The next day, the 18th of Dawn Moon.
“Everyone is gathered.”
After finishing breakfast, we assembled in the unnecessarily large garden of the mansion.
Not just me, Fiona, and Sariel. Including Sebastiano and Rottenmeyer, who work at the mansion, as well as all the homunculi currently active under Spada, led by Ain, were gathered here.
A total of over 100 people gathered, bringing a liveliness unseen since moving into this mansion.
Most of the numbers consist of the exceptionally loyal homunculi, who stand straight and silently gaze at me, their leader, in perfect formation. With such serious stares upon me, I can’t help but feel nervous…
“I believe orders have already been issued by Lily, but I will say it again: from now on, everyone gathered here will act as members of my mercenary corps.”
“Yes, my lord!!”
The perfectly synchronized response echoed loudly.
The sheer volume of their voices made our neighboring halfling family peek out of their window, wondering what was happening.
“Fiona, can you create a soundproof barrier or something?”
“If it’s a simple one, I can do it right away—’Wind Barrier!'”
A wall of violently swirling wind enveloped the mansion’s garden. While it’s not a dedicated soundproof barrier, it should muffled some of the noise, preventing disturbances to our neighbors.
“I have been nothing more than an adventurer until now. I have only led a group into battle once, and that experience ended in a crushing defeat that I will regret for the rest of my life.”
The exact count of people here is 103. Coincidentally, it matches the number of the Adventurer Alliance that fought in the Alsace Defense Battle.
“However, due to Lily, I have finally made up my mind. I will once again lead people to fight against the Crusaders. To counter them, I cannot rely solely on myself or just the ‘Element Master.’ I need more power, a greater fighting force. Therefore, I will first form a mercenary corps. I need all of your strength.”
“Yes, my lord! We dedicate everything to you!!”
The intensity of their loyalty is palpable.
In reality, they are androids created to obey their master absolutely. They might be ideal subordinates.
I do feel a bit guilty about using them conveniently… but we cannot afford to be picky with our means. We will use whatever is available.
Yet, even if their unwavering loyalty is purely instinctive, I want to be a master worthy of their devotion.
I won’t let them die in vain. They are just as much people as the adventurers I led in Alsace.
“Now, I will convey the detailed assignments.”
The homunculi created in Shangri-La are considered to have uniform abilities. However, since the battles I fought with Lily, they have gained some degree of experience, which has created individual differences. Even among them, there are those who are better suited for different roles.
Lily had been assessing their talents and suitability and had roughly organized their roles. Based on that evaluation, I decided on the unit formation.
“First, I will directly lead the heavy cavalry unit. It will be formed with 20 members by combining the First Experimental Unit ‘Salamandra’ and the adventurer party ‘Pixies.'”
Even in modern times, cavalry is a star on the battlefield. While the main force of an army is typically infantry, which is based on numbers, cavalry possesses the kind of charge and mobility that can change the course of battle.
Throughout history on Earth, those who have effectively utilized cavalry have become heroes of great victories, and many similar tales are recounted in this other world.
However, flying cavalry, such as dragon knights or pegasus knights, is a complete upper-tier substitute for standard cavalry… forming a unit large enough for strategic use is challenging except for national powers.
Due to the limited number of places where this can be operated, it becomes a requirement for any country to at least have some cavalry in their ranks.
“Heavy cavalry, of course, requires skills for mounted combat; they must be elite. The equipment will consist solely of ancient weapons available to us now.”
While 20 cavalry might seem insignificant on a battlefield, our greatest advantage is the multitude of ancient armaments resurrected by Lily.
The ancient battleship Shangri-La has many infantry armaments lying in wait, and the recently uncovered Fifth Layer of the Karamala Great Maze also had a rich supply of infantry equipment. We missed out on a mountain of gold and treasures, but acquiring robust weaponry for immediate use is a huge boon.
“I’ll appoint Ain as the vice-captain of the heavy cavalry unit.”
“I humbly accept this honor. It’s an overwhelming privilege; I will fulfill my duties and show you my capabilities.”
Those newly appointed as heavy cavalry, including Ain, all knelt and bowed their heads.
All of them are those deemed as the best by Lily.
The First Experimental Unit ‘Salamandra’ has undergone practical training using ancient armaments. The members consist of Ain, the first nine individuals, and excluding the individuals currently on separate missions, Ahat and Noin, plus two other selected outstanding individuals, making a strong team of ten.
They have not just been firing at the shooting range; they have been relentlessly conducting practical training against monsters in the vicinity of Avalon and Spada.
