Ch.40040. Resistance

# For Freedom!

It was a phrase that encapsulated the ideology of the Resistance, which had risen up against the Infractus Empire. Rising on behalf of the commoners trampled by the nobility, they were waging a bloody struggle in the name of freedom and rights for the common people.

To live as humans. To live more humanely.

The Resistance acted, sacrificed, and advanced solely for this purpose.

Their noble cause was the foundation of their actions and ideology.

“Today, let us comfort the souls of our comrades who died for our noble cause.”

And today, the reason they gathered was to commemorate their comrades who had departed first, carrying the burden of their noble cause.

Recently, a tragedy had occurred when comrades sent to Demeia Academy failed to fulfill their mission and never returned. Seven comrades who had always brought vitality to the Resistance—including the always cheerful Ferdi and the cool-headed Wendel—had become stars in the sky.

“Through their sacrifice, we can take another step forward, and they will become the foundation for a better world to come. So now, let us honor their noble sacrifice. A moment of silence.”

The Resistance leaders each prayed for the departed in their own way. They fervently prayed to God that those embarking on a long journey would not lose their way.

“Now, let’s proceed with the meeting. The first agenda item is the Academy revolution incident.”

After the moment of silence, the leader of the Resistance, Van Dyke, brought up the Academy revolution incident where seven comrades had been sacrificed as the first agenda item.

They had thought it was a perfect plan, but due to truly unexpected variables, everything went awry, and seven comrades were killed in action. No one in the leadership had predicted that a new cadet at the Academy would easily handle seven skilled comrades.

The shock was especially great because Ferdi was known within the Resistance as a member particularly skilled in handling golem soldiers.

“First, the new cadet who killed our comrades is Gilbert Lyon Hart. His father is the famous Iron-Blooded Margrave, the Count of Lithuania.”

“So it’s that brat known as the troublemaker of the count’s family.”

Van Dyke stroked his chin. He was well aware of the rumors about Gilbert. He was known to be eccentric and a piece of trash who took out his frustrations on innocent commoners. According to rumors, he would use any means necessary to drag decent-looking commoners into his bedroom.

“That’s correct. However, we have information suggesting he seems to have changed somewhat starting a few weeks before entering Demeia Academy. In fact, since enrolling at the Academy, he has shown competence contrary to his reputation as a hopeless troublemaker. From what we’ve gathered, his attitude toward commoners has also changed from before.”

“Even so, the fact that he did those despicable things doesn’t change.”

At Van Dyke’s cold words, all the leaders nodded. The reason they had established their cause was because they could not tolerate the misconduct of nobles like Gilbert. Their purpose was to shatter the unreasonable system where anything could be forgiven within the safe confines of the class system.

Now he’s showing a changed appearance?

That was all well and good. Unless he paid an appropriate price, his sins wouldn’t simply disappear.

“But did that troublemaker have enough skill to handle seven of our comrades?”

“According to our informants, yes. He seems to have exceptional skills among the new cadets. They say his control technique is in the realm of artistry.”

“Even the heavens are heartless, bestowing such talent on such trash…”

“It seems we cannot overlook the fact that his father is the Iron-Blooded Margrave.”

When Van Dyke recalled the Iron-Blooded Margrave, his throat felt strangely parched. It was because he remembered the image of the Count of Lithuania from the battlefield long ago.

“According to recent information, it seems he has become the princess’s disciple.”

“…Are you saying he’s become the disciple of that sword-obsessed woman?”

“Yes. He is reportedly the exclusive disciple of Briana Tepeo Malkirav.”

The expression grew serious.

Gilbert had already been placed on the priority list for elimination after killing seven comrades, but his danger level skyrocketed once he became involved with Briana and Seraphina.

Regardless of the extent of their relationship, it was a foregone conclusion that Briana and Seraphina would step to the forefront the moment Gilbert was touched. There was a possibility they would consider it a dishonor just for someone associated with them to be targeted.

