Chapter 10 - Chapter 10

"Well, that seems to be a good harvest," Aldelio muttered to himself, using a handkerchief borrowed from Alexei to clean the blood from the barrel of his shotgun.

"It does appear that way. However, wouldn't it be wiser to spare him, Comrade Aldelio?" Alexei, his subordinate suggested with a diplomatic tone as they drove the Willy's Jeep down the road after leaving the forest.

"You should already know I won't let him live, especially after we nearly killed him for information," Aldelio responded to Alexei with a slight frown and disappointment. "Moreover, what do you think will occur if I spare him? I'm about 80% certain he'll alert his allies to our presence... Done."

A smirk graced Aldelio's lips after he finished cleaning his shotgun. Currently, he, Alexei, and two others occupied the Willy's Jeep. Aldelio sat in the front, while the others were in the back. Moments later, he used the {Storage Skill} to stow away the shotgun.

'I forgot about this handy [Skill]. I need to become accustomed to my powers so that incidents like before won't reoccur.'

- A Few Minutes Earlier -

Gastov savored the opportunity to escape his current predicament. He dreamed of finally freeing himself from this mess. If he could survive, he resolved to retire. However, his plans were disrupted when he lost a leg, a misfortune that might serve as a convenient excuse for his retirement. Gastov had once been a prosperous C-Class adventurer, but one fateful day, his life unraveled due to his wife's machinations.

Burdened with insurmountable debt, Gastov was reduced to a debt slave. Learning that his wife orchestrated his downfall shattered his heart. He couldn't comprehend why she would betray him, especially since he held deep affection for her.

'Recalling it now, why would she have done such a thing?'

Gastov's memories flickered, replaying the moment he fell into debt slavery. The cold, disdainful glare his wife directed at him while he was apprehended by another person seared into his mind. A realization struck him like a bolt of lightning.

'No, it can't be... I was...'

Fear crept into Gastov as he stood before Aldelio and Alexei. Unbeknownst to them, his mind raced through the puzzle pieces he had collected.

'I... I lived alone, and I distinctly remember having no wife... So who...'

Trepidation gripped him as he puzzled over his thoughts.

'Why did I imagine I had a wife? And why did she accumulate a debt of 100 platinum coins? Did she truly have that much money? But before that, why did I assume she was my wife?'

The questions multiplied, but Gastov pushed them aside.

'I'll sort this out later. For now, my focus should be escaping safely and understanding what's happening.'

These were his final musings.

"Very well, we've reached a conclusion. Thank you for providing invaluable information. Farewell."

After Aldelio finished discussing the information with Alexei, he approached Gastov, who appeared lost in thought. Aldelio aimed his shotgun at Gastov's head, his finger on the trigger.

*Bang.*

Before Gastov could react, Aldelio fired. The deafening report echoed in the room, accompanied by the macabre spray of blood and tissue. Smoke wafted from Aldelio's shotgun, and he pumped the weapon, allowing the spent shell casing to clatter onto the wooden floor.

"Consider that resolved. Alexei, gather the Platoon at the Hobgoblin Camp's center. I have an announcement to make."

Alexei saluted Aldelio, then departed to inform the 34th Soviet Infantry Platoon.

- Some Time Later -

In the heart of the Hobgoblin Encampment, a spacious area accommodated several rows of Soviet Infantry soldiers. The soldiers Aldelio had summoned bore an aura of seasoned warriors, evident to those experienced in combat.

"Attention, comrades! Our Excellency has a message for us."

The Soviets turned their attention to Aldelio, who sat upon the Goblin King's throne. Aldelio's bloody shotgun rested at his side. Some soldiers marveled at the weapon, while others gazed at Aldelio in awe, impressed by his regal demeanor.

"Alexei, I have a question for you."

"Pardon?"

"Have you all engaged in battle before?"

Though initially taken aback, Alexei responded to Aldelio's inquiry.

"No, sir. None of us have prior combat experience before you summoned us."

"I see."

Aldelio scratched his chin thoughtfully, his mind racing with various contemplations.

'When in battle, they operate with an almost robotic efficiency... peak efficiency, which is a commendable trait in itself.'

Observing his summoned soldiers, Aldelio had initially believed their abilities correlated directly with the statistics displayed in his status screen, complete with rankings such as "private" and the like. However, upon urgently requesting reinforcements and taking a moment to reassess the Infantry Platoon; Soviet Army, Aldelio tapped the pencil icon a second time, revealing a breakdown of each rank.

Infantry Platoon: Soviet Army

=====================================

1x 1st Lieutenant

5x Sergeant

44x Private

'Initially, I had regarded them as expendable pawns, but now...'

The realization struck him. These soldiers were more than just statistics or expendables; they were individuals with distinct ranks and roles. The war-hardened efficiency he witnessed indicated their professionalism, highlighting their dedication to the mission. Aldelio's perspective had evolved from mere numbers to a genuine acknowledgment of the skill and expertise these soldiers brought to his cause. As he gazed at the soldiers before him, his thoughts shifted to the future battles that lay ahead, where the efficiency and skill of the 34th Soviet Infantry Platoon could potentially tip the scales in his favor.