With the E.A. series being magic-powered guns and fully armed with ancient weapons, they have refrained from acting as adventurers publicly, but have been delving into dungeons to fight without being detected.
The materials obtained from defeated monsters are funneled to the ‘Pixies,’ who are conducting legitimate adventurer activities, allowing us to receive rewards from the guild. It would be a waste not to earn where we can.
The adventurer party ‘Pixies’ is led by Zwei and features other selected individuals, operating in Avalon and Spada. No significant issues have been reported, suggesting they have blended in seamlessly as ordinary humans.
Both ‘Salamandra’ and ‘Pixies’ have ample riding experience. Lily purchased enough mounts for everyone out of her own pocket, as cavalry is necessary for those operating as rank 3 or above adventurers.
Thus, given both their practical and riding experience, they are currently the only ones who can act as heavy cavalry right away. Among the homunculi, they are super elites and exceptionally valuable personnel.
“Next, we have the magician squad led by Fiona.”
“What?”
“Why are you surprised?”
“Are you sure about this, Chrono? I have no experience in command!”
Her tone seemed to question my judgment.
Fiona probably thought she would operate just like before, regardless of how many homunculi there are.
“Isn’t it better to gain experience with such things now?”
“Is that really so? Unlike Lily, I don’t have the talent to read minds and control them via telepathy. Both Lily and I have lived lonely lives, but I’m the one with the more entrenched solitude.”
“Is that something to be proud of…?”
In terms of communication skills, Lily is definitely superior. Even as a little girl, she has a knack for reading the room and is very perceptive of people’s emotions. Thanks to that, I leave important negotiations to Lily. Just like with Karamala. Just how much work do I throw onto Lily’s plate…?
“Homunculi obey commands. They are good kids who will listen to everything you say.”
“But I don’t hold direct command authority.”
“I’ll transfer the authority properly, don’t worry.”
“To begin with, when I fought alongside Lily in Shangri-La, I lost because I was shot by a homunculi at the end.”
“Forget the past. It wasn’t done out of malice… well, that’s a question of intention, but anyway, the homunculi simply followed Lily’s orders. Don’t push the responsibility onto them.”
“That does make some sense. After all, homunculi are merely tools that obey their creator. No one blames a sword for cutting them.”
The logic is that it’s not the gun’s fault but the person firing it.
If the homunculi lack self-awareness, then responsibility can be said to fall solely on Lily, who commanded them to shoot.
“Even so, please don’t treat them merely as tools. If they can speak the same words and communicate, I consider them people.”
“Yes, I don’t intend to treat them unfairly… wait a moment, wasn’t I just discussing my responsibility for them?”
“Busted.”
I thought we could smoothly end that line of discussion with, “Then it’s settled that you will take care of the magician squad.”
“How you handle homunculi and my leading the squad are two separate issues, Chrono.”
“Please, Fiona. This mercenary corps is formed with the assumption that we will handle ancient weapons. I can’t rely on outsiders.”
The notion of bringing capable people is basic employment theory, but the operation of ancient weapons should still be kept secret.
It wouldn’t do to have them stolen. Also, it’s uncertain how well ancient weapons would work in the modern world, and finding the most effective way to utilize them will involve trial and error moving forward.
At this point, while it is inevitable for our mercenary corps to draw attention by using ancient weapons, we cannot allow just anyone to get involved, and if they were to leak anything, it could lead to unimaginable problems or damages.
“The magician squad will be in the rear. While they are called magicians, the only one who will actually use magic is Fiona. The rest will be equipped with sniper rifles and launchers, utilizing long-range weaponry.”
In this world, magician squads are expected to unleash all-out attacks simultaneously or cooperate among themselves to cast significant spells, which requires different abilities and training compared to ordinary soldiers.
For a standard deployment of a magician squad like that, regardless of how talented Fiona is, it wouldn’t work. No matter how great one person is, if the others cannot coordinate, the unit loses its purpose.
“However, if it’s just to provide support fire or artillery, Fiona only needs to indicate the target and timing. Of course, just having a squad that protects her while she chants will be valuable.”
Adventurer parties maintain a tactical distance between the frontline and support, but that changes if I’m leading a charge with heavy cavalry.
However, if there’s a group protecting and supporting Fiona as she casts her spells, her abilities could be fully unleashed on the battlefield. Moreover, it would be effective enough to dedicate a guard simply to buy time for her to cast ‘Golden Sun.’
