---

– Grrr.

The sound of a beast-like growl echoed from all directions. Approaching with heavy footsteps was a troll, classified as a large monster.

Despite their dumb appearance, these creatures, as big as Colossal Mechs, were swinging massive wooden clubs around. The clubs, which likely weighed hundreds of kilograms, were being handled as if they were mere branches.

[Prepare yourselves.]

Just before the engagement, Commander Seraphina began timing through the established communication magic network, her voice low and steady. Every battle hinged on its beginning.

If they could seize the momentum with a single decisive strike, they might be able to wipe out the monsters without significant losses.

– Grrrk.

Trolls and other medium-sized monsters were descending from the forest, avoiding the gaze of larger monsters. Though only half the size of the larger ones, they were still massive compared to humans.

[To all members of the Punitive Force, annihilate the monsters before you!]

As the monsters reached the foothills, the Colossal Mech unit, lying in wait, charged forward. They poured everything they had learned at the Academy into the fight.

– Kyaaak!

The sudden appearance of the Colossal Mechs startled the monsters. As the Punitive Force began hunting their kin, the monsters unleashed their ferocious instincts.

Driven more by the instinct to kill and destroy than by fear of death, they charged at the Colossal Mechs like moths to a flame.

– Boom!

The magic armaments mounted on the Colossal Mechs spewed fire. Enchanted Multi-shot Fireballs began pulverizing the medium-sized monsters.

– Keek!

Despite the barrage of firepower from the Colossal Mechs, many monsters were torn apart, but their momentum didn’t wane. If anything, the smell of blood seemed to excite them, and they clung to the mechs with bloodshot eyes.

[These bastards!]

The attacks from the medium-sized monsters weren’t fatal to the Colossal Mechs, protected by their magic barriers. Though sensitive to mana, the monsters couldn’t manipulate it, making it impossible for them to breach the barriers.

However, the magic barriers couldn’t last indefinitely. Even if the attacks weren’t fatal, they steadily chipped away at the barriers.

Moreover, the larger monsters could, albeit crudely, launch mana-infused attacks. Having consumed mana-rich creatures, the mana within them naturally manifested.

This was especially true for the large monsters from the Nyord Mountains.

And now was no different.

Unfortunately for the Punitive Force, most of the large monsters that emerged were wielding mana-infused clubs.

– Crash!

[Argh! Damn monster!]

Even with the magic barrier, a single swing from a mana-infused club sent a Colossal Mech flying. The barrier’s remaining energy was significantly depleted.

The Punitive Force had to admit they had been complacent.

They had subconsciously believed that riding Colossal Mechs made the monster horde trivial.

But reality was different.

The monsters could manipulate mana, and their ferocity was beyond comprehension.

Even with death looming, they roared and charged. Even as their flesh tore and bones broke, they bared their fangs.

Though they had received training at the Academy, this was something beyond that.

It was then that the Punitive Force realized what it truly meant to face monsters.

This wasn’t war.

It wasn’t about gains or losses. It was a struggle, a fight for survival.

– Slash!

[1st Squad, pull yourselves together!]

As the battle turned against them, Gilbert stepped forward.

Wielding an iron sword, golden mana swirling around him, he cut through the monsters with precision.

His sword strikes were unwavering. No matter how the monsters charged, he struck without hesitation, deploying his magic armaments to systematically deal with them.

Seeing their commander take the lead, the Punitive Force members straightened their backs. They couldn’t show fear or retreat when their superior, Gilbert, was leading the charge.

Among them were nobles and commoners, but now they were proud cadets of the Demia Empire Academy. Top-tier cadets, no less.

Their pride and confidence wouldn’t allow them to cower in fear.

They raised their iron swords and followed Gilbert.

[1st Squad, raise your swords. I’ll clear the path!]

[Charge!]

Golden mana led the way, with the 1st Squad of the Punitive Force following closely behind.

Nyord Mountain Range Punitive Operation.

Day One.

Complete Victory.

***

Gilbert stepped out of the Colossal Mech and let out a long breath. Leading the squad in monster extermination was no easy task.

The cadets, though skilled, lacked real combat experience. Their nervousness prevented them from showcasing their full potential, leading to an inefficient use of mana.

[Gil. This was an unusually inefficient battle.]

“It couldn’t be helped. Boosting the squad’s morale required this approach.”

[Affirmative. Though inefficient, the method raised squad morale by over 80%. I will learn from this.]

The punitive operation wasn’t tied to Academy grades, so linking with CT-777 was permitted.

Ideally, punitive operations should conclude without casualties. For Gilbert, a growing Colossal Mech Knight, using a high-performance Artificial Spirit like CT-777 was one way to minimize losses.

In fact, he and CT-777, along with the 1st Squad, had taken down over half of the large monsters. Inspired by their performance, other Punitive Force members overcame the pressure of their first real battle, concluding the fight without a single casualty.

This was why exceptional Colossal Mech Knights were crucial in war. Their presence alone could turn the tide of battle.

[The Twisted Index of Seraphina, one of the Possessors of Desire, is increasing.] She’s been stimulated by desire again.

Gilbert irritably dismissed the message window blocking his view as he opened the cockpit.

He had expected this. Her Twisted Index stemmed from her desire to possess him.

Given his performance in the punitive operation, it was only natural her desire would be stoked. While staying under the radar might avoid a bad ending, it risked the Punitive Force suffering losses.

As long as the Twisted Index didn’t reach 100%, a bad ending could be avoided. He had acted decisively, and sure enough, the index had risen. Fortunately, it was only a 3% increase from yesterday, still within a safe range.

“Fufufu! Did you see that, Gilbert?”

As Gilbert descended from the Colossal Mech and joined the squad, Camilla, arms crossed, greeted him with her usual smug smile. Gilbert responded in kind.

