Chapter 6: Resolution (2)
The army of Dantera is divided into two main divisions: the standard unit and the magic unit.
The standard unit is composed of 100 members, with thirty close-combat soldiers equipped with swords and shields, thirty marksmen with rifles for ranged attacks, three artillerymen for emergencies, a commander, and thirty-six reserve soldiers ready to replace any casualties.
While primarily engaged in dealing with monsters, this unit is also mobilized for difficult subjugation missions, such as eliminating hostile non-human species that require substantial manpower. The current mission to subdue the giants was one such case.
The magic unit, by contrast, is structured around a single military-affiliated mage supported by a team of ordinary soldiers. Unlike the strictly organized standard units, the magic units vary greatly in size and structure depending on the abilities and preferences of the central mage.
For instance, if a mage takes longer to cast spells, their unit would include a higher number of guards to protect them during casting. If the mage specializes in long-range attacks, then the support soldiers would be more focused on close-range defense.
The magic unit does not participate in monster extermination missions. Magic attacks are ineffective against monsters infected by the dark clouds, making the mage redundant in such cases. Instead, these units are mainly dispatched to eliminate non-elemental hostile species that encroach upon human territory.
This structure has remained largely unchanged for over a thousand years since Dantera was first established. One could say it’s solidified to an almost immutable extent.
Now, to change it so abruptly?
Except for Eden, who proposed the idea, and Jin, who kept his thoughts to himself, the person most affected by this change was Dianta, the master blacksmith supplying arms to the military. As the only ordinary human in the room, she frowned and spoke up.
“How do you expect to change the entire military structure overnight? Be reasonable.”
Eden responded immediately, as though he had anticipated this reaction.
“I’m fully aware of that. But we’re in a situation where it must be done. As soon as the recent massacre ended last month, the Elders were urgently gathered. Giants are using magic. This is unprecedented. Naturally, the military must adapt.”
He let out a shallow sigh, his already low voice dropping even further.
“Giants may be powerful, but they lack intelligence. Still, even knowing this, our soldiers often can’t withstand their overwhelming strength. Though not as severe as last time, casualties are still high. Increasing the magic units and restructuring them with a sufficient number of mages could prevent such unnecessary deaths.”
“…”
Dianta fell silent, and a moment of stillness filled the room. The tension was broken just as the quiet hum of the scribe’s quill slowed, marking the end of its passage.
Jin was the one to break the silence.
“Lord Jeriem’s point is valid, but Lord Envis’s concerns also stand. It’s not impossible to change the military structure overnight, but it would be challenging. Moreover, in the initial stages, unfamiliarity with the new structure could lead to even higher casualties. While it may be the right long-term decision, how do you plan to handle the losses until then? Do you have a strategy?”
“Of course, I’ve considered that.”
Eden answered with swift confidence, as if he’d been waiting for the question. Amid the Elders who looked on with anticipation, he began.
“Based on data from recent battles, Giants capable of using magic are limited to specific regions. The northern border has the highest occurrence, followed by the Elbin Mountains to the west and the Firen Strait.”
“It’s more limited than expected.”
“Our soldiers are holding them back from spreading to other areas. They’re risking their lives to do so.”
Eden added, his tone growing firmer. His eyes held a sharp focus.
Sensing the atmosphere turn tense, Casper, with his gentle voice, stepped in to mediate.
“So, what is this plan?”
The voice of the High Priest, calm and composed, had a way of easing rising tensions. Eden’s intensity visibly softened.
“…Lord Kreutz has no trouble bringing down a giant using magic. The same goes for Lord Fereshte, who, as I understand, can even communicate with books. I’m hoping they could each oversee the northern border and the Elbin Mountains. I’ll handle the Firen Strait. Within a year, I plan to establish this new system fully. Until then, please lend me your support.”
Eden’s piercing gaze swept briefly over Karma and Jin.
“Understood,” Jin replied without hesitation as their eyes met, his tone as impassive as ever.
“Lord Fereshte?”
“Providing support itself isn’t difficult, but…” Karma paused, unlike Jin, who, despite not being a military officer, was essentially a soldier in everything but name.
“I do have responsibilities. Replacing myself and conducting a handover will take some time. Besides, unlike Lord Kreutz, I can’t implement powerful offensive magic with just an activation phrase. I’ll need a bit of military support.”
“Yes, of course. That won’t be an issue.”
“Alright… understood.”
With a reluctant sigh, Karma nodded. She had little choice but to accept, feeling it was her time to give back to the nation that had supported her.
When Karma finally agreed, Eden’s face visibly relaxed, and a sigh of relief escaped him.
Karma raised another question.
“Under the assumption that we’re helping you, how do you plan to reorganize the army within a year, especially while engaging in direct combat in Firen?”
“First, we’ll actively recruit more mages. Then, as new recruits and skilled units come in, I’ll gradually implement the new system, expanding from there. With the support of you both, it’s feasible to run this in parallel.”
“But isn’t a year too short?”
“It’s the longest time frame I’m willing to allow. If I can shorten it, I will, but I won’t let it drag any longer. The longer we wait, the more casualties we’ll have.”
“We can rely on Lord Jeriem to handle it. Let’s focus on our part. It’s late, and I’m not in the mood for more idle talk.”
Jin interjected, cutting the discussion short. In the silence that followed, he continued.
“So, shall we seek the remaining Elders’ approval?”
“Yes.”
Eden nodded, and simultaneously, Casper and Dianta spoke.
“If it means fewer injuries, I’m in favor.”
“I agree. You seem confident, so I trust you have a detailed plan. We aren’t familiar with military matters, but we believe you’ll manage it well.”
“Leave it to me.”
With that, the meeting concluded as the scribe’s pen stopped. The Elders rose from their seats.
∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
After the meeting, as Karma left the hall, her mind was racing.
‘There’s no shortage of candidates for a general library officer, but replacing a magic librarian is another issue. Could any of the current staff take my place? Or do I need to find a capable mage from the guild?’
As she reflected, she quickly realized thinking alone wouldn’t solve anything, and sighed lightly.
‘What a hassle.’
The list of things she needed to check seemed endless. Her face grew tense as the weight of her tasks sank in. She let out a low curse.
“D**n it.”
Just as she was about to leave, she caught sight of silver hair glinting in the hall’s entrance lights. Its shimmering hue instinctively drew her gaze—a rare, mesmerizing color.
It was Jin Kreutz.
He looked as composed as ever, despite the late hour. For the three years she’d known him, Karma had never once seen a different side to him. He was a remarkably detached person; unmoving, he could almost pass for a well-crafted statue.
Normally, she would have let her interest end there. But tonight, she couldn’t ignore him.
[“Jin Kreutz visited my brother’s grave.”]
Ariel’s voice from earlier replayed in Karma’s mind as she narrowed her gaze, unwittingly studying him.
He was standing by the entrance, tying a red ribbon around the leg of a gray metallic messenger bird.
‘…A red ribbon?’
Knowing its significance, Karma’s eyes widened.
When a sum is written on special paper, in special ink that doesn’t fade, wrapped in a red ribbon, and tied to the leg of a messenger bird, the bank processes the payment and delivers it to the designated recipient.
In short, it was a form of sponsorship.
‘Is he… sponsoring someone?’
It didn’t make sense.
As her thoughts took shape, another one of Ariel’s statements resurfaced in her mind.
Jin Kreutz, who had reportedly visited Aynkel Elias’s grave just two days prior, was now here tying a red ribbon on a messenger bird.
Two actions aligned to reveal a single, undeniable conclusion.
……
(T/N: Is Karma the wingman to ML and FL’s romance? Hahahaha)
