Ch.207207. What It Means to Be a War Hero

Gilbert, aboard the exclusive aircraft permitted only to the Imperial Knight Order, entered his mission parameters into CT-777, closed his eyes, and steadied his breathing.

This repetitive action was meant to clear his mind of all complex thoughts, focusing solely on flight and combat—a routine he followed every time he piloted a fighter.

During his days as an ace pilot, Gilbert had developed this routine to achieve optimal combat focus. Like flipping a switch, he could concentrate all his senses as if he were born to pilot a fighter.

The same applied when operating a Divine Mech. Whether playing Tactical Combat or piloting an actual Divine Mech, his approach remained unchanged.

With calm, detached eyes that reflected his battle-ready state, Gilbert observed the rebel forces facing them on the other side of the screen. Despite being from the same country, the fact that they had to fight against Divine Mechs felt uncomfortably familiar.

[Gil. Your concentration is wavering.]

“I’ll be more careful.”

Despite his combat routine, something was clearly bothering him, as CT-777 had noticed. Gilbert nodded at the AI’s observation and purged any remaining emotions.

Having experienced World War III, Gilbert had witnessed far worse moments. Though he felt uneasy and reluctant, he needed to steel himself.

If Gilbert—considered the current greatest military asset and equipped with the Imperial Knight Order’s exclusive mech—were to falter, the outcome of this battle would be predictable without even watching.

He carried the firm image of being both a symbol of the Empire and Seraphina’s sword. If they lost this first battle against the rebellion after she became Crown Princess, the morale of the anti-rebellion forces would plummet.

[All personnel, listen. Our objective is the complete annihilation of the rebel forces. Eliminate those shameless traitors who dare to turn their blades against their own comrades.]

Seraphina’s resolute voice came through the communication magic device.

The knights in Divine Mechs roared in unison with the regular soldiers outside, their battle cries echoing across the Selene Plains.

These cries weren’t coming only from Seraphina’s punitive forces. Prince Richard’s rebel forces were shouting just as loudly.

They knew very well that their leader was the infamous “Divine Strategist,” feared by enemy nations.

If they followed Prince Richard’s orders without question, succeeding in the rebellion wasn’t impossible. If they did, the wealth and honor he promised would naturally become theirs.

As each side’s purposes and desires intersected, the signal flare marking the beginning of battle exploded.

Knights in Divine Mechs charged like arrows toward the enemy mechs.

—BOOM!

The collision between Divine Mechs—pinnacles of modern magical science—created a tremendous shockwave that no human-to-human combat could produce.

Dozens or even hundreds of Divine Mechs colliding at once generated powerful aftershocks that struck the Selene Plains.

“Prepare the magic cannons!”

Unit commanders raised their voices to urge their soldiers. Each gunner aimed their pre-positioned magic cannons at enemy targets according to their commanders’ orders.

The emergence of Divine Mechs as legendary strategic weapons had changed the nature of warfare. No longer did armies simply push forward masses of soldiers.

The appearance of Divine Mechs transformed military branches, and now only those supporting Divine Mechs survived.

Crossing a battlefield where Divine Mechs rampaged meant certain death, either by being trampled or hit by their magical armaments—a natural evolution of warfare.

Among the military branches that emerged, the most destructive was the magic cannon corps, primarily composed of mages.

The magic cannon corps was established to support Divine Mechs, using massive magic cannons to suppress, destroy enemy mechs, and attack the main enemy forces.

—KABOOM!

As the artillery commanders on both sides ordered simultaneous fire, explosions erupted everywhere. Magical barriers deployed to protect each unit, resulting in no casualties from the first volley on either side.

The artillery commanders directed a second magic cannon volley as mages hurriedly moved to recharge magical energy.

“Prepare the magic ballistas!”

Before the second magic cannon volley, the punitive forces prepared siege ballistas. These massive ballistas, pulled by experienced veterans, were artifacts inscribed with magic coding and explosion magic formulas.

These magical weapons, designed to counter magical barriers and Divine Mechs, were not cheap, but a direct hit could half-destroy even a Divine Mech.

