Chapter 26 - A Walking Cannon

Chapter 26 - A Walking Cannon

The Black Knights appeared in formation behind him.

From Unit 1 to Unit 41.

The entire Special Operations Division had arrived in the capital.

Just their orderly alignment exuded a sense of overwhelming intimidation.

Fewer than 200 soldiers in total—yet the Empire's elite.

Each one capable of taking on a hundred foes.

"Marcello's words are worth heeding. No matter who delivers them. If you're dismissing them just because he's someone else's kid, I won't stand for it," the Special Operations commander warned the company captain.

"On the way here, Marcello told me about you, trainee."

I quickly saluted. I'd lost count of how many times I'd saluted today.

The commander gestured toward Light with his gaze.

The signal was clear—get on.

I climbed onto Light's back without hesitation.

"You're bait. Use your spear to take down as many monsters as you can. Your job is to be the most annoying presence possible."

"Understood."

"Ten minutes. Ten minutes is all we need. After that, we—the Special Operations Division—will take over your role."

"Yes, sir. Understood."

"The operation begins as soon as all the civilians evacuated underground return to the surface. Ten minutes from that moment. I'm counting on you."

"I'll make sure to succeed."

"Good. If you do, apply for the Special Operations Division."

He gave a light chuckle.

It was rumored he was the kindest person when dealing with soldiers on a personal level.

The only one unaware of that rumor was himself.

"No, apply even if you fail. This is the first time I've seen Marcello trust someone she didn't know."

He spoke as if Marcello were some kind of stray cat.

"Thank you, sir."

"Most importantly, make sure you survive. Though I have a feeling this isn't where our connection ends. Feels like fate, doesn't it?"

"Do you believe in superstitions, sir?"

"I tend to read omens in the clouds."

"Commander, clouds have no ability to determine fate. Clouds are simply—"

"I know what clouds are..."

He laughed even louder.

"You two really are alike."

I couldn't quite grasp the meaning behind those words.

"Pass that trainee as many spears as possible. Load them up."

With that final order, the commander set off.

Under the Empire's escort, the citizens began their evacuation.

Meanwhile, I remained behind, staring up at the sky.

Winged monsters were still circling cluelessly above.

Beside me were countless spears.

They were stuck into the ground upside down, arranged for easy grabbing and throwing.

"Light, move farther away."

I gestured to Light, and he obediently stepped back a few paces.

The rain hadn't let up.

Ten minutes to go.

I recalled the humiliation from the training camp's back mountain.

The goblins had abandoned me after I was struck by an arrow, aiming for Kinjo instead.

Such disgrace could never happen again.

I had to ensure I became the primary target.

More than Marcello.

More than anyone else.

Gripping a spear in my hand, I closed my eyes and focused.

Targeting the winged monsters aiming for the Imperial troops, I hurled my spear.

The weapon flew straight and pierced through a monster's chest.

It dropped like a drenched insect.

Next.

"Look over here..."

And then another.

I kept throwing spears without stopping.

By the time I'd downed more than ten monsters, the flock shifted its focus and flew toward me.

Grabbing the remaining spears, I shouted.

"Light!"

At my signal, Light galloped toward me.

I mounted him skillfully, preparing for the incoming attack.

The low-flying monsters dropped their cargo—monsters they'd carried in their claws.

Orcs and goblins.

One, two, three...

No, there was no point in counting.

The numbers would only grow.

I chose to charge head-on.

Guiding Light, I swung my spear.

***

"The capital has fallen, but fortunately, we saved all the evacuees. No casualties in the Special Operations Division either. Guess that's natural since we arrived late. Still, it feels like I've lost face. But there was no other choice, was there? The division was pinned at the defensive line, and the aerial attack caught us off guard... Still, looking at the results, I'd say the operation was a success. But there's one issue..."

"You're talking to yourself more and more these days, Commander Shimenna. Both in frequency and volume," Marcello remarked.

"That trainee, Marcello."

"Ah, yes."

"I forgot the most important thing."

"The most important thing?"

"I didn't get his name... The situation was so chaotic that I completely forgot to ask. I even told him to apply for the Special Operations Division!"

"You're fretting over nothing..."

"Nothing? You think so too? I thought you'd be more interested."

"I'm not particularly interested. Remembering names is tedious."

"Marcello, for heaven's sake..."

Marcello recalled the battle.

The capital is lost for now, but it's not over.

-We must hold the line.

-Trainee, we'll reestablish the defensive perimeter right after the retreat. This time, we'll prepare for aerial assaults. We must protect what we can of the territory.

-I agree. That's the only way forward.

-I need to join the Special Ops Forces. It's necessary.

-Why is that necessary?

-If I want to leave for Aquella even a second earlier, I'll need to protect every inch of this land.

***

"Aquella…"

"Hm? Marcello, what about Aquella?"

"It's nothing."

"I have to remember that recruit's name… Wait, did I ever mention it to you? That kid didn't even properly state their rank and name as a trainee. So full of themselves…"

"Blaming others again, I see."

"That's my cowardly way of surviving as the commander of the Special Ops Division. If I think everything is my fault, my mind will crumble."

