"You did it, Verdi. I've always thought you had potential."
Split off and surrounded by the enemy, Verdi Company managed to retreat on its own without any assistance.
This achievement greatly surprised and delighted Captain Aria.
"…Oh, uh, I'm honored."
"What's wrong? Speak up with more pride."
The unit that Verdi successfully led to retreat included many non-combatants, such as medics.
A retreat is extremely difficult.
Even for an experienced commander, in a situation like the one last night where the encirclement was nearly complete, annihilation would have been inevitable.
Captain Aria must have been especially happy that such an extremely difficult retreat had been accomplished by her cousin Verdi, who had only just been promoted to Second Lieutenant.
"As reported, I simply escaped by following Touri's directions. This accomplishment belongs to her…"
"Don't be ridiculous. It's undoubtedly your achievement."
Initially, Verdi seemed intent on giving me the credit.
During that retreat, I was the one who directed the route, and it was Warrant Officer Faris who ensured our safety.
Verdi apparently felt guilty, wondering, "Am I really allowed to receive all the credit when I left it all to my subordinates and did nothing?"
However,
"A commander's duty is not just to plan operations. It's also important to evaluate your subordinates' proposals and adopt them appropriately."
"…"
"You took a calculated risk in accepting a proposal from a medic with little experience and achieved results. Last night's retreat is undoubtedly a result of you adopting Touri's plan."
Captain Aria dismissed the idea of transferring the credit to me.
She affirmed that the achievement was indeed Lieutenant Verdi's and jokingly added, 'What would we do if we promoted Touri any further?'
This judgment from Captain Aria was a great relief to me.
At that time, I was already overwhelmed with my role as a platoon leader.
Moreover, I was devastated by the situation involving Lakya, so I was in no state of mind to accept any commendation.
"Let's think of a reward for Touri that isn't a promotion. You take the credit for this, Verdi."
"Understood, Cousin."
In the end, most of the credit for this retreat went to Verdi.
As a result, Verdi was promoted to First Lieutenant and awarded a medal.
He apparently made a wry face, saying, "Now I have to learn a whole new set of tasks."
Indeed, Verdi's achievement in this operation was significant.
Because he successfully led the retreat without alerting the enemy, the Sabbatian forces spent the night scouring the darkness for us, who should have been there.
And as dawn broke and the sunlight began to shine upon the plain,
"I have confirmed the enemy's position. Mages, prepare to counterattack!"
"Yes!"
The mage troops led by Captain Aria and the reinforcements provided by Major Renvel fired artillery fire in return towards the Sabbatian forces.
Having exhausted their magic stones in last night's assault, the Sabbatian forces were unable to retaliate and were forced into a full retreat.
This resulted in both sides taking up positions, keeping their distance and hiding among the forest and plains' terrain, watching each other warily.
We sustained considerable damage from the Sabbath's surprise artillery attack, but the enemy likely suffered comparable losses.
Even if we're hit by a surprise attack, if the damage is equal, then it can only be called a success.
"Enemy spotted, dig trenches."
"Digging trenches is infantry work!"
After the enemy's surprise attack…
We retreated to the vicinity of Marshdale and began constructing trenches.
Upon spotting the enemy, the first step is to dig trenches. It's a basic rule of warfare.
"We'll pin down the enemy here until the Southern Army can sever their supply line."
"No, I bet they'll try to escape soon. Don't miss the chance to pursue; scouts, keep a sharp eye out."
Marshdale is a key position close to the capital. Establishing a battle line here would give Austin a considerable advantage.
Because the lengths of our supply lines are different, we can easily receive supplies, but the same is not true for the Sabbath.
"When we pursue them, we'll show the Sabbath hell."
And when pursuing a fleeing enemy, the advantage generally lies with the pursuers.
Morale is different, and attacking from behind is much easier than facing them head-on.
The annoying part is if they start constructing small trenches, hiding, and laying traps as they retreat…
In such cases, the assault units will need to put in extra effort.
***
"…Full body edema. This one won't make it. Please bring in the next patient."
"Got it, Platoon Leader Touri."
And so, as the war resumed…
Us medics returned to hell.
"Little Boss, are you okay?"
"Yes, I'm fine. More importantly, go assist Arunoma."
The Touri Medical Platoon has suffered greatly, facing life-threatening situations and losing two comrades, which has taken a heavy toll on our morale and numbers.
The members who were close to Odie and Lakya are particularly shaken, making more mistakes than usual.
But the patients can't wait.
One after the other, wounded soldiers are being brought to us.
"Little Boss, you've been working non-stop since last night. You're looking unsteady."
"I'm used to this kind of thing."
"…How about you at least take an elixir? It's worrying to watch."
And it seems that I too am not able to maintain my usual condition.
Even though it's only the first night without sleep, I'm already feeling dizzy and nauseous, with a pounding headache.
This must be a psychological problem.
The guilt of leaving Lakya and the others to die is eating away at me.
"Fine, I'll go get some."
"…"
But there's no time to rest due to issues of the heart right now.
Cale is doing his best, but there just aren't enough healers.
In the past, at the Frontline Medical Clinic in Marshdale, I could simply send critically injured patients to the rear if needed.
But this time, we have to prioritize patients who are likely to survive and benefit from treatment here, or we won't make it.
"Please assign the next patient to Arunoma."
"…O-Okay, I'll give it a try."
"I'll be right back. If it's too tough, don't hesitate to ask for help."
Saying that, I walked unsteadily towards the makeshift supply depot in Marshdale.
There's no time to rest. I need to work even harder for the sake of those who have died.
***
The inside of the warehouse was pitch dark.
