I Became a Genius Commander at the Academy

Chapter 16: Opportunity For Promotion (3)

The day after the operation meeting in the morning.

At the Raintlant front, the Francois Republic’s 12th Division commander, Karl de Henri, woke up at the same time and sat at the desk to look over the division’s affairs.

Normally, he would have complained about having to write a report every day, especially when there weren’t any significant changes.

However, today he felt grateful for the responsibility and the right to write a report about the current situation on the Raintlant front.

It was because they had successfully executed a decoy operation, defeating over 1,500 of the enemy while minimizing the sacrifices on their side.

An experienced commander would never fall for such a strategy, but fortunately, inexperienced student company leaders bit every bait thrown their way, ensuring success.

He felt like buying a drink for the enemy general who sent those inexperienced student leaders to the front line.

If things continued this way, he would be recognized for the victory on the Raintlant front and be assured of more land, wealth, and promotions.

“When I was first deployed here, I cursed Lord Deus for placing me on such a hellish front line. But looking back, it was all a blessing from God. Hahaha!”

Just thinking about it brought a smile to his face, and he felt hopeful for the bright future ahead.

However, this reflective mood didn’t last long.

It was because some foolish officer rushed into the division headquarters, panting heavily and not following reporting protocol.

Karl wanted to scold the officer, but not wanting to ruin his good mood, he instead asked with a slightly irritated voice.

“What brings you here?”

“I came to report directly to you, commander, as it’s urgent.”

“Speak quickly, then. And remember the reporting protocol next time. If you neglect it again, you’ll be disciplined.”

“Understood, Commander. Reporting, as of the current time, the Reich Empire’s 8th Division is preparing to retreat. The situation seems dire, as they haven’t properly organized their headquarters, only taking minimal food, weapons, and armor, and they are trying to flee.”

Hearing this, the commander was so elated that his previous anger at the reconnaissance officer for ignoring the reporting protocol vanished.

Instead, he started to see the intelligence officer who had carelessly bypassed protocol as a cute fellow trying earnestly to share good news quickly.

“It’s okay to report urgently without following protocol. Especially if it’s good news. However… In the future, unless it’s an urgent situation like this, always follow the reporting protocol.”

“Yes, understood, Brigade Commander.”

The Brigade Commander, as was customary, handed five gold coins to the officer who delivered the good news, saying,

“If what you say is true, we will soon be celebrating. At that time, embrace a woman to relieve the fatigue. Judging by your looks, this seems to be your first real battle. Embracing a woman that the merchant ships bring to the battlefield can also be a valuable experience.”

The officer, upon receiving the money, saluted his superior officer in front of him with a perfect angle and expressed gratitude before swiftly exiting the brigade commander’s tent.

The brigade commander then called in the scout captain, who was waiting outside, to verify the detailed information.

And that night, the Francois Republic 12th Brigade Commander, Karl de Henri, confident in their impending victory, indulged in the finest wines and cheeses sold by merchant ships.

Although the amount was just enough for the soldiers of the 12th Brigade to not get drunk, the brigade’s budget was used to distribute alcohol and meat.

Traditionally, when a brigade commander distributed alcohol and meat during a war, it meant they were almost certain of victory. Thus, every officer and soldier in the brigade began to relax in anticipation of the upcoming victory, unaware of the potential consequences.

Though only a day or two had passed, for me, Peter Yaeger, it felt unbearably long.

That was because this operation could be the biggest opportunity of my life…

If I fail, I might suffer a blow so severe that I couldn’t stand up as a commander again. But if successful, it would provide a starting point for unparalleled wealth, honor, and power compared to before.

So, the anxiety of ‘What if we fail?’ kept coming back to me.

However, the slow clock of the defense department did move on, and like the first day I was discharged from the military, the scheduled operation time approached. A scout, covered in dust, rushed into the battalion headquarters.

Everyone’s attention was focused on him.

Because the outcome of the operation hung on that soldier’s report.

