I saw it with my own eyes, and I couldn’t believe it was real. Even pinching my hand didn’t change anything.
“I was surprised too. It’s scary but also awe-inspiring to think that something like this can fly.”
Debra Bennett turned her head, looking moved.
“Why is this here? They said it’s Okhraine’s new weapon.”
“It was a highly classified project known by very few in the military. The only department in the Central Education and Technology Research Bureau that wasn’t replaced was the weapons research division. Turns out they were developing something incredible.”
This was something I had never heard before.
The first country to develop airships was not the Okhraine Duchy but the Rhinehardt Empire. At the start of the war, Rhinehardt’s airships covered the skies, becoming a symbol of their overwhelming technological power.
But why would an airship that hadn’t been fully developed yet be here?
“Oh, Captain of the First Platoon! You’re here!”
While I was distracted by the floating airship, Sony Chepelin ran over.
“What do you think?”
“Think about what? Where did this come from?”
“Haha, starting with that question? Of course, a lieutenant thinks differently. Come inside first. Everyone will be happy.”
The major clapped and led the soldiers inside. We were taken to a special tent, feeling dazed.
It didn’t take long for cheers to erupt as the soldiers gathered around the outdoor tables filled with delicious food.
“You all worked hard! Take your time and enjoy!”
The soldiers, who had been surviving on rabbit meat and yam for days, immediately salivated at the sight of steaming meat.
“…Enjoy your meal as the battalion commander instructed.”
“Thank you, Captain!”
In no time, the soldiers had their gear off and started devouring the food.
“Eat slowly, eat slowly! Don’t forget to look up at the airship floating above. I’ve got everything covered!”
Of course, this wasn’t just for our platoon. When the second and third platoons arrived, they were equally stunned.
Within moments, a hundred hungry soldiers were devouring the food. All we could do was watch, as we hadn’t eaten properly either.
“Lumina, your stomach must be quiet today.”
“Ugh… Captain, don’t tease me!”
“Bella, looks like the lieutenant is really hooked on this.”
“Bella, Sergeant, stop it!”
As I joked around, Erwin Ruth, who was watching the frenzy, clicked his tongue.
“Captain? Are we not allowed to eat…?”
“Don’t worry. Just wait a moment.”
I answered Erwin, who seemed to be in pain, while observing the battalion commander assessing the last arrivals.
“As we have accounted for all personnel, let’s gather in the large tent over there.”
Inside the tent, a luxurious meal awaited us, just like outside.
“Everyone, please sit according to your platoon.”
The center of the ‘D’ shaped table was reserved for the chief of staff and Sony Chepelin. One seat remained empty, but its purpose was unclear.
Once everyone was seated:
“Now, raise your glasses.”
Sony Chepelin raised her glass filled with wine.
“To the successful completion of the first training session of the 8th Mage Infantry Battalion! Cheers!”
“Cheers!”
Despite being exhausted just hours ago, people cheered and glasses clinked everywhere.
I clinked my glass with those next to me, Claude and Lumina, and took a sip of wine.
With the wine, warmth spread through my body after feeling so sluggish.
From then on, the party truly began.
Erwin Ruth, who had been waiting for this moment, tore apart a chicken leg. Hilton Callia, who had been under pressure, now eagerly filled his plate.
Even Roxanna, who claimed to be fasting, was eating meat she wouldn’t normally touch.
It was clear how grueling the mountain training had been. Though I had experienced it once, it still felt tough.
“If I hadn’t exercised regularly with the sergeant beforehand, I would have given up long ago.”
This was the fruit of half a year’s hard work. My body, which used to be weak, now had some lean muscle.
“Do you not want to eat, Captain?”
“Of course, you should eat first, Lumina.”
After all, one should eat before enjoying the scenery.
There were many questions I wanted to ask Sony Chepelin and was surprised by Debra Bennett’s sudden appearance, but…
It was better to fill our bellies first.
*
“Ahh, that was a good meal.”
“Yes, we ate so fast…”
“How was your meal, Captain?”
“Not bad.”
I looked at my full belly. Once I started eating, I couldn’t stop.
