereotypical middle-aged civilian tourist.

This was enemy territory, and the old tourist was a general. As if the rank insignia that lined his lapel didn't stand out enough, there was a civilian car heralding his insignia on a flag that followed close by. The sheer fear caused by the sight made his bodyguard, Grantz, dizzy with nausea. What if there was a sniper in one of the buildings? It didn't matter, the general was out in the open. It wouldn't require an expert sniper to take him out.

"Would you mind walking a bit faster?"

Grantz murmured to himself, but his concern was all but lost on General Zettour, who made no effort to speed up his stroll. He seemed more interested in the historical spot he'd stumbled upon and even went to fetch a camera from the car.

The general gathered his security detail for a picture, even making them pose, as if this were a commemorative photo. Grantz was falling apart on the inside, but the general paid him no mind as he took a small break where he stood. Mingling with the soldiers was what good officers did, but having said that…even if Grantz was an officer, he was also in charge of the general's safety, which was why he was horrified.

The smiling general, offering cigars to the other soldiers, was like a literal sitting duck. A first-year soldier who'd only learned to fire a gun that day could easily have taken him out with the urban camouflage of the city streets.

With the scenario at hand, the general was acting like a daredevil. It was as if he was trying to provoke the enemy into doing so.

"Whenever…wherever…"

He could hardly think as he watched. The sheer uneasiness was burning away at Grantz, who saw an enemy at every street corner. But the general?! He was just waltzing around, leisurely as could be! Without his guards there defending him, what would this look like?!

General Zettour's guards, too, must've been enveloped in his leisurely disposition, because they were starting to show no signs of caution.

For better or worse, the surrounding Ildoans didn't look on their group with vicious eyes…but it was hard to guess when a person would try to kill someone. Grantz knew this from his experience in the Rhine, in Arene, and in the east. He knew that Ildoa, no matter how blue its sky was, was no different.

Moved by his sense of danger, Grantz finally ran up to his superior's boss.

"Oh, Lieutenant Grantz. Do you want a cigar?"

"I—I appreciate the offer, but I need to take care of my lungs. We regularly fly at high altitudes, so it's critical we refrain from smoking."

In the spur of the moment, Grantz gave an honest response when he rejected the cigar, but the problem at hand was much more severe than his respiratory health.

"General Zettour, the longer we're out in the open, the more likely someone bad will find out. Let's not stay in one place too long."

"Oh, Lieutenant. You're so pure. Take a look around for yourself."

General Zettour placed his hand on Grantz's shoulder and spoke with a magnanimous tone.

"Where exactly do you see a threat? There's nothing threatening about where we are right now, if you ask me."

"Well, we have defeated the enemy field army." "Then what's there to worry about?"

"I don't mean to step out of line, but while we've defeated their army, the reality is there are still potential enemies lurking about. When it comes to keeping you safe, this situation is far from ideal."

Grantz thought as he said this.

We're way too out in the open. You're an Imperial general, the highest- ranking general there is! What if someone is out for revenge? Or a surviving soldier who knows how to take the perfect shot, or some rabid

patriot just waiting out there?

"You're such a worrywart. You would've brought me to the front lines in the Federation had I ordered you to, wouldn't you? Was I misguided in placing my hopes in a company as excellent as yours for my defense?"

"We're willing to follow your orders, no matter what they are." "Then if I order you to stop bugging me about this, will you stop?"

Grantz was more than prepared to do battle. He'd throw himself in front of a stray bullet to cover the general if he had to. But there were too many angles he couldn't cover where they were in the city.

"I don't mean to be difficult, but us mages aren't as all-powerful as you think we are."

While a mage could use their magic and defensive shell to protect others…they couldn't move faster than flying bullets. The soldiers in his company weren't even proper guards in any sense of the word. Elite though they might be, Grantz's lack of experience made him anxious. What's more, a company simply didn't provide enough manpower to protect someone in an urban environment.

They needed to search all the surrounding buildings to confirm the general's safety, but he just didn't have the numbers. Sending out the handful of soldiers he had was like pissing in the ocean. The most he could do was have a few of them walk ahead while the rest of them followed. Though Grantz himself didn't have the authority to order the foot soldiers to do anything anyway.

It was going to be the general who had to give them their orders, but he seemed to have no interest in his own safety as he simply walked down Ildoa's streets. Streets full of people!

Grantz almost wanted to cry at the absurdity. General Zettour, as if having found fault in the lieutenant's grim expression, let out a loud, ostentatious sigh.

"Lieutenant Grantz. You're still young. Why don't you take this day to celebrate a nice victory?"

"The colonel taught us to tighten our helmets after a victory."

"That's wonderful advice. Although it isn't the advice a person should ever have to give."

His superior's superior could say whatever he wanted, but Grantz couldn't allow himself to agree or disagree. Grantz found himself recalling

an old expression.

Silence is golden, and eloquence is silver. It was something people used to say.

