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As Gilbert had anticipated, Seraphina made a grand announcement to crush the Resistance as soon as the Academy stabilized. The Resistance’s recent actions were not just an attack on the Academy but were seen as a direct challenge to the Empire itself.

The Demia Empire Academy, where the children of influential families and top-tier talents who would shape the Empire’s future were enrolled, was no ordinary place. An attack on such a central institution of the Empire was not something to be taken lightly, and Seraphina’s personality wouldn’t allow her to let such an incident slide without retaliation.

Thus, under the command of a prominent heir to the throne, the punitive force was swiftly assembled.

Given its nature, the punitive force was organized at the scale of a single company. With full authority granted by imperial decree, Seraphina was appointed as a Captain and took command, appointing Professor Briana as a First Lieutenant and Deputy Company Commander. Gilbert, a 6th-grade knight whom Seraphina had personally invited to join the punitive force, was appointed as a Second Lieutenant.

The remaining troops were recruited from Academy cadets. Initially, Seraphina had planned to use Imperial Knights to crush the Resistance, but she changed her mind midway. While the Resistance had indeed rebelled against the Empire, she couldn’t shake the feeling that they had dared to act so boldly because they underestimated the Demia Academy.

As a noble member of the blue-blooded elite, she couldn’t let that slide. Fortunately, the Academy cadets agreed with her, and a select group of students was chosen to join the punitive force.

Meanwhile, the Empire provided full support. Over half of the personnel from the Empire Intelligence Agency were deployed to track down the Resistance, and the 3rd Royal Knights Brigade, the only unit permitted to operate outside, was dispatched to assist Seraphina. The sheer scale of the force was enough to wage war against a small nation, all for the sole purpose of crushing the Resistance.

“Captain Seraphina, all preparations are complete.”

Seraphina, who had been meditating ahead of the departure ceremony, opened her eyes at Yanic’s call. Her mind, which had been deeply submerged, gradually surfaced.

“Understood.”

As she ascended the podium prepared for the ceremony, the gazes of the punitive force converged on her. Dozens, if not hundreds, of eyes were fixed on her. An ordinary person might have been overwhelmed by the aura they exuded, but Seraphina was different.

She was born to be a ruler. Even before anyone taught her, she instinctively knew how to stand above others. From the moment her ego formed, she naturally stood above others. It was like an innate instinct.

With an enchanted magical artifact before her, Seraphina’s eyes scanned the crowd. Everyone seemed captivated by a strange fervor.

“I am Captain Seraphina Lector Infractus, commanding this punitive force against the Resistance.”

Her opening was crisp and concise. Her precise pronunciation and pleasant voice had a magnetic charm that instantly drew the audience’s attention.

“Today, we move to eradicate the Resistance that threatens our Empire. According to our intelligence, their numbers are significant, and a full-scale battle is likely. But I trust that you, the proud cadets of Demia, will follow me well.”

Her speech was devoid of embellishments, focusing only on what was necessary. In an era where Tactical Combat was set in a medieval-like backdrop, speeches often dragged on for hours with endless rhetoric. But Seraphina didn’t follow that trend.

She chose to deliver only what was essential, reflecting her practical nature.

“I won’t speak long. As proud cadets of Demia Academy, you know your duty. Remember that. Understood?”

“Understood!”

“Finally, I have one order for you. You must carry it out without fail.”

“We will obey!”

“Do not die in vain. Ensure you fully claim the honor you deserve. This is an order from your Company Commander and from Princess Seraphina Lector Infractus.”

Seraphina’s eyes burned with determination as she surveyed the troops. There would undoubtedly be casualties, but this was not something that could be delayed. The Resistance would surely threaten Demia Academy again, and next time, they would come with a more meticulous plan.

This time, there were no significant casualties, but who knew what the next attack would bring? That’s why, even if it meant sacrifices, they had to root out the Resistance now. Seraphina steeled her resolve and sharpened her gaze.

“That is all. All troops, move out.”

At Seraphina’s command, the punitive force began to move in perfect unison.

***

According to the Empire Intelligence Agency, the Resistance was based in a remote area called Banneret, about a week’s journey from Obitus. It was a mountainous village in a rugged region, rarely visited even by adventurers.

The Intelligence Agency agents had stumbled upon this place purely by chance, as it was magically and magically engineered to be perfectly concealed. For agents of the Empire’s Intelligence Agency, their explanation seemed a bit weak, but there was a reason for that.

Banneret, the Resistance’s stronghold, was an ancient ruin discovered by their leader, Bandike, who had made it their base.

It was where the Resistance’s colossal mechs were hidden, and it was why they had managed to evade the Empire’s eyes for so long. In fact, it was no exaggeration to say that Bandike had formed the Resistance after finding this place.

However, during a memorial service for seven fallen comrades, they were unfortunately caught by the Empire Intelligence Agency. Despite their careful concealment in the mountains, they couldn’t evade the Empire’s ever-watchful eyes forever.

This was the story Gilbert had heard, and it matched the game’s plot he was familiar with.

Of course, that wasn’t all. It was strange that the Resistance’s well-hidden base had suddenly been exposed. But for now, dealing with the immediate task at hand was the priority.

Gilbert, now a Second Lieutenant in the punitive force, had to fulfill his duties accordingly.

