Chapter 513: The Visit(2)
Chapter 513: The Visit(2)
The profession of a soldier remains the same in essence, regardless of the era, the country, or even the world.
It is about building a sturdy body and, using that body as a foundation, becoming the sword and shield of the nation.
Since it is a field where 'might' is the most important factor, training is essential.
This is especially true in this world, where firearms have not been developed and cold weapons are the norm. The basic martial prowess of a soldier here is bound to be superior to those from my previous life.
They learn weapon techniques suited to their individual needs as a baseline and hone various grappling techniques in preparation for when they must fight bare-handed.
On top of that, they undergo training tailored to their specific environment. So, what kind of training do the Navy Knights, who are responsible for the Northern Region, undergo?
"Keep your mana circulating constantly! If steam isn't rising from your body, don't even think about eating lunch today!"
"One! Two! Three! Four!"
They were running laps around the training hall, stripped to the waist. They had heavy-looking chunks of iron attached to their arms and legs.
To be clear, those weren't sandbags; they were solid iron. I had seen them at the Academy before, and they looked incredibly heavy even at a glance.
Furthermore, since they were only wearing undergarments, their toned physiques were on full display. Regardless of gender, they all boasted bodies as hard as rock.
Even Adelia, who looked slender, had compact, well-defined muscles, but these people were on another level.
What was even more impressive was that they were dripping with sweat in this bitter cold. It seemed they were accelerating their mana to generate heat, just like my father does.
But that's not even a drill; it's just a morning run.
As expected of the Navy Knights. Even their basic physical training was extraordinary.
It wasn't just mindless savagery, either. As Father explained from the side, this was conditioning intended for the worst-case scenarios.
He mentioned that because their working environment was so harsh, they frequently faced the worst possible situations.
Facing the worst-case scenario frequently sounded a bit strange, but I suppose it just meant their lives were that difficult. Truly, being a knight isn't for everyone.
"What is their training usually like? To me, that just looks like physical conditioning."
"I'm not sure. I was deployed into active combat as soon as I was transferred, so I don't know the specifics. I shared a few tips whenever there was a spare moment, but it was far from formal training. Marquis Mathews would know better."
Father added that no matter how realistic the training was, it could never compare to actual combat.
The Northern Region was home to the Barbarians, but strictly speaking, it was an uncharted territory.
Aside from the Black Water, there was nothing there—at least at this point in time, it was a 'godforsaken land.'
Yet, the Barbarians invaded to pillage at every opportunity, and on top of that, the area was teeming with monsters that had adapted to the harsh environment.
If either of these two forces grew too powerful, the Minerva Empire would suffer a significant blow, so they had no choice but to pay attention.
The moment they ignored either the Barbarians or the monsters, they would come swarming down south.
"The Barbarians were powerful during your active years, Father. Were there no monsters back then?"
"It's hard to give a definitive answer. Monsters rarely leave their territory. If we were to truly begin developing the North, we would have to deal with both the Barbarians and the monsters. I wonder if that's even possible, though."
Is this similar to the American Frontier era? Seeing as there's even oil, it's remarkably similar.
However, while the Frontier era is often depicted romantically, the reality of the law of the jungle remains unchanged.
It was an era where those who couldn't endure were broken miserably. Civilians, sheriffs, and criminals alike had to carry guns to protect their own 'lives.'
Furthermore, they were constantly in conflict with the indigenous people. In that regard, it was exactly like the Wild West.
But the Northern Region was even worse. They had to deal with both Barbarians and monsters simultaneously, and the environment was insane.
At least the American West had warm seasons; here, it was cold all year round.
It was a place difficult for even knights to endure, let alone ordinary people, so it was a mystery whether development could even be attempted.
"If things stabilize over time, what will happen to the Navy Knights?"
"They'll stay the same. There's no other force as adapted to this environment as the Navy Knights. Even if the Barbarians are dealt with, the monsters will be difficult to resolve."
