Ludmilla and her six wolves ascended the mountain path in perfect synchronization. Occasionally, the six wolf companions would look back at Moore with a hint of reluctance in their eyes, then continue on the road leading to Rudomira and the northern region.
Having acknowledged their distant figures, Moore gave instructions to his companions, Rapi and Anis, and began moving towards the point where the armored vehicles were parked.
"They've gone, huh?"
"Yeah... Anyway, from tomorrow, I'll be moving away from the forward base."
"I received explanations from Commander and Rapi. Don't worry; everything will be fine."
"...It's been calm lately, but Rapture infiltrates periodically. Handle it according to the protocol when it happens. Also, make sure to set up the newly arrived 120mm heavy howitzer position..."
"...We'll set it up properly. Don't worry. If anything, I'm more concerned about the Commander."
While Rapi led the way down the mountain path, Anis walked beside Moore, looking up at him with a concerned expression.
"Me?"
"Yeah, because the training location is in the Central Government Army, right? We don't know what might happen. Be careful."
"...I'll bring my pistol."
"That's better," Anis said, giving him a reassuring pat on the back with the backpack as if boosting his morale.
The next day, dressed in military uniform, Moore stood in the deputy commander's office at the headquarters. He had come to report his intention to attend training to his direct superior, Anderson, who was unfortunately absent due to an impromptu meeting.
Instructed to wait inside by the deputy commander's secretary, he stood there in a resting position, the major's rank insignia on his shoulder faintly gleaming in the light.
About 30 minutes passed. Moore felt the urge to take out a soft pack of cigarettes and an oil lighter from his breast pocket for a smoke. However, he wasn't sure if Anderson would tolerate smoking in his office. Moreover, it wasn't like Moore to be impolite enough to smoke without permission in his superior's office.
"Sorry for the wait."
The door behind him opened, and a familiar voice echoed. Moore, turning with military precision, made the sound of his well-polished boots' heels meeting as he stood at attention.
Saluting with a raised hand in a posture of attention, he lowered his right arm midway while removing his military cap, holding it against his left side.
"I know about the orders. It starts today, right?"
"Yes."
It seemed unnecessary for any preamble. Anderson headed to his desk, sat down, and motioned for Moore to come closer.
Nodding slightly, Moore stopped two steps in front of the desk and once again made the sound of his heels meeting sharply.
"Relax. It was a sudden decision. I don't even know the real reason. You may have questions, but..."
"...Is it your instruction, Lord Anderson?"
"Me? No way... Temporary or not, would I be the one to hand over the captain to the Central Government Army?"
"If necessary..."
"...As the deputy commander overseeing the Nikke Management Department and your superior, I pride myself on not issuing meaningless orders. It's a bit disappointing you think that."
"I apologize. Please forgive me."
He sincerely apologized for letting slip a bit. The details of the training were still unclear, and Moore also harbored some suspicion. The language used became somewhat ironic.
"Well, it's fine. In any case, it's an instruction from the Central Government. If you're wearing that military uniform and rank insignia, there's no choice but to comply. Refusing based on reasonable grounds is difficult."
"I considered a few things, but in the end, they all boiled down to 'I don't have time for that.' It was the only reason."
Upon promotion to the rank of major, there was a requirement to complete a specialized education course specified in the regulations. Becoming a peer with senior officers without undergoing this was impossible.
Anderson had also undergone that course and education. He nodded in agreement. It seemed that they would let it pass as a kind of favor.
"Actually, in the meeting earlier, I asked Vice Commander Burningham of the Central Government Army if he knew about this."
"Burningham? Is he the one who ultimately decides on personnel appointments?"
"No. That part is unclear, but he seemed a bit shaken. It's probably the case."
Anderson, hands folded on the desk and leaning back on the chair, speculated. Moore recalled the slightly chubby general he saw at the onboard party on the Admire.
"So, what?"
"In essence, he said it's an order from the government's personnel department or committee, so he's not involved."
