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Monsters.

A term that collectively refers to all life forms except for intelligent species classified as other races.

Unlike intelligent species, which can communicate and emotionally interact with humans, monsters and humans were fundamentally incompatible.

Monsters viewed humans as prey or tools for reproduction, while humans and other intelligent species saw monsters as external threats that needed to be eradicated.

These two ideologies, seeing each other as enemies, could never intersect. From the era of heroes and demon kings to the present, the cycle of killing and being killed continued.

This was also true within the world of Tactical Combat.

Despite the development of colossal mechs, monsters were never completely eradicated.

The rate of monster reproduction outpaced the efforts to exterminate them. Unlike intelligent species, monsters didn’t live in concentrated groups, so even large-scale extermination efforts couldn’t prevent their numbers from growing and attacking humans.

Thus, periodic monster hunts were essential.

If the timing was missed, it was the humans who would suffer.

In Tactical Combat, these monster hunts also appeared periodically. During academy years, they were part of the academic schedule, and after graduation, participation depended on one’s affiliation.

Sometimes as a knight of the Empire, other times as a mercenary.

Gilbert, too, participated in countless monster hunts while achieving numerous feats. Given the sheer number of achievements required, his participation often took unconventional forms.

Typically, academy cadets or Empire-affiliated knights could easily participate in hunts by piloting colossal mechs, but in other situations, controlling a mech wasn’t an option.

Unless part of a large mercenary group, acquiring a mech was difficult. The problem was that achieving the feat of becoming a mercenary king required starting as a low-ranking member of a small mercenary group and writing a legend in the mercenary world, which sometimes meant facing large monsters bare-handed.

Thus, while Gilbert was no stranger to monster hunts, that didn’t make them any easier.

Hunts, based on sheer numbers, didn’t end in a day or two. Just when you thought it was over, monsters would crawl out from somewhere.

The prolonged battles, shifting from numbers to endurance, drained people physically and mentally. Monster hunts were something everyone wanted to avoid, but for academy members, they were an unavoidable rite of passage.

Three times a year.

To prevent monsters from gaining strength, Demia Academy sent out cadets by grade each quarter. Many cadets were injured or killed during these hunts, but the academy had no intention of stopping them.

Demia Academy wasn’t a place to grow flowers in a greenhouse.

They wanted weeds.

Cadets who could survive any situation, like weeds.

***

“The list for the punitive force has been released.”

Hans brought the pre-distributed roster.

As expected, Seraphina, the student council president, was appointed as the commander of the punitive force. While a teacher would accompany them, the force itself was entirely composed of cadets.

Thus, it was customary for the student council president to lead the force unless there was a special reason. This time, with no disqualifying factors, Seraphina’s appointment was appropriate.

With Seraphina as commander, the remaining student council executives, primarily first-years with some second-years, were assigned as unit commanders. Since student council executives were selected from top-performing cadets, they naturally took on leadership roles.

“Looks like Lord Gilbert has also been appointed as a commander.”

“Is that so?”

Hans looked at Gilbert with admiration, but Gilbert remained indifferent. This was also expected.

Seraphina, being who she was, wouldn’t leave Gilbert, an honorary student council executive, idle.

From a formal standpoint, it was reasonable to give Gilbert a commander position given his role.

Hadn’t he already proven his capability as a commander during the entrance mock battle, the Resistance suppression, and the Sigurd family invasion?

Seraphina wouldn’t let such a valuable resource go to waste. Naturally, Gilbert was appointed as a commander, forming a key part of the punitive force.

“The unit composition seems quite biased. Especially your unit, Gilbert, it’s filled with elites.”

Most of the cadets assigned to Gilbert were from the top class. The arrangement clearly intended to form a main force around him.

“Are you going to pick a deputy again?”

Angelina subtly glanced at Gilbert.

It had already been over half a year since she became his deputy.

Initially, she had been horrified at the idea of being the deputy of a troublemaker, but over time, she had been influenced by Gilbert and now took pride in her role. Looking back, it felt a bit strange.

Angelina was relatively ambitious. Born into a noble family, it was only natural for her to have aspirations.

Being recognized by many and becoming a key figure in the Empire had long been her dream.

So, when she first became Gilbert’s deputy during the entrance mock battle, she had been thoroughly dissatisfied. She couldn’t shake the feeling that she had lost her chance to be a commander due to bad luck.

But now, six months later, she took pride in being Gilbert’s deputy. He was an exceptional talent with a charismatic presence. Following him often felt overwhelming.

From that, Angelina became convinced.

He was someone worth following.

“Of course. Having a deputy is more efficient for the command structure.”

“So, who are you planning to appoint as your deputy?”