Considering this, it was like disabling a Divine Mech at a bargain price, which was why magic ballistas were always deployed on battlefields involving Divine Mechs.

“Magic ballista first volley ready!”

“Three, two, one! Fire!”

Five magic ballistas were fired toward the rebel forces. Massive arrows powered by the bow’s tension and magical energy pierced the air, targeting areas where the rebel Divine Mechs were concentrated.

—KABOOM!

Though only five shots were fired, their size and the explosion magic inscribed on them created an effect similar to carpet bombing in modern warfare.

“These crazy bastards even brought magic ballistas!”

The commander of Prince Richard’s First Knight Order cursed as he struggled to control his violently shaking Divine Mech. The fragments from the explosion magic hammered against his magical barrier, making it difficult to control the mech.

Fortunately, his Divine Mech hadn’t taken a direct hit, so only some magical energy was consumed without significant damage to the mech itself.

However, unable to assess the situation of other knights, he hurriedly opened a communication channel.

“This is Griffin One. All others report!”

[Griffin Two, all good.]

[Griffin Three, all good.]

Brief communications confirmed survivors, but some members never reported in. There might have been communication problems from the attack, but seeing dozens of half-destroyed Divine Mechs as the dust settled suggested otherwise.

“Isn’t using magic ballistas going too far?!”

The commander shouted angrily as he charged toward the punitive forces’ Divine Mechs.

This wasn’t happening to him alone, nor was it limited to the rebel forces.

Though not using magic ballistas, the rebel forces deployed other magical weapons and began their bombardment just as the punitive forces had done.

The barrage filling the sky fell directly on the punitive forces, creating a similar situation to what the rebels had experienced. Punitive force Divine Mechs that couldn’t evade the bombardment were half or completely destroyed.

[Friendly casualty report: Over one hundred Divine Mechs disabled.]

“They came ready for a fight too.”

Gilbert, who had been steadily reducing the number of enemy Divine Mechs despite the rebel bombardment, clicked his tongue and manipulated the controls. After the magic ballista volley had reduced enemy numbers, the rebels had done the same to their forces.

Seeing their determination to succeed in the rebellion reflected in their firepower, he quickly opened a communication channel to share the bombardment range calculated by CT-777.

Fortunately, after the first bombardment, they avoided being caught in explosion ranges, but the battle situation wasn’t improving.

Prince Richard’s elite troops began evading friendly supporting fire as if following some instruction, resulting in a power struggle using Divine Mechs.

In that chaotic battle, Gilbert showed brilliant performance. Calling himself an “old-timer,” Gilbert used his gaming experience and talent to dominate the battlefield, destroying every Divine Mech in sight.

The rebels gathered to eliminate Gilbert’s troublesome Divine Mech, but facing him proved too difficult—even for a Divine Mech piloted by a knight commander.

About 30 minutes after the battle began:

[High energy detected ahead. Full magical barrier deployment.]

Gilbert, who had been cutting down Divine Mechs relentlessly, felt his mech shake violently with CT-777’s warning.

Struggling to maintain consciousness in the shaking cockpit, Gilbert spotted five Divine Mechs rapidly approaching him and quickly changed direction.

“Ugh!”

Once again, magical armaments targeting his blind spot stripped away chunks of his magical barrier. Somehow maintaining balance and looking toward the source, he saw five black-painted Divine Mechs surrounding him, each wielding a black iron sword.

[Gil. Be careful. Mech scan results show these models don’t exist in the Empire.]

“What?”

The Divine Mech Gilbert was currently piloting wasn’t a customized end-spec mech, but it was the Empire’s latest model.

Prince Richard’s rebel forces were also using the latest Divine Mechs, so even with black paint, they should be recognizable Imperial models, yet CT-777 definitively stated these were unknown models.

Considering that CT-777 had undergone extensive learning and boasted performance comparable to Fresia, this situation didn’t make sense.

The only conclusion he could draw:

“Hidden latest-generation Divine Mechs?”

[The probability approaches 80%.]

Gilbert couldn’t hide his dismay. His talent was undeniably exceptional.

That’s why he had been able to suppress the Resistance that had attacked with academy-standard Divine Mechs—proof of his superior skill.