It was a dead end. As if to say that, Anderson let out a sigh. Since it was just a casual inquiry unrelated to the agenda of the meeting, further investigation was impossible.
"Anyway, you don't know what might happen. Be careful enough."
"Understood. It's going to be a long ten days."
That's true. Whether or not he said it, Anderson seemed to agree with his straightforward statement.
----
.
.
.
The Central Government Army headquarters building was near the Royal Road. It was a high-rise building located in the government district.
Armed sentries—human soldiers wearing body armor and helmets, carrying 5.56mm automatic rifles loaded with magazines—stood guard.
When Moore, carrying a trunk case, passed between the two sentries standing on either side of the front entrance, they demonstrated the basic movements of offering the gun from a hanging position to a present arms salute, following the gun drill.
Responding with a salute by raising his right hand to his forehead to the two of them, Moore passed through the front entrance.
Wearing a military uniform different in design from what Moore wore, clearly distinguished as belonging to the Central Government Army, many soldiers walked through the spacious lobby. Moore headed towards the reception.
Several female soldiers were handling reception duties. One of them—a female soldier with lieutenant rank insignia, probably in her twenties—Moore addressed.
"Excuse me. I'm Captain Show Moore of the Nike Management Department. I've been instructed to undergo training here starting today. Please confirm."
"Certainly. I will confirm now, so please wait over there."
"Thank you."
The indicated bench was not even ten steps away from the reception. After thanking the female soldier who assisted him, Moore headed to the bench with the trunk case in hand and sat down. The trunk case was placed on the floor, and the military cap he had been wearing was placed on his knee.
In his field of vision, the female soldier from earlier held the receiver and made a call somewhere. Probably informing the person in charge of Moore's appearance for training.
It was unusual for someone wearing a military uniform with a different design in the Central Government Army headquarters building, and Moore received curious glances from the military personnel bustling through the lobby.
The atmosphere was not very comfortable. If he were to spend ten days in such an environment, he would feel the urge to let out a sigh.
"Major Moore, I apologize for the wait."
The lieutenant from earlier came out of the reception and approached. Moore also stood up, lifted the trunk case with his left hand, and tucked his military cap under his left arm.
"First, here. It's your ID card for access. Please carry it with you at all times."
"Thank you."
He received the offered ID card, threaded the loop made of a strap around his neck, and placed the card itself in his breast pocket.
"Now, let me guide you. Would you like me to carry your baggage?"
"No, I'm fine. I appreciate the consideration."
Led by the tall female soldier, Moore began walking through the building. When they reached the elevator hall, the lieutenant approached the reading area next to the button, shading the ID card. It seemed that the elevator wouldn't move without authentication.
"At this time of year, training is rare, isn't it?"
"Yeah, certainly. Even my superior was curious."
"...Excuse me, Captain Moore. How old are you?"
"...How old do I look?"
He must have appeared young for someone entrusted with the rank of major. The lieutenant asked this shortly after the elevator doors closed.
It seemed the lieutenant liked to chat. Or, to express it plainly, was she overly familiar in her speech?
"Um... 30?"
"Unfortunately, I'm 22."
"What?! You don't look much different from me!"
It seemed she had considered him somewhat older. Deciding to take it as a sign of his commanding presence, Moore nodded kindly at the lieutenant's exaggerated reaction. The elevator, carrying the chatty lieutenant, stopped on the third floor.
As they stepped into the corridor, the lieutenant, who had again taken the lead, headed towards a door with a plate reading "[Operations Department, Operations Division 1]."
"Here we are. Captain Moore's contact person will be the head of Division 1."
"Thank you for the guidance. Well then."
After a brief nod, Moore stood in front of the door and shaded his ID card at the reading area. The door opened immediately, and Moore stepped inside.
----
.
.
.
"Hey, this data is from last month."
"What's the procurement plan for this?"
"The submission deadline for the security plan is tomorrow. Don't forget."
