Chapter 498
I'll Do My Best. (3)
Baron Shear trembled, biting his nails in anxiety.
The others had no suspicions whatsoever about Ghislain. They simply thought that a veteran and skilled soldier had joined their ranks.
However, Baron Shear, who was involved in the conspiracy, couldn’t afford to be so carefree.
‘Couldn't you just stay put? Why are you trying so hard?!’
Even if no one else knew, he couldn't help but feel nervous. Count Fenris had the ability to escape if things went south, but he didn’t.
‘If we get caught, I’ll be the only one who dies!’
Mocking Baron Shear’s worries, Duggly Squad was charging forward with all their might.
Thwack! Thwack! Thwack!
“Push harder!”
At Ghislain’s command, the squad members gritted their teeth and swung their clubs.
The exhaustion they felt now was nothing compared to the punishment they’d receive if they lost.
Determined to give their all, they pressed forward as if today were their last.
“Waaaaah! Keep chasing them!”
Encouraged by Duggly Squad’s fierce assault, the other soldiers also charged into the enemy ranks with renewed vigor.
The 5th Infantry Company’s formation had completely collapsed in the middle.
They were caught off guard by this unexpected turn of events. Never before had they encountered such a situation, and they had no idea how to respond.
Even the commander of the 5th Infantry Company could do nothing but shout.
“Hold the line! Hold the damn line! Reform the formation!”
Easier said than done.
Reforming the ranks was impossible with Duggly Squad rampaging in the center.
Any soldier who rushed at them was immediately struck down by their clubs. Focusing too much on them left the 5th Infantry Company vulnerable to the approaching reinforcements.
“Yeah! We’re winning!”
“Push harder! Keep pushing!”
As one soldier shouted, others followed, fueled by the excitement of the battle.
Once they gained momentum, everyone threw themselves into the charge with even greater enthusiasm.
Watching this unfold, the commander of the 3rd Infantry Company laughed in exhilaration.
“We’re winning! We’re actually winning!”
Just a little more, and victory would be theirs.
The enemy formation was split in half and on the verge of complete collapse. The battle was already decided. Even the observers would see it that way.
The 3rd Infantry Company’s commander turned to Baron Shear and shouted.
“How about that?! These are my men! We’re winning!”
“……Y-Yes, I see that.”
Unlike the excited commander, who was proudly pointing at Ghislain, Baron Shear could only wipe away his cold sweat.
‘Please, just stop already, you lunatic….’
Why was he going this far?
And why did he look like he was enjoying himself?
In reality, Ghislain was having fun.
“Come on! Just a little more!”
He had sealed his mana and even suppressed his natural recovery.
Every movement made his body ache, and sweat poured down his face.
Pushing himself to his absolute limit like this was always enjoyable.
Thwack! Thwack! Thwack!
The squad members following behind were exhausted beyond belief, but strangely enough, they felt energized.
For the first time, they experienced the raw momentum of battle.
For soldiers who had always known defeat and retreat, this was an entirely new sensation.
The same went for the other soldiers. Overwhelming the enemy for the first time was exhilarating.
“Push harder!”
“Waaaaah!”
Thwack! Thwack! Thwack!
The 5th Infantry Company’s formation was now completely shattered.
The 3rd Infantry Company surged forward, striking down every enemy in their path.
Finally, Duggly Squad broke through the enemy lines and sprinted toward the designated hill.
The commander of the 5th Infantry Company turned pale and screamed.
“Stop them! Stop them! Catch them!”
Losing to the 3rd Infantry Company, the perpetual last-place unit, would be an eternal humiliation.
But the 5th Infantry Company, whose morale was crushed and formation shattered, couldn’t stop Duggly Squad.
Those who attempted to chase them were instead struck down by the advancing soldiers.
Ghislain climbed to the top of the hill and shouted.
“Hold your positions!”
Capturing the high ground wasn’t the end of the exercise.
They had to withstand the enemy’s counterattack as well.
It was the difference between completely subjugating the enemy and barely holding the position through sheer determination.
Before the commander of the 3rd Infantry Company could even issue an order, Ghislain had already taken command.
But the commander was too caught up in his excitement to notice.
“Haha! Look at them! They’re executing the training perfectly!”
That was all he could think.
Following Ghislain’s command, the soldiers who had breached the enemy’s ranks immediately shifted into defensive positions.
The 5th Infantry Company desperately tried to reclaim the hill, but it was impossible.
The difference in morale and momentum was too great.
Their exhaustion had drained them of all strength.
Those who attempted to fight back only ended up collapsing in greater numbers.
The examiners and observers, who had been silently watching, exchanged glances.
“There’s no need to continue.”
“This match goes to the 3rd Infantry Company.”
“We will now conclude the evaluation.”
As soon as the news was delivered, the commander of the 5th Infantry Company looked as if the sky had collapsed.
The soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Company threw their clubs into the air and shouted.