In fact, Gilbert had piloted his Divine Mech knowing its specs were significantly inferior to the enemy’s. His special skill “Your Mech is Awesome” had undeniably helped.

However, on this battlefield, no matter how superior his mech-handling abilities were, he couldn’t match the rebel aces who had built up experience through numerous battles.

Moreover, facing five such opponents put him at a severe disadvantage.

—BOOM BOOM BOOM!

The relentless barrage of magical weapons began pushing Gilbert to his limits. Leaving enemy analysis entirely to CT-777, Gilbert focused solely on evasion and defense.

The ground had been completely overturned and torn apart by the recent bombardment. It briefly occurred to him that restoring the Selene Plains after this rebellion would take a long time.

Using a momentary gap to create distance, Gilbert caught his breath as the black Divine Mechs stopped pursuing at some point. At that moment, a request to connect to the public communication magic channel came in.

He instinctively knew it was from the black Divine Mechs before him.

[So you’re Gilbert Lion Heart.]

When he accepted the communication, the screen showed a scruffy man with a long scar under his eye. He was someone Gilbert knew well.

One of the friendly figures in Prince Richard’s faction—War Hero General Dantes.

“General Dantes.”

[Ha. Still so curt for an academy cadet. But I’ll forgive you. It would be unreasonable to view you as merely an academy cadet.]

“Why have you opened this communication?”

[To make you an offer. Even I didn’t expect you to withstand five latest-model Divine Mechs. As expected of His Highness the Prince. It was Prince Richard’s judgment that five Divine Mechs would be needed to face you.]

Gilbert thought of Prince Richard. Indeed, the manpower allocation was neither excessive nor insufficient. From the damage reports coming in, allied casualties were increasing compared to the rebel forces.

This seemed to be the intention behind hiding the latest Divine Mechs until now. Deploying forces recklessly in an intensified battlefield situation would typically cause significant damage.

That was precisely what Prince Richard had been aiming for.

“If you’re going to continue with useless talk, I’ll close the communication.”

[Impatient, aren’t you? Well, I like that about you too.]

General Dantes grinned, then hardened his expression and conveyed the purpose of the communication.

[This is a one-time offer, so think carefully before choosing.]

“…”

[His Highness Richard highly values your abilities. So abandon everything and come to our side.]

“Are you asking me to betray?”

[What betrayal? Looking at the big picture, we’re all soldiers of the Infractus Empire. That applies to you too, even as a cadet. Is there such a thing as betrayal under the same affiliation? Listen, young friend, you need to see things broadly. Can Crown Princess Seraphina truly rule the Infractus Empire?]

From an expansionist war perspective, Richard had already proven himself superior to Seraphina. He had earned the name “Divine Strategist” through years of warfare and had demonstrated his cunning by revealing latest-model Divine Mechs at the perfect moment on this battlefield.

Gilbert had experienced, if only in the game, how terrifying Richard could be with all his preparations complete. Even if he possessed only half that ability in reality, facing him would not be easy.

Rationally, switching sides would offer an opportunity to live in luxury. With his piloting skills, a latest-model Divine Mech, and CT-777 by his side, he would truly be a tiger with wings.

But.

“I refuse. I have no honor to spare for joining rebels.”

[As expected. Very well. Let’s see how long you can struggle.]

The communication ended, and the battle resumed. Gilbert fought valiantly with CT-777’s support, but he lacked the capacity to withstand five latest-model Divine Mechs.

Even if he could use his special skill, which he currently couldn’t, the situation would be difficult. Just as one hand cannot block two, he gradually began to wear down.

Nevertheless, he didn’t regret rejecting General Dantes’ offer. How could a soldier switch allegiance as easily as flipping a palm just because the battle situation was unfavorable?

For Gilbert, a soldier to his core, this was unacceptable.

General Dantes pressured Gilbert, slowly tightening the noose. He limited Gilbert’s movement range and appropriately positioned the other four Divine Mechs to take turns attacking.

Despite this, Gilbert was trying to escape the encirclement with surprisingly precise Divine Mech control.

