Soul of Burning Steel

The battlefield of the night.

Not far away, the charging footsteps of the soldiers shook the ground, splashing countless mud. Fortunately, in Joshua's mentally retarded eyes, they finally slowed down as they approached, and did not rush into the seriously injured soldiers.

"Vice Commander!"

A soldier in the lead yelled with concern, then frowned, and looked at his comrades: "This injury... are you okay?!"

How could it be all right...

It was a bit unfamiliar at first, but Joshua quickly recognized the people in front of him. These soldiers wearing black crow armor were all his subordinates in the black crow vanguard. Now he was too lazy to be polite, and sighed as before: " What are you doing in a daze, help me, and be careful of the wound."

At the end of the sentence, these soldiers woke up like a dream. As soldiers of the empire, they have undoubtedly learned some first aid methods, but it is obvious that Joshua's injuries are no longer what they can handle. With severe injuries at the level of near-death, ordinary people cannot stand up at all, let alone walk.

However, before meeting them, they all thought that Joshua was dead. After all, there was no other possibility of rushing into the orc enemy formation alone. They never expected that he was still alive. Although he was seriously injured and on the verge of death, It seems that he can still move forward with a gun, he really deserves to be the deputy commander!

With the support of two soldiers, Joshua quickly returned to the army formation. Two priests and a necromancer stepped forward to carry him into a temporary medical tent for treatment.

Although the necromancer has an evil name, he is not considered a villain camp on the Mycroft Road. The officially recognized serious necromancer accepts the corpses of volunteers and studies the body structure of humans and various alien races. This group of people is proficient in human body structure , is the best internal injury doctor, because he can communicate with the spirit body, he also assists the guards in handling cases part-time.

Of course, there are necromancers who are serious about research, and there are also undead priests who focus on killing. Creation of the mighty Necromancer.

The priest's magic can heal all external injuries, while the necromancer's superb magic can heal the internal organs. After only 30 minutes of treatment and a not-so-rich but crucial dinner, Joshua felt that he had recovered his basic health. Vitality, the wound on the abdomen has also completely healed, the [severely endangered] health value on the attribute board has changed to [moderate injury], and the only negative status left is [severe fatigue].

"Why did you come here?" Joshua asked after swallowing the last mouthful of rations, "How is the situation?"

"Our squadron is here to clean up the battlefield and prepare for the siege of the orcs' Fort Dries."

The captain of this squadron, Joshua's subordinate, a soldier named Ryan explained to him the current situation: "The orcs have suffered a complete defeat on the frontal battlefield, and now they can only retreat to the fortress, and our task is to guard every trail and keep them out." Completely blocked."

The Black Crow Legion is one of the four major legions directly under the emperor of the empire. It is divided into five parts: the forward army, the main army, the heavy cavalry, the mage team (including other spellcasters such as priests and warlocks), and the logistics. There are special fighters in the game Occupation 'Black Crow Raider' knight occupation 'Black Crow Conqueror' and special thieves transfer 'Death Raider'.

Joshua is so young, yet he is one of the two vice-commanders of the Vanguard Army. Partly because of his family background and partly because of his ability, the sergeants believed in his powerful force, and the relationship was not bad, but now it seems that he respects him more than before. .

In fact, the reason is very simple-Ryan and others have seen the battlefield full of corpses.

The air was filled with the smell of blood and iron, the ground was covered with greasy blood, mutilated corpses were everywhere, and rotting meat pieces and internal organs smeared every place on the ground.

It is completely impossible to imagine how fierce the battle was, and it is even more impossible to imagine how strong Joshua was who did it all by himself.

Thinking of this, Ryan couldn't help but said: "Because it's already sunset, we can't count the number of those orcs for the time being." Deputy Commander, your age and strength have been questioned, but now that I think about it, my vision is too short-sighted."

"I am afraid that even the general will pay attention to this great achievement, and I will bestow upon you the Blade of Glory."

The Blade of Glory is not a real weapon, but a glory accessory similar to a badge. The person who can obtain it is undoubtedly the bravest fighter on the battlefield. In the game, a Blade of Glory badge is a platinum trophy The essential elements of achievement, the highest price is over 100,000 gold coins, and the value of 20,000 gold coins on weekdays, and a complete set of magic armor is only 70,000 to 80,000.