"White hair stands out, but that recruit might have suddenly changed their mind and left the military. If that's the case, indeed… it could be hard to find them without knowing their name."

"Marcello, you… Never mind. Even if you heard it, there's no way you'd remember."

"Mago."

"What?"

"Mago. That's the recruit's name."

"You knew…?"

"I never said I didn't."

"Well done, Marcello! You're the best!"

"They didn't seem to have a surname. But who cares—whether they were a slave, abandoned their family, or even changed their gender."

"That last one seems a bit odd."

"One thing's certain—he's strong. That's all that matters. The Special Ops need that recruit, Mago."

"They were incredible at launching their spear. Oh, right. Marcello, one of your nicknames has been stolen—'walking cannon.'"

***

The booming sound of fixed cannons echoed in succession.

White uniforms with gold lion emblems.

The Imperial Knights fired at monsters with cannons.

They had been assisting in fortifying the defense lines.

"I've read the report."

Inside the castle.

The knight commander tossed a stack of papers onto the desk.

"But there's one thing I found strange."

"One thing, sir?"

"I've heard enough about the capital to be sick of it. And I've also heard about that 66th recruit. Their name was in your report, wasn't it?"

"Yes, sir. I met that recruit when I visited the training camp at the request of the chief instructor."

"Did you ask them to join the Knights?"

"Yes, but…"

"But?"

"They insisted on joining the Special Ops Division, so I had to give up."

"Hm, I see. What did you talk about with that recruit?"

"Recruit Mago showed talent in sensory magic, so I offered guidance…"

Before he could finish, the knight commander slapped the knight across the face.

The slap reverberated through the room.

Silence.

The commander then swung his arm twice more.

The knight, who had met Mago, tried his best to stand at attention despite his knees buckling.

"So you knew."

"Yes… I did."

"You knew about that recruit's abilities, yet you gave up just because they said they'd join the Special Ops Division. Is that right?"

"…I'm sorry."

"What will you say when His Majesty hears about that damn recruit? Will you tell him the same thing? That you just let them go because they insisted on joining the Special Ops Division?"

"No, sir. I'm sorry. I'll rectify it."

There was nothing else he could say.

"That recruit is still a trainee. This is your last chance. Go find them. Bring them back, even if you have to kneel. If you fail…"

The knight swallowed dryly and lowered his head.

"You'll have to return the golden lion emblem."

***

"What are you doing here?"

It was the Imperial Knight he'd met before.

The man summoned by the chief instructor.

"Recruit Mago. Could you reconsider? I was wrong back then. I'll sincerely apologize, so…"

He followed Mago through the hallway, pleading.

"I hold no grudges. You should leave."

"No, I… I won't leave until I'm forgiven…"

He hesitated before lowering himself.

Just before his knees touched the ground.

"There's no need for that. You're too late, anyway."

Mago opened a door.

The instructor's office.

A man sat with his legs crossed on a chair.

"Oh, hey. Whitey, what brings you here? Applying for the 67th class of the Training Camp?"

The Special Ops Division commander waved playfully.

"R-Recruit Mago. Does this mean the crows…"

The Imperial Knights and Special Ops used derogatory nicknames for each other.

However, in this case, the knight seemed to kneel before the Special Ops commander.

"As you've guessed. Now then."

Mago saluted one last time and stepped inside.

He closed the door and sat across from the commander.

The commander cleared his throat before speaking.

"Mago. As I was saying earlier, fine. I'll grant your request."

"Really?"

"Yes. The 66th class is a special case. I'll conduct a special selection. I'm the commander, after all. It's my call. But."

The commander raised his index finger for emphasis.

"If what you say is true."

"Vel Red and Amon Coster certainly stood out. Vel struck down the orc leader, and Amon led fifty soldiers to…"

"I know. But they're not who I'm most interested in."

"What do you mean?"

"I'm most curious about two others in your class—Kinjo Shua and Oscar Cita."

"Ah, as expected…"

"Kinjo Shua's clairvoyance magic is absolutely essential. It could be the key to toppling the moving Demon King's castle."

"And Oscar? His skills?"

"Exactly. The Special Forces lack technicians. The Empire's military is already behind in science compared to the Demon King's forces. We can't even create moving fortresses. What do you think of Oscar Cita's abilities?"

"I've heard he ran a forge in his hometown. Not as a worker, but the owner."

"The 66th class are all teenagers, right? Impressive. See? I've got an eye for talent."

The commander shrugged.

"But Oscar isn't interested in joining the Special Ops."

"Then he's aiming for the Knights?"

"Yes, sir."

"Why?"

"I believe he wants a rear-line position."

"Ugh. I hate that type."

The commander leaned back, sighing.

"Still, he's necessary. The Knights have guns and cannons, but we only have martial arts. It'd be nice to share, but that's not the case."

I nodded slowly.

"Alright, then. I promise to select the comrades you mentioned. On the name of Shimenna Extine, commander of the Special Operations Division."

"Thank you very much."

"Mago, you're on leave starting today?"

"Yes, sir."

"Good. Get some rest."

He patted my shoulder and stood.

"Next time, let's meet in black uniforms. I have high expectations for you—higher than for the comrades you've mentioned."