I quietly stepped out of my room and headed toward the main gate of the base.
Colonel Kavira Sten was already there, overseeing the troops and managing the logistics.
As I approached, she immediately stopped what she was doing and saluted.
I returned the salute.
The soldiers nearby straightened their posture at once. Those assigned to the 202nd Infantry Division formed orderly ranks, awaiting further instructions.
I looked over the assembled troops.
"At ease," I said.
The soldiers relaxed slightly.
"Return to your duties."
"Yes, Commander."
Without hesitation, they resumed their work.
I watched them in silence.
Authority was a dangerous thing.
The power to command thousands of lives was intoxicating. Given enough time, it could change a person's way of thinking. It could convince them that their decisions were always correct.
A light breeze swept across the base.
The branches of the surrounding trees swayed gently from side to side, their leaves rustling beneath the morning sky.
For a brief moment, everything felt peaceful.
Then Colonel Sten spoke.
"Commander, is Miss Fren coming with us?"
The question caught my attention.
More importantly, there was hesitation in her voice.
Fear.
"Why are you asking, Colonel Sten? Or should I say, Miss Kavira Sten?"
Colonel Sten looked at me with shock in her eyes. It had been a long time since I had addressed her by her full name.
I looked at her innocently.
"Well, Colonel? Have you seen a reaper, or have you been struck by Cupid?"
Several nearby soldiers began sneaking glances in our direction. A few had even stopped working entirely.
A faint blush appeared on Colonel Sten's face.
"Ahem."
Colonel Dickson's voice interrupted us.
"I believe I have arrived at a rather unfortunate time. However, the matter is urgent."
"Yes, Colonel. What urgent matter requires your attention? And why do you believe you arrived at the wrong moment? It is not as though I was confessing my love to her."
"It certainly looked that way."
Colonel Dickson glanced toward the soldiers who had stopped working and were openly listening to our conversation.
"What a shame," he sighed dramatically. "It would be unfortunate if I had to punish members of this division."
Such a drama queen. Had it not been for the civil war, he could have conquered the world through acting alone. I decided to play along.
"Indeed. That would be unfortunate. Fortunately, the 202nd Infantry Division contains no such individuals."
For perhaps the first time in months, I spoke in a cheerful tone.
Every soldier immediately returned to work.
"Now then, Colonel Dickson. What is the urgent matter?"
"The departure has been delayed."
My expression hardened.
"Explain."
"The casualties in Elyndor Bay and Virelith Harbor are far greater than expected. We must dispatch the 002nd, 305th, and 78th Medical ballalions."
"What?"
I stared at him.
"Did I hear you correctly?"
"Yes, you did."
"We submitted that request two days ago."
I forced myself to remain calm.
"Have you read the reports from Elyndor Bay and Virelith Harbor? Or the report submitted by Admiral Velin Rook from Selora?"
I paused.
"No. I do not believe I have."
That oversight was entirely my fault.
Without warning, a thick stack of papers was shoved into my chest.
I caught it instinctively.
"Colonel Sten," Colonel Dickson asked, "how much time remains before departure?"
"Approximately forty-five minutes, sir."
"Good."
He turned back to me.
"I condensed the report for you. Read it. Then give me your answer."
"Understood."
"And remember, I practically raised you."
"I believe I was twelve years old."
"You were still a child."
"You are my godfather. I agree."
Colonel Dickson sighed heavily. He removed his cap, ran a hand through his hair, and placed it back on his head.
"I have made a decision. The 001st Medical Battalion will depart alongside your division and separate halfway through the journey."
He paused.
"Anderson."
"Yes?"
"Come back alive."
For a brief moment, something tightened inside my chest.
I nodded.
Before he could leave, I grabbed his shoulder.
He looked back at me.
"What is it, boy?"
"I trust you."
I handed the report back.
He nodded quietly.
Then he left.
I remained where I stood, waiting for the troops to complete their preparations.
"Commander."
"Yes?"
Colonel Sten saluted.
"The 001st Medical Battalion is prepared. The 202nd Infantry Division will be ready for departure shortly."
"Bring me the acting officer of the medical battalion."
"Yes, sir."
Three minutes later, Colonel Sten returned with a familiar face.
"Commander. It is good to see you again."
"Likewise."
The acting officer of the medical battalion was the same doctor who had examined me the previous day.
"Your name, Lieutenant Colonel?"
"Mark Jobs, sir."
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Lieutenant Colonel Mark."
"The pleasure is mine, Commander Thomas."
"Let us discuss our plans."
He nodded.
After some time, the 202nd Infantry Division was fully assembled, while the 001st Medical Battalion waited on standby.
Colonel Sten and I climbed into our command jeep. Lieutenant Colonel Mark entered his own vehicle nearby.
The 202nd Infantry Division consisted of approximately fifteen thousand personnel, supported by over one thousand transport trucks, five hundred jeeps, and dozens of armored vehicles designed to protect the convoy from ambushes.
Alongside them traveled the 001st Medical Battalion, consisting of hundreds of doctors, medics, drivers, and support staff operating ambulances, medical trucks, and command vehicles.
Engines roared to life as orders echoed across the staging grounds. Trucks filled with infantry lurched forward, and armored vehicles growled at the flanks. The 202nd Infantry Division — fifteen thousand strong, supported by over a thousand trucks, five hundred jeeps, and dozens of armored escorts — moved as one. Alongside them advanced the 001st Medical Battalion, hundreds of doctors, medics, and drivers guiding ambulances and medical trucks into formation. At the front, reconnaissance jeeps secured the route; behind, the endless convoy stretched like a living river of steel and men. Interwoven within, the red‑crossed vehicles of the medical battalion carried a silent promise: as long as the 202nd marched toward danger, the wounded would never be left behind.
After fourteen hours of travel, we reached Bellgramed Camp, located on the outskirts of Dravencross City. This was also the point where the 001st Medical Battalion would separate from us and continue toward their assigned sector.
We had covered nearly half the distance to our final destination.
I ordered Colonel Sten to halt the convoy for the night.
Afterward, I quietly made my way to the observation tower located within the camp, where the officer in charge was stationed. The commanding officer turned out to be a young lieutenant.
We had spent nearly eleven hours inside our vehicles without any significant rest.
After some time, I could hear the soldiers settling into the camp. Laughter and conversation drifted through the night air.
I did not mind.
The men had endured a long journey, and opportunities to relax were rare during wartime.
Some time later, Colonel Sten entered the tower and stood behind me while I reviewed plans for capturing Dravencross City in a single decisive operation.
Without turning around, I spoke.
"Yes, Colonel. What can I assist you with?"
"Why are you allowing the soldiers to enjoy themselves?" she asked. "Shouldn't they be sleeping?"
I took a slow breath and walked toward the window, where I could see groups of soldiers gathered around small campfires.
Some were talking.
Some were laughing.
Others simply sat quietly, enjoying the brief moment of peace.
"Happiness is a luxury during war," I said.
"We do not know who is coming alive after the battle."
My gaze remained fixed on the camp below.
"So let them have this night."
I paused briefly.
"You should enjoy it as well. Time is more limited than we realize."
"Yes, sir," Colonel Sten replied. "But I would prefer to rest."
I nodded.
"A wise decision."