In addition, in the middle of the game, a Blade of Glory badge can be exchanged directly in the imperial capital for [Pioneering Knight Appointment Letter]. It will then be able to establish a pioneering knight's territory in place and become a lord.

"maybe."

Joshua waved his hand and didn't take it seriously at all. He thought back in the Continent of Disputes, in order to find the best battle group resident, the Blade of Glory was based on kilograms. , because the process was so thrilling and epic that he now wants to feel sick when he recalls it. A mere blade of glory is not an incomparably precious [Letter of Appointment of the Self-governing Lord], it is nothing at all.

Not to mention the orcs, he has played the Northwest Plains dungeon no less than a hundred times, and the number of orcs slaughtered is tens of thousands, which is very indifferent.

Feeling that his body has almost healed, all that is left is to rest, Joshua nodded and said: "Okay, you have worked hard too, continue to lead the team to carry out the mission, there is no need to delay because of me."

"The deputy commander you?"

"I'll go back to see the officer alone."

The officer mentioned here is not the head of the legion, but the commander of the vanguard. According to military regulations, every officer has to hold a post-war meeting to review his duties, and Joshua is no exception. Although he missed it because he was comatose before, he can find his immediate superior to make up for it later.

Rejecting Ryan's suggestion to send an escort, Joshua changed into brand new clothes, and walked towards the path leading to the central military formation of the Black Crow Army alone.

At this time, except for a scar at the corner of his eye that could not be completely healed, Joshua's injuries were almost healed. Although his eyes were tired, his actions were still crisp.

Half an hour later, because he still had a sense of presence as the deputy commander, Joshua walked unimpededly to the command tent where the commander-in-chief was.

And his immediate boss, the commander of the Black Crow Vanguard Army, the knight in gold armor Odo was drinking coffee and reading a report sent by a spy at the table.

He has short blond hair, a burly figure, and powerful muscles that seem to be enough to explode armor. His eyes glanced as if they could pierce paper.

"puff--"

Picking up the report, Odo couldn't help but spit out a mouthful of coffee just after reading halfway through it, and then took a breath: "The wild wolf team of the Eto'o tribe has been completely wiped out? The number has been cancelled?"

He took out a tissue, wiped the corners of his mouth, and frowned: "Eto'o is one of the largest tribes of orcs, and the wild wolf team is their elite army. These fucking orcs are more than a hundred silver-ranked orcs." , the average strength is in the middle, and it’s not a group of Marutori, how did they get wiped out?”

"Could it be that the spies were attacked by orcs, and their brains were beaten out? That's not right. Give them ten thousand courage, and this group of people dare not write casually under such circumstances. I should trust their professionalism..."

Looking back, Otto was ready to see the follow-up.

After a while, a confident voice sounded outside the military tent.

"Report! Joshua, the deputy commander of the Vanguard Army, begging to see you!"

"……Come in."

After Joshua opened the tent, he found that his immediate superior was looking at him like he was looking at a monster.

"Admit it, are you possessed by an abyss demon?"

Joshua: "...?"

"You can kill Eto'o's Wild Wolves all by yourself, I really can't see it!"

With his hands crossed on his chest, the Golden Knight sized Joshua up and down, as if he was meeting him for the first time, and he was amazed as he spoke: "Although it was possible to do so by occupying the favorable terrain of the canyon, no matter what, your strength Great progress, gold can be expected in the future!"

Joshua finally understood, it seems that Odo already knew that he had killed many orcs.

But what are the Steppenwolves?

"Look at your expression... Anyway, then again, how dare you rush over alone? Have you thought about the consequences?!"

Looking at Joshua with a disapproving face, Otto sighed, feeling that he was old and didn't understand the world of young people, then he slapped the table and taught, "Do you still want to go back alive to inherit the title?" , my little count?"

He has friendship with the Earl of the Northland, that is, Joshua's father. He can be regarded as half an elder, and he speaks very casually.

"...You are right."

"Forget it, seeing your tired face, you don't need to report on your job, so get out and rest."

The commander shook his head, and waved Joshua to leave quickly, "No matter what you say, it's good to be alive."

The next day, the battle entered a stalemate period, and the Black Crow Legion, who had previously been the forward, was replaced back to the rear to recuperate.

