Tenkomori Chapter 104.3

Archive for chapter 104.3

Chapter 104.3. The Second Year at the Academy - Joint Exercise 2 (3)

Chapter 104.3. The Second Year at the Academy - Joint Exercise 2 (3)

"Is the damage certain? If Serue uses magic—on the front lines, I suppose."

"I think so. They might conserve it to take down the main camp, but I'd disrupt the front lines. It'd be more effective that way."

"Understood. In that case, let's abandon it."

Lambert raised his hand smoothly, seeking permission to speak.

Noticing this, the squad leaders halted their discussion and turned their gaze towards him.

With Sobal's permission granted, Lambert began.

"Let's abandon the front lines."

For a moment, Sobal narrowed his eyes, but the squad leaders tilted their heads in confusion.

As the meaning began to sink in, the tent became noisy.

Sobal raised a hand to silence it and urged Lambert to continue.

"To effectively use [Disturbance], the Egim Unit will deploy many troops to the front lines, enticing our counterattack. Even though we know this, we have no choice but to counter and have no means to block magic. Therefore, we will abandon the front-line troops. In conjunction with activating [Disturbance], a small surprise attack force will assault the enemy's main camp. Whether our surprise force strikes first or the enemy's main force breaks through the front lines first, this battle is a race against time."

The room fell silent.

I think it's a rough plan.

That's why Sobal didn't use [Disturbance]. Because it would end up like this.

While scattering troops is an option, in that case, the Egim Unit would likely reorganize the front lines into defense and attack units. Then, while dispersing sporadic interception units, they would swiftly advance to the main camp. It would be uncertain whether [Disturbance] would be used for attack or defense.

Gathering troops at the front lines should halt half of them even if they're confused.

Above all, being able to designate the activation point for [Disturbance] is significant.

But Sobal's expression was stern.

He sent a sharp gaze at Lambert, who faced it head-on.

"Can you make the same proposal on the actual battlefield? You're telling us to die on the front lines."

"A flag represents territory, and a captain represents a lord. If we liken it to actual combat, we must defend at any cost. Since we've proposed it, we'll take charge of the front lines."

It seems I'm also being taken to the death ground. Well, I'll follow along.

However, Lambert's declaration did soften the negative glances.

If there are complaints, at least alternative suggestions must be provided.

Seeing the other squad leaders remaining silent, Sobal leaned back against his chair.

"...Very well. We'll adopt Lambert's proposal. Abandon the front lines and leave the attack to the surprise attack force. Let's also organize a guerilla unit. We must prepare for Egim's surprise attacks."

"May I speak?"

At that moment, a slender third-year student raised their hand.

Sobal looked slightly surprised but silently granted permission to speak.

The student bowed and spoke up.

"The Lambert Unit is quite capable; they should be placed in the surprise attack force."

Despite murmurs among the squad leaders, the slender student continued.

"If they are to infiltrate deep into enemy territory, they'll need not only combat prowess but also mobility and decision-making skills. From what I observed yesterday, they possess all of these."

"If that's the case, shouldn't we entrust them with the front lines? Capable individuals can resist [Disturbance]. I think they can maintain the front lines longer."

"Even if they alone repel the effects, the overall situation won't change significantly, in my humble opinion."

Sobal fell silent at the student's rebuttal.

What they said was correct. Lambert and Felix would hardly lose even against third-year opponents. I'm also a scout, so I'm perfect for the surprise attack force.

However, because I took on the dirty work willingly, my dissatisfaction was suppressed.

This feels like starting from scratch.

"Any other opinions?"

Several third-year students voiced out at Sobal's inquiry.

However, their basis was only a sense of competition rather than being better than the second years.

Everyone prefers honor over hardship.

Before long, the slender student's proposal faded from the minds of the third years, and arguments began over who would command the surprise attack force.

The second years watched the tumult with bewildered expressions.

Amidst the chaos, Sobal closed his eyes and pondered.

Lambert and the slender student, without a word, awaited his decision.

"Quiet."

Soon, Sobal raised a hand, and as the squad leaders fell silent, he smiled.

"You're all getting too heated. Isn't this just an exercise?"

The 3rd years who were arguing blushed and chuckled in embarrassment at his words.

Watching them, Sobal continued.

"Have any of you wondered why joint exercises are held? Most of us third years will depart for Selen in six months. We have little time left. This joint exercise is the last and only chance for us to converse with and guide the juniors. Some of you may not be interested but think about it. Many of you will inherit territories or swear loyalty as knights. Regardless of your position, there will come a time when you'll guide the next generation. I believe joint exercises are for learning that."

Many third years nodded in agreement, and some second years were also impressed.

As for me—well, being in command is tough, huh?

While I think his words were genuine, Sobal seemed calculated in how he presented himself, always considering how others would perceive him. During the strategy meeting, did he ever show his true self?

Either way, I now understand why we were called here.

He praised me, a second year, in front of everyone and even asked for my opinion.

All of it was based on this idea.

The previous fervor dissipated, and a calm atmosphere settled in the room.

Sobal surveyed the squad leaders again and focused on the slender third-year student.

"You haven't expressed your thoughts much in the past three years."

Suddenly pointed out, the student's face clouded with uncertainty.

"That's just my personality..."

"Haha, have more confidence. Your suggestion earlier was excellent."

Sobal smiled at the student and then suddenly became serious, revealing the visage of a noble from the Bahar family.

"Shired, you'll be in command of the surprise attack force. Enjoy this final exercise to the fullest."

The young Shired was speechless.

While some third years seemed dissatisfied, they couldn't voice objections in this atmosphere.

As they remained silent, Sobal turned his gaze to Lambert.

"Let's also adopt Shired's proposal; the surprise attack forces will be the Lambert and Kurthos Units."

Shired and Lambert, with the suddenly named Kurthos, hurriedly agreed and bowed their heads.

After that, the front lines and guerilla units were named one after another, finalizing Sobal's team's formation.

The strategy meeting concluded, and the squad leaders began preparations.

As I watched them leave the tent, Kurthos sighed.

"To think we'd be dragged into this..."

"They're recognizing our abilities. Take pride in that."

Lambert smiled as if it were nothing.

And Kurthos replied, "I'll explain it to everyone," and went back.

I absentmindedly watched him leave.

"Was my judgment wrong?"

Suddenly, Lambert asked me.

Not understanding the meaning, I looked up.

Compared to when we first met, Lambert has grown. Not just in height but in character too.

"No, not really."

"Then it's fine. I was just curious since you've been quiet."

"Oh... is that so? It's just a little mental fatigue. Hearing that exchange earlier made me realize I'm not good to be a commander."

He looked at me incredulously.

"Look, a knight is also a commander. You're going to become your father's knight, right?"

"Well, yeah... But there's also the Knight Commander Roland. I think capable people should do it."

For some reason pressing his forehead, Lambert shook his head.

Behaving like Sobal is too much trouble.

I'm satisfied just being a swordsman.