I Was Reborn in Another World, but Hold On – No Parents? Was I Abandoned? - Chapter 22

Chapter 22 – The Onset of War

The war with the Demon Kingdom had begun.

It was an event that deeply concerned us, the students of the Royal Officer Academy.

Particularly for those of us on scholarships…

“Given the circumstances of this war, you, first-year scholarship students, will also be deployed. However, even if recognized as military personnel, as students, we cannot force you. Is there anyone wishing to decline?”

The scholarship students, called upon by the principal, bore stern expressions.

They hadn’t even undergone practical training, and the basic military training had yet to begin. Frankly, there was a unanimous sense of unease about what contributions they could make.

Yet, at this moment, no one opted to decline.

“I see, I see! The first-year students this year are truly brave! However, being brave and rushing to your death are synonymous. Do not be reckless…”

“Now, I will convey the orders provided by Count Reistov, the commanding officer.”

Among the first-year scholarship students, excluding the representative of the new students, four students were promoted to the rank of sergeant. These four were instructed to join the supply unit of the rear support team.

The representative of the new students, Arus Reynard, was awarded the rank of sergeant, taking into account his theoretical knowledge, combat potential, and demonstrated capabilities in documents. He was directed to join the rear ambush unit.

I, alone, held a higher rank and received placement in the ambush unit.

“Arus, no need to be overly formal. Even though it’s an ambush unit, it’s stationed in the rear. Jobs won’t come your way easily.”

With that, the conversation concluded, and we departed from the principal’s office.

“Arus, one rank higher, huh! Well, it’s understandable; you’re truly impressive.”

I felt a slight sense of relief at Mira’s customary high spirits.

I had encountered monsters before, but this was war. Despite my confidence in my abilities, an uneasy feeling lingered.

“No chance, I would’ve chosen ambush over support! Damn it, someone else will snatch all the glory.”

Leo appeared to be his typical self.

“But, I can’t imagine what war is like at all. Is it really going to be okay?”

“Why are you being so timid? It’s not like you at all! You’ll be fine! Even if the enemy reaches the rear, you’re strong, right?”

“That’s right! You’re my rival! You’re undoubtedly strong! Why are you worrying?”

While Leo typically dismissed such compliments, this time, something felt different, and an unsettling feeling persisted.

What about the other two scholarship students?

Suddenly, I glanced at the two scholarship students walking beside me for the first time.

One was a petite boy with mushroom-like white hair and sharp eyes.

The other was a short-haired girl with black hair and cat-like eyes.

Both walked toward the dormitory without altering their expressions at all.

Is this normal?

We’re heading to war, correct?

Aren’t the demons strong?

An army of tens of thousands, isn’t it?

Am I the odd one here?

The questions seemed endless once I began pondering them.

I returned to my room and wrote a letter to my mother and Mel.

I sprinkled in some interesting stories from school recently, trying not to make it sound too dark. However, I didn’t forget to mention that I would be going to war as a soldier.

Mom and Mel would undoubtedly worry.

Especially Mel—might she cry?

But well, I have no choice but to go.

Besides, Dad is probably on the front lines by now.

Even in the rear, there must be something I can do.

Alright, let’s give it our all.

A few days later, clad in the equipment supplied by the military, I boarded a carriage that came to pick us up at the dormitory, heading towards the battlefield.

The occupants of the carriage were me, Maria, Mira, Leo, the white-haired boy, the black-haired girl, and the soldier who came to pick us up—seven in total.

“We’re heading to the command headquarters in the rear. There, you’ll undergo an induction ceremony, and after that, you’ll be assigned to your respective units.”

The soldier held the rank of sergeant.

Among the experienced soldiers who had advanced through the ranks from the front lines, Sergeant Kaito was notably skilled.

However, despite our ranks, Sergeant Kaito, clearly in his mid-20s, showed respect to us, who were still essentially children.

Age appears to hold little significance in the military.

“Never thought I’d be going into my first battle at this age!”

“Yeah, no joke. I had hoped to lead a peaceful life, working at the military headquarters for a while… but plans took an unexpected turn.”

As I listened to Leo and Mira’s conversation, I closed my eyes and contemplated the future.

The strength of the demon race is said to be several times to several tens of times that of the human race.

This strength doesn’t just refer to simple martial combat abilities. It also involves a significantly larger amount of magical power and exceptional magical aptitude.

Especially the Demon King and his family, along with their close associates, are rumored to possess extraordinary power and talent, even among the demon race.

In essence, a single demon is equivalent to the strength of several or even dozens of individuals.

Considering it, in this war, the 500,000 troops deployed by the Demon Kingdom are equivalent to several million troops.

On the other hand, the countries of the Southern Continent, including the Rosen Kingdom, are not forging alliances as they did in previous wars.

The troops participating in this war from various countries are as follows:

Rosen Kingdom’s Army: 300,000
Tyrian Empire’s Army: 500,000
Mariana Principality’s Army: 200,000
Various other countries totaling 800,000

A grand total of 1.8 million troops.

In a typical war, such numbers wouldn’t be anticipated, but I couldn’t shake the belief that this figure wasn’t excessive in this particular situation.

Can we really win?

It seems only the gods know that…