Trying to hide my anxiety, which felt like the thumping heart of a teenager in love for the first time, I calmly asked,

“What’s the current situation with the Francois Republic army?”

It was a very general question, but the scout, who had the rank of a major, answered crisply,

“12th Brigade Commander Karl of the Republic of Francois saw our retreat and relaxed, certain of their victory. Over the past two days, the Brigade Commander distributed alcohol and meat to both officers and soldiers. The merchant ships are preparing for a feast on the battlefield, bringing with them prostitutes, meat, and performers.”

Hearing that, my heart surged with elation.

I wanted to cheer right there, but this operation had to remain confidential until we launched our attack.

Of course, I informed the captains beside me about the operation three hours earlier.

However, officers below the rank of major from other battalions shouldn’t know until the last moment, so I responded with indifference.

“You’ve worked hard. Now, go on.”

“Yes, understood.”

After he swiftly exited, those who were left cheered loudly. I clapped my hands to change the atmosphere and said,

“We will now commence Operation ‘Thunder’. All captains, return to your barracks immediately, wake up your soldiers, and bring the wagons loaded with crossbow arrows, crossbows, and torches covered with jars. The Mage Lieutenant should gather all the mages in the battalion in the square as previously discussed.”

Upon hearing the orders, the senior captain of the battalion asked on behalf of everyone,

“Yes, understood. What will you do, sir?”

“I, as acting Battalion Commander, will personally inform the Brigade Commander about the start of the operation. It might take about 10 minutes. Make sure all preparations are thoroughly completed by then.”

“We will follow your orders.”

After everyone dispersed, I went to the brigade commander to report the start of the operation, and then hurriedly walked back to the battalion’s main square.

When I arrived, all the soldiers of the battalion were standing by, holding spears in their left hands, torches not yet lit in their right, and crossbows strapped to their backs.

Seeing this, I realized the weight of the lives of over 100 soldiers hanging on my command.

However, given the situation, there was no time for sentimentality. I decided to make a small speech before heading out.

“Forget everything else, and just remember this: Trust your battalion commander and fight as if you’re throwing away your lives. If we return victorious, I’ll personally beg the brigade commander to promote all of you. Don’t you all want to return to your families sooner rather than later? And one more thing, let’s make sure to meet again alive.”

While another commander might have spoken of the empire’s honor, family, and wealth, what resonated more with the soldiers was their discharge.

Because that word contained their families, peaceful daily lives, and the leisure of returning alive.

If this surprise operation succeeds, first-class merit would be promised to me for leading a battlefront that was on the verge of defeat to victory.

With such merit, it should be more than possible to request and get approved for a one-rank promotion for all the soldiers without undermining my achievements.

“Long live the Commander!”

“Let’s get promoted and go home a day sooner!”

“Let’s eat warm food prepared at home, not shitty oatmeal and half-rotten cheese!”

Thus, I was able to boost the morale of the soldiers and approach the enemy as covertly and closely as possible without being detected.

During the process, we nearly got caught several times by the enemy scouts, but we killed all of them with arrows before they could sound their horns.

This way, we were able to safely move to our predetermined point.

There, I commanded the soldiers.

“The mages should shoot fireballs as far away as possible to set the enemy lines ablaze. The soldiers will be divided into two groups. Group 1 consists of the 2nd and 3rd squads and the mages, while Group 2 is the 1st and 4th squads. Group 1 will fire only one crossbow bolt and leave the rest here, then charge with me. Group 2 will use all the remaining crossbows as per their squad leader’s instructions. Then everyone will become one and charge into the enemy line without hesitation. If you show fear and flinch, we will all die. Just follow me!”

At those words, the soldiers nodded in agreement, and the mages and soldiers launched magic spells and arrows toward the enemy lines at once.

Then, with the soldiers of Group 1, I charged like a madman—no, like a lunatic high on drugs.

“Charge! Chaaaaaaarge!”

Like a mad bear that harvesting soldiers as if they were wheat.