This is Imperial Military Command with your 6:00 AM war update.
"Our forces, including our central unit, are expanding in all theaters,"
says north Norden.
Next, a report by Western Command for the Rhine front.
In response to a Republic night attack, our forces launched a large-scale...
Unified Year 1924, Imperial Capital Berun
Hey, soldiers. Buy something with your ration tickets.
We're already issued enough!
Johann's already defeated five people?
Yes, he says he should be back for Christmas.
It's already been over six months since I left the front lines.
The stench of blood and gunpowder has yet to disappear from my nostrils.
But right now,
I'm enjoying my studies.
There's a sizable difference between their education policies,
but a military university isn't that different from a normal one.
No, in some ways, you're treated even better.
Part of it may be because I'm back from the front lines with a medal on my chest.
But even in the body of a little child, I've had no trouble fitting in.
All that's left is to use signaling theory to show my human resources value,
and I'll be assured of an elite career track.
And after graduation, I can live on easy street in the rear echelons.
Everything's going my way.
Episode 4 Campus Life
When units deviate from the mission plan,
should their commanding officer be held personally culpable?
Victor.
Yes, sir! Even if he isn't directly involved, he should accept moral responsibility—
I'm talking about the law, you idiot!
Next! Degurechaff!
Yes, sir.
To clarify the question, are there any senior officers present?
We'll say there aren't.
A commander who's neglected his duty to stop any such deviation
has failed in his legal duty.
Maximum penalty may include the firing squad.
And if there were a senior officer?
As long as the officer in question has not done anything illegal,
responsibility lies with the senior officer, as a general rule.
Very good.
What's the next course?
Military spear practice.
Want to go to the cafeteria out front?
It's still too early...
Degurechaff?
Captain Uger?
Military Academy Student Captain Maximilian Johann von Uger
What is it?
Why are you always working on your rifle?
This equipment allows me to fulfill my purpose at any time.
I feel uneasy unless I make sure it's ready at all times.
I see.
People who return from the front lines are different...
This is a matter of respect.
And a necessary act to reconfirm my enemy's existence.
Who knows when I might have a chance to shoot Being X?
You should always be ready to grab your chance.
And I, personally, will never not be ready!
Military Academy Library
Hannibal's Decisions at the Battle of Cannae?
You're so studious.
I-I'm sorry, General!
I'm Tanya Degurechaff, a student here.
I'm a first lieutenant mage in the Imperial Army.
Strategy and Operations Vice Director Zettour.
In the rear echelons, a director of strategy is at the top!
In a company, he'd be heading up business strategy!
I'm honored to meet you!
I've heard a little about you.
You've been quite busy, I hear.
Your words honor me, sir.
If you aren't in a hurry, could you come with me?
Yes, with pleasure!
This is the chance of a lifetime...
Worth spending all that time in the library.
Let's drink!
Cheers!
How many toasts so far?
Be seated.
Yes, sir. Excuse me.
Actually, I wanted to ask you something.
What are your thoughts on the war?
Imperial soldiers are nearly obsessed with precision.
Sir, I'm sorry, but your question is too broad.
Let me change it, then.
What do you think the next developments in the war will be?
I'm afraid I don't believe I'm in a position to say.
This isn't an inquiry.
Give me your personal perspective.
Speak freely.
I guess refusing any more would be rude...
Then, with your permission to speak freely.
I'm certain that this war will grow into a world war.
A world war?
A global war, involving the majority of the world's most powerful countries.
That is a world war.
And what makes you think so?
The Empire is a relatively new addition to the ranks of the world powers,
but it maintains military superiority.
Its military power is incredible.
In a one-on-one fight, it could defeat the Republic.
If we do defeat the Republic and restore peace,
our country will be in a position of absolute superiority on the continent.
However...
I don't think the other major powers,
the Allied Kingdom and the Russy Federation, will ever be willing to ignore that.
They're being forced to make a choice.
Will they allow a new ruling country's birth,
or will they reject it?
Ah. I'm starting to see what you're saying.
An intellectual conversation, spent establishing a common understanding.