"Your superior is a monster who believes others can do exactly as she can. Am I wrong, Lieutenant?"

"The colonel is an incredibly capable person, after all…"

"They say the Imperial Army is made of many faces, but she is several cuts above the rest."

General Zettour rubbed his chin with a satisfied look. He then adjusted the cigar in his mouth and took a moment to enjoy it again.

"That said, one must rejoice when the time calls for it. It can be quite taxing on your mental health to neglect making the most of every opportunity to do so."

"Does good progress warrant dropping everything to rejoice?"

"I want you to look at this capital. We've acquired so many munitions and crushed so many enemies. And now this beautiful capital is ours."

The general was being theatrical in his speech, but there was a truth to what he said. Grantz even reminded himself how easy it would be to simply agree with him.

However, Grantz refused to look away from the harsh reality, as he was taught to. Even with the general, he wouldn't allow himself to daydream.

"General, the enemy forces have only lost on one flank." Reality was reality, and the world was the world.

Grantz had been made to realize that the world never was the way one

wished for it to be—that they lived in a strict and cruel reality.

This was why, even when speaking with the highest general of his army, Grantz would not falter in defending his perspective.

"Today's victory was, at most, a small one." "You're precisely right."

The general spat his cigarette on the ground and stamped it out while tightening up his soft expression and glaring into Lieutenant Grantz's eyes with dead seriousness.

"What you said is accurate and correct. I thank you for your unvarnished words."

As he said this, he grabbed the lieutenant by his collar and pulled him closer with impressive strength.

"Which is why I need you to shut your damn trap."

He whispered in Grantz's ear with a chilling intensity. "I…what?"

"You mustn't bend the knee to sound logic."

The general's stark determination in his actions could be heard clearly in his chilling tone

"Now smile, Lieutenant."

The general's friendly demeanor disappeared, and his words were strained.

"I said smile; it doesn't need to be real. Smile like an idiot. That's an order."

"You want me to…smile?"

"That's correct. Do not show them your weakness. I don't care if it's fake, you mustn't allow the enemy to know what dire straits the Empire is in right now," General Zettour whispered in a subzero tone to Grantz, who would swallow whatever he was about to say. "Throw away your pretensions. You don't need to act well, just do what I need you to."

Grantz stared right into the general's eyes, something he regretted immediately.

"You are a conqueror. Say it to yourself, I am powerful. I don't care if you have to trick yourself about this, either. Just make sure you never let anyone watching get the opportunity to figure out if it's true."

Staring into the general's eyes, he saw the depths of true nothingness. It was like staring into an abyss.

"You must trick the world. It isn't much to ask, to put on a nice face. Go on, do it. Trick yourself."

What was he saying?

Soldiers, your peers, and regular people all set their eyes on two things. Your rank and your face. This is something they teach you early at the academy.

"I'll k-keep that in mind."

"Never forget it. Smiling is a part of an officer's job. Haven't you learned anything working under Colonel Degurechaff?"

At that point, General Zettour caught himself where he stood. He rubbed his chin once before offering a wry chuckle. From what Grantz could tell, this was the first actual, non-twisted smile he'd shown all day.

"Your superior, she may be laughing earnestly. She may find what we're doing here genuinely entertaining."

"She is the colonel…"

Grantz found himself in agreement. It was true, she always had a smile on her face. Whether it was a self-deprecating sneer, or her happily humming a war song, he never once saw her panic before. Strangely enough, whenever he struggled at his limit, looking at his superior would always bring a smile out of him. He had never seen her show distress when backed into a corner for as long as he could remember.

A part of him questioned whether this was the case for her adjutant, Visha, but it was nothing more than speculation.

"Whatever happens, I want you to smile, Lieutenant. Smiling is important."

General Zettour wore a smile of his own.

-x-X-x-

[Image]

-x-X-x-

"The Imperial Army will kick the daylights out of our enemies. You'll see, in the newspaper. Our power will go down in history."

There would likely be articles and caricatures in the newspaper describing it. The majesty of the Empire, its power, and the menace it was.

Which was why the general would whisper a final thought into the young lieutenant's ear.

"We're going to give the world a good taste of our boot leather, you hear?"

1 Tanya wants to say NO! but she knows she can't. Not to her boss. She's his sycophant, like a true- blue middle manager.

2 Evidently, tanks and other armored vehicles are vulnerable to attacks from above, which means attacking their top section is an easy way to take them out. It's also a magic word that is cause for many typos in the Carlo Zen-o-sphere, with myself being a culprit that frequently ends up with Top Down Attack/Top Up Attack. My publisher, though, takes the cake with a random Top Down Up typo.

3 A wedge-shaped tank formation made for advancing. This is primarily used when attacking heavily fortified positions with anti-tank defenses. Apparently, tankers hate fighting dug-in enemies. Incidentally, it turns out anti-tank gunners hate fighting tanks, so the feelings are mutual.