Chapter 30
Chapter 30
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 30
Chapter Title: Genius Divine Archer Who Became a One-Man Legion
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Of course, in this era, mana cultivation methods were the ultimate secrets among noble families' heirlooms.
In seven years, a once-in-a-generation genius from the Child Family would redefine mana cultivation methods entirely, but...
'Not right now... nope.'
For a commoner like Rian, who wasn't even a noble, to wield mana was nothing short of monumental.
Gulp.
Rian swallowed without realizing it.
'I was... careless.'
He'd had no choice but to use it to settle things with Garel, but he hadn't considered the eyes of any third parties.
Rian met the gaze of the silently watching Biovan and parted his lips.
Biovan spoke up.
"Are you perhaps practicing a mana cultivation method?"
Biovan's eyes sharpened toward Rian. But in this situation, lying would be even more reckless, Rian thought.
'He could find out if he really wanted to.'
In that case...
"Yes."
"What?"
"But I can't actually use mana."
"...Hmm?"
The same question, but a completely different answer.
What did it mean to practice a mana cultivation method yet be unable to use mana?
Raymon couldn't hide his shocked expression at Rian's response.
How could a commoner like Rian even know a mana cultivation method?
Rian calmly continued, looking at Biovan.
"My father was a martial arts instructor in the past. The swordsmanship, spearmanship, and especially archery I use—I learned them all from him."
"A man of exceptional talent, then. Is your father still alive?"
"He passed when I was twelve. The reason I became a soldier is because I admired my father, who was an outstanding soldier himself."
"Your father was a soldier?"
"All I know is that he was a platoon leader in Buffalo Company."
"Buffalo Company. A unit that still exists. A brave one, at that."
Biovan nodded. But then,
"What does that have to do with you practicing a mana cultivation method?"
"During his military service, he received a method from a benefactor—a less efficient one, but still capable of cultivating mana. I've been practicing it since I was eight... but honestly, it's at a very minor level."
"Hmm, is that so?"
"Yes, that's right."
Biovan stared at him with a stern expression.
That was how crucial mana cultivation methods were, even to nobles.
"Then, may I examine your body for a moment?"
"Of course."
At Rian's words, Biovan rose from his seat.
Raymon kept glancing anxiously between Biovan and Rian. Soon, Biovan placed a hand on Rian's back and nodded.
"I see. There's a faint trace of mana... How old are you?"
"Fourteen this year."
"So you've practiced for six years, and this is the level you've reached?"
"Yes."
Only then did Biovan flash a faint smile.
It was a mix of relief and pity, perhaps?
"The mana cultivation method that benefactor taught must be remarkably ineffective. Six years, and this is all... What a shame."
"Still, I think of it as my father's legacy and train diligently."
"Keep at it with dedication."
Biovan checked the mana within Rian's body.
There were traces of it circulating, but the amount was minuscule.
This was actually one of the features of the Child mana cultivation method.
It didn't store mana in the body; it widened the channels and drew in external mana to use.
Rian inwardly sighed in relief at how smoothly it had gone.
"Ahem, the mood's gotten a bit heavy. I didn't call you here for that. As I said earlier, it's to commend your achievements."
"Baron Biovan intends to give you a special reward."
Raymon smiled from the side. When Rian looked at Baron Biovan, he asked,
"It's too much to call you just a simple squad leader after such great merits. My unit did capture Garel, but it's no exaggeration to say half the credit is yours."
"You're too kind."
"So I want to ask you this: What is it you desire?"
At Baron Biovan's words, Rian glanced at Raymon.
Raymon simply nodded silently.
Something like this had happened before.
'Did the company commander pull some strings...?'
Rian's achievements were enormous.
No need to repeat it twice.
But it was rare—almost unheard of—for a commoner squad leader to be called in like this for commendation.
If it had happened before, it was only because of what Raymon had done for him.
This time would be no different.
Rian felt genuine gratitude for Raymon's consideration.
"What I want is..."
Rian bit his lip.
It was a similar situation to before with Raymon, but the one granting the reward was entirely different.
Raymon was a 300-Man Commander and company commander, but still a knight from commoner stock.
Baron Biovan, on the other hand, was a true noble connected to the imperial family.
He could grant far more than Raymon.
'Is it possible...?'
Soon, Rian steeled himself.
Win or lose, it was time to go for it.
Rian said to Baron Biovan,
"I want to command an independent unit."
"...What?"
Biovan looked slightly shocked at the unexpected answer.
He'd anticipated a request for a pile of gold or a transfer to an easier unit, given the commoner background.
But this was utterly unforeseen.
"An independent unit?"
"Yes."
"You're a squad leader now, right? You know the natural progression is promotion to platoon leader, a 50-Man Commander?"
"Yes, I know."
"Then you know independent units start from 100-Man Commander level?"
"...Yes."
"Knowing that, and still wanting an independent unit— that means you want to become a 100-Man Commander. Don't you think that's too greedy for your age?"
"..."
Rian fell silent at Baron Biovan's words.