Dantes purely admired his piloting skills. If they were allies, he would want to befriend him regardless of status or age difference.

But that’s impossible in war.

Dantes was someone who enjoyed war but understood its bitterness well. War always moved in directions contrary to one’s heart.

Meanwhile, Gilbert was squeezing out magical energy, trying desperately to break through the encirclement. Due to the cleverly constructed fire net, his magical barrier was nearly depleted, and the battery warning light had come on from forcing excessive movements.

Since coming to this world, he had never faced an easy battle, but neither had he been in such a dire situation.

Gilbert ignored CT-777’s warning that he was reaching his limit. That limit had already been passed. The moment he stopped the Divine Mech moving at its extreme, it would become prey to those five black Divine Mechs.

The remaining option was emergency ejection before it was too late, but that wasn’t possible either. Among the current elite punitive forces, few could fight as well as Gilbert.

The moment he left the battlefield, the delicate balance would likely collapse at once. Particularly, the damage would be immeasurable once the black Divine Mechs he was holding back were freed.

So he had to stop them by any means until the retreat signal.

Gilbert pushed himself to the absolute limit, piloting the Divine Mech. He sent all magical energy to the output, even the minimum required for escape.

Thanks to this overexertion, he momentarily spotted a gap to break through the encirclement.

If I aim there!

Gilbert’s eyes gleamed as he deployed the magical booster.

[Gil! The Divine Mech is shutting down!]

CT-777’s cry and red lights illuminating everything announced that all batteries were depleted.

He had found a gap, but it was too late.

Having used all the magical energy, even for escape, he couldn’t use the emergency escape teleportation device.

Gilbert let out a hollow laugh.

It was ridiculous how he, who prided himself as a war veteran, had ended up like this.

Was it anxiety from the sudden appearance of latest-model Divine Mechs, or the rebel forces’ strength beyond expectation?

He had forgotten his composure and ignored CT-777’s warnings.

He thought that if he had escaped and returned with a reserve Divine Mech, the result might have been different, but he couldn’t shake the feeling it would have been similar.

Fortunately, as both sides’ Divine Mech batteries were running low, they were ending the round. They would regroup and engage in another round.

For now, Gilbert was satisfied that his strategy had worked well. The result was his death, but isn’t that always possible in war?

Gilbert had always been prepared for death, and now was no different.

Though he wouldn’t return to his original world, at least he could join his comrades.

Or would the afterlife be different in this world?

Gilbert had such an odd thought.

With death imminent, he was having useless thoughts—his comrades in the afterlife would surely scold him for this.

[What a tenacious one. To think you’d hold out until the end.]

With the Divine Mech shut down, Dantes switched to an external channel to address Gilbert with apparent disdain, but deep admiration permeated his words.

To show respect, Dantes personally infused magical energy into his black iron sword.

Watching the surging magical energy from inside his completely disabled Divine Mech, Gilbert anticipated his end.

[Gil.]

“This is our end, partner.”

Gilbert smiled calmly and leaned back in his seat. Having CT as a companion to the afterlife was more than he deserved.

Every battle with CT had been a brush with death, and this time they simply weren’t lucky enough to escape. If he could go with a friend who had fought alongside him, he could depart with a smile.

[Executing final protocol. Emergency escape teleportation.]

“CT, what are you suddenly—?”

[Don’t worry, Gil. You can survive.]

Gilbert tried to grab CT-777’s spirit core as it suddenly emitted a bright light, but CT-777 was faster.

As bright light filled his vision and his body began to teleport, he glimpsed a black iron sword piercing the cockpit.

With the ensuing explosion, Gilbert’s vision went black.

In the briefest moment as Gilbert blinked, his body had already been transported to Selene territory.

He jumped up with a bewildered expression and shouted toward the distant Selene Plains.

“CT!”

But this time, there was no response to his call.

That realization cut deep into his heart.

Gilbert clenched his fists until they trembled and bit his lip.

The emptiness of losing another comrade filled his heart, reminiscent of past losses.

In the first round at Selene Plains, Gilbert lost a comrade.

***

Selene First Round.

Concluded with rebel advantage.