The day after the practical test of the Empire’s first mass-produced mech armor, “Black Demon.”
In the command room of the Fifth Layer, I was facing Nel alone.
In the room, Sariel and Prim, dressed as maids, were present, but it was effectively just the two of us.
“Chrono-kun, have you considered the matter from the other day?”
“Of course. I was just about to convey that.”
“It seems it took a bit of time, so I thought I might have made an unreasonable request.”
“No, in fact, I wanted to ask you myself. The delay until today is because the Empire Army is still organizing, and we’ve been quite busy.”
After easing into the conversation, I prepared to formally tell Nel.
“I appoint Nel Julius Elroad as the Chief Medical Officer.”
The Chief Medical Officer is the highest rank among military physicians and corresponds to a vice admiral.
Currently, the only vice admal in the Empire Army is Wil, making her the second vice admiral.
“I humbly accept this appointment, Lord Chrono the Demon King.”
“Oh, you don’t need to be formal right now. This is more like a private setting.”
“There must be etiquette even among friends. Since I’m being entrusted with a position above others, I ought to be even more mindful.”
I received an unexpectedly serious response. Perhaps it was a product of her royal education. Though, for some reason, Nero seems to have failed in her education…
“I wanted to say that we wouldn’t have to make Nel fight, to sound cool.”
“Ufufu, it’s too late for such things now.”
Ah, indeed.
From the moment Nel joined the “Anti-Cross,” I had placed my utmost trust in her combat abilities. Fighting against Apostles presents a level of danger unparalleled by anything in the Crusaders.
“Please lend me your strength. I want you to do everything you can until we purge the Crusaders from Pandora.”
“Yes, leave it to me. But is it okay for me to be a healer?”
Nel has now class-changed from “Healer” to “Battle Shrine Maiden,” a master of an ancient form of jiu-jitsu.
Of course, just because her title changed doesn’t mean her abilities did. Even now, should she possess the “White Wings of the Scales,” she would be a top-tier healer worthy of Rank 5.
“I believe Nel is the best fit for this in both ability and position.”
Both Lily and Wil have stamped their approval on this. Knowing Nel, this is the only possible decision.
We cannot place the princess of Avalon in a subordinate position, yet the Empire Army does not have the luxury to keep her as mere decoration.
Given Nel’s outstanding healing abilities and blessings, making her the medical officer is the best course of action.
“Indeed, I still have confidence in my healing magic… but aren’t the healers active on the battlefield primarily from the Pandora Temple?”
Nel claims she is neither a zealous believer nor a virtuous priest.
Indeed, as she stated, the officers mobilized on the battlefield for the countries of the Pandora Continent are primarily from the Pandora Temple. Sometimes, they have units comprised of capable healers, but those tend to be devoted to kings and generals.
Even in this world where everyone possesses magical power, only a limited number can actually wield magic. Especially when it comes to healing spells, the numbers dwindle even further.
To gather a substantial number of those capable of using healing magic, it is quickest to request cooperation from the local Pandora Temple.
Those who do not participate in combat heal the wounded soldiers on the battlefield. It seems common practice for priests to be mobilized under such conditions. Though we never had to rely on them, the Spada during the Galahad War had a similar structure.
Thus, within the battles between the countries of Pandora, it seems there is an unwritten rule not to target healing priests.
Naturally, such local rules are completely ineffective against the Crusaders. Well, we also actively kill the priests of the Cross Religion, so we take that as a given.
“The Empire Army will not depend solely on the Pandora Temple for medical support on the battlefield.”
“Is that the medical battalion led by the Chief Medical Officer?”
Medical personnel are necessary. Especially in modern warfare where bullets fly.
Even on Earth, where there is no convenient and omnipotent method of healing through magic, the role of the medic has been established. Even without healing magic, first aid can be provided on the battlefield.
When one thinks of medics, they often imagine the scenes from war movies where someone calls out “Mediiicc!” as they rush to aid the fallen amidst bullets and explosions. While such frontline activity is indeed true, they also play roles in maintaining troop health and preventing epidemics even before any injuries occur.
If a large army were deployed and their food spoiled, causing widespread food poisoning, or if influenza were to spread, or if local plagues occurred, soldiers would fall before even fighting. In reality, many casualties occur during the lengthy march before battle for various reasons. The longer the expedition, the higher the incidence rate.
Maintaining troop health and establishing a prevention system is crucial for preserving the deployed forces until they reach the battlefield.
Meanwhile, when “Mediiiicc!” is called on the front lines, their primary duty will be to provide first aid.
At most, they would perform pressure bandaging to control bleeding. The goal would be to stop the bleeding temporarily and then transport the injured back.