“We won!”
“I can’t believe we won!”
“Duggly Squad is the best!”
The soldiers, who had never won in a tactical evaluation before, were overcome with emotion. Even the commander of the 3rd Infantry Company had tears welling in his eyes.
Thanks to Duggly Squad, they had achieved their first victory since enlisting.
“We… we won! We finally won! This is our first victory!”
Overwhelmed with joy, he grabbed Baron Shear’s hands tightly.
“The guy you recommended is truly a gem! You said you knew him from your hometown, right?”
“Y-yes, th-that’s correct.”
“Thank you! This is all thanks to you, sir!”
“C-cong… gratu… lations…”
The commander of the 3rd Infantry Company tilted his head in confusion as he looked at Baron Shear, who was pale and trembling.
“What’s the matter?”
“I-I… I have a f-fever.”
“Oh no! You need to take care of yourself. Please go and rest. I’ll send you some good medicine.”
“U-understood. Th-then, I’ll be going.”
“Yes, sir! Take care!”
Baron Shear staggered as he turned away. His heart felt like it was about to burst. He could only pray that Count Fenris would behave himself from now on.
But Ghislain was not the kind of man to grant that wish. His goal was to be number one.
The battles with the other companies played out in a similar fashion.
“Charge!”
At the commander’s command, the soldiers rushed forward. His only tactic was a full-on charge.
However, when combined with Ghislain, that simple tactic began to produce extraordinary results.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
“Argh! What the hell are these guys?!”
Whenever Duggly Squad led the charge, the enemy soldiers couldn’t hold their ground and collapsed. The ordinary infantry in this camp simply couldn’t withstand Duggly Squad, who had endured Ghislain’s hellish training.
No one could stop the ridiculous charge tactics of the 3rd Infantry Company.
Even when they were on defense, the situation remained the same. If any part of their line was breached, Duggly Squad would rush in and trample over everything.
The 3rd Infantry Company continued to charge forward, defeating every opponent they faced.
With every victory, Duggly Squad’s reputation soared higher.
“Duggly! Duggly!”
“Duggly Squad is the strongest!”
“We are victorious!”
Morale in the 3rd Infantry Company was at an all-time high. The consecutive wins were satisfying, but the real reason for their excitement was that every victory was rewarded with drinks and meat.
The commander of the 3rd Infantry Company muttered in deep emotion.
“To think we would make it this far…”
He had only hoped for a single win, yet they had won every match. Now, they only needed to defeat one more company to finish first in the tactical evaluation.
Could he, who had always been dead last, actually become number one? The thought suddenly filled him with fear.
“My talent… is terrifying.”
He was utterly mistaken. He truly believed his hidden talent had finally blossomed.
He even began to entertain the happy delusion that he might one day rise to the rank of corps commander.
And the man who had made such delusions possible Ghislain had now become the hero of the 3rd Infantry Company.
Ghislain placed his hands on his waist and shouted to the soldiers behind him.
“Are you ready?!”
“Yes!”
If they won today, they would be number one. The soldiers, filled with determination, responded with a loud cheer.
He wasn’t even their superior, yet somehow, he had ended up leading them all. Of course, there was a secret behind it after every victory, their celebratory drinking parties always turned into brawls.
Everyone was itching for a fight, swinging their arms and legs for no reason. Their streak of victories had given them so much confidence that it was practically overflowing.
Soon, the commander of the 3rd Infantry Company gave a solemn order.
“Charge!”
“Waaaaahhh!”
With Ghislain at the front, the entire company surged forward.
Seeing their fierce charge, the soldiers of the 9th Infantry Company all stiffened and gritted their teeth. They were known as the weakest in the 2nd Legion, a company that had been dead last for years. Losing to them was simply not an option.
The commander of the 9th Infantry Company was just as desperate for victory.
“Do not let them through! Hold the line! We must stop them at all costs!”
To the other company commanders, the leader of the 3rd Infantry Company was a laughingstock an incompetent fool who had bought his position with money, nothing more than a country bumpkin.
And yet, he had defeated them all. They simply couldn’t accept it.
“Hold the liiiiine!”
Thud!
The commander of the 9th Infantry Company screamed desperately, but it was futile. Ghislain hooked his leg around an enemy soldier’s and swung his club, instantly breaking through the front line.
“Waaaaaahhh!”
With that opening, the soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Company surged forward.
It was always the same pattern. Everyone knew it, and yet, no one could stop it. Their sheer skill was enough to drive anyone insane.
In the end, Duggly Squad, with their overwhelming offensive power, shattered the defenses of the 9th Infantry Company.
The infantry formation is finished once the center is breached because enemy soldiers will endlessly pour in through the gap.
Viktor, who had been following behind Ghislain with a flushed face, burst into loud laughter.
“Puhahahahat! We’re the strongest!”
Hearing that, the other soldiers also erupted into cheers.
“Waaaaaah! We’re the strongest!”
