Ch.141141. Subjugation

Monster.

A term that collectively refers to all life forms except for the subspecies classified as Ain-race.

Unlike the Ain-race, who can communicate with humans and even share emotional exchanges, coexistence between monsters and humans was impossible.

Monsters viewed humans as either food or tools for breeding their species, while humans and other Ain-races considered monsters as external threats that must be eliminated.

These two ideologies, which could only see each other as enemies, could never intersect, and the battle of killing one another has continued from the era when heroes and demon lords existed until now.

This was also true in the world of Tactical Combat.

Despite the development of giant mecha technology, monsters could not be completely eradicated.

This was because monsters reproduced faster than they could be exterminated. Since they didn’t live in communities like the Ain-race, even large-scale extermination efforts would fail as their numbers would quickly multiply and they would attack humans again.

Therefore, periodic monster subjugation was essential.

If the timing was missed, it was none other than humans who would suffer the consequences.

In Tactical Combat, these monster subjugation missions appeared regularly. While attending the Academy, they were included in the academic schedule, and after graduation, one might participate in monster subjugation depending on their affiliation.

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

Gilbert had participated in countless monster subjugation battles while completing all achievements. Because there were so many achievements to accomplish, the form of participation was often unconventional.

Typically, when participating in subjugation missions as an Academy cadet or an Imperial knight, one could easily complete the mission by piloting a giant mecha, but in other situations, controlling a giant mecha was not possible.

Unless a mercenary group was large, even purchasing a giant mecha was not easy for small to medium-sized mercenary groups. The problem was that the achievement of becoming the Mercenary King required starting as a low-ranking mercenary in a small group and writing a legend in the mercenary world, which meant there were times when he had to face large monsters with his bare body.

Because of this, he was hardened to monster subjugation, but that didn’t mean the subjugation battles became easier.

Subjugation battles, which were fundamentally based on attrition warfare, didn’t end in a day or two. Just when you thought the subjugation was over, monsters would keep crawling out from somewhere.

Subjugation battles that evolved from attrition warfare to prolonged conflicts drove people to their physical and mental limits. Monster subjugation was something to be avoided if possible, but as long as one belonged to the Academy, it was one of the gates that had to be passed through.

Thus, three times a year.

To prevent monsters from increasing their numbers, Demeia Academy sent out subjugation teams by rotating through different grade levels each quarter. Many cadets were injured or killed during subjugation battles, but the Academy had no intention of stopping them.

Demeia Academy was not a place that nurtured greenhouse flowers.

They preferred weeds if possible.

They wanted cadets who could survive in any situation, like weeds.

***

“The subjugation team roster has been released.”

Hans brought the pre-distributed assignment list.

As Gilbert had expected, the student council president, Seraphina, was appointed as the commander of the subjugation team. Although a supervising teacher would accompany them, the subjugation operation was led by a team composed entirely of cadets.

Naturally, it was customary for the student council president to take the role of the subjugation team commander unless there were special circumstances. This time, too, there were no special disqualifying reasons, so it was right for Seraphina to take the role of the subjugation team commander.

With Seraphina determined as the commander of the subjugation team, the rest of the student council officers, mainly first-years along with some second-year cadets, each secured a commanding role in the subjugation team. Basically, student council officers were selected from students with good grades, so they were given roles as commanders.

“As expected, Gilbert-nim has also been appointed as a commander.”

“I see.”

Hans sent a look of admiration, but Gilbert maintained an indifferent demeanor. This too was something he had anticipated.

The great Seraphina wouldn’t leave Gilbert, who had been appointed as an honorary student council officer, alone.

Looking at the justification, it was reasonable to give Gilbert, who held a student council officer position, a commander position.

Moreover, hadn’t he already demonstrated that he could excellently perform the role of a commander during the entrance mock battle, the Resistance subjugation, and the invasion of the Sigurd clan?

Seraphina wouldn’t let such an excellent resource go unused. Naturally, Gilbert was also appointed as a commander and took a pivotal role in the subjugation team.

“The team composition seems quite biased. Especially your team, Gilbert, seems to be composed of elites.”

Most of the cadets assigned under Gilbert belonged to the first-class section. It was a placement that clearly showed the intention to form a main force centered around Gilbert.

“Will you be selecting an adjutant this time as well?”

Angelina looked at Gilbert with a subtle gaze.

It had been well over half a year since she started working as his adjutant.

She, who had initially been disgusted by the fact that she had become the adjutant of a delinquent, had now been influenced by Gilbert and volunteered to be his adjutant. Looking back, it felt a bit strange.

Angelina was relatively ambitious. Like any noble child, she couldn’t help but have ambitions given her innate talents.

Being recognized by many people and becoming a minister of the Empire had long been her dream.

So when she first became Gilbert’s adjutant in the entrance mock battle, she was full of resentment. She couldn’t shake the thought that he had stolen her position by applying for the commander role first by luck.

However, after half a year, she now took pride in serving as Gilbert’s adjutant. He was an outstanding talent with charisma that could captivate people. There were many times when she felt overwhelmed trying to keep up with him.

From there, Angelina was convinced.

He was someone worth following.

“Of course. When considering the command structure, having an adjutant is more efficient.”

“So who are you thinking of using as your adjutant?”