Fortunately, in this world, fast-acting potions are widely available, so the existence of these greatly improves the level of first aid available.
With bandages, gauze, and fast-acting healing potions, bleeding can be controlled unless the injuries are severe.
Additionally, it is also important to transport the injured to the rear. If a teammate throws away their gun to carry an injured comrade, that means another person has effectively been lost on the battlefield. However, it is heart-wrenching to advance without taking care of an injured companions.
That’s why medics are in charge of transport. In reality, it is not common for healing magic to allow immediate front-line return. Such feats can only be accomplished in parties with skilled healers.
Thus, rapid transport from the front lines has become an indispensable task, and including that responsibility means that a healer with only basic healing magic would not suffice in the role of a medic. At the very least, it is a physical job not suitable for a minister who lives a life of poverty and gauntness.
“——I see, by limiting to basic first aid without resorting to specialized medical care or advanced healing magic, you aim to secure personnel for relief.”
With my rough explanation, Nel quickly grasped the role expected from the medical battalion.
Of course, the field hospital established in the rear would still include a group of priests for proper medical treatment, but that is another matter.
“On the battlefield, it seems it has become customary for comrades to provide first aid to each other in any military. I’ve never heard of an organization taking the trouble to create a rescue squad that isn’t dedicated to the royal nobles.”
“It seems it hasn’t been necessary until now.”
It might also be the case that the lower ranks have simply been disposable.
Even subtracting those reasons, I believe that medics will be necessary moving forward.
“Though it’s not entirely complete, the Empire Army intends to standardize firearms instead of spears and bows.”
“Yes, I’ve heard that you were diligently developing them since your time in Spada.”
I haven’t specifically talked to Nel about firearms. Even I must choose my topics when speaking to a girl.
It’s likely that Wil has spoken of it.
“I’ve already seen the power of guns, so I understand the intention to widely adopt such groundbreaking new weapons.”
“However, it’s not just us who can use guns. The Crusaders, too, will eventually begin to counter us with the same firearms.”
The guns were created by Simon, an alchemist without the special powers of magic. Even without divine blessings or magical aptitude, anyone with the right materials and equipment can manufacture them. They are not fools; once they dismantle captured goods, they can quickly analyze the weapon’s structure.
Just as the Tanegashima matchlock spread throughout Japan.
Just as Russia’s Kalashnikov spread across the globe.
Guns as weapons will inevitably proliferate. This remains true, even in this alternate world where magic exists.
“If we both start shooting each other with guns, the casualty rate on the battlefield will skyrocket.”
“Is that why you’re planning to preemptively organize a dedicated healing group?”
In this world, where an individual’s power easily surpasses that of soldiers fully armed with firearms, the current form of warfare already results in significant casualty rates.
Even so, it is undoubtedly true that equipping even inexperienced new soldiers with weapons capable of instantly killing an opponent will exacerbate casualties.
“However, if we don’t deploy them widely, won’t that reduce the risk of them falling into the enemy’s hands?”
“I thought about not lifting the ban on firearms… but doing so may give them the chance to put them into practical use first.”
The “White Relic” that created me undoubtedly possesses cutting-edge magical technology.
Including the Divine Soldier Project utilizing Japanese individuals, the ancient heavy machinery Taurus, and the practical use of mech armors. The weapons they developed are already in active combat.
Compared to previous research results, how simple it is to create long-range weapons that shoot lead projectiles using gunpowder.
Alternatively, they might develop magical-style guns that rapidly fire low-level spells, like the arm-gun of the mech armor.
If we hesitated in our measures, we risk giving them an advantage in magical technology.
They already possess fervent zeal, seemingly boundless morale, and, above all, powerful strategic assets like the Apostles.
“We must maximize our combat power; otherwise, we will not be able to counter the Crusaders.”
“Indeed…Given that they also employ underhanded tactics like seizing Avalon, we must prepare for total war in all aspects.”
It pains me to admit it, but we must prepare for total war in every sense.
When we lose to them, it will be the end of Pandora.
—
A dim hangar adorned in a rugged gray hue. Within, there was now a gathering of armed individuals numbering in the hundreds.
They varied in race and equipment. From lightly armored swordsmen to robed magicians, heavily armored knights, and even those half-naked and unarmed.
Anyone who beheld this scene would surely think that adventurers had congregated. With such a large number, it would require a particularly significant quest or an emergency quest to witness such an event.
A tense atmosphere blanketed the space when a man soon stood before them.
With white hair, pale skin, and blue sparkling eyes that boasted a doll-like appearance, he was clearly a high-ranking officer of the homunculus, held in high regard by the Empire, adorned in pitch-black military attire.
