Kwaaaaang!! Kwang!!
Colonel Viktor Zelensky watched even as his eardrums were struck by the sound. He had seen countless spells cast while pinning three chrysanthemums on his shoulder. Judging from the structure of the spell and the total amount of mana, he could roughly tell what kind of magic it was.
“Just right for an intermediate-level spell.”
While the firepower was certainly higher than that shown by other platoons, it wasn’t due to the level of the magic itself but rather due to forcefully injecting mana to deploy it. Although the firepower might be high momentarily, the sustainability was significantly lower.
“Even so, given that we were assigned a major magical battle scenario, it feels like they’re trying to show the strongest firepower possible.”
Though the performance lacked substance, it wasn’t something Colonel Viktor Zelensky would particularly praise. Just as he was about to deduct points from the platoon’s tactics for failing to break away from mere appearances, a sound echoed.
Kwaaang! Psssh–
When he saw the piercing magic Blaze Ballista launched by Lumina, Colonel Viktor’s eyes widened.
Not only did this intermediate-level spell boast tremendous piercing power, but when combined with its firepower, it seemed capable of effortlessly breaking through even a high-level defensive barrier. This wasn’t a performance technique but a genuine spell meant to penetrate the barrier.
However.
From behind the cascading flames, a strange mana was spewed out from the magical barrier that was flickering faintly.
A defensive spell? No.
It was a weak yet definite offensive spell, perhaps a Magic Missile.
“Using a separate spell while deploying a magical barrier? Such talent shouldn’t be in such a remote area…”
Not all mages are created equal. Even if they aren’t an extraordinary mage, simultaneously casting two spells, especially ones with opposing properties like attack and defense, is extremely difficult.
Even Colonel Viktor Zelensky himself could only perform dual casting under limited conditions.
At this moment, curiosity rekindled in Colonel Viktor’s eyes, which had been indifferent until now.
“Fire Rain.”
Another wave of flames shot up into the air after Blaze Ballista. A large-scale intermediate-level spell known for raining arrows of fire over a wide range.
Only then did Colonel Viktor Zelensky realize that his prediction had been completely off.
Not a dual casting.
“The principle is to implant a separate magic circle in the gap of the magical barrier and activate it remotely!”
Such a brilliant idea coming from merely a field battalion’s platoon leader was incredibly impressive. The new form of magical barrier was enough to catch Colonel Viktor’s attention, but his astonishment turned to awe when he realized the reason for adding a magic circle atop the barrier.
‘Defending magic with magic?’
He hadn’t thought about it before, but seeing the theory unfold right before his eyes was a first. This was enough to conclude the evaluation.
“Stop! Commander of the Third Platoon, halt the evaluation!”
“Yes, sir!”
Upon hearing the evaluator’s instruction, Captain Arrendt Schultz urgently approached Lumia and Claude to stop their offensive spells.
As the dust rose by the entire clearing settled, the sturdy magical barrier appeared. Though damaged by shocks in many places, the spell itself hadn’t suffered destruction-level damage.
Consequently, the dummy set up as a target had only a slight dust coating, showing no direct impact from the magic.
The barrier had effectively blocked the intermediate-level offensive spells, including Blaze Ballista.
“Now that I look closer, the density of the mana constituting the spell is unusual. It was designed to maintain a 45-degree angle.”
This was an intriguing magical barrier. As an army mage unit hadn’t tried such experimental attempts before, Colonel Viktor Zelensky nodded and scribbled a number on the evaluation sheet.
Fifth Platoon, 10 points.
A perfect score.
“Commander of the Fifth Platoon.”
“Captain Enok Revendale!”
Colonel Viktor asked, which his satisfied expression confirmed.
“As rumored. You’ve stood out in various aspects, and it’s not an exaggeration. I’m Colonel Viktor Zelensky.”
“It’s an honor to meet you, Mage Staff Officer.”
I firmly shook his hand and replied with a clear voice. The operation seemed to have succeeded.
“Did you really come up with and create everything by yourself?”
Now, it all came down to how I would respond. I looked directly at Colonel Viktor and continued.
“That’s not true. For the sloping barrier maintained at a 45-degree angle, I provided the idea. However, the Dispel-Defense magic could only be achieved with the perfect design by Deputy Commander Debra Bennett and the support of Commander Arrendt Schultz.”
“Dispel-Defense magic, huh…”
“It involves deploying a separate magic circle on the upper part of the barrier, where the mana density is relatively low, to reduce the power of enemy attacks using a non-elemental magic.”
Colonel Viktor Zelensky turned his head to look at Roxanna, who was deactivating the magical barrier.
“So, you provided the idea, Commander Enok, designed it, Commander Debra Bennett, supported it, Commander Arrendt Schultz, and Lieutenant Roxanna Elrim operated it?”
“That’s correct.”
The evaluator smiled faintly and looked back. There stood the commander of the Third Platoon, looking bewildered.
“The commander seems to have a very close relationship with the commander of the Fifth Platoon. Your trust is solid.”
“Ah… Thank you.”
“The era of seniors taking credit is over. True leaders recognize and support capable juniors. I’m pleased with your attitude.”
Although unintended, this made Captain Arrendt Schultz appear to have scored some points with Colonel Viktor.
I secretly gave the commander a thumbs-up. If I help the commander score points now, they’ll take better care of my squad members later.
“For now, let’s end the evaluation here. The total score for the Second Company, Third Battalion, is seven points. It’s the highest among recent evaluations, so you can be proud.”
