I Was Reborn in Another World, but Hold On – No Parents? Was I Abandoned? - Chapter 23

Chapter 23: The Sixth Squad

Upon reaching the command headquarters, I received instructions to wait in a room separate from the other elite students.

Presumably, because we were assigned to different units.

The room was sterile, furnished with only the essentials—an office table and chairs, a sofa for guests, and a small window. That’s all that adorned this simple space.

Well, it’s to be expected on the battlefield.

“Please, take a seat and wait.”

I was instructed, so I complied, settling into the guest sofa while gazing out of the window.

Knock, knock.

“Enter.”

A voice, belonging to a middle-aged man, reached my ears. I turned my gaze toward the door, and in walked a man exuding a military presence, his face distinctly marked with a large slash running from his forehead to just below his right eye, creating a fierce and intimidating impression.

His expression is truly formidable.

I stood up and approached the office desk, following the positioning I had been taught by Kaito. Apparently, this was the customary arrangement.

The man across from me abruptly shifted his piercing gaze into a warm one.

“Well, you must be Arus… I’ve heard about you! It seems you’re quite exceptional.”

With a friendly tone and soft eyes, the menacing demeanor he had displayed just moments ago felt like a lie..

“Y-Yes! I’m Arus Reynard!”

“I’ve heard you’re Lord Reynard’s protege. Reports suggest that your swordsmanship can match his, your martial arts exceed those of lower-ranking officers, and your magical abilities are recommended for the royal court wizards. Additionally, you’ve delved into tactics, strategies, foreign languages, and imperial studies. Quite impressive.”

Assessing me with an appraising look, he seemingly grasped my combat capabilities with a single glance.

I checked his status.

This individual possesses considerably more power than Father’s close aides, he’s quite formidable.

“Oh, my apologies. I forgot to introduce myself. I’m Dirty Marriott, holding the title of viscount. In the military, I carry the rank of Colonel, and I’ve been assigned as the deputy at the command headquarters this time. Pleasure to meet you, Arus!”

The hand he extended for a handshake was rough, large, and adorned with numerous scars.

You could see the hardships Colonel Marriott had faced throughout his journey.

“Now then, let’s start the assumption of duty ceremony. Sergeant Arus Reynard, you are designated as the leader of the Rear Ambush First Unit, Second Platoon, Sixth Squad. The squad will comprise 30 members, with Sergeant Kaito serving as the vice-commander. After joining with the squad members, await instructions from the headquarters. That’s all.”

I’m the squad leader? That’s unexpected.

At least Kaito is the vice-commander…

It’s somewhat reassuring to have a familiar face.

“Yes, I accept this duty with humility, dedicating my life to it.”

“The assumption of duty ceremony is now concluded, but I have a message from His Excellency, General Keires Reynard.”

“Huh? From my father?”

“Yeah, he said, ‘Prioritize your life and the lives of your comrades.'”

Prioritize life, huh?

Seems like he’s genuinely concerned.

After the meeting, I make my way to the designated location where my squad is reportedly assembled. There, soldiers adorned in their chosen gear were waiting.

Unless you’re an officer, equipment isn’t provided as a rule.

I suppose us officer candidates are getting some special treatment.

“Captain… we’ve been waiting for you.”

Kaito addresses me in an even more respectful tone than before. It appears he already recognizes me as the captain.

Things are going to get challenging from here on.

Even though we’re officer candidates, I’m still just a kid.

A kid who’s now a captain, and they have to entrust their lives to this captain.

I might stir up resentment; even I can sense that.

I survey the members of the assembled squad.

All members are standing at attention, gazing at me.

Some wield swords, others spears, and there are those with axes – a variety of weapons.

Now, what’s the plan?

What should I say?

“Um, I’m Arus Reynard, tasked with leading this squad. I know I’m young, and I get it if you have concerns. However, since I’ve been given the responsibility for this squad, I’m willing to risk my life for its well-being. So, everyone, please cooperate.”

“Yes,” “Sure,” “Got it,” responses came sporadically.

Well, it’s to be expected, right? Not everyone is convinced.

As I contemplate the next steps, a noticeably large man, akin to a giant among the squad members, steps forward.

“I only follow those who prove their strength. Even if you’re a kid, I won’t back down. Have a match with me… If you win, I’ll acknowledge you as the captain.”

Oh, it’s a classic move.

He does look strong, though.

Well, perhaps winning will help earn some trust.

“You! What are you saying? It’s disrespectful to the captain!”

Kaito angrily steps forward.

I place a hand on Kaito’s shoulder, signaling him to step back.

“Please, let it be. Alright, let’s do this.”

“Even though you’re a kid, I won’t hold back in our match. Brace yourself for a few broken bones.”

Confronting the man named Gaizen, details murmured by Kaito unveil him as a hybrid of giant and human races. In past battles, he alone vanquished a remarkable number of foes, yet his refusal to follow superior orders has kept him at the rank of sergeant. Reportedly, his strength exceeds that of a typical sergeant.

Gaizen effortlessly swings a giant axe that matches his stature, challenging me with a confident look.

The first impression is crucial.

Recalling the teachings from imperial studies, I move forward with measured steps, refraining from unsheathing my sword.

