Under the Battalion Commander's Scrutiny
I'd have just said sure if I didn't know how the Special Forces fought.
But I'd witnessed firsthand at Rimir Castle how insanely they battled.
I had zero confidence I could keep up with their tempo.
"That's beyond my abilities, sir. Those Special Forces guys are monsters."
"You can do it, Major. Didn't you just wrap up that joint mission in the Gork Mountains successfully?"
"No, that's different."
This was war.
War that gave no room to breathe.
"Didn't you make a promise with me, Major?"
"Pardon...? You don't mean..."
One recent promise.
"You'll give it your all in this operation without complaint. As far as I know, merchants treat promises like their own lives."
Eden Tal, the Major, looked like he was saying, 'What're you gonna do about it?'
This bastard's Satan. Straight-up Satan.
"Haa."
"Don't look so glum. To accommodate you as much as possible, I slotted in some familiar faces to the 103rd Battalion."
"Pardon...? You can't mean."
"Garen, the Major, as 1st Company Commander, and Derek, the Lieutenant, right? You'll be moving with them, so no awkwardness."
'Kwaaaah, you madman.'
My neck cramped up—stress hitting its limit.
"Y... yes, sir. Truly, thank you so much."
"Mm. And since I'm worried, one more thing."
"Yes, sir."
"Don't stand out too much this operation. If you want to stay a supply company commander. You get what I mean."
"Understood, sir."
If I drew attention again and the brass grabbed me, even Eden couldn't do much.
'This time, really just stay quiet in the back, guide the way, and done.'
Navigation only—no more than that, he vowed.
But if the world went his way, he wouldn't be here; he'd be safe in some northern mountain guard battalion.
"Haven't seen you in a month again. Major, at this rate, just defect to our side."
1st Fleet Command pier.
Garen, who'd arrived two days prior, spotted him and flashed a hearty grin.
"Ha... haha, thrilled to see you so often, sir."
Not thrilled at all, but he forced an awkward smile.
'Seeing you way too much.'
Someone like Garen was perfect once a year. Why did shit always tangle up?
No answer to that.
"Heard about the op. Sounds like you and us have something crucial."
"Yes, sir. Why always me for these key roles?"
"Proof you're competent, isn't it?"
Thud! Thud!
Garen sidled up and clapped his back—force so strong his body lurched forward.
"Derek's here too, so greet him later. He's pumped you came."
"Yes, sir."
"Battalion Commander's asking to meet. Free now?"
"Time? Yes, sir."
Paperwork done, nothing till boarding.
"Perfect. Let's go."
Garen slung an arm over his shoulder and led the way.
'Battalion Commander.'
The 103rd's commander: Schultz, Colonel.
'Slated for Imperial Knights soon, right?'
Top ace even among Special Forces.
"What's the Battalion Commander like, sir?"
Knew the resume, not the man—asked Garen.
"Colonel Schultz? Flawless monster. Respectable, but does he have to be that rigid?"
Short, but got the vibe.
'Damn, exactly my least favorite type.'
Strict on discipline—hands already shaking.
'Don't freak. Different units; can't chew me out.'
Calming himself, boarded the warship for 103rd.
"Wait here. Fetching the Commander."
Garen parked him in the 2nd-deck lounge and left.
'First time on a ship. Kinda cool.'
Not Korea's behemoths, but big, heavily armed.
'Clean internals too. Tech's solid.'
Gawking at billiards and amenities, lounge door opened sooner than expected.
"Sir!"
Straightening, a stern-faced man with slicked-back hair strode in, locking eyes.
Colonel insignia—no need to ask the name.
"Colonel Schultz. Pleased to meet you."
Saluted, shook hands—felt off.
'What calluses...'
Skin so hard, doubted it was human. Like gripping stone.
"Honor to meet you, sir. Please take care of me this op."
"Same here."
Low, smooth voice.
Not quite what expected.
'Maybe a decent guy.'
Or just respect for different unit.
'Not worst-case, anyway.'
Almost sighed relief, but first impressions weren't everything.
"Time to spare, so mind briefing our post-landing moves? Possible?"
"Route, sir?"
"Yes."
Unexpected request.
No biggie—days spent planning, tweaking this.
"Yes, sir. But for explanation, the map..."
"Got a map. Use this."
Schultz unfolded a creased paper from his pocket.
'What the hell is this.'
Dense notes everywhere—scenarios, cautions.
'Studied harder than me.'
With that base, give his best.
"Landing projected 23:15. 103rd disembarks 1st ship, follows this route."
Traced path with finger, briefing.
"Hits Gobitz Gorge—planned pass-through, but bypassing for safety."
"Detour scouted?"
"Yes, sir. No enemy outposts."
"Gorge like that means bandit stronghold nearby. Confirmed?"
"Stronghold...?"
Villages mapped, not lairs.
Hard for two scouts anyway.
"Even bandits side with enemy if Aditz invades—likely to relay intel. Intelligence Agency thinks otherwise?"
Schultz's eyes bored in, ready to devour any slip.
Wanted Eden now.
'Stronghold...'
Why not checked?
Eden no slacker—reason.
'Think.'
Seconds later, read Eden's mind a bit.
"Scouted this area—one village inside, no stronghold."
"But that's what I'm..."
"Sir, bandits peak afternoons with caravans—not deep night. Crossing odds minimal."
Bandit hours match merchants'.
'No Aditz caravans at 11pm unless dawn delivery.'
Eden skipped for that reason.
"Still possible."
"Given constraints, time, urgency—negligible risk, judgment call."
"Hm."
Bold, but needed now.
'Representing Intelligence—can't yield every nitpick.'
Courteous, but firm.
"Understood. Time of day makes sense to dismiss bandits."
Expected pushback—clean accept instead.
"Thank you, sir."
"No. Continue. Scout's words make it clear."
"Yes, sir."
Scraped past first hurdle, pressed on.
Questions, nitpicks endless.
"Snow? That path too risky?"
"No faster route? This seems fine."
"Too narrow..."
Question-answer loop.
Survived 'cause obsessed—near mastery.
Otherwise, skinned alive to dust.
'Why's that guy just watching?'
Garen behind Schultz, eyes amused.
"Relieved—capable officer aboard. Expect staff brilliance."
"Yes, sir. All for victory."
Pressure interview over—sighed, shook hands.
'Op staff. Fancy title.'
Just navigator beside commander.
"Major Garen."
"Yes, sir!"
Garen stiffened.
"Take staff around, intros. Faces known pre-sail avoids comms issues."
"Yes, sir!"
"See you later. Good work."
"Sir!"
"Sir!"
Schultz waved lightly, exited lounge.
"Whew, barely made it."
Door shut, steps faded—collapsed on sofa, huge exhale.