"Whoops, got sidetracked there," Aldelio admitted with a chuckle, brushing off the momentary distraction. He cleared his throat, a signal to his men that something important was about to be announced.

"We have obtained information about a sinister group known as the [Black Dragons]. Our interrogation efforts have unveiled the locations of several covert bases they utilize. While the credibility of this information is uncertain, I find myself intrigued by this enigmatic faction."

The soldiers stood attentively, projecting an air of seriousness as they listened to their leader.

"As a result, I've decided to divide our unit into five squads, each comprising ten members. Since there are five unconfirmed bases associated with this group, I entrust you with the task of investigating these locations. Your primary objective will be to ascertain the validity of these secret bases. Once the confirmation is made, your orders are to promptly withdraw and report back to me. Is that clear?!"

The soldiers saluted in unison, their synchronized response resonating with determination.

"Yes, Your Excellency!"

- Back to present -

"Though I must admit, Alexei, these two remarkable women truly lived up to your appraisal. I'm genuinely impressed."

"You're too kind, Your Excellency," Vera and Galina responded in harmonious agreement to Aldelio's praise. The earlier division of tasks had led Aldelio's subordinates to be strategically dispatched for their assignments, with Alexei advocating for the inclusion of specific individuals to accompany him on a mission involving one of the [Black Dragons'] hidden lairs. The efficiency and skill of these chosen operatives were evidently worthy of Aldelio's acknowledgment. These were no ordinary soldiers; they were Vera and Galina, a duo of extraordinary women whose presence exuded a unique blend of strength and allure.

Vera, with her striking emerald eyes and flowing raven hair, possessed an enigmatic allure that drew gazes like a magnet. Her regal bearing resonated with an air of authority, a quality that suggested she was a force to be reckoned with. Clad in a form-fitting combat uniform that emphasized her graceful curves, she exuded a potent combination of beauty and competence. Her weapons were an extension of her persona, the blades at her side and the concealed daggers hinting at her prowess.

Galina, on the other hand, projected an air of calm precision. Her hair, a cascade of shimmering gold, framed her face like a halo, and her eyes held a glint of mischief that contrasted her formal demeanor. Wearing attire that combined functionality with elegance, she moved with the fluidity of a dancer, every step a calculated display of grace. Yet, beneath her composed exterior, lay a fierce determination that fueled her actions. The Mosin-Nogant she held, an extension of her will, spoke of her precision and mastery.

"But it is rather disappointing that the two of you have remained at the ranks of privates. Therefore, by my authority, I bestow upon both of you the esteemed titles of 1st Class Lieutenants."

As Aldelio's words echoed in the surroundings, an enchanting transformation unfolded. A radiant azure glow enveloped Vera and Galina, casting a mesmerizing hue that danced across their figures. The sudden illumination caught Aldelio off guard, causing his posture to tense in momentary alarm.

Then, as if guided by an unseen force, the atmosphere shifted. A powerful surge of magic pulsed through the air, and a voice seemed to resonate within Aldelio's mind, conveying the activation of a profound change.

[Host has expressed the intention to elevate the rank of Pvt. Galina and Pvt. Vera to that of 1st Class Lieutenants. Mana and Cash will be consumed.]

[Warning!! Host lack the proper amount of Cash, additional Mana will be used]

Aldelio's eyes widened, a mixture of amazement and astonishment washing over his features as he bore witness to the magical phenomenon that was unfolding. The surroundings seemed to hold its breath, suspended in anticipation of what was to come.

"Ah," he uttered, a moment of sheer astonishment rendering him momentarily speechless. His demeanor shifted, his countenance reminiscent of an anime character whose expression had transformed into that of stunned surprise. The unexpected magical promotion had caught him by surprise, leaving him momentarily frozen in disbelief.

[4000 Mana has been spent, Congratulations Host, your Pvt. Vera and Pvt. Galina has been promoted to 1st Class Lieutenants!]

With his Mana reserves almost entirely depleted, leaving only a meager 100 units, Aldelio's strength waned rapidly. The strain of the magical promotion proved too much, and he succumbed to unconsciousness while maintaining a sitting posture in the Willy's Jeep. In a strangely comedic turn of events, something reminiscent of a soul seemed to attempt an exaggerated exit from his mouth, a sight that would have been amusing under different circumstances.

"Ah... First, I was broke on Cash... now Mana..." His mutterings conveyed a sense of absurdity, as if the universe had chosen this exact moment to play a cosmic joke on him. Aldelio's expression turned blank, his once-commanding presence reduced to a listless figure.

Beside him, Vera and Galina exchanged perplexed glances, their confusion mirrored in their features. Meanwhile, Alexei, who was at the wheel, couldn't help but burst into laughter at the sight before him.

"Haha! Comrade Aldelio, that was quite the performance you put on!"

Before Alexei could finish his jest, an abrupt and thunderous explosion shattered the air. Smoke billowed in the distance, a sudden and ominous disruption that jolted everyone back to alertness. The atmosphere shifted swiftly from humor to tension, as the group's attention turned sharply toward the source of the explosion, their previous lightheartedness overshadowed by the looming threat.