Inside, military personnel who seemed to be department members were busily moving around, each engaged in their respective duties. It was clear just from watching that they were quite busy.
"Um, do you need something?"
"Oh, sorry. I'm Major Shaw Moore of the Nike Management Department. I've come to report my attendance to the head of Division 1 for training participation."
"Oh, I see. Please come this way."
A young department member guided him. When the military personnel standing in front of the door with a plate indicating the division head's office shaded their ID cards to enter, Moore followed suit.
"Division head, Captain Moore has arrived."
The division chief's office was a condensed version of the large room where division members worked. On the chief's desk, documents formed towers so high that the scene beyond was completely obscured.
"...Wait a moment," a familiar voice echoed from behind the towers of documents.
The division member who had guided him gave Moore a nod—almost pitying—and then left the room, leaving Moore alone. As the door closed behind him, Moore recognized the figure that stood up behind the towering papers.
"...You've become a major. I suppose I should say congratulations."
"...Captain."
Placing the trunk case on the floor, Moore clicked his heels together in a military salute. The figure with dark circles under the eyes, barely visible from behind the towering documents, was Yurha—a person he knew to some extent.
While considering whether she was his assigned contact during the training period, Moore took a cautious posture.
Observing this, Yurha let out a deep sigh.
"Stop that. Your rank is higher. Back when you were a captain, I was the senior one."
"...Then, how should I address you?"
"Call me whatever you like. Captain, division chief, anything is fine."
"...Very well, Captain."
"Also, drop the formalities."
"...Understood."
Perhaps tired—Even though she was a Nikke—Yurha, showing signs of mental fatigue, rubbed her eyes and gave Moore a somewhat troublesome look.
It seemed that the training had already begun.
"There's no need for formal declarations or reports. I've heard about it. I'll be in charge of your training for the next ten days, Major Moore. Any questions?"
"None."
"Alright, just wait a moment. Once things settle down a bit, I'll start the training..."
Seated, Yurha pointed to the sofa in the reception area of the chief's office. Moving the trunk case and taking a seat, Moore found a tablet on the low table in front of him.
"The educational content for the training period is in that tablet, so take a look."
"...Understood. What's the passcode?"
"124679."
Unlocking the tablet, Moore immediately began checking the educational content.
Sorting through documents, signing them, and shifting her gaze busy between the desktop screen, Yurha indirectly directed her attention to Moore.
Ordered by Barningham to conduct training for Moore, Yurha couldn't comprehend why they were giving an educational opportunity to an officer from a different faction. There must be some underlying intention and reason, but it was not something Yurha was concerned about.
Nevertheless, she sensed that there were subtle movements happening behind the scenes—something that couldn't be spoken about openly.
While Moore likely harbored doubts about the training in the Central Government Army facility, he seemed prepared to earnestly receive the education.
Only the rich brown eyes moved up, down, left, and right, focused on the tablet screen—the best proof of that.
"Major Moore, once you've put your belongings in the quarters, I'll guide you to the logistics warehouse. Let's start the training there."
"...Understood. It's related to logistics, right?"
"You catch on quickly. That's right," Yurha said, lightly snorting as if expressing her relief at his prompt understanding.
-----
.
.
.
"There are certainly unknown worlds out there."
With such thoughts, Moore sat on the bed in his assigned room, diligently polishing the military shoes that had lost their shine throughout the day. Well, it might be more accurate to say that there were many unknown worlds.
The logistics warehouse contained various equipment and military supplies piled high. Yurha explained that when needed, the required amount of supplies would be sent to the replenishment depot and then distributed to the units and squads deployed in operations.
The submission of the report had been requested, and he had already completed the input.
The military uniform had been ironed and hung on a hanger. All that remained was to polish the shoes.
Applying cream to the tips of the shoes, he used a cloth dampened with a little water to create a shine. While it required time, eventually, the shoes would shine like a mirror and could even be used as a substitute for a razor.