This is wonderful.
Thus, the interference of other countries is inevitable.
It may begin with monetary loans to the Republic
and eventually lead to the sharing of weapons or volunteer forces.
An interesting opinion.
How would you handle it?
I would try to start talks at an early stage.
If that fails, I would focus on limiting our own resource expenditure.
Now, this is how you give a presentation.
It's one of the best parts of being an adult.
In other words,
you wouldn't try to win?
Crap!
Not good!
Really not good!
I want to shoot myself in my stupid mouth!
Th-That may be what I said,
but by limiting our losses while shedding enemy blood,
I believe the Empire would win in the long run.
Do you have a practical plan?
Cowards get the worst front-line jobs.
I need to say something as brave as possible!
I would suggest a combination
of defensive infantry tactics and offensive strategies with mages.
Mages are powerful, but there aren't many of them.
They aren't good for capturing enemy bases.
I agree.
However,
mages excel in firepower and agility.
They're ideal for hunting enemy forces.
This is it! This is where I must show my aggressiveness!
Without national power and human resources, no country can maintain a war.
In the sense that you win the battle while limiting your losses,
you could call it a loss-restriction doctrine.
I believe this may be the best use of mages.
Interesting.
I made it through!
That speech even surprised me!
Once the war ends, maybe I should go for some kind of legal certification.
And?
If we wanted to put this into practice,
how large a force of mages would you need?
I... I believe a battalion would be sufficient.
That would strain resources less and meet the minimum for combat value.
If you wanted a trial run, it would be the best option.
I see.
I'll look into it.
Put together a formal proposal.
R-Roger!
Excuse me!
W-World war?
An all-out war involving the entire country?
The author's identity is confidential.
But this paper was given to me by Zettour.
I'm sure you're busy inspecting all the various theaters.
But read it on the train or something.
A war of madness, which expends human lives as if they were just numbers...
And it'll continue until the country's collapse?
But why?
Why can't I say it's impossible?
What is this strange feeling I have?
Also, the feeling I get from this logic and writing...
I recognize it!
#3 Krueger Street, Zolka Cafeteria
My grades and school reputation are progressing nicely.
And I have connections in operations.
There are next to zero concerns about my life after graduation.
Captain Uger?
It's rare to see you here.
A rifle and a paper.
You're the same as ever, huh?
The ideal soldier.
What about you?
I heard you're certain to be one of the Twelve Knights, the school's pride.
Is there something wrong, Captain?
First Lieutenant Degurechaff, this may be rude to ask,
but why did you volunteer for the military?
With your talents, you could have done anything.
So why?
My father was a soldier.
"Was"?
Then...
My mother abandoned me,
and I became an orphan.
There was nothing for me to do but join the military.
But... I don't know how to say this...
You're still a child.
You should leave the military.
Do you doubt my capabilities, Captain?
No!
I don't, but...
I have a kid now.
A girl.
Oh, wow.
Congratulations.
When I look at you,
I ask myself if my own daughter will have to go to war.
Sending cute little kids to the battlefield is insane.
Don't you think so?
Captain, you're a nice person.
You're rational, and you have a conscience.
But...
But that's why you should get to the rear before the madness truly begins.
I... can't do that.
Captain, you need to fight battles to live.
So that your daughter isn't sent to the battlefield, too.
Want to have lunch?
The wurst here is quite good.
No, sorry, but I'll be going.
My wife's waiting for me at home.
Captain Uger has now dropped out of the promotion track,
and I have a guy with a conscience, who knows the battlefield, on my side.
You should try persuasion when people are mentally defenseless.
The fascist who proposed that was a demonic genius.
Imperial Strategic Headquarters, Conference Room 1
The redeployment of our central forces to the Rhine front
has caused a lull in the battle.
But it's also true that the forces in the western theater were nearly destroyed.
It's critical that we reorganize and reinforce them.
But doing a large-scale military reorganization now will be difficult.
I'm well aware.
And so, I want to suggest something else.
Do you have a plan?
The creation of a new rapid-response force.
But that would create a force we aren't using.