No one could stop this momentum. The 9th Infantry Company was instantly overwhelmed by the soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Company, who charged in like madmen.
Through the gap Ghislain had pierced, soldiers swarmed in, completely shattering the formation.
The 9th Infantry Company commander muttered with a dazed expression.
“W-What is this…? Why are we being pushed back so easily?”
At times like this, the proper response would be to swiftly reposition the soldiers and rebuild the formation.
But he lacked the capability to do so, and the soldiers were not trained well enough for it.
In the end, Duggly’s squad, which had led the charge, successfully seized the high ground. Seeing this, the examiners nodded.
“There’s no need to observe any further.”
“It’s astonishing every time I see them. Especially that ‘Duggly Squad.’”
“The company commander has really trained them well.”
The other soldiers had simply moved with the momentum created by Duggly’s squad. But since the battle ended so quickly, it made the entire company’s training seem exceptional.
With the evaluation concluded, the soldiers who had taken the high ground rejoiced.
“Yiaaaaaah!”
“We won again!”
“Undefeated company!”
Of course, everyone knew whom they had to thank for this. All eyes turned to Ghislain.
One soldier brought over the flag of the 3rd Infantry Company and handed it to him.
Ghislain naturally accepted it, planted it firmly on the high ground, and shouted.
“We are victorious! First place!”
“Waaaaaaaah!”
A thunderous roar erupted, as if the sky would collapse.
For a unit that had always been at the bottom to come in first! It was all thanks to Duggly’s squad.
“Duggly Squad is the best!”
“Duggly! Duggly! Duggly!”
As the soldiers endlessly chanted Duggly’s name, they soon lifted Ghislain and tossed him into the air in celebration.
Ghislain laughed as they cheered him on.
“Hahahaha!”
After all, an army led by him had to win no matter what. The thrill of battle and the joy of victory were—
‘Wait! Why am I enjoying this so much?’
Ghislain snapped back to reality. Honestly, this war game had been quite fun, but he had become too engrossed in it.
It must have been because it had been a long time since he had personally drilled low-ranking soldiers. Training soldiers had a different appeal compared to training knights.
‘Well… Since the time and place haven’t been decided yet, this much should be fine.’
Since he had to wait anyway, wasn’t it better to make the wait enjoyable?
Ghislain decided to think of it lightly.
The 3rd Infantry Company, which had taken first place in the tactical evaluation, received generous rewards.
Everyone was given prize money, and large amounts of alcohol and meat were distributed.
The company commander even dipped into his own pocket to provide extra food and drink.
“Eat! Eat! Eat with the same charging spirit! Duggly Squad, eat even more!”
He was overjoyed. Now, no one would be able to look down on him anymore. He even gave Duggly’s squad extra money as a reward.
The soldiers, who had suffered from the terrible rations and often gone hungry, feasted happily on the abundant food and drink.
“Wahahaha! This is all thanks to the Duggly Squad Leader.”
“He fights well and leads charges like a beast!”
“Even Duggly Squad members have become insanely strong!”
Hearing all the praise, Viktor and the other squad members smiled with pride. They had never received such recognition before, nor achieved such results.
‘Man, training was seriously tough.’
‘But this feeling makes it all worth it.’
‘It’s amazing! I want to keep getting praised like this!’
‘Duggly Squad Leader is the best! The absolute best!’
They had now tasted the joy of battle and victory.
As everyone was enjoying the feast, a soldier approached Ghislain.
“Duggly Squad Leader, the royal secretary has come to see you.”
“Oh, really?”
Laughing and chatting with the soldiers, Ghislain rose from his seat. It seemed some news had finally arrived.
In the commander’s office, Baron Shear met Ghislain with a pale face.
“What is this? What in the world do you think you’re doing? Are you trying to get all of us killed?”
“……”
“Why are you making a name for yourself? Why do you look so pleased? The rumors have already spread everywhere!”
Of course, news about a mere soldier hadn’t reached the royal capital or high-ranking nobles. But within the nearby military units, the rumors had spread considerably.
Ghislain averted his gaze slightly and replied.
“I was just… a little bored…”
“You won first place because you were bored?”
“……”
“Count, can’t you please just stay quiet? Please. I don’t want to die. You are not part of the Kingdom’s army.”
“……”
Baron Shear’s eyes welled up with tears as he continued.
“Do you know what they’re saying about you? They’re saying you’re imitating Count Fenris. But you are Count Fenris!”
It seemed that his talk about battle strength and his intense drilling of the soldiers had backfired a little. Ghislain nodded and changed the subject.
“Since we’ve already taken first place, I’ll try to lay low now. So, what news have you brought?”
At those words, Baron Shear glanced around. He had used the excuse of coming to praise the performance of his recommended candidate, but that wasn’t the real reason.
Telling him to keep a low profile was just a side note.
Baron Shear lowered his voice and whispered.
“The time and place have been decided.”