Well, there wasn't quite enough time to polish them to that extent.
When he thought about stopping at a suitable point, the mobile device he had placed on the desktop of the provided workstation vibrated.
Halting his shoe polishing, he checked the incoming call—it was a video call. Swiping to answer, after a brief moment, a familiar face appeared on the screen.
[Commander~]
"What's up, Anis? Is there a problem?"
Anis smiled on the other end of the screen, waving lightly. It wasn't a tone that sounded urgent. While Moore knew there was no problem, he asked just to be sure.
[Nah, nothing like that. I just... um, was wondering how the Commander is doing~]
"I see. Well, I've been given a quite cozy room in the central complex."
[Huh, you got arrested!?]
[──Master, is that true!?]
"...Neon is there too? Relax. It's a joke. ...By the way, is that the commander's office?"
Although it wasn't visible on the screen, it seemed that his disciple was also near Anis. Moore realized this only now as Anis video-called him from the commander's office sofa.
[Yeah, umm... I just feel uneasy when the Commander isn't around.]
"...Because there's no one to nag you. How about taking a break for a bit?"
Forced to chuckle, Moore fixed the LCD screen of the mobile device to show his own image, then resumed polishing his shoes while sitting at the edge of the bed.
[I'd like to, but, you know, Rapi is here, right? And also Marian. While the Commander is away, they're all excited to... you know, take charge~]
"...I see. That sounds like them. What about the other two?"
[...Well, what should we do~~?]
Although it was clear from Anis' voice that Neon was nearby, Moore asked about the whereabouts of Rapi and Marian, but Ani grinned teasingly.
With a puzzled expression, as he furrowed his brow, the LCD screen suddenly became distorted.
Eventually, the focus was adjusted, and the chaotic scene became clear again. When the clear scene was projected onto the screen, Moore furrowed his brow even more.
"...What's the situation?"
[Well? Maybe she got too excited and got tired.]
The displayed scene was that of the commander's office. On the bed, Marian was lying down, peacefully asleep, making audible gentle breaths. As Moore watched her sleep, the screen distorted again.
[Oh! It looks like Rapi finished her shower! Shall we raid her?]
"...No, there's no need."
[Rapi~ I'm coming in~!]
Stopping his shoe polishing, Moore reached for the mobile device he had fixed in place and knocked it over just as Anis continued to speak.
"What's wrong?"
[Hey, Commander~ Can you see us~?]
[Sigh...]
Moore let out a slightly louder sigh. Considering the reason why Rapi's voice echoed from the device's speaker, Anis seemed to have actually barged into the shower room.
[Anis, leave.]
[Oh, come on, it's not like there's something decreasing.]
"Can I end this call? I don't have a hobby of peeping openly..."
As Moore indirectly warned that the teasing had gone too far, Anis' dry laughter echoed through the speaker.
[Sorry, sorry... But I'm glad. The Commander doesn't seem to be in trouble.]
"It's only been 12 hours since leaving the outpost."
[That's true, but... How's the training?]
"The actual education is scheduled to start tomorrow. Well, there seems to be a lot to memorize..."
It was unclear how much cramming education would be packed into the 10-day training period, but judging by the tablet file encouraged by Yurha, it seemed to be legitimate educational content. There didn't seem to be any lies about the training itself.
[...Sounds tough.]
"There's also the report submission. Well, I can say it's tough."
[...I see. It may be tough, but... do your best.]
"Yeah, thanks."
[..Can I contact you again?]
"It would be helpful if you did. I don't have any acquaintances in this environment."
Perhaps Anis had also considered the possibility that he would be exposed to a somewhat stressful environment. Choosing a video call instead of a message might have been her way of consideration.
[...Thank you, Anis. I'll somehow manage.]
"Well, that's good. I'll cut it off soon. Good night, Commander~"
[Good night.]
The video call ended, and the room became quiet again. Before he realized it, the toe of the long military shoe he had been polishing was shining brightly. It seemed like he had polished it quite a bit.
