Lord of Training - Chapter 51



Only Krnovel

51. The right to life and death.

51. The right to life and death.

“It will take quite a while to go to the southern continent and back, right?”

Harry thought for a moment at my question.

“Hmm! It will be difficult to depart from Rondos. The southwestern waters are controlled by the Lacrosse Empire Navy. In that case, we will have to depart from Barstow Port and go around the southern islands, which will take a month and a half just to get there.”

“Is it a full month?”

Harry said that there were many islands in the southern part of the eastern continent, so it would take a considerable amount of detour to get to the southern continent.

So, that meant it would take three months just to go back and forth on a ship.

Thinking positively, it seemed like a great opportunity for flight training.

“But has there ever been an overseas expedition like this before?”

“No. There were none at all. Who would send their children to a dangerous place? That means Atlan is short on noble officers. There are already more commoners than nobles among the field-level officers. If this continues, there will be more commoners among the generals, so the nobles have finally come to their senses.”

Perhaps because the Grand Duke was a member of the royal family, he seemed reluctant to have more commoner officers.

If the commoners take control of the military, the power of the royal family and nobles will diminish, so they will worry about their own rice bowls.

But the strong current of change cannot be stopped.

Because the awakening of the spirit does not discriminate between social statuses.

Eventually, a new noble class will be born, like the Hunters of Earth.

“By the way, I’m worried about you.”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s called escorting. It’s a mission no different from being a nanny.”

“A nanny?”

Archduke Harry narrowed his brows and looked at me with pity.

“Most of them have lived their entire lives enjoying the upper class in the center. There must be quite a few scoundrels, so you’ll have a hard time.”

“Your Highness, aren’t you going with me?”

“If I go into the D-class labyrinth gate, what will I gain? I should yield to the juniors of the kingdom.”

“ah!”

I let out a gasp without realizing it.

It seemed like this would be a tough road ahead.

Somehow, I had a feeling that if I just accepted the escort mission, I would end up just cleaning up kids’ poop.

Something had to be done.

Rattling!

At that moment, the door to the Privy Council conference room opened.

And then people came out.

It seemed like all the high and mighty people of Atlan were here, including Minister of the Interior Giles, the headmaster of the Waport Military Academy, the Duke of Trede of the Rondos Noble Union, the Marquis Bertio, the chairman of the Lords’ Council, and even the active noble generals.

“Lieutenant Colonel Alain Bombard, come in.”

“yes!”

When he called me from inside, Archduke Harry tapped me on the shoulder.

“Do your best.”

Archduke Harry seemed to be smiling for some reason.

Is my situation good right now?

I went into the conference room.

Inside, Privy Councillor Regis and Commander Buxley were waiting.

“Sit like that.”

“thank you.”

As soon as he sat down, Privy Councilor Regis got to the point.

“Your aerial magic battalion must go to the labyrinth gate that is being created on the southern continent.”

The Privy Councillor said to me exactly what Prince Harry Russell had said to me.

There could be no refusal.

A soldier lives by orders and dies by orders.

Because next to him was Commander Buxley, my direct superior’s superior’s superior’s superior.

“The Alain Battalion also has experience in the Labyrinth Gate. They will do better than anyone else.”

Commander Buxley drove the wedge in.

With this, the mission is confirmed.

So, I had to create an environment where I could move as comfortably as possible.

“I will awaken as many noble children as possible who will lead the future of Atlan. And I will bring them all back safely.”

“I like your proactive attitude. I will trust you.”

“I will do my best to live up to your trust.”

Privy Councillor Regis looked at me with a pleased expression.

“I have one question.”

“Okay, tell me.”

“Who is the commander-in-chief of the expedition?”

“Commander in Chief?”

“yes.”

“Of course, you, as the person in charge of the escort, are the commander in chief.”

“I’m sorry, but could you please put this in writing?”

“In writing?”

Privy Councillor Regis tilted his head.

“Is there really a need for that? Your rank is the highest.”

“There is no other meaning. I will just keep it as a precaution. And as you know, there are many children of high-ranking officials, and the expedition period is very long, so I don’t think I will be able to properly control it. So, according to the wartime law, I would like you to give the expedition members the status of trainees until the expedition ends.”

“A trainee?”

“Yes. The mission is to clear the Labyrinth Gate, and it will only remain until the mission is completed and you return home. It will be difficult to control, but won’t you follow my instructions a little?”

Privy Councillor Regis thought for a moment, then nodded.

“Well, I’ll be away from home for at least 4 or 5 months, so there might be some commotion. Okay. I’ll document both of you.”

“thank you!”

Phew! Luckily I got one.

It was out of the question for me to make those scoundrels obey orders based on their status or rank.

Such people must be dealt with by law and force.

“And please support one supply officer who has awakened the spatial technique.”

“I see what you mean. Since the voyage and expedition will be long, you plan on taking a lot of supplies, right?”

“you’re right.”

