"Now."
At my command, Lance Corporal Klaus's body froze for an instant. He held his breath, then pulled the trigger.
Bang!
The silence of the quiet forest shattered. The bullet struck dead center between the orc shaman's eyes. Its massive head burst open like a ripe watermelon. Brain matter and bone fragments sprayed in every direction, and the arm clutching the staff flailed once in the air before going limp.
Kuwaaaaah!
The mana the shaman had been channeling went berserk. The air around them trembled, and the blackened altar lost its glow.
"Grraaak?!"
"G-Grimtusks!"
The surrounding orcs fell into chaos. With their dim orc wits, it would take them time to grasp the situation. This was the perfect moment for a surprise attack.
"Now! Throw!"
The soldiers prone along the ridgeline hurled their grenades in unison. The grenades arced through the air and landed right in the middle of the disorganized orc cluster.
Kaboom! Kaboom! Kaboom!
A chain of explosions rocked the ravine. Clouds of dirt, debris, and chunks of mangled orc flesh rained down like a storm.
"Open fire!"
I shouldered my rifle, aimed at the nearest orc's head, and squeezed the trigger.
Rat-tat-tat-tat-tat!
The soldiers' muzzles flashed as one. A dense hail of bullets engulfed the orcs. Caught off guard by the sudden ambush, the death of their leader, and the relentless blasts, the orcs plunged into total disarray.
"Graaah! Humans!"
"Where?! Where's the shooting coming from?!"
Some fumbled for their weapons in panic, others dove for cover, and a few charged blindly up our ridgeline in rage. Their movements lit up as red dots on my minimap.
'Take out the biggest threats first.'
⚔ STATUS ⚔Name: MorgRace: OrcAffiliation: Ashen Claw TribeRank: WarriorStatus: Enraged, Reckless Charge
I used Status Analysis to zero in on the largest, most ferocious orc leading the charge.
"Second Squad machine gun! Suppress from 11 o'clock, starting with that charger!"
The machine gunner swung his barrel at my order.
Br-r-r-r-r!
The orc warrior's body turned into a beehive under the furious barrage and collapsed. The momentum of the others faltered without their focal point.
It was right then.
"Waaah!"
"For the Empire!"
"Kill the orcs!"
First Squad appeared from the ravine's flank, pumping rounds into the orcs' sides.
"Damn it! Flank attack!"
"It's a trap! Run!"
The orcs, their will utterly broken, turned tail and scattered into the forest. The battle was effectively over.
"No pursuit! Hold formation and mop up the rest!"
The platoon fired methodically at the orcs. Within minutes, the gunfire died down, leaving only the stench of gunpowder and blood.
I stood and surveyed the battlefield. More than twenty orcs lay dead and sprawled about.
"Lieutenant!"
Sergeant Gunter came running up, his face flushed with excitement.
"Casualty report! Two minor wounds, no fatalities! A perfect victory!"
"Well done, Sergeant."
Smiles broke out across the platoon's faces.
I headed last to the spot on the minimap with three lingering green dots. There, shivering from the cold, were the three missing scouts.
"Rescue the prisoners and grab anything useful! We're RTB once that's done!"
The platoon moved with crisp efficiency at my command.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
We made it back to base soon enough.
As the main gate came into view, the sentries at the guard post gawked.
"...Is that really Third Platoon?"
"Those guys in the back... aren't they the missing scouts? No way they survived."
"Heard they went on recon into Ashen Forest. No way they... Nah."
I saw to the rescued scouts first.
"Head straight to the aid station and get checked out. We'll take care of what needs doing."
The scouts didn't leave right away; they approached and saluted.
⚔ STATUS ⚔Status: Extreme Fatigue, Relief at RescueEmotions: Deep Gratitude and Awe Toward Lt. Max Jaeger, Trauma from Horrific Experience
"Thank you for saving our lives, Lieutenant. This favor..."
"Enough. Go rest."
I watched the scouts' retreating backs for a moment, then turned to Third Platoon.
"Good work. Wounded to the medics, everyone else clean your gear and get some rest. Dismissed."
"Sir!"
And with that, my first mission since joining Third Platoon was complete.
I returned to the barracks still in my blood- and dirt-caked uniform. I flopped into the creaky chair, and only then did the tension drain from my body.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙You have perfectly completed the high-risk area search and prisoner rescue mission. You gain a large amount of experience points as reward.✨ LEVEL UP! ✨Lv. 4 → Lv. 5
+ Skill Points +1
'As expected.'
I grinned. Level up again. Worth pushing all the way to that orc altar.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙Skill Points Available: 1 Select one of the following options to claim your reward: 1. [Enhance Existing Skill] 2. [Acquire New Skill]
Choice time again.
I checked the new skills first.
⚡ SKILL ACTIVATED ⚡1. Bullet Time
Upon activation, perceive the world (excluding yourself) at 1/10th speed for up to 3 seconds in a super-accelerated state. Usable once per day. Usage increases with level.
⚡ SKILL ACTIVATED ⚡2. Charismatic Speaker
Subtly influences the target's subconscious during conversation, making them more receptive and positive toward your words. Grants bonuses to persuasion, negotiation, command, and all verbal interactions. Maximized when proposals align with hidden desires. Effect strengthens with level.