As he said, commanding an independent unit required being a 100-Man Commander.
By now, it had been just over eight months since Rian enlisted.
A 10-Man Commander was one thing, but even promoting to platoon leader—a 50-Man Commander—would be unprecedented.
Skipping straight to 100-Man Commander?
Baron Biovan was entirely right.
"Sor—"
"However!"
"...?"
Rian was about to bow his head and apologize.
Baron Biovan cut him off and looked at him.
By now, the corners of his mouth were curved up widely.
"This could be fun. Your squad's performance was quite impressive, after all."
Baron Biovan shot to his feet, chuckling as he looked at Rian.
"Alright, I'll put in a word for you."
"Ba-Baron Biovan!"
Even Raymon couldn't hide his surprise. Ignoring Raymon's call, Biovan said to Rian,
"But one piece of advice: Great roles always come with great responsibilities."
With that, he patted Rian's shoulder and promptly left the tent.
Rian couldn't hide his stunned expression.
Did he just say yes?
He'd only said he'd try, but that was as good as yes.
A baron's influence was more than enough to appoint a commander for one independent unit.
Silence fell in the tent with Raymon and Rian. After a moment,
"Heh heh..."
Raymon let out a small laugh and looked at Rian.
"I never imagined you were learning a mana cultivation method. Gave me quite the scare."
"I-I'm sorry for not telling you sooner."
"No, you shouldn't go blabbing about something like that. Keep your mouth shut from now on too. It's that sensitive."
"...Yes, understood."
As Rian replied softly, Raymon lightly patted his shoulder.
"More importantly, an independent unit... You've got some real luck there. No, not luck— you earned it with skill."
Raymon's expression as he said it was complicated.
"Truly admirable, but... somehow, also regrettable."
From those words, Rian understood Raymon's feelings.
Rian said to him,
"But... if Company Commander Raymon permits it, I want to stay in Eagle Company."
"What?"
"I want to become an independent unit within Eagle Company and serve alongside you, sir. Of course, assuming I become a 100-Man Commander."
"Really?"
Raymon's face lit up with a broad smile. He laughed heartily and clapped Rian on the shoulder.
"Hahaha, if that's the case, I'd welcome it wholeheartedly."
"Please take care of me from now on."
Raymon was a commander who truly cared for his men.
It was such a waste that a man like this had died so pointlessly in his past life.
Rian laughed with Raymon as they left the tent.
* * *
A few days of rest followed.
Eagle Company, including 2nd Battalion, fully enjoyed the accommodations provided by Sallerone.
"Isaac, how's the body?"
"Now... I can move around, yeah?"
Isaac, who hadn't even been able to stand despite potions and treatment, had recovered enough to walk normally.
Watching this really showed how amazing potions were.
'Practically dragging him back from death's door.'
Of course, the ugly scar on his shoulder remained.
Noticing Rian's gaze, Isaac grinned.
"It was the chieftain of Aura users among the barbarians, you know. Word is, he was pretty famous even among them? This is a badge of honor, a badge. I scarred that guy's side sa— Ugh!"
Isaac struck a dramatic sword-swinging pose but winced, furrowing his brow.
He could barely walk now; nothing more.
Anyway, grinning brightly, Isaac said,
"Everyone knows I wounded that guy's side, right? When we get back, I'll spread the word big time. You'll have to vouch for me then, Squad Leader!"
Rian chuckled at Isaac's childlike brightness.
'Come to think of it, I'm still just a kid too...'
He'd been over thirty in his past life, but now he was only a fourteen-year-old boy.
Just one who'd been through absurdly much for a boy his age.
"Ooh! Isaac, you can walk now!"
"All better?"
The 6th Squad members came up behind Rian to check on Isaac.
Flexing his arm, Isaac replied,
"All good now. But aren't we heading back soon?"
"Departure in two days. Probably no deployments for a while after we return."
Fair enough—the mission Eagle Company had taken on far exceeded their scale.
Even the top brass had to have some conscience.
"Kuh... We'll get a huge reward payout when we get back, right?"
"Squad Leader, they know up top our squad had the biggest part in capturing the enemy commander, yeah?"
"Ah... We cheated death so many times. Hope the merit pay's fat."
Everyone seemed worn from the battle, already anticipating the reward distribution.
Rian nodded.
"Don't worry. Even Commander Biovan knows our squad's merits full well."
"Kuh, as expected!"
"All thanks to Squad Leader!"
"Hahaha, who would've thought we'd play such a big role in catching the enemy commander?"
"I really thought I was done for. That guy's axe still haunts my dreams."
Kyle shook his head.
The devastating power that crumpled a tower shield in one hit was something he didn't even want to recall.
Heh.
But everything had ended well.
Rian looked at his squad mates.
"Thanks for all surviving. And let's keep taking care of each other."
"Aw, why so sappy?"
"Ew, look! Goosebumps!"
"Heh heh, no, we should be asking you that."
Rian grinned at his smirking squad mates.
"Let's go home."
It felt like they'd crossed a massive mountain.