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Ian Tigress Line Barrel.

The protagonist of Tactical Combat and a playable character, he was a legitimate son from a Count Family who entered the Academy and had a narrative of becoming a war hero.

His appearance, with soft features, a sturdy build, and confident eyes, perfectly targeted the tastes of many female players. As a result, he became a frequent cosplay choice, and even long after the game’s release, cosplayers of both genders continued to dress as Ian.

However, for Gilbert, what mattered more than his background was the current state of the protagonist. As a playable character, the protagonist’s personality is determined by dialogue choices.

When first enjoying the game’s story, players often chose serious and heroic options, but over time, to explore branching sub-quests, they started picking all sorts of eccentric dialogue choices.

Choosing to annihilate villages or abuse war prisoners was considered mild. Achieving all achievements required such eccentric actions to fill every slot.

The real question was, in this now-real world, what kind of person was the protagonist that Gilbert wasn’t controlling?

According to the developers, Ian Tigress Line Barrel was described as upright and righteous. Following the choices treated as canon by gamers, this aspect became evident, leading to positive evaluations of Ian.

Gilbert had thought the same in the other world, but upon waking in the Tactical Combat world, he revised his knowledge. While he was a veteran player, remembering every detail was impossible, though he recalled major events and essential items.

However, after experiencing the ripple effects of the “delinquent” setting he had carelessly added when creating Gilbert’s character, he abandoned the idea that all in-game settings would align.

Originally, the game had countless sub-quests and bad endings triggered by single choices. With DLCs, their number increased, so in this now-real world, nothing could be certain until seen firsthand.

Thus, Gilbert eagerly awaited meeting the protagonist. With the entire continent engulfed in war, the heroic protagonist needed to be the face and backbone of the Allied Forces. Gilbert’s poor reputation had clear limits, no matter how much he tried to improve his image.

Gilbert glanced at Ian beside him. His firmly closed mouth and confident gaze passed the initial assessment. Though not a physiognomist, Gilbert was relieved Ian didn’t seem weak-willed or timid.

With Ian by his side, the number of candidates for Commander reduced to two. The scouting battle lost its meaning, as its purpose was to become Commander, and only two spots remained. Now, it was a fierce competition for the remaining positions.

Gilbert checked if any key companion characters were among the cadets vying for Commander. In the game, most achievements forced solo play, and recruiting companions was tedious, but this was a one-coin hardcore reality, not a game with retries.

If there were reliable companions to fight alongside, he needed to recruit them. He dredged up memories of companions, recalling that the protagonist’s year had essential companion characters.

One was a pink-haired, fussy character who, once recruited, became a dependable ally. Gamers nicknamed her “Pink Chang” due to her pink hair, but she was steadfast in her duties.

‘Her name was Lily, right?’

“Lily Roseus Nobilitas, appointed as Commander of Team 3. Please come this way.”

Yes, that was her name.

Gilbert watched as Lily, now appointed Commander, stepped forward.

Her petite frame, long pink hair, soft rounded face, and confident eyes were striking.

But what truly drew the cadets’ attention was something else.

Jiggle, jiggle.

Her ample chest, disproportionate to her small frame, bounced with each step. Though minimized by her tight cadet uniform, no one could ignore the holy movement.

‘Classic Pink Chang.’

Gamers nicknamed her “Pink Chang” entirely because of her large bust. Her personality was somewhat naive about sexual matters, leading to memes like “Pink Chang was always like that.”

Sizzle.

Lily’s sharp gaze turned to Gilbert. He felt puzzled by her intense stare but soon remembered he was Gilbert Lion Heart.

Lily, though fussy, wasn’t mean-spirited. She was generally kind, never mistreating commoners or crossing lines in the Academy’s story.

However, there was one exception to her calm demeanor: when she encountered trash like Gilbert.

“Gilbert Lion Heart.”

“What is it?”

Gilbert sensed hostility in Lily’s voice, realizing he’d already lost her as a companion. He had forgotten that Lily, as the delinquent of a Count Family, would only view him with disgust.

“Even trash like you couldn’t escape the proof of blue blood, huh?”

“As you can see.”

“Ha! Then I’ll make sure you pay for your sins.”

Gilbert turned away, feigning disinterest, but inside, he knew something was amiss. Her tone suggested a long-standing, unpleasant history with him.

He began sifting through Gilbert’s memories, recalling that before his possession, the original Gilbert had tormented Lily for her large chest during their childhood. Though they hadn’t interacted much since, her lingering resentment was evident.

Gilbert experienced the butterfly effect of a single line of backstory, realizing this issue would haunt him for a long time.

“The Commander cadets have been selected. The Entrance Mock Battle will be entirely under their operational command. Cadets under their command will follow their orders. Team assignments will be random. After team selection, you will have 30 minutes to plan before the mock battle begins. Any questions?”

No one had questions. The rules were simple: divide into teams and follow the Commander’s orders.

“Then, Commander cadets, please proceed to the designated barracks. Servants will guide you. I wish all cadets success in the Entrance Mock Battle.”

With that, Rohas concluded the briefing.

Gilbert followed a servant to his barracks, feeling Lily’s hateful gaze. He couldn’t shake the thought that facing her glare might be his undoing.

He reminded himself to stay cautious, as karma could strike anytime.

The barracks, though temporary, were decently equipped. A tactical board depicting the mock battle terrain was prominently displayed.

Though the game had its limitations, such detailed elements were impressive.

Sitting in the Commander’s seat, Gilbert waited as his team members arrived one by one. Their expressions soured upon seeing him, clearly disappointed by their delinquent Commander.

Once the team was assembled, Gilbert picked up the command staff and struck the tactical board, drawing everyone’s attention.

The start of Gilbert’s Entrance Mock Battle had begun.

 

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