The Tribal Wars

Leaving the imperial capital and traveling by horse for about twenty days, Heisen finally arrived in the northern Garna District. Usually, carriages transported belongings and household items, but Heisen arrived much earlier than a typical noble.

The area was on the border with the Duchy of Diodor, fortified with strongholds along the border. A massive wall marked the boundary between the two lands. Heisen immediately entered the fortress. Unlike the luxuriously decorated Skypalace, the fort had a simple and efficient design. When he knocked on the door and entered the colonel's office, a few other soldiers were standing there.

"I'm Heisen Heim, newly appointed here. Nice to meet you," he said.

While no one answered, an old man sat down, smiled, and replied, "So, you are an officer from a civilian background. It's been ten years since we had one. I'm Colonel Zilba Magno, in charge here. Welcome."

"Pleased to meet you," Heisen replied.

"You're starting out as a second lieutenant, right? The 8th Platoon, which is currently vacant, will receive your assignment."

"Yes, sir."

In the empire, the nobility held the privileged class. For senior nobles, there were twenty ranks, and for lower nobles, there were forty. Since Heisen was born a commoner, he was not even a lesser noble, placing him at the bottom of the caste system.

However, the court officer system for officer candidates had twelve ranks. As a new officer, Heisen was a second lieutenant, a higher rank than corporal, sergeant, and private.

"We'll introduce others later. We are currently in the middle of a critical discussion. Until we call you, conduct training with the 8th Platoon."

"Understood."

"Any questions?"

"No, sir."

"Very good. Be careful."

"Yes, sir."

Heisen responded and left. As he walked down the hallway, he heard voices from inside the command room.

"A civilian officer, huh? What a cranky person! Well, he'll die soon, so it doesn't matter."

"The colonel's also cruel. Assign him to the 8th Platoon, a bunch of hoodlums. I doubt they'll follow a new officer's orders."

"If so, then so be it. The central government doesn't want civilian officers, especially capable people."

Heisen listened to the conversation and laughed before walking down the hallway. He didn’t seem welcome. Throwing Heisen into an immediate, deadly situation was a very simple, military-like approach that suited him well.

When he arrived at his residence, he found Kakuzu there. The court uniform seemed a bit small for him, making him look uncomfortable.

Entering the room, Heisen picked up his magic wand, known as the "fang shadow," a tool magicians used to cast spells. It was thin and flexible, like a teaching pointer.

At the training ground, a large plain with no obstacles or buildings, the 8th Platoon was conducting training. About forty soldiers were present, under the supervision of five officers. However, their movements were sloppy and uncoordinated.

Heisen approached one of the supervisors, a middle-aged man of crude manners and stocky build.

"Is the security guard here?"

"Huh? Who are you?"

"Heisen Heim, the new 8th Platoon second lieutenant."

"Oh."

The middle-aged man snickered.

"Your name?"

"Chomo. I'm the sergeant here. Whether you remember is irrelevant."

"Why?" Heisen questioned, and Chomo smirked, leaning in closer.

"The funny thing is that warrant officers and second lieutenants don't live long here."

"I get it. So there are no warrant officers, and sergeants are in command. Well then, Sergeant Chomo, gather everyone."

"Huh? Why?"

"Do you not understand? It's a direct order from your superior."

"You're new here. Better keep your head down," Chomo smirked.

"Restrain him," Heisen ordered, and Kakuzu immediately pinned Chomo's arm from behind.

"You bastard! Let go!"

Despite Chomo's struggles, Kakuzu maintained his grip.

"It's useless. Kakuzu is much stronger than you."

"Joking, right? Let go!"

"You've committed some crimes. First, you did not obey direct orders. Second, you don't understand my instructions. Third, you issue orders to your superiors. You will face consequences for these actions."

Heisen moved behind Chomo and hit him hard with his magic wand.

"Aaaah!"

Chomo screamed deafeningly, attracting the attention of the entire 8th Platoon. Chomo's uniform started to bleed as he drooled and writhed.

Ignoring the scene, Heisen delivered a second and third blow, tearing the fabric and causing blood to spill. Chomo foamed at the mouth, then fainted.

The 8th Platoon stared in shock, but the black-haired young man did not care. He smiled at them.

"I'm Heisen Heim, the new second lieutenant of the 8th Platoon. I'm going to be your superior officer. Pleased to meet everyone."

"..."

"Good?"

"Yes, sir!" they responded in unison.