Chapter: 39
The Apels Revival Army, with its grandiose title of “Third Honor.” Blocking these corpses from approaching the Academy is a necessary measure for the safety of the nobles currently residing in the Academy, but it’s also an issue of the Empire’s prestige.
Apels was a country that perished over 300 years ago, and a history exists where the Empire completely obliterated not only the revival army but also those who could have become the center of the revival movement. But now, the Apels Revival Army shows up again, transcending time?
‘What a disgrace.’
The size and capability of that army aren’t really the point. The mere existence of individuals who oppose the Empire’s rule and long for a nation that faded into history is enough to damage the Empire’s prestige. Other countries will probably laugh behind our backs. How pathetic is it that such traitors have reappeared?
Therefore, the Third Honor cannot be missed, not even a single one. All must be killed or captured, as that is the condition for victory in this defense. If we let even one slip away, the existence of the Third Honor—the Apels Revival Army—could spread externally, especially to the forces of the three nations, and my communication channel would be dyed a brilliant purple.
And that cannot happen, absolutely not! The Crown Prince has already given directives regarding the Ainter situation through the Minister of the Imperial Household. If anything that damages the Empire’s prestige happens while I’m here, the minimum I can expect is a direct call from the Crown Prince. The worst-case scenario? Someone even higher up, damn it.
‘I’m going crazy.’
I sighed as I pressed my temples in response to the rising discomfort.
If it were any other organization, I wouldn’t have to clench my jaw and maintain this level of security. But it’s specifically the Apels Revival Army, an organization that is guaranteed to cause havoc if caught. Whether it’s the Third Honor or the Third Nonsense, if we capture even one alive, they’ll take a one-way trip to the 1st Manager’s crash course.
That’s why I called the 1st Manager to discuss tomorrow’s plans.
“Manager, calling me at night is just not right.”
I hesitated a bit, fearing she might be in contact with the 4th Manager, but the 1st Manager in front of me was oblivious to such concerns. Ignoring her, I spread out a map of the Academy and the surrounding area.
“Alright, let’s map out a route for the first time in ages.”
“Wooooah…”
Despite herself, she lumbered over to the map. After all, it was work-related.
The Third Honor is expected to appear near the Academy around 5 PM tomorrow. This information was transmitted by the Information Department, so there shouldn’t be any mistakes. Thus, we need to think ahead about where to intercept them before they reach the Academy.
“Well, if they have any smarts, they would try to come in stealthily, right?”
“That may be the case, but coming out at 5 PM when the sun is still up? I can’t let my guard down.”
Who in the world shows up for an ambush in broad daylight? If they were planning to strike during a busy time with lots of people around, I might understand. But if they are caught beforehand, wouldn’t it all be for nothing?
The truth is, trying to understand them might be futile. Their stubbornness and obsession with reviving a country that ceased to exist 300 years ago are a collection of madness that ordinary folks just can’t fathom.
Frankly, these guys are an organization that only appears in the original novel to create trouble for the protagonists, so they likely aren’t as calculated or clever as we expect. Since they are first-time actors, their performance is probably close to a tutorial level. The other four organizations have some history and tradition, so I can’t afford to let my guard down.
“I’d predict they’ll come from this direction.”
“Exactly! There’s no other possible route.”
Since becoming the Executive Manager of the Inspection Division, I haven’t had much experience in defensive battles. I’ve encountered a few situations in the North, but that was mostly under the orders of a commander. So now, I’m pondering which direction to monitor for the Third Honor. However, if I think like the attackers, the answer is clear.
If I were the Third Honor, I’d probably come through this route, so we just need to set up a defense there. After all, someone who’s been hit before knows where it hurts. It’s not like I suddenly found out these things just out of curiosity.
So, I and the 1st Manager pinpointed a small forest northwest of the Academy. If we wait, they’ll likely come this way.
“We can join forces with the Masked Brigade here.”
It would be perfect to casually watch the parade of corpses once we get together ahead of time.
*
Around lunchtime on the second day of the fair, I stepped away from the booth and called the 4th Manager in a quiet place.
“Let’s meet here.”
After a bit of chit-chat, I held up the map towards the communication crystal and showed the 4th Manager the rendezvous and interception points we had discussed. Seeing her nod without hesitation made me confident she wouldn’t get lost.
– Got it. I’ll head over quickly.
“You just have to arrive by 4 PM. I’ll sync up with you then.”
– Yes, Manager.
“Alright. It’s been a while; I’m looking forward to seeing you.”
– It’s an honor.
With a chuckle, I ended the call as the 4th Manager bowed her head. I might have been a bit too personal with a former subordinate who’s joining due to work.
But isn’t there always someone you want to take special care of? For me, it’s the 4th Manager, and that’s why I tend to add unnecessary comments that aren’t particularly important. Back when the Masked Brigade was still the 4th Division, the 2nd Manager used to complain that I favored the 4th Manager too much.