Operations needs a highly mobile force that we can move at will.
Is this the "Plan for a Rapid-Response Mage Battalion"
that you and your people submitted a few days ago?
Indeed.
A single battalion isn't a major loss, and it can be quickly deployed.
I understand the plan, but...
I have the ideal person in mind.
They have combat experience,
and the paper they submitted speaks of exceptional vision and judgment.
Imperial Army Western Theater Garrison
Is that set in stone?
Yes.
Given our situation, they said we can't let talented soldiers sit idly by.
Did they read the report I submitted to them about her time at the officer academy?
Yes. But it seems they've decided she's grown at the military academy.
Grown?
A person's true nature doesn't change that easily!
Is that why they wanted me to read this?
Once again, thank you so much for inviting me today.
Imperial Strategic Headquarters, Dining Room
I'm amazed you've became one of the Twelve Knights at your age.
Aren't you, Zettour?
Yes, it's amazing.
Your words honor me.
You're still growing, right?
Eat all you want.
Yes, I plan to.
How do you like the dish Strategic HQ is known for?
On the front lines, you don't really eat steamed food, but...
Truthfully, I'd probably be better off eating in a naval armory.
To be honest, it reminds me a lot of the front lines.
That's a splendid answer.
Perhaps we'll call it the "Cafeteria of the Unending Battlefield."
Now, let's get to the point.
I'm sure you know this,
but we've asked you here to discuss your post-graduation deployment.
These are all safe stations within the Empire.
And after two years of experience,
I can join Strategic HQ, huh?
In light of your past exploits,
Personnel will not intervene in your selection.
Pick whichever you like.
I have lots of good choices, don't I?
I'm not sure.
What's this?
There's actually another one from Strategic HQ.
I'll be on my way.
Good luck, Degurechaff.
Yes, sir. Thank you, Colonel.
Thank you, Colonel.
The stuff from Personnel was just for show.
I never had a choice.
Knowing you, I'm sure you'd prefer we get right down to business.
First Lieutenant Degurechaff,
I intend to put you in charge of a new rapid-response mage battalion.
A battalion?!
I... I believe a battalion would be sufficient.
Was that it?!
Leading a rapid-response battalion is a bigger risk than the front lines!
Due to its rapid-response nature, it would answer directly to Strategic HQ.
Essentially, you would have no superior officer.
B-But I'm only a first lieutenant.
I'm not qualified to command a battalion.
Don't worry. I'll put in an order to make you an organizer immediately.
An organizer?
The position of organizer has been obsolete for a long time,
but it's still available.
When you graduate, you'll be promoted to captain and become an organizer.
And, once you've "organized" the battalion,
we'll reward you by forcing through a promotion to major.
I have all the preparations ready.
That's a very enticing officer.
Why?
Why did this happen?
So, how much time do I have to organize it?
The sooner, the better.
Pick up to forty-eight people of your choosing.
Roger.
I'll be going, then.
Lieutenant...
I'm told that you can be very difficult to work with.
I don't question your ability, but you have a bad reputation.
Keep that in mind.
Thank you for your warning.
Good luck!
Sending a kid to war, huh?
Damn it!
I'll have to take as much time as possible with the selection process
and delay our shipping out.
Imperial Strategic HQ External Bureau
What is this?
Organizer Section
I only sent out that recruitment notice last week!
Mages are the elite, aren't they?
Shouldn't they want the best jobs they can get?
I made it clear in the notice that this would be a terrible job...
Mages Wanted. Extremely Difficult Battle, Little Pay
Spend your days in combat and unfathomable danger. If you return alive, you'll receive honor and glory.
Why would all these people sign up for a one-way ticket to hell?
I can't go through all this stuff by myself, anyway.
It's impossible... Absolutely impossible!
Okay.
I'll use the lack of personnel as an excuse to buy time.
Excuse me.
What are you doing here?
It's been a while, Captain Degurechaff!
This is...
Next Time My First Battalion
This program is fiction. All persons, groups, places, laws, and names appearing in it have no relation to the real world.
good stuff...