Polishing the other shoe in a similar fashion until it radiated a shine, he put away the shoe-polishing tools and started preparing for bed.
Finishing the bed-making quickly, he pulled out the magazine from the pistol. Confirming that the chamber was not loaded, he put the magazine back in place.
Placing the pistol by the bedside, he slipped into bed. Turning off the room's light, the interior darkened, and Moore quickly fell asleep, preparing for the training of the next day.
-----
Author's Note: The mention of Yurha's department is speculative and not based on established information.
Ludmilla and her six wolves ascended the mountain path in perfect synchronization. Occasionally, the six wolf companions would look back at Moore with a hint of reluctance in their eyes, then continue on the road leading to Rudomira and the northern region.
Having acknowledged their distant figures, Moore gave instructions to his companions, Rapi and Anis, and began moving towards the point where the armored vehicles were parked.
"They've gone, huh?"
"Yeah... Anyway, from tomorrow, I'll be moving away from the forward base."
"I received explanations from Commander and Rapi. Don't worry; everything will be fine."
"...It's been calm lately, but Rapture infiltrates periodically. Handle it according to the protocol when it happens. Also, make sure to set up the newly arrived 120mm heavy howitzer position..."
"...We'll set it up properly. Don't worry. If anything, I'm more concerned about the Commander."
While Rapi led the way down the mountain path, Anis walked beside Moore, looking up at him with a concerned expression.
"Me?"
"Yeah, because the training location is in the Central Government Army, right? We don't know what might happen. Be careful."
"...I'll bring my pistol."
"That's better," Anis said, giving him a reassuring pat on the back with the backpack as if boosting his morale.
The next day, dressed in military uniform, Moore stood in the deputy commander's office at the headquarters. He had come to report his intention to attend training to his direct superior, Anderson, who was unfortunately absent due to an impromptu meeting.
Instructed to wait inside by the deputy commander's secretary, he stood there in a resting position, the major's rank insignia on his shoulder faintly gleaming in the light.
About 30 minutes passed. Moore felt the urge to take out a soft pack of cigarettes and an oil lighter from his breast pocket for a smoke. However, he wasn't sure if Anderson would tolerate smoking in his office. Moreover, it wasn't like Moore to be impolite enough to smoke without permission in his superior's office.
"Sorry for the wait."
The door behind him opened, and a familiar voice echoed. Moore, turning with military precision, made the sound of his well-polished boots' heels meeting as he stood at attention.
Saluting with a raised hand in a posture of attention, he lowered his right arm midway while removing his military cap, holding it against his left side.
"I know about the orders. It starts today, right?"
"Yes."
It seemed unnecessary for any preamble. Anderson headed to his desk, sat down, and motioned for Moore to come closer.
Nodding slightly, Moore stopped two steps in front of the desk and once again made the sound of his heels meeting sharply.
"Relax. It was a sudden decision. I don't even know the real reason. You may have questions, but..."
"...Is it your instruction, Lord Anderson?"
"Me? No way... Temporary or not, would I be the one to hand over the captain to the Central Government Army?"
"If necessary..."
"...As the deputy commander overseeing the Nikke Management Department and your superior, I pride myself on not issuing meaningless orders. It's a bit disappointing you think that."
"I apologize. Please forgive me."
He sincerely apologized for letting slip a bit. The details of the training were still unclear, and Moore also harbored some suspicion. The language used became somewhat ironic.
"Well, it's fine. In any case, it's an instruction from the Central Government. If you're wearing that military uniform and rank insignia, there's no choice but to comply. Refusing based on reasonable grounds is difficult."
"I considered a few things, but in the end, they all boiled down to 'I don't have time for that.' It was the only reason."
Upon promotion to the rank of major, there was a requirement to complete a specialized education course specified in the regulations. Becoming a peer with senior officers without undergoing this was impossible.