– Thwack!

“Ow! My head’s splitting!”

Gilbert walked past Camilla, who clutched her head in pain. While it was good she had shaken off her earlier gloom, her excessive cheerfulness required occasional head-thumping to calm her down.

Gilbert surveyed the lined-up squad members. Though the battle wasn’t perfect, completing the mission without casualties was commendable.

“Good work, everyone.”

No lengthy speech was needed. They were already bonded by camaraderie, and facing inhuman monsters had only strengthened their resolve.

In wars against fellow humans, the guilt and remorse of killing others often lingered. Those they killed could have been husbands, wives, or parents in their own countries. Ending such lives carried a heavy psychological burden.

Killing humans was never easy.

But now, they were exterminating mindless monsters. If they didn’t kill them, their families or acquaintances might die. In this context, the cadets felt no aversion to killing monsters.

Gilbert was relieved he didn’t have to overly manage the squad’s mental state. Maintaining morale during a prolonged punitive operation would have been taxing.

“Commander. Deputy Angelina has relayed that all commanders are to assemble. It seems feedback on today’s battle will be conducted.”

“Understood, Deputy Angelina.”

Meeting Seraphina now was undesirable, but unavoidable. Feedback on the first day of the punitive operation was crucial.

Gilbert headed straight for Seraphina’s command post.

“Gilbert…”

At the entrance to Seraphina’s command post, Gilbert encountered Ian. For a moment, Ian’s eyes burned with hostility, but it quickly subsided. He seemed to realize now wasn’t the time for petty conflicts.

Has he matured a bit?

Though middle school syndrome was incurable, perhaps Fressia, his Artificial Spirit, had helped. Artificial Spirits were indeed capable.

Without exchanging words, the two entered Seraphina’s command post.

Though some commanders hadn’t arrived yet, most were already seated.

The two found their assigned seats and sat down.

About a minute later, all commanders had gathered.

“First, I commend all commanders present here. Completing the first day without any casualties is largely due to your efforts.”

“It’s thanks to your guidance, Commander.”

As Vice President Talismann spoke on behalf of the group, the other commanders nodded in agreement.

Commander Seraphina’s trust in them had led to their success.

“Even so, your efforts are not in vain. You’ve all worked hard today. However, an analysis of today’s battle is necessary for tomorrow’s operations. The fatigue from today’s battle could significantly impact tomorrow’s. Therefore, we must closely monitor the unit’s condition.”

Seraphina began the crucial post-battle feedback.

The commanders’ expressions were grave, having realized the difficulty of fighting monsters. The unfounded confidence they had before the operation had completely vanished.

Gilbert was satisfied with this development. In his judgment, the commanders’ awareness alone halved the risk of casualties among the cadets.

“This concludes the feedback for the first day. Does any commander have additional remarks?”

Seraphina scanned the room. No one raised their hand.

“Then we’re dismissed. Ensure the sentries are properly stationed.”

As the meeting ended, the commanders groaned and left the command post. Though they tried to appear unaffected, the fatigue of battle weighed on them.

They needed to wash up and rest quickly, the commanders thought as they exited in small groups.

Only two remained.

Seraphina and Gilbert.

“It seems you have something to say to me.”

Gilbert nodded instead of replying. He had intended to avoid this confrontation, but with tomorrow’s battle looming and the uncertainty of how much the Twisted Index would rise, he needed to address this now.

“Go ahead. After coldly rejecting me yesterday, now you have something to say? Have you changed your mind?”

“My stance remains the same.”

“How dull. Let me offer some advice, Priest. Trampling on a woman’s pure heart isn’t a good hobby.”

“Didn’t you say you’ve given up being a woman?”

“Let me add, clueless men aren’t popular.”

Seraphina’s smirk faded as she decided to end the jest.

“So, what did you want to say?”

“I will not accept your proposal. As I’ve said from the beginning, my loyalty lies solely with the Empire.”

“How cold. Don’t you think it’s unnecessary to bring up something we both already know?”

“If you reconsider my words, you’ll find your answer.”

“Your words?”

Seraphina tapped her lips with a long finger, replaying Gilbert’s words in her mind.

Something clicked.

“Priest. Let me ask you. Did you say your loyalty lies with the Empire?”

“Yes.”

“And earlier, you told me you wouldn’t succeed the Count of Lithuania. Instead, you’d become the Empire’s sword. Does that still hold?”

“Yes.”

“Ha! You’ve been signaling this all along.”

Seraphina’s lips curled into a smile. She finally understood what he meant.

“You’re saying you’ll pledge your loyalty if I ascend to the throne.”

“My loyalty is to the Empire.”

“How bold. You’re telling me you won’t serve unless I become Emperor. Interesting. Very interesting, Priest.”

Seraphina’s smile deepened, her eyes gleaming. Unlike yesterday, her expression wasn’t sinister but rather her usual self.

“I understand your words, but they’re unnecessary.”

Seraphina rose and approached Gilbert, her fingers brushing his chest.

“I am the one who will succeed His Majesty. Therefore, your loyalty should rightfully be mine.”

“Even so, my loyalty—”

“—is to the Empire, I know. Fine. You’re audacious, Priest. It’s a challenge. If I make you mine before becoming Crown Princess, I win. If not, I lose.”

Gilbert smiled back at her.

That was what he wanted.

[Sub Scenario: Second Branch Point of the Possessors of Desire has been selected.]

[The Twisted Index of Seraphina, one of the Possessors of Desire, has increased.]

I need to lower that Twisted Index…

Gilbert inwardly grimaced.

***

– Begin the operation.

– Understood.

Two figures, their faces obscured by anti-recognition masks, retrieved bottles of a black, viscous liquid from a large box.

This time, the plan will succeed.

 

---