A tent with a strong military style. There are some tools and oil tanks for maintaining weapons beside the bed. The interior is full of traces of fireworks, and the decoration is very simple.

"Vice Commander!"

After changing into new clothes and having a good night's sleep, Joshua, who was currently writing the application for retirement in the tent, suddenly heard the herald calling him outside, so he could only put his pen aside and said, "Speak."

"The commander-in-chief said he wanted to find you!"

"...It just so happens that I have something to look for him too."

after a while.

"Retired? I know that something happened to your family, but it's wartime, and I don't have the authority to let you go back."

Sitting at the table, Odo touched his chin, looking a little helpless: "But it's almost over. The orcs will definitely surrender before winter comes. They don't have much food in reserve. At that time, you can retire according to the normal process."

"It would be too late by then!" Joshua stood in the huge main tent decorated with black and gold, and frowned at his immediate superior at the desk, "The letter said that the situation is very tense, and I won't go back until winter. What a mess."

"It's useless for you to tell me... As for calling you here, it's not that I have something to do with you, but that someone from above was sent to call you by name, and I can't refuse."

Commander Odo held the armrests and half-lyed on the big chair. Looking at the serious-looking subordinate in front of him, he felt a little headache.

"who is it?"

"Be careful when we meet...it's a golden balance."

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

"Joshua Van Radcliffe, born on October 15, 810 in the starfall calendar, the first heir to the Moldavian leadership, joined the army in 826, was recommended by the chief to enter the Imperial Military Academy in 828, and Graduated with honors from the Imperial Miskatonic Officer Training Center in June 830, and has fought ever since on the Northwest Plains, on the front lines of the Thomas Gulch battle."

There was an emotionless statement. A middle-aged man in a black coat with red trim was sitting on a large chair next to the conference table with an indifferent expression. He read a long string of words to the documents in his hand. There was no fluctuation at all, it was as dry as a machine.

"And now it is October 16, 831, at eleven forty-seven."

After a slight pause, he raised his head and looked directly at Joshua who was sitting opposite, and said in a playful tone: "There are still thirteen minutes until noon, the deputy leader of the Black Crow Vanguard Army, you have thirteen minutes to explain your charges."

A very conspicuous coat of arms is on his left chest, which is a golden scale with half a sword and half an ear of grain.

This is the hallmark of the noble court.

"Okay, Mr. Inspector Munster, but before that..."

After being reminded by Odo, Joshua, who was well prepared mentally, didn't feel nervous. He put his hand on the armrest and calmly said, "Can I have a cup of tea first?"

"certainly."

The examiner's tone was the same as that of Rod Du, but he was surprisingly easy to speak: "Black tea?"

"Some ice, thanks."

"nothing."

After the guard at the door brought tea, he added: "It's twelve minutes now."

Joshua took a sip and said with a smile, "No problem."

Weird chatter and laughter.

But Joshua was thinking about it in his heart.

(I didn't expect the violation of military regulations to be known so quickly by the higher-ups. It only took less than two days. The efficiency of the noble court is really indescribable.)

Joshua himself is also very clear that disobedience to military orders, attacking without permission, and disrupting one's own ranks are taboos during wartime. When he crossed and merged, he committed three crimes of violent behavior. If he was an ordinary person, he would have been thrown into military prison. Waiting for the trial of the military court, even if it is the heir of the nobles, there will also be a special noble court to investigate.

This is why the inspector named Munster came here.

The noble court is not a benevolent organization, it is a symbol of imperial power. Their domain includes a series of key duties such as arbitrating noble succession, judging criminal nobles, and judging the legality of wars between territories. Not only that, they also cooperate with the direct emperor The intelligence organization "Shadow" is linked to monitor the movements of all nobles and manage all noble-related affairs.

In theory, even if the second son killed his brother and murdered his father to inherit the title and become the head of the family in order to compete for the title, he still needs to make a report to prove his legitimacy—although the noble court never cares about such trivial matters.

But Joshua didn't show any fear.

"Yes, I know my crimes - violating military orders, disobeying orders, attacking and leaving the army without authorization, violating Articles 3, 6, and 17 of the Military Law."

"I am willing to accept all punishments without any explanation."