In conclusion, it meant that developing the Northern Region would take a long time.
It was only natural, as it was a region that even the Navy Knights—the strongest individuals—found difficult.
Still, compared to Father's active years, the supply lines and manpower replenishment were functioning more smoothly, so things would gradually improve.
"Visitors, please enter through here."
"Thank you."
Following the knight's guidance, we entered the visitation area.
Given the era, the building itself was made of wood, but it brought back vivid memories of my military service in my previous life.
Back then, my parents would buy me chicken and pizza. I felt a bit melancholy, but I quickly shook it off.
"It's quite warm inside, isn't it?"
The interior was even more unique. Rather than a visitation room, the atmosphere was more akin to a tavern.
Also, perhaps because there was a temperature control device like in the Academy dorms, the inside was incredibly cozy.
It was so warm that I felt like I could take off my winter gear.
"Indeed. I heard they rebuilt it, and it certainly has changed a lot. In my day, we didn't have anything like this; it was just tents."
"...Isn't that a bit much?"
"The Barbarians would steal the supplies as soon as they arrived. Besides, back then, it was literally a place where people were ground down."
Father explained this as he looked around the visitation room. It was clear he was feeling nostalgic.
If it were anyone else, I might have rolled my eyes at the 'back in my day' talk, but coming from him, it felt different.
This wasn't just a place where he faced petty hazing; it was a region where he had truly walked the line between life and death.
"Have you not visited once since it was rebuilt?"
"My juniors are already suffering enough; there's no need to give them more to worry about. Well, if they asked for a lesson, I'd gladly give one. Since I'm here, I should check how much stronger they've become."
Perhaps he still felt an attachment to the North despite the hellish life he led here. Father rolled his shoulders as if his body was itching for action.
I gave a small smile at the sight. For the knights, it would be an unparalleled opportunity.
I also planned to give gifts to the hardworking knights. Most notably, signed copies of my books.
However, for 'special people,' I intended to present 'special gifts.'
You might be curious about what those are, but I plan to reveal them once Dave and Nicole arrive.
"Here. Here's the menu."
While I was talking with Father, a burly, middle-aged man with a lot of facial hair set a menu down.
The beard covering his face and his gravelly voice were impressive, but what stood out most were his eyes.
They were so small it was hard to tell if they were open or closed. He reminded me of Brock from Pokémon. His tanned skin added to the resemblance.
However, his physique was nothing like Brock's. He was massive, comparable to Father, and his forearms were enormous.
I muttered to myself that even the owner was extraordinary before turning my attention to the menu he handed over.
It seemed this wasn't just a simple visitation room but an actual restaurant.
There were various dishes, and they even served alcohol. However, a note stated that alcohol could only be purchased when off-duty.
I had experienced something similar in the military in my previous life, so it was interesting but not surprising.
Instead, Father was staring at the owner who handed over the menu with a dumbfounded expression. As for why...
"What the? Why are you here? Don't tell me you kept serving even after I left?"
"Not exactly. It's a separate contract. It's been a while since I retired."
"Hah, well. I suppose I should say you put your talent to good use. Regardless, if it's your cooking, I can trust it."
"Hahaha! Thanks for that. Order when the kids get here."
The owner left it at that and waddled away. As I watched him go, I suddenly noticed something strange.
It was his gait. His walk was odd, as if his weight was shifted to one side.
As soon as I looked down at his feet, my eyes widened.
The middle-aged man's right leg was a prosthetic. I thought his walk was strange, and that was why.
I watched his back, which seemed to hold many stories, before quietly asking Father.
"Was he an old comrade?"
"Yes. He was the one who always made us delicious meals."
Was he really Brock? Just as I thought that, Father continued in a bitter voice.
"He's also the one who cut off his own leg to save me."
"......"
"It was hard to keep track of how he was doing, but I'm glad to see he's living well. Knowing him, he probably told Dave and Nicole not to tell me."