“Now, we will begin the special selection test.”
Thus, Ain, serving as the deputy commander of the Demon King’s “Heavy Cavalry Corps,” declared to the best of the best gathered within the current Empire.
Indeed, among those gathered were adventurers as well as soldiers already belonging to the Empire Army. As the name suggests, these specially selected individuals had gathered, filled with confidence in their skills, to be further screened and chosen.
They would become the elite troops that would support the core of the Empire Army.
“This time, it will be the first round of examinations. There is no limit on the number of successful candidates. As long as you meet the examination criteria, you pass.”
In other words, it’s possible for everyone to pass or for everyone to fail.
However, when it comes to a test with no predetermined limit, many anticipated that it wouldn’t be particularly severe.
“And so, the first round of examination is——”
During Ain’s speech, the heavy, echoing sound of the hangar doors began to open.
It was not just any door; the enormous opening, resembling a gate, swung open as a castle drawbridge would—— the moment a strong wind surged through the opening.
Suddenly exposed to the frigid air’s intense pressure, some couldn’t help but vocalize their astonishment.
Yet the most remarkable sight was what lay beyond the opening. There spread a breathtaking view.
Blue sky.
A brilliantly clear sky-blue expanse stretched out.
However, it was not exactly a clear day void of clouds.
Thick gray clouds hung below, visible from their vantage point. The clouds, which should be floating high in the sky, were situated below where they stood.
“Are we… flying…?”
“No way, are we literally above the clouds?!”
“No way a ship that size actually flies!”
Exclamations of awe poured forth from those who had traveled above the sky for the first time.
This was the rear hangar of the Sky Battleship Shangri-La.
Currently, they had just taken off from Pandemonium, cruising high above the vast Atlas Desert.
However, when they gathered in this hangar, the ship had not yet set off, and being in this windowless area, they had no way of knowing if the ship had actually taken flight. They had not been informed about Shangri-La’s intended flights.
Very few get to experience flying amidst the blue skies. Only those of races capable of flight, like the Harpies, or those who can ride airborne mounts like Pegasus or flying dragons.
Even high-ranking adventurers rarely get chances to fly.
“Quiet down.”
After the initial excitement, Ain quickly admonished them.
They were not here for mere sightseeing; they had gathered specifically for an examination. A swift progression was required.
“The task for the first round of examination is to jump from here and land on the ground unharmed.”
Once the door opened to the air, many had an inkling, but when such a directive was given, hesitation crept in.
Though they were fearless warriors, they would naturally hesitate when told to jump down from above the clouds for the first time.
“How you land is up to you. You can land directly with reinforced legs through martial arts or use magic to reduce your descent speed. However, you must land using only your individual abilities. Those who receive support magic or assistance from teammates while landing will be deemed disqualified.”
“Heh, so it’s a test of courage?”
“For that, the Demon King has brought us all the way up here, huh? Tough guy, that Demon Lord.”
With the content of the first round of examination presented, murmurs spread once more.
Some were motivated, eager to take it on while others gathered in parties to psych themselves up, and some observed the open sky with a calm demeanor.
“Anyone lacking confidence should decline now. Additionally, should anyone be injured, assistance will be provided immediately.”
Ain waved his hand, and a large screen installed on the hangar wall illuminated.
Displayed on the screen was the image of Nel, smiling brightly.
“Chief Medical Officer Nel is leading the rescue team here.”
“Everyone, as long as you avoid death, we will treat any injuries, so please jump down with peace of mind!”
Nel waved while offering a royal smile.
Her attire was that of a pure white healer’s robe, but the five-star insignia shining brightly at her chest signified her rank as a vice admiral.
“Well then, we will commence the first round of examination. Proceed in order by number to jump down————”
“Go to heaven!!”
A small shadow dashed out first, shouting as if carried by a swift wind.
“I said in order! Reki, you idiot!”
Next, a brown-skinned magician girl raced after with her silvery hair fluttering in the gust, leaping down without a trace of fear or hesitation.
“Damn it, to get ahead of me like that, what a blunder for me! Alright, let’s go everyone, Spada folks don’t get scared just because we’re above the clouds!!”
With a shout of fighting spirit echoing throughout the hangar, Kai with a great sword strapped to his back burst forth.
“We’ll go too!”
“I’m not scared of this!”
“Let’s do this!!!”
“Whooooo!!”
“Hey, wait a minute, don’t push! I’m not ready yet…”
The challengers, now ignited with fighting spirit, tossed themselves into the air all at once.
To those who were jumping down one after another,
“It’s dangerous, so please jump in order by number.”
Ain dutifully reminded them, but no one was listening.