“I will raise the threat level for Gilbert Lyon Hart. Carelessly touching him could be like disturbing a hornet’s nest.”

“I agree with the chairman’s words, but it seems we’re already too late. The princess has already drawn her sword.”

“What has that war maniac done now?”

“It seems she has declared that she will root out the Resistance completely.”

“So she’s finally making her move…”

It was somewhat within the expected range. They had been prepared for this since the moment they planned to stage a revolution at Demeia Academy. The problem was that the response was faster than they had anticipated.

If the revolution had succeeded, they would have gained time to respond during the recovery period, but unfortunately, the revolution failed. Now it was the Resistance, not the Empire, that needed time to recover.

“First, inform our members to completely suspend activities and catch their breath. It would be wise to avoid the princess who has drawn her sword.”

“What will you do about Gilbert Lyon Hart?”

“He needs to be eliminated, but now is not a good time. It seems wise to wait for an opportunity. Now, let’s move on to the second agenda item.”

Van Dyke set aside thoughts of Gilbert for now and moved on to the next important internal matter of the Resistance.

***

Even after obtaining CT-777, Gilbert’s daily routine remained unchanged. He trained his body and magical power, and received sword training from Professor Briana.

The accumulated merit badges had the function of doubling the effect of training, so there was no time to rest.

In particular, the Proof of the Star he had recently received was the merit badge with the best performance among all merit badges. Thanks to its effect of doubling learning efficiency, his magical power grew at an even faster rate. If he continued training at this pace, it wouldn’t be impossible to reach a magic ability score of 60 before becoming a second-year student.

After finishing his training in the private mana training room, Gilbert calmly gathered his mana and left the training room. Perhaps because it was a holiday morning, there were hardly any people visiting the training room.

“Your passion is impressive from holiday morning. Is that your secret?”

“Angelina, is it?”

Angelina, who was just entering the training room, spotted Gilbert and approached him. Since the Resistance incident, she had been greatly inspired by Gilbert and had increased the intensity of her usual training. While it was practically impossible to keep up with his monstrous control technique, her pride wouldn’t allow her to fall too far behind.

“Your passion seems no less impressive.”

“Well, I have no time to waste if I’m to keep up with such an outstanding commander.”

“Who was it that said they wouldn’t be an adjutant?”

“…Men who say unnecessary things aren’t popular, you know.”

Gilbert burst into laughter at her feigned innocence. Perhaps annoyed by his laughter, Angelina’s cheeks turned slightly red.

Indeed, as he said, she always gave the impression that she would serve as his adjutant.

“By the way, Gilbert. I heard that the princess is forming a team to eradicate the Resistance… is that true?”

“It is. Her Highness plans to root out the Resistance completely with this opportunity.”

“I assume you’ll naturally be participating.”

“Her Highness personally invited me, so it’s a force majeure for me. In that sense, I’d like to make a proposal.”

The timing seemed perfect. He had been thinking about bringing Angelina and Hans into the Resistance eradication team. Having these two capable individuals would make it easier to coordinate in the eradication team, and it would be a good opportunity to get them noticed by Seraphina for future plans.

He also had the clear intention of letting them gain more experience, as their help would be crucial as he progressed through the main story.

“An announcement about the eradication team will be made soon, but separate from the Empire, cadets from within the Academy will also be included. I’d like to recommend you and Hans—are you interested?”

“Of course. I also think the Resistance should be suppressed quickly, but separately from that, I owe a debt.”

“I’ll just need to tell Hans then.”

“He’ll probably agree without even needing to be asked. Hans has a somewhat foolish side where he follows you almost like a devotee when it comes to your affairs.”

Gilbert nodded readily at Angelina’s words. Hans somewhat idolized Gilbert and was trying to follow in his footsteps however he could. For this eradication operation too, he would likely express his intention to participate before even being asked once he heard Gilbert was joining.

“Then we’ll discuss the details once the eradication team is formed.”

“Understood. I’ll see you then.”

After exchanging a few more words, the two parted ways to attend to their respective tasks.