Same options as last time.
'Does it stay the same if I don't pick?'
I pondered for a bit.
Bullet Time was still tempting. Today's fight was a flawless ambush with zero casualties, but battlefields don't always go your way. In a head-on clash, I couldn't guarantee my own survival.
'But what decided the win was intel and command.'
I replayed the battle. I'd maneuvered the platoon using the minimap, spotted enemy weaknesses and allied talents with Status Analysis, then devised the optimal plan to lead them to victory.
I never needed to dodge bullets myself. Perfect command eliminated the risks upfront. Paradoxically, the safest way for a commander like me to survive was to avoid dangerous situations altogether. Bullet Time was just a band-aid for when things went wrong.
What about enhancing Status Analysis? Solid choice. It had shown insane value right at level 2. But I didn't need deeper intel right now. I could already peer into hearts and talents. The issue was how to use that info.
Captain Seraphina came to mind. She carried the fatal secret of Mana Overload. Huge intel, but I could do nothing with it yet. Pretending to know would just raise suspicions.
That's where Charismatic Speaker shone.
Beyond bending resentful subordinates, it could inspire true loyalty. Sway tough superiors to my side. On the battlefield, cajole enemies or coax out info like it was nothing.
Spot desires and flaws with Status Analysis, then strike precisely with Charismatic Speaker. Perfect synergy with what I already had.
I reached out without hesitation and selected the second skill floating in the air.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙You have selected the skill Charismatic Speaker. You acquire a new skill!⚡ SKILL ACTIVATED ⚡Charismatic Speaker (Lv. 1)
A chime rang out, and new sensations flooded my mind. Optimal tones, word choices, breathing control, eye contact—knowledge etched in like I'd been a seasoned politician for decades.
'Gotta test this.'
But I couldn't test it alone. Needed a subject. And a perfect guinea pig came to mind. I stood, opened the barracks door, and called to the sentry pacing outside.
"Fetch Sergeant Gunter."
Soon, the burly sergeant came barreling over.
"You called, Lieutenant?!"
A status window popped up over his head as he bellowed his salute.
⚔ STATUS ⚔Name: GunterRank: SergeantStatus: Tense from Platoon Leader's Summons, Pride in Mission SuccessEmotions: Awe at Superior's Command Ability, Vague LoyaltyHidden Traits: None
'Vague loyalty, huh...'
Perfect test subject.
"Come in, Sergeant. Have a seat."
I gestured to the wooden chair by my bunk. Gunter sat gingerly.
'Let's experiment.'
I gave an out-of-left-field order.
"Sergeant Gunter. Right here, right now—twenty squats."
"...Pardon?"
Confusion crossed his face. His thick brows twitched.
"Squats? Here and now... why...?"
Expected reaction. No one follows a random order like that. Time to activate the skill.
'Charismatic Speaker.'
I triggered it, locked eyes, and spun a plausible line.
"Post-battle adrenaline often masks fatigue or injury. I need to confirm my key NCO is in top shape for the next mission. Your condition is the squad's combat readiness. That's an order."
Lame excuse, even by my standards. Would it work?
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙Skill Charismatic Speaker affects Sergeant Gunter. Gunter accepts your words positively. He begins to perceive your order as reasonable and important.
Doubt and confusion melted from Gunter's face like snow. Realization dawned in his eyes.
"Ah...! Yes, sir! I hadn't thought of that! As expected of you, Lieutenant!"
He sprang up and started squatting without a second thought.
"One! Two! Three!"
The barracks floor creaked under his massive frame. Watching, I swallowed hard.
'...This is more dangerous than I thought.'
This wasn't just charm. Near-hypnosis, sly mental interference. Squats were harmless, but what if I pushed further? Could I force something like "Harm yourself, Gunter"?
Per the description, success odds would drop, but zero? Probably not.
"Twenty! Complete!"
"Good. You seem fine."
'How far are the limits?'
Gunter wiped his sweat. I upped the ante.
"Hand over your entire month's pay to me."
"...Pardon?"
His face hardened instantly. Veins bulged in his thick neck.
"My pay...? Why...?"
His voice trembled. Natural response. Asking a soldier for his salary?
I took a deep breath and activated the skill again.
'Charismatic Speaker.'
"Third Platoon's just been reborn. But standard army supplies have limits. I'll use your pay to privately buy better gear and supplies for the squad—like waterproof boots or warm winter undershirts. It's an investment in our survival. And I want my most trusted NCO to lead by example."
Plausible cause, mixed with appeals to the greater good and his special trust.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙Skill Charismatic Speaker affects Sergeant Gunter. Gunter reviews your words positively. He begins deeply pondering the greater cause in your proposal.
It worked. Gunter's eyes wavered. I checked his status.
⚔ STATUS ⚔Status: Intense Internal ConflictEmotions: Fierce Agony Between Loyalty to Superior and Personal Reality, Confusion, Rising Sense of Betrayal
He hung his head, visibly wrestling. But unlike before, he didn't fold easily. Time dragged on.
Then—
💥 CRITICAL HIT! 💥
Persuasion Failed!
Demand's difficulty clashes directly with target's core values. Resistance nullifies skill effect.
Gunter snapped his head up.
"...I can't do it, Lieutenant."