Chapter 23: Struggling with Subordinates

At a different time, in a different place.

Monster Hunting Department of Shian Imperial Army.

Captain, this is the report that you asked for.

Thank you.

Captain Cross Bonalt was struggling to get used to his new task during his superiors absence. So far, he had managed to fulfil his job to lead the battalion, but it was not easy without Raz around. After she was gone, he keenly felt how excellent she was. He wished that Raz would come back sooner, but he also hoped that she would enjoy her school life even though she was there for a mission. He didnt want to throw a wrench in her plan.

Harul Ducard, who was the same age as Bonalt, walked into the office and said, Cross, its lunch time. Bonalt raised his head and replied, Im coming.

He didnt notice the time was quite late already. He stood up and when he saw Razs empty seat, he let out a sigh.

Bonalt: I wonder how Leaders doing.

Ducard: Who knows. But Im sure she should be fine.

Bonalt: You know how she is. Im a bit worried

Ducard went silent. Although she looked like a normal girl, Raz Orphan was a senior official in the military. During her mission, she was always alert and could made strict decisions. And she was very strict during training too, because she wanted them to be vigilant to prevent fatality in actual battle. If someone underestimated her, there was a 100% chance that they would get their fingers burned.

It should be fine. Ducard nodded hesitantly. Raz was someone who always followed through with her duty. There should be no problem for her to blend in among the students.

I hope so Bonalt replied with a doubtful face and closed the door. Later in the evening, there will be joint training with other units. They need to eat well before the training. A long time ago, when training was so difficult and Bonalt couldnt get himself to swallow any food, Raz had said to him, Even if youre dying, you still have to eat! It felt nostalgic.

When Bonalt and Ducard entered the dining hall, they went to sit at the table where their team members were gathered around. One of them called out to Bonalt, Captain. Hows work?

He perfunctorily replied, Fine.

Just now, we were talking about Leader. Arent you curious how Leader looks like in a school uniform?

Ugh. Isnt that a bit too much?

Huh? Why? You dont feel curious at all? Not even a little bit?

Well- If I say no, that would be a lie, but

If Leader act her age, I think shed look pretty cute. I dont think anyone could ever guess that she was as strong as a monster.

When they recalled how strong their superior was, everyone at the table went silent.

A man walked over to their table and said, Whats wrong with you guys? Are you worried about the joint training because your little weapon is not around?

The man was Lieutenant Colonel Zelhide Knit Olusanya, who led the 302th SAB[1]. Both of their units were scheduled to conduct a joint training today.

This man was an aristocratic soldier and was terribly hostile towards Raz. Whenever something happened, he would always try to find fault with the 537th SAB members. Unlike commoner, aristocratic soldiers had formal educational background. As long as they had basic martial skills, they could climb to a higher position easily.

Olusanya: Are you sure you can survive in this world with just that one little kid?

The members of 537th SAB stared at Olusanya quietly while cursing in their hearts. How dare he speak badly of our family leader. He doesnt even know a thing!

Olusanya: ((( )))!!!

The look on those mens eyes made Olusanya shivered, so he hurriedly turned and left.

Ducard called out to Bonalt in a playful tone, Captain. Their team members were all looking at Bonalt. Ducard continued and said, Leader was too kind so we always let him go before Ducards face suddenly turned serious and angrily said, Its time, right?

If we do something now, Leader wont have to take the blame.

Bonalt sighed loudly when he heard those words. Raz was not around, so he was in charge to lead the team. In other words, he would have to take the responsibility for anything that happened during this period. Bonalt wrinkled his eyebrows when he saw his team members staring at him. At this moment, he really wished that Raz would come back soon

After thinking for a while, Bonalt said to them, If you want to do it, make sure to crush him thoroughly.

The team members happily replied, Yes, sir!

There were things that were non-negotiable even to Bonalt. Their team members were full of energy, looking forward to the joint training.

A few hours later.

Olusanya: E- Enough! Lets end the training here!

Olusanya, who was treated like a sandbag, screamed at the training ground. He looked dirty and disheveled. Although he was a soldier, he lacked the guts and quick to run away.

What are you talking about? Theres a lot of time left, Lieutenant Colonel Olusanya. Our leader is always strict about time, so we want to learn from her. Bonalt smiled to Olusanya while holding his gun. They did not use live bullet because it was a training. But Olusanya, who was fired a few millimeters away from his face, was unable to stop trembling.

He cant even go over Zone 4 and he dare to boast around. Humph! Bonalt looked at the man who obviously was not as talented as he was but has higher position than him. He said, See if you dare to talk nonsense about our Leader again. We will chase after you relentlessly.

Olusanya had never been beaten up like this before. He had no choice but to nod his head. His proud team was thoroughly defeated.

Bonalt had more to say but he let them withdrew. His team members looked satisfied.

Damn it. I was so surprise at how weak they were, Ducard mentioned to Bonalt.

Its useless to say more if they cant even go to Zone 6. Dont they know that we had entered Zone 11?

I dont think so. I dont think they can even understand what Zone 11 looks like.

Oh, youre right.

The deeper they proceeded into Baruda, the stronger the monsters they would meet. It was 537th SAB duty to move forward deeper into the wilderness. They were the strong men who conquered Barudas deepest area.

But still, that was quite miserable. Victor, are all aristocrats like that? Ducard asked the young man who came from an aristocratic family.

Victor shook his head vigorously and replied, Compared to commoners, there are quite a lot who like to boast around. But not all are like him.

Ducard shrugged his shoulder and said Im relieved to hear that. Otherwise, Id feel sorry for Leader who was sent to the aristocratic school.

These men liked to complain that their leader was too strict and too strong. But they all looked up to her and respected her. It was because they knew how she was always thoughtful of her friends and treated them like a family member.

Ha, Leader please come back soon! Ducard said the words that other members didnt dare to say. They missed their leader.

Lets have a party when she come back!

Oh, that sounds great! Leader like to eat sweet things. Ill go and look for some.

I think she always wear shirts and trousers. Ill ask my sister to buy something.

Their leader was someone who was reliable in combat and accomplishing missions, but wasnt good at spending time for herself. They were eagerly waiting for their little superior to return.

[1] SAB: Special Attack Battalion