After drinking the lipstick tea, he didn't look nervous at all, and simply admitted his crime directly.

"very good."

Inspector Munster had no expression on his face, his voice was steady, and he seemed completely unmoved. He nodded slightly: "You are very cooperative."

Joshua still had a calm expression on his face, as if he was not afraid of punishment at all.

Not because of arrogance, nor because of the privilege of being a nobleman, but because of an iron law.

A holy law above the law.

"The winner is innocent."

Joshua had dealt with countless times in the Far South with the House of Lords, which was similar to the noble court, and he knew the truth.

Yes, he disobeyed the military order and attacked without authorization, which destroyed the stability of his teammates' formation—but he successfully defeated the left flank of the orcs, stopped all the retreating routs, and beheaded them one by one.

He swept across the battlefield and killed three hundred enemies. This is a result that cannot be achieved by adhering to military regulations. The record book said, "Joshua, the first heir to Moldavia in the Northland, was sent to the Fourth Noble Prison for violating military regulations. ’, but Joshua succeeded, so he just had to admit——

Then there is waiting for the so-called 'punishment'.

"Joshua Van Radcliffe, our review committee has investigated your faults and achievements very clearly. You don't have to worry about us giving you unfair treatment."

With just a few words, Joshua understood that this middle-aged inspector named Munster really didn't intend to embarrass himself, but simply went through a process--listen to this, disobedience to military law would become flimsy. fault!

And Munster did not pause, and continued to say in a very cold voice: "Actually, after discussion, the committee believes that this matter did not cause any adverse consequences, but brought considerable advantages, and your bravery also proves that The attack was not a reckless move, so in summary, we will give you the following punishment."

"From now on, stop Joshua Van Radcliffe from his position as the deputy commander of the forward army of the Black Crow Army and send him back to his territory. It is decided to give him the badge of the blade of glory to show his bravery."

After Munster finished speaking, a smile appeared on his expressionless face. He looked at Joshua and said, "The above is the entire content of the trial against the deputy commander of the Black Crow Vanguard Army for violating the military law."

He also got a little closer, and said softly: "Originally, the decision was to temporarily suspend the job for three months, and then raise the rank of the general by one level, but I heard that something happened in your family, and the war against the orcs will continue at least in the next spring, so just Let you be suspended and sent back, how do you feel?"

How else? a! Joshua nodded with a smile, but actually laughed out loud in his heart.

Sure enough, it was Ming Ming's demotion and real reward. He said that he was suspended and sent away, but he was actually sent back to his hometown. And the suspension does not mean that he cannot come back, it means that he is still a member of the military system and has not left. This is completely a reward for him who originally wanted to retire.

"Then, next, in accordance with the tradition of the Black Crow Legion, I will give the warrior a blessing."

At this time, Munster's eyes and tone swept away the previous indifference, and became serious and full of majesty: "People die because of cowardice."

For some reason, Joshua suddenly became serious, and an inexplicable sense of iron and blood filled the soldier's heart. He stood up, paused word by word, and gave a clear answer.

"Born by Faith."

"The glory of the dead be with you, brave man."

Salute each other, and this brief wartime trial is over.

"So, this time...wait." Suddenly, Munster frowned, and something was shaking around his waist: "A magic news?"

Making a sorry expression to Joshua, the lord examiner took out a silver long metal rod in the shape of a tuning fork from the pendant on his waist, which was densely engraved with runes. Activated it: "What is the urgent message of the third priority?"

"Do I need to avoid it?"

Joshua reminded him that he didn't want to hear anything he shouldn't hear.

"It's okay, the confidentiality level of this message is only two, you can definitely know."

As the rune was activated, the tuning fork oscillated, and a mechanical voice appeared:

"In Moldavian Territory of the Northland, the Earl of Winter, Berouo de Radcliffe, has been proven dead, and his younger brother, Danlia Radcliffe, has submitted an application to inherit the title."

Hearing this news, Munster opened his eyes wide. He felt a violent murderous aura coming from behind. At this moment, the chill spread, and the coercion comparable to Longwei filled the army tent, and a terrible silence appeared.

After a while, the killing intent like frost subsided, and Joshua returned to normal: "It's just right, isn't it."

His voice was very soft: "I can't wait to go back."