“Hey! Are you underestimating me?”

Gaizen glares at me, his forehead veins pulsating.

However, he refrains from assuming a defensive stance.

Who’s underestimating whom?

Wearing a sadistic grin, my shoulders and arms hang loosely as I channel power into my legs. Having trained in various martial arts and mastered Qi Gong, I’ve honed a foolproof technique.

In an instant incomprehensible to Gaizen, I appear in front of his abdomen. Simultaneously, my right arm, previously pulled backward, shoots forward like a bullet. I release the strike at the fastest speed without exerting any force until the moment of impact. As it connects, I concentrate all my muscles at a single point while infusing Qi Gong simultaneously.

With a deafening roar, Gaizen is propelled backward, his eyes widening in shock. The surrounding squad members are stunned, witnessing the colossal Gaizen being forcefully blown away and watching his trajectory.

Gaizen, tossed into the air, creates a cloud of dust as he tumbles and eventually comes to a halt. As he turns to face forward, Arus is no longer there.

A sword, extending from the back of Gaizen’s neck, reflects the sunlight, illuminating his face.

“What!? I-I give up.”

In the moment Arus sent Gaizen soaring, he sprinted with full force. At a speed unnoticed by anyone, he positioned himself directly behind Gaizen when he came to a stop.

“Oooooh!!!”

Cheers erupted from the squad members.

“That’s incredible! Gaizen, the one who caused chaos in the last battle and was known as a tyrant? And he got tossed around like that!? Unbelievable!”

“So powerful.”

“Is he genuinely a kid!? Maybe he’s a seasoned expert pretending to be young or something.”

“Rather than just strong, he’s unbelievably fast!”

It appears I succeeded in making an impact.

Now, if they adhere to instructions, that would be fantastic.

I extend my hand to Gaizen, who is on the ground, effortlessly helping him up.

“You’re the most powerful captain I’ve encountered. I put my life in your hands.”

Gaizen declares, kneeling before me.

He appears to have a straightforward personality, for better or worse.

“Ca-Captain. I heard the rumors, but you’re incredibly strong.”

Kaito approaches, but his expression seems slightly strained.

“Rumors?”

I inquired of Kaito, who scratched his head and began to explain.

“When I was appointed as the vice-captain of this squad, the colonel briefed me. The captain this time is the eldest son of Count Keires Reynard, the War Demon General. He’s already at the top level in swordsmanship and martial arts, matching an officer’s standard. His magical skills are at the military’s mage level, and he’s a scholar who secured the first rank among new students at the Royal Officer Academy.”

“Count Reynard, the War Demon…”

“Not only in swordsmanship but also in martial arts and magic…”

“First in the Royal Officer Academy…”

The squad members reacted quicker than I did.

With all that, somehow, I managed to be accepted as the captain.

My squad consists of the vice-captain, Sergeant Kaito, and four sergeants, five corporals, five privates first class, five privates second class, and nine privates third class, including Gaizen, totaling 30 members.

Kaito is experienced and knowledgeable in geography, making him a valuable vice-captain.

The four sergeants include Gaizen, a half-giant wielding a massive axe; the youngest boy, El, who controls a special magical medium called a magic gun; the skilled and friendly giant sword wielder, Leonardo; and the quiet spear user, Joseph.

The other squad members, although lacking the experience to be called a seasoned team, seem like friendly individuals, even if a bit rough around the edges.

“So, what’s the plan from now on, Captain?”

As I gather Kaito and the sergeants for the first squad meeting, Gaizen quickly speaks up.

“Well, honestly, I’m a bit uncertain. I’ve heard that the Rear Ambush Unit typically engages when the front lines are in significant turmoil. Essentially, there might not be a lot for us to do at the moment.”

“But given the current state of the war, it doesn’t appear to be in our favor. There’s a good possibility we might get assigned a mission.”

Kaito voices his concern.

“Huh? Is the current situation bad?”

The youngest sergeant, El, directs his gaze at Kaito.

“It appears the demon forces are advancing more rapidly than anticipated, and their level of training is impressive. Additionally, it seems each squad is comprised of highly skilled individuals.”

Kaito elaborates for El. Listening to this, I am once again reminded of the formidable strength possessed by the demon forces.

“We can’t draw definitive conclusions until we engage them in battle, but they seem to be formidable adversaries. Let’s proceed with caution.”

I nod and, glancing at everyone, I reinforce my determination.

“Um, Captain… is it just me, or does using formal language feel a bit off?”

Leonardo brings it up, and I pause. The others seem to share the sentiment.

“Indeed, in the military, rank is determined by ability and achievements rather than age. Moreover, from an organizational standpoint, having the highest-ranked officer, the captain, use formal language might not be suitable for the military structure.”

Kaito explains.

Upon hearing this from Kaito, I comprehend. Despite learning this in imperial studies, the notable age difference caused me to overlook it. However, if it’s a part of the military structure, I must adapt.

“You’re right… understood! I’ll drop the formal language then.”

Everyone nods in agreement.

And then, for two weeks, without any instructions, we continued to wait.

But on that day, finally, the Sixth Squad was given a mission.

No one at that moment could have known that the mission would be so intense and arduous.