The Privy Councillor said with a smile.

“Don’t worry about that. The youngest daughter of Marquis Bertio awakened her spatial magic a while ago, so I added her to the list.”

“Oh, I see.”

“Of course, I will take responsibility for the supplies you need and provide them in abundance.”

“thank you.”

This one’s a little twisted.

If I monopolize the materials, it becomes easier to control them.

But there is a way to do everything.

Because I have Sergeant Duncan who can copy subspace spells.

My goal for this expedition is.

Obtaining Dimensional Cores or Dimensional Core Fragments!

If there is some elven heritage there, even better.

And as we clear the labyrinth gate, we awaken two or three spells for me and my crew.

If anyone interferes with that, I will not forgive them!

***

[Londos Station]

“There you are.”

“Captain Alain!”

The 2nd Corps Airborne Division members came out to the waiting room.

“insect!”

“Everyone worked hard.”

It’s only been three weeks since I last saw them, and half of their faces were gone.

The battle with the dimensional monster must have been tough.

Still, it was fortunate that everyone was safe.

“Lieutenant Phelps, what’s the situation with the dimensional gate?”

“The orcs are chopping down huge trees to build a defensive wall, the outer line is blocked by war orcs, and the Havelock artillery provides support fire from the inside, slowly expanding the fortress.”

“How long do you think it will take to build a base?”

“I think it will take another two or three months.”

“It’s not easy.”

However, when the orcs and humans joined forces, entry into the dimensional gate was faster than expected.

Once the stronghold fortress is completed, it will be easier than before to gradually expand our territory.

“Have the members awakened their flight techniques?”

Sergeant Curtis looked dumbfounded at my question.

“I’m sorry, not a single one of you made it.”

Seven people still haven’t awakened their flying skills.

This wasn’t something that could be done by force.

You’ve been working hard, so it’s done.

But I couldn’t help feeling regretful.

“Let’s move first.”

He took his men to Archduke Harry’s mansion.

***

“No, is my house like some kind of inn?”

Archduke Harry Russell’s eyes widened as he looked at the men outside the window.

“They are all members of the battalion who will later become Lieutenant Audrey’s family.”

“what?”

“And only seven of us will remain, the rest will depart for the port of Barstow tomorrow.”

“Then you’re going to leave the seven here?”

“Yes, I have permission from Commander Buxley. Your Highness, please make them into aerial magic knights.”

“what?”

Duke Haerae made a dumbfounded expression.

At first, I thought about taking them to the Labyrinth Gate, but since they had not awakened the flying technique, their ability to deal with sudden danger was low, and they could not move with the other members, so I decided to leave them here.

“All seven of them have awakened at least two types of magic. I have trained them using various methods, but they have not awakened the flying magic. I brought them here because I thought that Archduke Harry, the greatest flying magic knight in Atlan, might have a way.”

“Even if you praise me like that, it won’t give me a way to awaken the flying technique.”

“But since you have a lot of experience as an aviation magician, wouldn’t you be better than me?”

Archduke Harry Russell seemed to think for a moment, then nodded slightly.

“Well, there are a few methods that come to mind right now, but do you think your men can handle it······?”

“Don’t worry about that. They’re all trained hard. You can just roll with them.”

“Then let’s give it a try. In return, what will you do for me if I awaken even one of your subordinates? There is no such thing as a free lunch in this world.”

“You probably have a lot of gold coins, so I’m sure you won’t be impressed, but I’ll give you a rare item that Your Majesty has never seen before.”

“A rare item?”

“I swear on my name, you will be satisfied.”

“Okay! Then I’ll do my best too.”

Archduke Harry raised a corner of his mouth as he looked at the seven members.

I somehow had a feeling that he would push me harder than I did.

‘I’m sorry. This is all for your sake.’

If even one out of seven people awakened, it would be a great gain for the battalion.

***

[Barstow Port]

The southernmost part of the Atlan Kingdom.

The Vastow Territory was formerly part of the Kingdom of Nubua, but was annexed by the Kingdom of Atlan during the Vastow War about 20 years ago.

This land was geographically important, as the eastern part of the Atlantic kingdom was blocked by a large mountain range, and there was no large port leading to the eastern sea.

Therefore, if Atlan’s warships or merchant ships wanted to go to other countries, they had to pass through the “Kiling Strait” in the southwest of the continent.

The problem was that the Kirin Strait was controlled by the Lacrosse Empire, and to pass through it, you had to come under concentrated fire from the huge cannons on the coast.

But since Atlan secured this port of Vastow, they could go out to the open sea even if it wasn’t through the Kirin Strait.

Of course, it was possible to go back farther north into the sea, but that area was often covered with drift ice, making it difficult to navigate unless you were using an ironclad or a warship with a steel hull.

Early morning.

[Sirius Medium Trade Ship]

“Damn it! You want me to go on this dirty boat?”

“What? This isn’t a passenger ship!”