Of course, I dismissed that since it came from the 2nd Manager. If it was said by the Deputy Manager or the 5th Manager, I’d consider it, but the 2nd Manager had no right to say it to me.
‘There’s still time left.’
Although it’s a bit of a distance from the Academy to the meeting point, it’s manageable to make it by 4 PM. For now, I’ll just hang out at the booth until it’s time to head out with the 1st Manager.
*
After cutting off the communication with the Manager, I cautiously fiddled with the communication crystal. Conversations with him were always an honor and a bit nerve-wracking.
– Alright. It’s been a while; I can’t wait to see you soon.
Remembering the last thing the Manager said, the corners of my mouth involuntarily lifted. As expected, he hadn’t forgotten about me. He always keeps an eye on me.
“Captain.”
At the voice of the Vice Captain, my smile faded. He had moved away to avoid interrupting my chat with the Manager, a respectful act expected from a member of the Masked Brigade.
“What did the Manager say?”
“He decided to meet up with us. We’re heading to the A-1 Forest by 4 PM.”
“Yes, Captain.”
The Vice Captain saluted and walked toward the other members. The A-1 Forest is our temporary designation for the closest forest to the Academy. Since we shared all temporary names before moving, everyone must have understood.
The members began to gather enthusiastically before me, driven by the Vice Captain’s order. It was only natural since everyone hadn’t seen the Manager for quite some time.
He’s the hero of the 4th Division, the one who lifted us from the ruins of the 4th Division. As we tread the path to meet the one who saved our lives, who would be so foolish as to dawdle? Any ungrateful wretch would be dealt with by the members before I could lift a finger.
“Foolish corpses that defy their fate are heading toward the Manager.”
With those words, everyone’s attention turned to me.
“They are the insolent ones who mock the Empire, deny the divine decree, and expose their filthy fangs to the Manager.”
A quiet fury sparked in the members’ eyes—a shared emotion, publicly regarding the traitors, and personally towards those seeking to harm our benefactor.
“Is there anyone audacious enough to go empty-handed when we’re about to meet the Manager?”
Silence reigned in response as they collectively shook their heads with burning intensity in their eyes.
“There’s absolutely no need for the Manager to intervene personally. We won’t block their path; instead, we’ll attack from behind. We will capture them all and offer them to the Manager.”
Even if they’re haphazardly moving, in reality, they’re merely a makeshift army with no capability. They’re a ragtag group without righteousness, resources, or anything of substance. It’ll be a simple matter to track their movements and take action from behind.
As I observed the members quickly scatter to dismantle the temporary camp upon receiving the almost guaranteed attack order, I recalled the instructions from the Special Services Minister.
“Third Honor has such a grand title compared to their actual incompetence. They might be easy to wipe out, but there could be collaborators. Try to capture them alive.”
Before we mobilized to assist the Manager, I discussed matters with the Minister. He was a middle-aged man bearing countless scars, a loyal dog to the Emperor. Although he could erase those scars easily with magic, he chooses to keep them as reminders of his shortcomings.
“And ensure that the Executive Manager doesn’t have to deal with it personally. What we need are prisoners to spill information, not corpses that collapse.”
I unconsciously nodded at his words. It could pose complications if the Manager steps in during an operation focused on capturing live targets. Of course, even without the Minister’s orders, the Manager would not intervene, to begin with.
There’s no need for him to dirty his hands with bugs like them. Despite leaving his side for the Special Services, the 4th Division holds onto unwavering loyalty toward him. As an undying loyalist to the Empire, we’ll stick to our benefactor and follow his ideals.
“For our cherished Manager.”
I whispered a promise to myself. Yet, as a bureaucrat of the Empire, there are unspoken words that can cause him trouble, thoughts I can’t voice aloud. Those words softly echoed in my mind.
For my beloved master.
*
It’d be a disaster to let even one member of the Third Honor escape. Wiping them out is child’s play. How strong can these rebels truly be? Even if many of them converge, they won’t scratch the Masked Brigade.
With me, the 1st Manager, and the Masked Brigade, they should be easily crushed. They say the most skillful general secures victory before the fight ever begins. Perhaps it’s true—I’m not meant to be in Inspection but rather in the military.
“Manager, over here.”
“Got it.”
I received the dagger the 1st Manager handed me, checking its edge. Since we’re still in the Academy, carrying conspicuous weapons isn’t ideal. Moreover, since battles are expected to unfold in the forest, a shorter weapon is more convenient, even if this one feels a tad too short.
“Is it your first time back in action in a while?”
“Only if I have a reason to step up.”
Despite holding the rank of Manager while stationed at the Academy, fighting has grown distant from my path, especially after soloing Dungeon events. Still, I may not be the type to itch for a fight, but it feels refreshing to be in action again after so long.
If I don’t move enough, I might stiffen up, so I’ll have to tell the 4th Manager to keep the encirclement light.
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