The elixirs were lined up on a sheet spread on the ground, and there was still a decent supply left.
I picked up one bottle, opened the lid, and drank it down in one gulp.
"Ah, I feel lighter already."
This medicine has an uplifting effect.
It helps you temporarily forget about pain, suffering, and unpleasant feelings.
How wonderful is that?
"Oh…"
The headache stopped once I finished the elixir.
In a slightly intoxicated state, I met the gaze of someone inside the warehouse.
"…"
"You're here again?"
A girl stood in the center of the warehouse with a blank expression on her face.
She's covered in burns all over her body, her military uniform torn to shreds.
Her skin is pale, lifeless, and her fully dilated eyes are fixed on me.
"Lakya…"
Yes.
Since that day, I occasionally see her figure in the darkness.
"That was your own fault, Lakya. You ignored my orders."
This Lakya is an illusion.
The 15-year-old girl, who was deceived into joining the military without knowing anything, was caught in a blast and killed in battle.
So there's no way she'd be in a place like this.
"I properly gave the order to retreat. It was Lakya who ignored that order and went back for Odie."
"…"
"I've explained the importance of following orders multiple times. Please don't look at me like that."
This is just an illusion created by my mind.
I understand that, but…
"…"
Lakya continues to stare at me with accusing eyes, expressionless.
It's only natural that I try to justify myself.
That's right.
That incident is Lakya's responsibility, not mine.
If only she had followed orders and abandoned Odie.
Odie would have died in the line of duty, but at least Lakya would have survived.
Yes, it's because she didn't listen that—
"…"
But… is that really true?
Did Lakya really disobey orders?
No, she definitely ignored the orders, but did she realize it?
Lakya is a rookie.
She's a civilian with so little understanding of the military that she couldn't even follow a designated assembly time.
"…Could it be, Lakya?"
What was I like when I first went to war?
Back then, when Salsa and I were running after Platoon Leader Garback…
When bombardment rained down from the sky, and Salsa injured his leg in a magical trap, what did I do?
Who was it that ran over to Salsa to help him, without even realizing that they were ignoring orders?
"…Could it be that you thought it was common sense to help an injured comrade and never even considered that you were disobeying orders?"
That's right.
When I helped Salsa, I wasn't aware that I was disobeying Platoon Leader Garback's orders.
'Someone is stuck in a dangerous place, so let's help them.'
With that feeling of common sense that any ordinary person would have, I took action.
"Ah, I see now."
Lakya is a kind-hearted girl.
It's because of her kind heart that her talent for healing magic manifested.
"I once made the same mistake."
Unaware that I was disobeying orders, I acted in a way completely different from what my superior expected.
I see now. This is why so many rookies lose their lives.
I should have really drilled into Lakya the importance of following orders. I knew all too well that a new soldier could make that mistake.
After all, for that mistake, Platoon Leader Garback beat me up so badly he nearly broke every bone to teach me a lesson.
Ah, Platoon Leader Garback's training at that time was correct.
When I went to save Salsa, I could easily have died if I'd taken a single wrong step.
At the time, I felt resentment toward Platoon Leader Garback's brutal methods, but it's only when I became a platoon leader that I understand.
The meaning behind why that battlefield ace had inflicted corporal punishment on me with such force that it left me traumatized.
"Then…"
Why didn't I tell Lakya about Platoon Leader Garback?
Why didn't I share with her the lessons I had once been taught, as another rookie myself?
If Lakya had heard about this beforehand, she might not have gone to carry Odie.
"I see. So, the reason Lakya died…"
"…"
Lakya's pale, lifeless eyes stare right through me.
She's dead.
Engulfed by an explosion, she vanished into the night's darkness like a kicked can.
Maybe she held on for a while.
Suffering from the burning pain all over her body, she might have realized that none of us were coming back to help her before dying in despair.
"You're saying it was my negligence that caused it. Is that what you want to say, Lakya?"
My heart races, pounding harder and harder.
Silently, Lakya, with eyes full of resentment, continues to stare at me in the warehouse.
"Ah…"
Under her gaze, I feel myself beginning to lose my breath, dizziness and a throbbing headache overtaking me.
Her anger is entirely justified.
"Yes, that's right…"
Feeling like I was going to vomit, I bent down in front of Lakya.
I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, Lakya. I was too inexperienced as a superior officer—
"Hey! Little Boss, are you alright?!"
"…Huh?"
The next moment, the door to the warehouse opened.
Cale appeared before me with a worried look on his face.
"I've been waiting for you to come back. I came to check on you."
"Oh, sorry. I must have spaced out for a moment."
"Um, Little Boss… what were you muttering to yourself?"
"It's nothing."
Hearing Cale's voice, I quickly stood up.
I can't afford to let my subordinate see me like this, even if he's older than me.
"I'll head right back."
"…Maybe you should rest a bit, Little Boss. Your complexion is really pale."
Ah, I've really done it…
Wasting my already precious time talking to a hallucination.
I wonder if Cale is disappointed in me.
"No, I'm sorry for worrying you. I'm fine now."
"Really…"
Patients are still being brought in.
Reflecting on Lakya's death can come later.
Right now, I need to put Lakya out of my mind and focus on saving the lives I can.
"Well then. Let's go, Cale."
"Ah, yeah…"
I pulled myself together and slowly stood up.
Thanks to the medicine, the dizziness and unsteadiness had lessened.
"Hmm? What's wrong?"
"…Little Boss?"
In a state of pleasant euphoria, I turned around and…
"I'll go quickly, Lakya."
"…!"
I called out to Lakya, who remains motionless in that spot.