FMRV | Chapter 40

Thanks to Theo’s meticulous interviews and directives, Dilleon Keilleo, formerly a high-ranking member of the 3rd Division, was appointed as the new commander of the Detached Corps. Among the top five candidates, Dilleon had the most accomplishments in monster subductions and battlefield merits, and notably, he had rapidly advanced to a higher rank at a young age due to his exceptional abilities.

Theo had more reasons for choosing him. Firstly, Dilleon’s primary combat style was highly mobile, suitable for the Detached Corps, and the types of magic he could wield tended to prioritize speed. Another reason was that he showed the most enthusiasm during the face-to-face interview. With six votes in favor and three against among the nine captains, Dilleon’s appointment as the commander of the Detached Corps smoothly passed the majority.

With this unexpected vacancy filled, the military’s personnel finally regained stability and balance. As the new commander, Theo began to settle into his role, and with vacancies appropriately filled, the Imperial Army was gradually stabilizing. This allowed Theo some peace of mind.

But was that sense of relief merely an illusion?

“Lately, there have been frequent reports of monsters appearing in the mountains surrounding the capital.”

Theo’s low voice spread throughout the meeting room. Military meetings typically occurred weekly or biweekly, where the captains gathered, and once a month, a grand council was held with the Commander in Chief to discuss the consolidated issues.

However, Theo had changed this meeting format as soon as he took office. He eliminated the concept of the grand council and made it a weekly meeting under the Commander in Chief. This meant that Theo now attended every captain-level meeting in person.

The previous method was maintained to reduce the workload on the Commander in Chief. It was burdensome for a commander, who led a large and fully staffed organization, to handle all meeting topics personally. Hence, at the captain-level meetings, they would first appropriately discuss and summarize various issues, and only the most important and worthy matters would be discussed at the grand council.

But Theo seemed unconcerned about the increased burden on himself from this change.

“Especially, they appear more frequently in lower-altitude mountains.”

“Yes, according to the reports, most of the appearing monsters are classified as low to mid-level. Fortunately, there have been no sightings of high-level monsters yet.”

Loena, the captain of the 1st Division, added that detail.

“The grade of the monster is not such a critical issue for the general public. To them, they are all objects of fear.”

To those who couldn’t handle magic or defeat monsters, whether the creatures were low or high-level, they were equally terrifying.

“What’s the extent of the reported damages?”

“Fortunately, there have been no deaths yet, but there are about ten severely injured from the recent reports. All injuries were inflicted by mid-level monsters, and the victims were attacked as soon as the monsters appeared.”

Leo continued with the explanation and added that the low altitude of the mountains was a direct cause. These mountains were easily accessible to the public and, conversely, it was easy for monsters to descend into villages.

“Dilleon.”

“Yes!”

Having listened quietly, Theo called the new commander of the Detached Corps in a tone devoid of emotion. Dilleon swallowed nervously and responded with a voice full of spirit.

“Is there nothing you feel after hearing this report?”

“Ah…”

Caught off guard by the question, he awkwardly scratched his forehead. The sound of his rolling eyes was almost audible. Leo sighed softly, half in sympathy and half in annoyance, at the new commander’s inability to respond properly.

“Initial response is very crucial in monster subductions.”

Perhaps feeling more sympathetic, Leo spoke up to help Dilleon.

“Especially, the higher the grade of the monster, the more intelligent they are, and their perception of humans as prey or objects of abuse becomes stronger.”

“I, I’ll keep that in mind!”

This corresponded with the fact that all the reported injuries were caused by mid-level monsters. Dilleon swallowed again.

“It’s basic knowledge you would have learned at the academy.”

Suddenly, a chilly voice cut through the awkward silence. Theo’s indifferent tone startled the captains, including Leo. Normally, he would have encouraged more caution or urged the newly appointed to persevere despite difficulties, as was his nature. He was not someone to coldly criticize for not knowing basic facts.

“I, I’m sorry!”

Theo ran a hand through his hair.

“No, it’s understandable since you’ve not been a commander for long. I didn’t mean to reproach you, so don’t take it too personally.”

“Yes!”

Perhaps feeling guilty for bringing up the criticism first, fortunately, Theo followed up with warm advice. He also didn’t forget to instruct the other captains to help Dilleon adjust well. Mile gently patted Dilleon’s shoulder as if to comfort him, who had once been a member of his unit.

“So, how should we respond to this issue?”

The room then fell incredibly silent. Theo’s eyebrows twitched momentarily. Then, Leo cautiously raised his hand.

“Perhaps we should form a patrol unit starting from the areas where monster appearances are most frequent?”

“How about forming the unit mainly with those skilled in scouting magic?”

Following up, Loena made her suggestion. However, no other suggestions came after hers. As the other captains remained silent, Theo’s gaze met theirs, causing them to slowly avert their eyes.

“Any objections to Leo and Loena’s suggestions?”

“…”

It had always been the case. During meetings, it was usually Loena and Leo who contributed ideas to important issues. But among them, the most passionate had been.

“How about this approach?”

“That’s too inefficient to implement. The costs involved can’t be ignored either.”

“Are you seriously offering that as a suggestion? The things I mutter in my sleep make more sense.”

It was none other than Luke.

The scene looked quite different from when he was the captain of the 1st Division to now observing it as the Commander in Chief. He faintly recalled Veil often saying, “All voices are welcome,” during meetings. Was this the reason?

“Based on both of your suggestions, we’ll form the patrol units with those proficient in scouting magic, starting with the mountains where the most monster appearances have been reported.”

The captains listened quietly as Theo’s voice grew slightly heavier.

“However, just because we start there doesn’t guarantee monsters won’t appear at other points. They don’t just stop coming because they didn’t come yesterday. Therefore, I plan to strategically place magic detection devices. Additionally, until the area stabilizes, we will issue a temporary prohibition on entry to protect the residents.”

“That sounds like a good approach.”

Mile clenched his fist and nodded. The other captains also nodded passively.

“As expected of our Commander…”

“Really, do you think there are no issues here?”

Theo sharply interrupted Mile’s flattering remark.

“Uh? Well, no major issues, I suppose…”

Mile glanced at Seth across from him, seeking help, but Seth coldly turned his head away.

“The mountains in question are not rugged and are fertile lands where herbs and fruits grow well. Naturally, there are people who gather resources there to make a living.”

Naturally, if Theo’s suggestion to restrict access was implemented without thought, it could threaten someone’s livelihood.

However, no one here pointed that out.

“With a little thought, it’s a problem you can see. Luke would have pointed it out without hesitation…”

Holding his forehead in frustration, Theo suddenly stopped speaking. Surprised by his own words, he raised his head, and sure enough, some of the captains looked uncomfortable.

“…Provide some military supplies to the areas near the mountains where access is restricted.”

With that resolution, Theo stood up. As he left the meeting room, the captains finally let out a breath they had been holding.

Back in his office, Theo reviewed the meeting notes that Sion had organized. All the while, he pondered why he had mentioned Luke’s name.

“Must be losing my mind.”

It was just then that Theo sighed deeply, an unusual sound for him. The commander’s crystal communicator on his desk suddenly started ringing with an incoming call.