Chapter: 181
In the beginning, when the continent was created, there were no hierarchies of high and low.
When humans were formed upon the continent, there were neither rulers nor the ruled.
When the empires of mankind were established, the first emperor was a commoner known as “Red Blood.”
Thus, red became the center of the world. Now, chaos is led by the mutations, with the “blue” mutation merely suppressing the “red.”
But someday, the red will rise again. The world will return to its rightful path.
— It seems like the right time.
And the moment to take that great stride has come.
“Are you sure?”
— Yes, Leader.
The firm nod contained deep conviction, as if there was no turning back.
Robin, a mid-level officer, had been undercover at the academy for years, supporting comrade Eriko in spreading the right thoughts.
If it’s coming from comrade Robin, it must be reliable. He had always been cautious, even opposing other senior and mid-level officers’ hasty proposals to invade the academy until now.
— There have been no major events since the counter-offensive; thus, there’s no need for them to maintain tight security anymore.
This meant that the concentrated forces would become loose, making infiltration easier. It was a convincing argument, so I listened quietly.
Of course, while ‘loose’ was relative, the academy’s security remained strict. However, the fact that it had decreased was still significant.
It would be comfortable if a complete lapse in the academy’s security occurred, but relying on such luck wouldn’t stir the waves we needed.
— And for a while, I’ve been assigned to guard the west gate.
“You truly are remarkable, comrade Robin.”
An involuntary smile graced my face at the encouraging news.
Sending comrade Robin to infiltrate the academy was a risky gamble. After all, we were sending a crucial officer into enemy territory and risking his brainpower during an undetermined duration of infiltration.
However, that gamble paid off. The path to the academy had been opened.
— I’ve also confirmed a route that provides a good hiding spot.
With that, Robin lifted the map, outlining the route from our hideout to the academy’s west gate, one by one.
‘Excellent.’
Satisfaction bubbled up at the thorough preparation. Adjustments might be necessary depending on the situation and scale, but having a structured plan facilitated activities.
— We can finalize everything in this forest.
After a lengthy explanation, Robin indicated a forest nearby the academy.
Indeed, it was a good location. The size was just right for our comrades to prepare and also optimal for a direct assault on the academy.
“Great work, comrade Robin. Thanks to you, we’re closer to our cause.”
— You give me too much credit.
His humble bow brought even more satisfaction.
Comrades like him embody our ideals. This proves that we walk on the right path, chosen by destiny.
“Next time, let’s meet in person.”
— Yes, Leader. I’ll be waiting.
Next time, we wouldn’t see each other through this communication stone. I would head directly to the academy to commend comrade Robin in person.
“Until the red wave drenches the land.”
Before hanging up, I delivered the final salute. A shout that would uplift comrades’ spirits and rekindle focus on the cause.
— Until the red wave drenches the land.
Robin’s face flushed, overwhelmed with emotion.
*
That slogan was so corny. Who even thought of that?
“May the Empire’s light be with us.”
Suddenly, the official slogan of the empire popped into my mind. I guess we weren’t in a position to judge.
“It’s finished.”
Robin spoke carefully, holding the communication stone. I pretended not to notice his reddened face. Honestly, I would have been embarrassed to say something like that in front of others too.
I nodded at Robin, whose face was filled with embarrassment and tension, giving him a thumbs-up. His face brightened quickly.
He must have been incredibly nervous. Given the situation, I could understand.
‘Being a double agent is no small feat.’
In reality, even being a simple spy isn’t for just anyone, let alone being a double agent.
It entailed twice the struggle and stress. Not exactly a situation to be envious of.
“The leader is coming in person. And when the leader moves, the senior officers will surely follow.”
“This is a good opportunity.”
The best possible result had emerged. I had my doubts about whether only one officer would be thrown to us while the higher-ups stayed behind, but they were all boldly charging in.
‘Fools.’
It was akin to going all-in during a gamble. There’s a thin line between bravery and recklessness.
But from our perspective, it didn’t matter. Capturing the leader and the senior officers was our main goal; what happened to those below them was none of our concern. What harm could a few battalion leaders do after the officers and regimental leader were gone?
“We just have to wait.”
As I focused back on the map, Robin quickly opened it and turned it toward me.
Now that I saw him as one of us, I began to feel sorry for him. He was smart and quite sharp. If only he hadn’t messed up at the outset, he could have excelled as a civil servant.
“He won’t even get to see the academy before he dies.”
“Most likely.”
As my sympathy for Robin grew, the 1st Manager next to me muttered thoughtfully.
He was also looking at the map, or rather the forest Robin had last pointed out. If someone did manage to break through that forest and reach the academy, that would indeed be impressive.