If seven points is the highest, how badly must the other battalions’ companies have fared? It felt like I could hear the cries of other battalion commanders mercilessly graded.
Captain Arrendt Schultz didn’t seem to refuse the meal being served, so he relaxed his expression and proudly responded.
“Thank you!!”
“Thank you for all the hard work preparing, Commander.”
“Thank you, too, to the battalion commander!”
Thus, the evaluation ended with everyone appearing happy and harmonious, barely scraping by a decent score.
“But wait! I have one too! Ah!? Gyaah!!”
Just now, it seemed like she had rushed over after completing some work, and Deputy Commander Debra Bennett, her face covered in soot, fell from the sky.
“I apologize…”
Deputy Commander Debra Bennett bowed her head as if she would bury her face in the ground.
She had nearly crashed into the ground after trying to fly up into the sky. If Bella Meyer hadn’t timely used the Featherfoot spell, she might have broken her neck in a terrible accident.
“I’m sorry! Really, I’m sorry!!”
“Commander Enok has spoken highly of you. I understand you were in a rush, but there was no need to do it like that.”
Major Lockhart scolded her with a clucking sound, and Debra Bennett’s eyes widened.
“Is that so?”
“Deputy Commander Debra, surely you don’t doubt me?”
“No… That’s not it… I might have forgotten…”
Debra scratched her cheek, embarrassed.
Her attitude was completely unacceptable for a military officer, but Colonel Viktor Zelensky found her reaction amusing.
“There are quite a few peculiar people in the battalion, huh?”
“Haha, it just turned out this way. But everyone does their job well, so it’s actually enjoyable.”
“That’s true. You’re blessed.”
Colonel Viktor laughed heartily, and Major Lockhart joined in, but the junior officers remained stiff and awkward.
“This time, I’m moving from my position as the battalion’s mage staff officer. I’d love to work with young and fun friends like you.”
“Do you have a specific assignment?”
“I’m moving to the position of Director of the Magical Research Department at the newly reorganized Central Education Technology Research Bureau.”
Central Education Technology Research Bureau.
Officially, it existed to research and develop Ukranian military doctrine and technology, but it was treated like a ghost department, seemingly only for show.
Despite the existence of the Technology Research Bureau, all weapons and equipment supplied to the military were imported. How could Ukranian forces manufacture their own weapons without even researching or improving existing equipment?
Moreover, the military magical spells and doctrines were merely touched up from the old times when Ukrania was still a duchy.
In reality, the bureau was practically meaningless from a military standpoint.
Given this, it was natural that it became a top target in the ongoing ‘Ukranian Military Reform’ led by King Orlando Rus III. All department heads, excluding the bureau’s staff, were reassigned yesterday.
Colonel Viktor Zelensky filled the vacant position.
“Fortunately, His Majesty the King looked favorably upon me. The problem is that the Technology Research Bureau is a rotten organization from within, so there’s a need to replenish personnel…”
Colonel Viktor said this while looking at Debra Bennett. The meaning of his gaze was clear.
“June is the planned date for the position change?”
“Y-Yes!!”
“I hope you’ll join us at the Technology Research Bureau. With a little refinement, the ‘Dispel-Defense magic’ you designed could rapidly elevate our military’s capabilities.”
“Thank you so much!!”
For Colonel Viktor Zelensky, bringing along Deputy Commander Debra Bennett wasn’t a bad idea.
A staff officer who interrupted the evaluation to abandon their ongoing tasks. It meant they were desperate.
After all, only those who challenge can achieve.
To Colonel Viktor Zelensky, Deputy Commander Debra Bennett felt like someone striving to achieve something. With such determination, she wouldn’t slack off in the new department.
Laziness and complacency.
These were exactly what Colonel Viktor Zelensky hated most.
“But surprisingly, Commander Enok Revendale, who was evaluated, doesn’t seem to have any particular thoughts.”
In fact, it felt like he was the only one promised benefits.
Considering Captain Arrendt Schultz will remain in this battalion for at least another year, it made sense.
Even Captain Enok Revendale, who was promoted to captain, is scheduled to move positions in June. Yet, he didn’t show any signs of appealing to be taken along like Deputy Commander Debra Bennett.
“Does he have no intention towards the Technology Research side?”
Colonel Viktor felt a peculiar feeling from the blonde officer. He seemed unlikely to be someone who would earn respect from subordinates or superiors alike.
But judging from his behavior during the evaluation, praising his commander and treating his subordinates well, it wasn’t entirely true.
On the contrary, it was the opposite.
He performed well without being told and possessed both ability and character? And this was a newly graduated officer?
“What a pity. If he had been more proactive, I would have taken him along with Deputy Commander Debra Bennett.”
Colonel Viktor Zelensky sighed. Any officer showing such abilities likely already had plans for the future.
It wasn’t something he should interfere with, and even if he exerted influence, it would only limit him to positions related to the Northern Corps he currently belonged to.
If he had no intention of staying in the field army or showed no interest in the new technology research field, it was understandable why he didn’t react strongly to the proposal.
Still, seeing his clear stance, it was clear he hadn’t joined the military without any intention.
“He truly is a promising officer to be promoted to captain just a month after commissioning. The rumors weren’t exaggerated.”
Isn’t it said that promising trees differ even from their saplings?
“Perhaps we’ll meet at the top of the military someday.”
He observed the newly commissioned officer listening intently to his words with a cool gaze.
Colonel Viktor Zelensky thought thus.