“Alright, since everyone seems to be done, let’s start the discussion.”
“First, let’s go over the casualty report.”
Without delay, Lieutenant Joseph pulled out an evaluation form from his pocket. He detailed every point he had recorded over 72 hours, showing his role as chief of staff.
“First Platoon: No casualties. Score: 10. First place. Second Platoon: Injuries: 3, Escort: 2. Score: 7. Second place. Third Platoon: Injuries: 5. Score: 6. Third place.”
“Cough, cough! Cough!”
The ruthless report made Lieutenant Nikolai Hilbert of the Second Platoon cough violently.
His adjutant hurriedly patted his back, and Sony Chepelin added with a smile:
“While the First Platoon did exceptionally well, the other two platoons weren’t bad either. You know that, right?”
“Yes, we understand.”
Although Deputy Lieutenant Luna Aire seemed to agree, she still looked displeased.
‘She’s more competitive than she looks.’
I had met the other platoon commanders before the training.
Lieutenant Nikolai Hilbert and Lieutenant Luna Aire.
They were both decent people, and their capabilities as officers were solid.
Feeling this kind of disappointment was actually a positive sign.
“Therefore, during the remaining training schedule, the platoon formation will remain unchanged.”
“Regardless, it’s significant that no serious injuries occurred even in the first training.”
“Yes, sir!”
The major’s words were indeed impressive, considering the troops were dropped into the mountains without any prior connection.
I might have had casualties if I lacked training experience or if my platoon commanders were unprepared.
“But when you say the remaining training schedule, does that mean the mountain training isn’t the entirety of the training?”
One of the Second Platoon’s commanders raised his hand, seemingly anticipating the question. The major smiled.
“Correct. Before we get to the main point, let’s start with a question. Does anyone know what that thing outside is?”
The tent was silent. I hesitated to raise my hand, deciding to observe first.
The official public unveiling of the airship was at least two years away. If I revealed knowing about it now, it could attract unnecessary attention.
However, Sony Chepelin’s gaze naturally landed on me.
“Captain of the First Platoon.”
“Captain, Enok Revendale!”
“Even the captain doesn’t know?”
It felt like he expected everyone to know.
What should I do now?
After a moment of hesitation, I had to answer.
“I’m not sure, but judging from its shape, I think it’s a vehicle that uses the force of air inside to float.”
“Ah, that’s quite close to the correct answer.”
At that moment, a middle-aged man entered the tent.
He wore civilian clothes instead of military uniform. His neatly combed gray hair gave him a business-like appearance.
I easily recognized him.
Count Petrinant Ludwig, the predecessor of the Rhinehardt Empire Air Force and one of the strongest heroes during the early stages of the war.
Later, he received recognition and was given the rank of general instead of his title as a count.
“That’s right. This is a new concept vehicle I developed called ‘Aeroform.’ The officers here correctly identified its principle.”
Count Petrinant removed his hat politely and greeted me. I nodded lightly in return, and he continued explaining.
“It uses steel as the base and fills the interior with gas bags…”
I already knew the principles of the airship. Having lived in a rocket-launching era on Mars, the mechanics of airships were old news to me.
Yet, this only deepened my confusion.
Why would Count Petrinant of the Rhinehardt Empire be here?
Though he wasn’t yet a soldier of the Rhinehardt Empire, he would soon become the empire’s first air force commander, leading the empire’s forces to invade Okhraine almost simultaneously with the war’s outbreak.
No matter how much time remained until the war, I couldn’t understand why Count Petrinant was here in Okhraine.
“Then, did you personally develop the weapon outside?”
Lieutenant Nikolai Hilbert naturally resolved the doubt with his question.
“Yes, I designed the principle and layout, but the application ideas came from Major Sony Chepelin.”
“What do you mean by application?”
Count Petrinant turned to Major Chepelin and nodded, then pulled out a small crystal orb.
“It involves integrating special magic into the airship to weaponize it.”
Ah, so Major Chepelin was involved in the weaponization process as well?
I looked at her, excited, thinking:
‘How could this crazy mage not be involved anywhere?’