“… I see, understood. If you insist so strongly, let’s give it a try.”
“Yeah, please do, Fiona.”
Thus, the formation of the magician squad was officially established.
The selection will focus on individuals excelling in shooting.
Since Fiona specializes in sweeping large areas with tremendous firepower, having individuals capable of pinpoint targeting with sniper rifles can complement each other’s weaknesses.
Of course, with launchers that produce huge explosions, we can also expect her to contribute in artillery support alongside Fiona.
The magician squad consists of a total of 30 members.
“Everyone else will be part of the infantry corps, forming the largest group at 50. I will leave command to Sariel.”
“Yes, Master.”
While Sariel primarily wields a cross-shaped spear, she can also wield two EA Vortex Machine Guns, which she had brought from Shangri-La, allowing her to unleash a barrage of fire.
The memory of her charging into the Bugs Brigade nest with me while laying down fire is still fresh.
“The basic equipment for the infantry will be storm rifles. They won’t be mere spear infantry. You understand the difference, right?”
“Yes, I’m well aware.”
The operation of standard infantry armed with spears and swords is wholly different from the modern infantry equipped with rapid-fire rifles.
In this other world, which uses a form of war predating the development of firearms, formations of infantry grouped together are still very much in practice. In contrast, you wouldn’t find soldiers lined up for simultaneous shooting in any contemporary country.
The spread of guns changed the nature of warfare. Battles shifted from massive clashes on open fields to muddy trench warfare. As everyone holds a weapon with deadly precision, soldiers’ combat styles transitioned to guerrilla tactics, hiding and ambushing the enemy.
Moreover, Sariel has battled in modern wars as an apostle while also possessing a foundation of knowledge of the contemporary Earth through Ms. Shirasaki.
She is the only one with whom I can communicate on the same wavelength. Since the infantry requires the most versatile operations, Sariel is the only one capable of leading them.
I feel a bit sorry for Shirō, my beloved pegasus, who will not have many opportunities to fly.
“From now on, we will be a mercenary corps of around 100 people. Managing transportation, equipment, and provisions will increase our workload. I will entrust those responsibilities to Sebastiano and Rottenmeyer. Sariel, you can allocate the necessary personnel from the infantry corps. If there’s a shortage, you can ask Lily for reinforcements, so feel free to consult her.”
“Understood. For around 100 people, managing resources won’t be too much. Operations can proceed without issue.”
What a reliable response. As expected from the former Commander-in-Chief who led hundreds of thousands in the Crusaders.
To be honest, I have only experienced managing a large unit during Alsace. I was prepared to learn through trial and error, but with Sariel by my side, it seems we can manage successfully.
“Lastly… F-0081, step forward.”
“Yes.”
While I could hear her reply, I didn’t see her.
Where is she, I wondered, until a small figure emerged from the back of the homunculi line.
Huh, that small child… isn’t she the one who took my pillow yesterday?
“Are you F-0081, without a doubt?”
“Yes… I am F-0081.”
While homunculi are generally expressionless and calm, this child seems a bit stiff. Additionally, her gaze is oddly wandering, clearly showing her anxiety.
Could it be that her emotions are more developed than other individuals?
“I’ve heard you helped Simon and the others when encountering the Bugs Brigade. Thank you.”
“Y-yes…”
It seems she reached an extreme level of tension, her eyes wide open as words failed her.
Hmm, I thought it would be good to call her out in front of everyone, but seeing her tremble with anxiety makes me feel a little regretful.
There’s no helping it; I should wrap this up quickly.
“In recognition of your accomplishments, I bestow upon you a name. From now on, your name will be Prim.”
“Puh… pu…”
Oh dear, it’s sounding almost like a strange noise now. I need to release her quickly, or I might feel too sorry for her.
“I hear that Prim is currently the sole pilot of the armored suit ‘Hellhound.'”
By a stroke of luck, the ancient armor that Simon tailored has been confirmed for Prim to be its wearer. The formal name ‘Hellhound’ has several other units sleeping in the armory of Shangri-La, but Prim’s unit is the only one operational.
Since she can use it, Prim has been wearing the armored suit and operating under the Second Experimental Unit ‘Sylphid.’
In other words, she is a rare personnel who can operate this ancient armor, just like me.
“Therefore, you will also belong to the heavy cavalry unit. As a fellow user of ancient armor, I look forward to working with you, Prim.”
Thus, I patted her head because she was small, but the next moment…
“…kyu.”
She let out a cute sound and fainted.
Wait, what just happened…? Is this my fault?