Gilbert suppressed a laugh as he saw Angelina trying to hide her expectant gaze. He never expected the usually rigid Angelina to show such a side.

“I’ll be counting on you, Deputy Angelina. It’s hard to find someone as capable as you.”

This wasn’t just lip service.

While there was a bit of flattery, her abilities were indeed outstanding.

Monster hunts required both numbers and endurance, so having a competent deputy would significantly reduce the burden. With Gilbert appointed as a commander, having Angelina as his deputy was essential.

“I’m glad you think so. Then, I’ll continue to do my best, Commander.”

“Hey, are you two just going to leave me out of this?!”

“That’s true. It’s like you’re ignoring your fiancée here.”

Gilbert’s head ached at Hans’s flippant arm-waving and Brynhild’s raised eyebrow. While Hans was always like that, Brynhild calling herself his fiancée was too much. It felt like a chronic headache was coming on.

“Who’s your fiancée? Don’t just decide things on your own.”

“You accepted my hair, didn’t you? That’s as good as giving me your life. So, give up.”

Brynhild’s crescent-shaped eyes were no different from a predator’s.

Gilbert felt a chill and decided to ignore her.

After all, he had long surpassed her in combat prowess. Even if she barged into his room, he was confident he could subdue her quickly.

“Monster hunts are no easy task. If you let your guard down, you’ll regret it. Everyone, prepare thoroughly.”

Gilbert’s firm advice made his unit members nod in agreement.

Two weeks later, Demia Academy’s monster hunt began.

***

Bandike had to force himself to calm his trembling heart in front of the Resistance members.

If they sensed his unease, it might sow unnecessary doubt among them.

With the support of that crazy old woman, the Resistance had grown explosively, now larger than before Princess Seraphina’s suppression.

Previously, most members were peasants or commoners, but after the reorganization, things were different.

Fallen nobles wrongfully accused and ruined.

Knights who had made names across the continent but had since retired.

Famous mercenaries who lived by the sword.

All sorts of people had gathered to form the Resistance.

Given the situation, Bandike, a third-rate actor with no real achievements, felt like he was walking on thin ice every day.

If he showed any weakness, the fact that he had deceived them would come to light, making even sleep uneasy.

With individuals capable of easily becoming knight commanders in any country kneeling before him and calling him leader, it was no wonder he couldn’t sleep peacefully.

Above all, facing that crazy old woman who effectively controlled the Resistance felt like losing years of his life each time.

“Thanks to you all, we can move forward today.”

“It’s because of you, Leader, that we can hold our ground. You don’t need to say such things.”

“Thank you for saying that. That’s all for today’s report.”

If he had been able to act like this during his theater days, he might have become a famous actor by now. He played the role of the Resistance leader perfectly.

The Resistance members, seeing his demeanor, felt reassured in their choice and left the leader’s room.

“Things are quite organized now.”

“Oh, you’re here?”

As soon as Bandike was alone, the crazy old woman appeared. Her entrance was so natural, it was as if she had always been there.

Bandike swallowed dryly and knelt like the other members, offering her the seat.

“Good. Now, let’s hear the report.”

“The academy is proceeding with the monster hunt as planned. As you already know, Princess Seraphina is leading the punitive force.”

“What about that boy, Gilbert?”

“He’s participating as a commander.”

“Hoho. Of course. That bold boy has the ability.”

The old woman stroked her beard and spoke kindly, but Bandike wasn’t fooled. One misstep here, and he could end up torn apart like the previous members.

“Are you planning to deal with the punitive force?”

“No. Dealing with them now would be a poor choice. We’ll leave them be. Of course, we can’t just leave them alone, so we’ll take some measures.”

“Measures, you say…?”

“You don’t need to know that. I’ll handle it. You just focus on gathering information and expanding our forces.”

“Understood.”

“Don’t worry. Once my goal is achieved, you’ll be free.”

But Bandike knew exactly how meticulous this person was. Taking her offer of freedom at face value would only endanger his life.

“It’s fine. I’m satisfied just following your lead.”

“You’ve become quite sharp lately, unlike your usual self. It’s good to live up to expectations.”

Pleased with Bandike’s response, the old woman chuckled and stood up. She had no more business here and was ready to leave.

“I’ll call if I need you. Keep up the good work. I’ll look forward to our next meeting.”

With that, the old woman vanished as quickly as she had appeared, leaving no trace.

But just her disappearance was enough to relieve Bandike’s mental pressure. He took a deep breath and composed himself. He briefly thought he wouldn’t live long at this rate.

But he had to keep going.

He was already on the tiger’s back. Jumping off midway wasn’t an option.

Bandike stood up and sat where the old woman had been.

Today, he had survived once again. Giving thanks to the Lord was just a bonus.

 

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