Gilbert inwardly burst into laughter as he looked at Angelina trying to hide her expectant gaze. He hadn’t expected that Angelina, who was stiff in everything, would show such a side.

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

It wasn’t just a statement to match her mood.

While there might have been some element of flattery, it was true that her abilities were outstanding.

Since monster subjugation battles required consideration of both attrition warfare and prolonged conflicts, having a capable adjutant would reduce the burden that much. Given that Gilbert himself had been appointed as a commander, having Angelina as his adjutant was essential.

“You understand well. Then I’ll be counting on you in the future as well, Commander.”

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

“That’s right. It seems like we’re proceeding with the conversation on our own, ignoring the fiancée.”

Gilbert had a headache from Hans, who was frivolously waving both arms, and Brynhild, who had raised one eyebrow. While Hans was always like that, seeing Brynhild, who was getting ahead of herself by calling herself a fiancée, made him feel like he was developing a chronic headache.

“Who’s a fiancée? Don’t proceed with the conversation on your own.”

“Didn’t you receive my hair? That’s no different from giving you my life. So give up.”

Brynhild’s crescent-shaped eyes were no different from those of a predator eyeing its prey.

Feeling a chill, Gilbert decided to ignore her.

He had long since overwhelmed her in terms of physical strength. Even if Brynhild recklessly charged into his bedroom, he was confident he could subdue her quickly.

“Monster subjugation is not an easy task. If you’re careless, you’ll face a big setback, so everyone should prepare thoroughly.”

Those who would be participating in his team nodded at Gilbert’s firm advice.

Two weeks later, Demeia Academy’s monster subjugation operation began.

***

Vandyke had to forcibly calm his trembling heart in front of the Resistance members.

If they discovered his agitation, it might plant unnecessary suspicion in the members.

The Resistance, which had grown explosively with the support of that crazy old woman, boasted a larger scale than before it was suppressed by Princess Seraphina.

Previously, most of the members were farmers or ordinary commoners, but now, after the reorganization, it was different.

Fallen nobles who had been falsely accused and whose families had been ruined.

Knights who had made a name for themselves on the continent but were now retired.

Famous mercenaries who risked their lives for a living.

People of all kinds gathered in one place to form the Resistance.

In this situation, Vandyke, who was just a nobody from a third-rate theatrical troupe, felt like he was walking on thin ice every day.

The moment he showed any wavering, the fact that he had been deceiving them would be revealed, so he couldn’t even sleep peacefully.

In terms of ability, these were individuals who could easily secure the position of a knight commander in any ordinary country, yet they knelt before him and served him as their leader. In such a situation, it would be strange if one could sleep peacefully.

Above all, when facing that crazy old woman who effectively controlled the Resistance, he felt as if years of his lifespan were being shaved off in chunks.

“Thanks to all of you, we were able to move forward today as well.”

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

“I’m grateful for your words. That concludes today’s report.”

If he had been able to act like this when he was moving from one theater to another, he might have become a famous actor by now, so perfectly did he play the role of the resistance leader.

The Resistance members, feeling that their choice had not been wrong, left the leader’s room.

“It’s taking shape quite well now.”

“Oh, you’ve arrived?”

No sooner had Vandyke been left alone than that crazy old woman appeared. It was a natural entrance, as if she had been there all along.

Vandyke swallowed a dry gulp, yielded the seat of honor to her, and knelt like the other members.

“Yes. Now, let’s hear your report.”

“The Academy is proceeding with the monster subjugation operation as planned. As you already know, Princess Seraphina has been appointed as the commander of the subjugation team.”

“What about that boy Gilbert?”

“He’s participating as a commander.”

“Ho ho. That’s to be expected. That bold boy has the ability to do so.”

The old man spoke kindly while stroking his beard, but Vandyke wasn’t fooled. If he deviated even a bit here, he could be torn apart just like the previous members.

“Do you plan to deal with the subjugation team?”

“No. Dealing with the subjugation team now would not be a good choice, so I’ll leave it be. Of course, leaving it as is would be more troublesome, so some measures must be taken.”

“By measures, you mean…?”

“You don’t need to know that much. I’ll take care of it, so you just focus on assessing the situation and increasing our forces.”

“Understood.”

“Don’t worry. The moment my goal is achieved, you too will be free.”

But Vandyke knew well how meticulous the person in front of him was. Falling for the talk of freedom here would only endanger his life.

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

“Unlike your usual self, you have a decisive side. Since you’re receiving such expectations, it’s right to live up to them.”

Perhaps pleased with Vandyke’s words, the old man burst into laughter and rose from his seat. Having finished his business here, he was about to leave immediately.

“I’ll call you when needed, so maintain your current posture. Until our next meeting.”

With those words, the old man vanished in an instant.

Just like when he first appeared, he left no trace.

But just the fact that the old man had disappeared greatly relieved the mental pressure on Vandyke, who took a long breath to regulate his breathing. He briefly thought that he wouldn’t live to his natural lifespan at this rate.

But he had to do it.

He had already mounted the tiger’s back. It was impossible to jump off midway.

Vandyke rose from his seat and slumped down in the spot where the old man had been sitting.

Giving thanks to the gods for allowing him to survive another day was just a bonus.