“They’d deserve some credit if they made it through there.”
That nameless forest, where the Masked Unit had been stationed in real-time.
If anyone could evade the Masked Unit’s ambush from the forest, then they deserved recognition. Even if using their talents for treason was infuriating, at least I could muster up the effort to clap.
But, of course, they’d be pursued and eliminated afterward.
“Let’s go.”
I gave the 1st Manager a light slap on the back and started to walk. Honestly, even with the onset of the Red Wave, I trusted that the 4th Manager could handle it. Still, it was only courteous to inform them in advance.
“Again today…?”
The 1st Manager gave me a look of exasperation before continuing.
“You could just tell them through the communication stone.”
“But then I wouldn’t get to bring them food.”
After all, I was just heading there to pass along the news while delivering something.
*
Back when I was merely the Senior Team Leader in the 4th Division, not yet the Vice Captain of the Masked Unit, the Executive Manager used to say:
“When good things happen, bad things follow. And when bad things happen, good things follow.”
How true. The Executive Manager’s words always rang true.
War or innate poverty had us scraping the bottom, living lives that couldn’t get any worse. Yet, the Executive Manager took us in, granting us a new chance at life—a classic case of turning adverse fortunes into something positive.
But after the good, bad things returned. We lost our identity as the 4th Division and were transferred to the Special Services Agency. Being separated from the one who granted us new life was a horrifying ordeal.
Still, we persevered, hoping for better days and believing that we could return to the Executive Manager’s side again.
…But why did this thought suddenly cross my mind?
“Here, I brought more today.”
“Thank you, Executive Manager.”
I realized the reason as I watched the Captain bow to the Executive Manager from afar.
Ah, that was it.
“It’s going to pile up again today.”
“That much won’t fit.”
I nodded absentmindedly at the murmuring conversations of the members beside me.
The Executive Manager visited us every day as soon as we started our stationing in the forest. It was unbelievably touching and immensely appreciative. Even though we should be the ones serving him, he always came with both hands full for us.
Yes, every time. With both hands. Full.
“You guys usually skimp on meals during operations. Just eat this.”
True to the Executive Manager’s words, we tended to rush meals during operations. Eating too much could indeed hinder our activities.
Having run so many operations, light eating became habitual, but how could we refuse the Executive Manager’s generosity?
“That’s a lot.”
“If we ration it, it could last a few days, right?”
“Eat it all without leftovers since it’s from the Executive Manager.”
While it seemed like enough to last a few days, it would be a shame to let it spoil. So, for that day, we ended up eating beyond our stomach capacity—
“This is today’s serving.”
We realized something was off starting the next day.
Usually light eaters barely managed to finish what they had received in one day. Yet, the same amount arrived again.
“….”
“What do we do?”
Serious discussions arose surrounding the pile of food. While a single day was manageable, tackling the same quantity on two consecutive days was pushing it. Moreover, judging by the atmosphere, it seemed we could expect this to stretch to three or four days.
Should we leave some? That would mean neglecting the Executive Manager’s offerings!
Refuse it? Who dares refuse the Executive Manager?
“Eat it.”
Ultimately, the answer was singular. Beginning with the Captain, one by one, we sat down, stammering and overwhelmed by the Executive Manager’s overwhelming affection.
And the next day—
“Everyone’s eating well. I hope there’s enough food for everyone?”
“No, we’re fine.”
And the day after—
“I thought you might be running short, so I brought extra today.”
“Thank you.”
We finally recognized the limit was around four days.
“…Does anyone want more?”
“It’d be great if the Captain set an example…”
Even the worst gluttons among us had reached a stage where they quietly directed their gaze away.
Even the Captain couldn’t say anything. She had transitioned from gobbling to process her bites with extreme deliberation.
‘Good things follow with bad…’
It was a pleasure to help the Executive Manager. It really was. But this situation was quite a trial.
And it seemed that the patience of all was wearing thin.
“It seems they’ll be coming soon.”
Hearing that, all eyes sharply focused on the Executive Manager.
“Since the leader and the senior officers are involved, we just need to handle them all. If possible, take them alive.”
Though the Executive Manager added that it was fine to kill them, sharing that we shouldn’t let them escape, that part hardly registered.
The Red Wave approaches. Capturing them would finalize our mission. And while that sadly meant parting with the Executive Manager, at least we might get the time to digest everything we’ve eaten.
‘Damn them all.’
Upon reflection, this whole situation arose because of them. Their targeting of the Executive Manager’s location triggered all this chaos.
My blood boiled. The traitors who forced us into this undesirable ordeal were truly odious. I suspected other members felt the same way.
We’d capture them all and hand them over to the 1st Manager. Damn those bastards, they were in for a taste of hell.
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