I didn't pry any further after hearing his response, which was filled with complex emotions. I felt a sense of solemnity.
As I always explain, the North in the past was hell incarnate. Father had endured such a place for decades.
But there must have been many more who couldn't endure like him. Losing a leg like that chef was actually one of the better outcomes.
Clack—
"Where are they... Ah! There they are. Father! Isaac!"
Before long, a voice broke the solemn atmosphere. It was a very familiar and friendly voice.
Father and I turned our heads toward the sound.
Perhaps because they were within the base, Dave and Nicole were wearing black armor instead of uniforms, approaching us with welcoming smiles.
They looked cool in their uniforms, but they looked truly magnificent in armor.
"Wasn't it cold? Father might be fine, but you must have been freezing, Isaac."
"Father told me to forget about dignity and layer up. It really was cold, though."
"It's very cold. Frostbite sets in the moment you let your guard down. Can you still feel your fingers and toes?"
"I wasn't outside for that long."
As soon as they arrived, my older brother and sister were full of worry for their younger sibling. But given how insane the cold was, it was a perfectly natural reaction.
In fact, staying in this cold for even a short while could lead to frostbite or even freezing to death.
The people training outside with their shirts off were also training to survive.
If they didn't accelerate their internal mana, they might have to have their fingers or toes amputated.
Because of this, soldiers serving in such a barren environment rarely had petty power trips; most focused on practical matters.
"Have you eaten?"
"No. We heard you and Father were coming for a visit, so we waited."
Eating something delicious during a visitation. This was the same whether it was my previous life or a fantasy world.
Feeling a strange sense of kinship, I began to look over the menu.
Father and I had eaten just before coming, so we didn't need much.
"Should we get the whole roasted pig? I won't be eating much anyway."
"Let's do that. We should order two."
"Two of them? Can you eat that much?"
"If we don't eat, we'll die of exhaustion. We use too much mana on a daily basis."
Does the law of conservation of energy apply to the fantasy world too?
As mentioned before, there are methods like breathing techniques to gain mana, but the easiest way is through food.
Even athletes in my previous life could consume over 10,000 calories, and here, it's even more extreme.
It's the same for me. If I've consumed stamina and sacred power through training or spending the night with the ladies, I have to eat much more the next morning.
I nodded and placed the order with Brock... no, Father's comrade, who had gone into the kitchen.
"Two whole roasted pigs, please."
"Yes. Understood."
The owner went into the kitchen as soon as he took the order. I watched him for a moment before turning my gaze back to the front.
My brother Dave and sister Nicole, who were always a welcome sight. I heard the Barbarians' movements had been suspicious lately; I wondered if they were doing okay.
I still can't forget the tension from my previous life whenever North Korea made a provocation.
In society, people might just shrug it off, but the atmosphere inside the military changed 180 degrees. They were likely no different.
"By the way, what brings you here for a visit? You've never come to visit before."
Dave asked me with a puzzled expression. A look of doubt settled on his face, which resembled Father's.
Nicole, who took after Mother, was the same. My face was reflected in their golden eyes, which were filled with curiosity.
I couldn't bring myself to tell my family that I had undergone an ascetic trial. It would only cause unnecessary worry.
However, my concern for them was genuine. So, I rubbed the back of my neck awkwardly and replied.
"Just worried? As you know, the situation is what it is. Things are noisy in the East with Stavirk talking about independence and whatnot. I thought the North might be dangerous too."
"Hmm... I suppose so. But don't worry. The Barbarians seem to have a lot of internal problems because they've been quiet, and our supplies haven't decreased. Besides, what the Navy Knights need most isn't equipment, but food."
"Our Isaac is so thoughtful. Worrying about your brother and sister."
Dave explained in detail to ease my worries, and Nicole gave me a warm look.
Fortunately, it seemed my presence hadn't caused them any trouble.
Of course, the Navy Knights would be at the top of the priority list for supplies, so they wouldn't be lacking. Still, I couldn't help but worry.