The little guys are complaining even before they get on the boat.

It was a bit small for high-ranking officials to ride.

It’s not a warship, nor is it a large merchant ship.

“Come on! We won’t be continuing on this ship. We’ll be transferring to a better ship soon, so please come on board first.”

Let’s take it slow for now.

Until the ship leaves territorial waters, these are children of high nobility.

“Look here. Lieutenant Colonel Alain.”

Baron Ken Kaplan called me.

“What’s going on?”

“When do you eat breakfast?”

“We’ll set sail and get things ready right away.”

“I had a drink last night and now I’m craving beef stew.”

“Yes. I will prepare.”

Baron Ken Kaplan headed to the players with his followers.

Do you know we’re going on a picnic now?

Actually, that guy is the biggest problem.

Because he was the eldest son of Home Secretary Giles Kaplan and even had the title of Baron.

Moreover, he had wealth and was already thirty years old, so he treated not only the men in his company but also me, the person in charge of the escort, with contempt.

You are a special case.

“Raise the anchor!”

“Raise the anchor!”

Rrrrrrr!

thud!

Large wheel-shaped webbed wheels on either side of the ship began to turn.

The Sirius slowly left the harbor.

and.

“Unfurl the topsail!”

“Unfurl the topsail!”

Bang! Papang!

Three sails were spread.

The Sirius Turbine Ship had three masts and nine sails.

Since economy was more important than speed for merchant ships, it was not yet efficient to sail against the enemy using only the power of horsepower turbines.

That’s why sails were still used to navigate the vast ocean.

Not using the Atlan warship was advertising that we were going to find the Labyrinth Gate.

And also deceive the eyes of spies from each country in the Kingdom of Atlan.

Not long after setting sail, some people went to sleep in their cabins, saying they had drunk too much the night before, while others sat in the bow and had a drinking party. There were also young ladies enjoying tea and coffee.

Perhaps the youngest daughter of the Marquis, who has the subspace warehouse, has prepared everything.

In a word, it was a total mess.

“Major Herok, are we there yet?”

“Just ten more minutes and we’ll be out of territorial waters.”

The captain of the merchant ship was now a naval lieutenant commander, and the crew members were all naval personnel.

These are soldiers who, like me, were specially drafted for the Labyrinth Gate mission and had extensive experience in naval battles and large-scale voyages.

The Privy Councilor’s meticulousness was evident.

Finally, we left territorial waters.

I ordered Captain Herok to stop the ship.

“Lieutenant Phelps, get all trainees up on deck!”

“Yes, Commander!”

Phelps and his men ran at full speed.

In less than five minutes, all 40 people were on deck.

“Why have you gathered us here?”

“Did any pirates show up?”

“I don’t know! What the hell! I was sleeping, and they dragged me out!”

Your Majesty’s children were very dissatisfied.

I stood before them.

“Attention! From now on, you are conscripted as trainees for the 2nd Legion Airborne Magic Battalion according to the wartime laws of the Atlan Kingdom!”

“What? Lieutenant Colonel Alain! What are you talking about?”

Baron Ken Kaplan shouted at me.

I unfolded two pieces of paper.

“Here is a document signed by Privy Councilor Regis and Commander of the First Field Army, Buxley. Any trainees who need to check it, please come and see it.”

Most of the trainees looked dumbfounded, while Baron Ken and several noble children carefully read the document I was holding.

“This is ridiculous! I’m a trainee!”

“You’re crazy!”

“Turn the boat around! I’m going back.”

As expected, the backlash was very strong.

When I nodded.

Clank! Clank!

Phelps and his men aimed their rifles.

“From now on, anyone who makes a fuss will be summarily punished for disobeying orders.”

“Instant, what?”

“What is he saying now?”

bang!

Phelps fired a shot into the air.

The trainees suddenly became quiet at the sound of gunfire.

“Is there still an idiot who doesn’t understand? This means that I now hold the power of life and death over you!”

Baron Ken Kaplan swallowed and raised his hand.

As I nodded, Ken said,

“Why on earth are you doing this to us?”

“Why? Didn’t you come here to enter the Labyrinth Gate and awaken the spell? This Labyrinth Gate clearing mission is a military operation. Therefore, it is under military control. However, those trainees who absolutely cannot accept this situation and want to turn back, stand on the port side, and those trainees who want to go to the Labyrinth Gate with us to awaken the spell, stand on the starboard side!”

The trainees began to look at each other.

And then it was amicably divided in half.

One side was made up of those who still had the will to awaken the spell, while the other side was made up of those who had no intention of doing so at all.

“Good! Then you go back to Barstow Port!”

Ken and the trainees on the left breathed a sigh of relief.

“What are you doing? Aren’t you going back quickly?”

“Isn’t there a ship for us to take?”

“What about the boat? Throw those guys into the sea!”

“yes!”

Phelps and his men threw the trainees on the left side into the sea.

If you drink a lot of water, you will understand.

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