“Corporal Angelina.”

“Yes, Second Lieutenant Gilbert.”

Angelina, who had been recommended by Gilbert, was appointed as a Corporal by Seraphina, while Hans was made a Sergeant. It might have seemed like parachute appointments, but Seraphina had noticed their performance during the general assessment and appointed them as non-commissioned officers among the many Academy cadets in the punitive force.

“I need you to cover the Resistance’s escape routes.”

“Along with Sergeant Hans?”

“Yes, that’s the order from Company Commander Seraphina. She wants troops stationed here, near the valley descent.”

“…Good judgment. Even I can see this is a crucial point to block. The terrain here is rugged, but this area is particularly dense with forests.”

Currently, they had dispersed troops around Banneret to form as wide a net as possible. Ideally, they would tighten the noose and capture everyone, but the late hour was a hindrance.

With no other choice, the punitive force set the attack for the next morning and maintained their positions, preparing to camp for the night.

“Then I’ll relay the message to Sergeant Hans. But will we be enough on our own?”

“I’ve already assigned this point to Corporal Ian. Please inform Corporal Belfonere as well.”

Ian, who had shown great promise despite some shortcomings during the general assessment, was also part of the punitive force. His proactive attitude had Gilbert breathing sighs of relief multiple times.

Gilbert had been worried about Ian’s personality, fearing he might be a coward who would flee at the first sign of trouble. But seeing him step up bravely was a huge relief.

“Understood. Should we move at the start of the punitive operation?”

“Correct.”

“I’ll relay the orders.”

Angelina left to deliver the instructions. After completing all tasks assigned by Seraphina, Gilbert headed to her tent to report.

The 3rd Royal Knights Brigade, dispatched from the Imperial Palace, was guarding the entrance to Seraphina’s tent.

“I have a report for the Company Commander.”

“Wait. I’ll inform her.”

“Enter.”

Seraphina’s voice came from inside the tent. The expressionless knights immediately stepped aside to let Gilbert pass. Their mechanical movements reminded Gilbert of the British guards he had once seen on Earth.

Pushing aside the tent flap, Gilbert entered to find Seraphina grooming her hair before bed.

Seraphina was sitting on a large bed with red bedding, wearing a slip-like dress. The dress was a blend of black and red, with intricate patterns around the chest and hips, giving it a luxurious look. The lower half of the dress revealed her toned thighs.

She was untangling her golden hair, which cascaded down her back.

Her casual attire caught Gilbert off guard, but he tried not to show it.

“Priest, you’ve come.”

“I apologize for disturbing your rest.”

“It’s fine. If the Priest has come, there must be a reason.”

Her calm smile was disarming, but her attire made it hard to focus. It was no wonder Seraphina always ranked high in popularity polls for Tactical Combat, despite being an unattainable character. Her fans were numerous, and seeing her like this, it was easy to understand why.

“I see you’ve carried out all my orders.”

“Correct. I came to report that I’ve ordered Corporal Ian and two other corporals to secure the Resistance’s escape routes.”

“Understood. Securing the escape routes is crucial to rooting out the Resistance. Ensure the Priest reiterates their importance before the operation begins.”

“Understood. Is there anything else you need?”

“There is one more order for you, Priest.”

“Command me.”

Seraphina blinked her jewel-like eyes as she looked at her Priest, who had slightly bowed his head.

“Capture the Resistance leader, Bandike, if possible.”

“Capture… him?”

“Yes.”

Gilbert quickly analyzed why Seraphina had given such an order. Why go out of the way to capture the leader of a rebel group? The answer wasn’t hard to figure out.

“A political example?”

“You’re quite capable in this area, Priest. Correct. It could be seen as a political show. But politics is about accumulating such small things. What seems insignificant can topple even the strongest fortress. Remember, nothing in politics is ever certain.”

Her words were compelling. Seraphina intended to show that those who dream of a republic meet a grim end. This was the time to set an example.

To prevent the rise of a second or third Resistance, a firm example was necessary.

“I’ll keep that in mind. Then, Company…”

“Ahem.”

“Priest… I have one request.”

Gilbert, who had been interrupted by Seraphina’s cough, reluctantly changed his address. He had tried to avoid using “Priest,” but it seemed Seraphina had no intention of letting him off the hook.

“If it’s a request from my one and only Priest, I’ll hear it. Speak.”

“Capturing the Resistance leader might be difficult with just standard mechs.”

“Don’t worry. You’re no ordinary cadet now. You’ll be provided with a suitable mech.”

“Then I have one more request.”

“You don’t even need to say it. You want to use the artificial spirit you recently acquired, don’t you?”

Seraphina recalled Gilbert receiving the artificial spirit from Professor Briana’s lab not long ago.

“Understood. You may do so.”

“Thank you. Company…”

“Ahem.”

“Priest…”

“Really, my one and only Priest has no charm at all.”

Gilbert found it hard to understand why Seraphina insisted on being addressed as “Priest.” In the game, she had emphasized the title, but not to this extent. Perhaps this was one of the differences between reality and the game.

“Then may I take my leave? You should rest as well, Priest.”

“The same goes for you, Priest. You may go.”

With a wave of her hand, Seraphina dismissed Gilbert, who bowed and returned to his quarters, quickly falling asleep.

And so, the day dawned.

 

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