I breathed a sigh of relief inwardly, then spoke with a bitter smile.
"Sister. You know my actual age."
"Even so, you're still the baby of the family in my eyes. I thought you were precocious when you were little, but now that you're grown, you still feel like a kid. Don't you think so, Brother?"
"I've watched him from the time he was a baby until now, so it's only natural. I even remember when he used to eat his meals so neatly all by himself. Mother was so amazed back then."
"......"
I remember that time too. One of the reasons child-rearing is hard is because children often refuse to eat.
But I was someone who remembered my previous life. I chewed my food thoroughly without being picky and did everything on my own.
Not just Mother, but Father was truly amazed as well. I heard Dave and Nicole were a handful because they were always running around everywhere.
"Anyway, you're not having a hard time, right? Regardless of this or that, I just came because I wanted to see your faces."
"Aside from being so tired every day that I don't even know what's hard anymore, I'm fine."
"Brother. Do you have to say it like that?"
"Why? I'm just telling the truth. Do you know how hard it was to keep the seniors away when they heard Isaac was coming?"
"......It was a bit difficult."
Judging by their conversation, it seemed they had been pestered by their seniors after the news of my visit broke.
My name carries quite a bit of weight within the Navy Knights. This isn't limited to the Navy Knights; it's true for the entire military.
No matter how hard life is, people need a way to relieve stress. My books are one of those means.
In the first place, they even issued Xenon Biography as part of their supplies, so that says it all.
I remember when the two of them were about to go on leave, some seniors asked if they could get an autograph for them.
"But surprisingly, you didn't bring any books. Did you refuse them all?"
"We had to. Marquis Mathews said he'd cancel all our leave if we did anything like that."
I nodded at Dave's answer. No matter how popular I was, it couldn't compare to military leave.
I nodded in sympathy, then a fun idea occurred to me, and I smiled.
I then casually asked Dave and Nicole a question.
"Brother. Sister. By any chance, who among your seniors has the most influence?"
"Huh? The person with the most influence?"
"Yeah. You know, the one who maintains discipline? Not just discipline, but the person whose every word carries weight."
The one with the most 'seniority,' so to speak. Since the slang term for seniority didn't exist here, I had to explain it that way.
The military is a group where 'rank' exists. And I knew the Navy Knights were a mix of ability and seniority.
"Is that person a fan of Xenon Biography too?"
"Not just Xenon Biography. He's even reading Blood and Iron."
"He was the one most excited when he heard you were coming. Though he shriveled up in front of Marquis Mathews."
"I see."
I nodded. This made things easier.
"Could you quietly tell just that person?"
Even without overt abuse, the military, by its nature, is bound to have irrationalities. All in the name of establishing discipline.
Even the US military during World War II had all sorts of irrationalities.
It was all overlooked because a crazy devil like Nazi Germany was right in front of them. However, during the Vietnam War, those irrationalities exploded without mercy.
The Navy Knights would be no different. These two were likely facing irrationalities, whether they realized it or not.
"I have a gift for that person."
"What kind of gift?"
"A gift to ask him to take good care of my brother and sister."
It wasn't about making their military life easy. That needed to be strictly distinguished.
It wasn't about the training, but rather to reduce the fatigue that arises from human relationships. Irrationalities occur more in daily life than during training.
Dave and Nicole seemed to understand my meaning, and their eyes began to sparkle.
Seeing their golden eyes shine even more brightly, it seemed they really were facing some irrationalities.
"As expected of my brother! You're the only one! I was supposed to be on laundry duty tomorrow!"
"Should I give you a kiss? Our lovely little brother."
Dave and Nicole stood up and either stroked my hair or gave me a tight hug. I also beamed with joy.
"Tsk, tsk. You shouldn't do that..."
I heard Father clicking his tongue from the side, but I decided to ignore it just this once.
I'm sorry, Father.
I faced plenty of irrationalities too.