Anderson had also undergone that course and education. He nodded in agreement. It seemed that they would let it pass as a kind of favor.
"Actually, in the meeting earlier, I asked Vice Commander Burningham of the Central Government Army if he knew about this."
"Burningham? Is he the one who ultimately decides on personnel appointments?"
"No. That part is unclear, but he seemed a bit shaken. It's probably the case."
Anderson, hands folded on the desk and leaning back on the chair, speculated. Moore recalled the slightly chubby general he saw at the onboard party on the Admire.
"So, what?"
"In essence, he said it's an order from the government's personnel department or committee, so he's not involved."
It was a dead end. As if to say that, Anderson let out a sigh. Since it was just a casual inquiry unrelated to the agenda of the meeting, further investigation was impossible.
"Anyway, you don't know what might happen. Be careful enough."
"Understood. It's going to be a long ten days."
That's true. Whether or not he said it, Anderson seemed to agree with his straightforward statement.
----
.
.
.
The Central Government Army headquarters building was near the Royal Road. It was a high-rise building located in the government district.
Armed sentries—human soldiers wearing body armor and helmets, carrying 5.56mm automatic rifles loaded with magazines—stood guard.
When Moore, carrying a trunk case, passed between the two sentries standing on either side of the front entrance, they demonstrated the basic movements of offering the gun from a hanging position to a present arms salute, following the gun drill.
Responding with a salute by raising his right hand to his forehead to the two of them, Moore passed through the front entrance.
Wearing a military uniform different in design from what Moore wore, clearly distinguished as belonging to the Central Government Army, many soldiers walked through the spacious lobby. Moore headed towards the reception.
Several female soldiers were handling reception duties. One of them—a female soldier with lieutenant rank insignia, probably in her twenties—Moore addressed.
"Excuse me. I'm Captain Show Moore of the Nike Management Department. I've been instructed to undergo training here starting today. Please confirm."
"Certainly. I will confirm now, so please wait over there."
"Thank you."
The indicated bench was not even ten steps away from the reception. After thanking the female soldier who assisted him, Moore headed to the bench with the trunk case in hand and sat down. The trunk case was placed on the floor, and the military cap he had been wearing was placed on his knee.
In his field of vision, the female soldier from earlier held the receiver and made a call somewhere. Probably informing the person in charge of Moore's appearance for training.
It was unusual for someone wearing a military uniform with a different design in the Central Government Army headquarters building, and Moore received curious glances from the military personnel bustling through the lobby.
The atmosphere was not very comfortable. If he were to spend ten days in such an environment, he would feel the urge to let out a sigh.
"Major Moore, I apologize for the wait."
The lieutenant from earlier came out of the reception and approached. Moore also stood up, lifted the trunk case with his left hand, and tucked his military cap under his left arm.
"First, here. It's your ID card for access. Please carry it with you at all times."
"Thank you."
He received the offered ID card, threaded the loop made of a strap around his neck, and placed the card itself in his breast pocket.
"Now, let me guide you. Would you like me to carry your baggage?"
"No, I'm fine. I appreciate the consideration."
Led by the tall female soldier, Moore began walking through the building. When they reached the elevator hall, the lieutenant approached the reading area next to the button, shading the ID card. It seemed that the elevator wouldn't move without authentication.
"At this time of year, training is rare, isn't it?"
"Yeah, certainly. Even my superior was curious."
"...Excuse me, Captain Moore. How old are you?"
"...How old do I look?"
He must have appeared young for someone entrusted with the rank of major. The lieutenant asked this shortly after the elevator doors closed.
It seemed the lieutenant liked to chat. Or, to express it plainly, was she overly familiar in her speech?
"Um... 30?"
"Unfortunately, I'm 22."
"What?! You don't look much different from me!"
It seemed she had considered him somewhat older. Deciding to take it as a sign of his commanding presence, Moore nodded kindly at the lieutenant's exaggerated reaction. The elevator, carrying the chatty lieutenant, stopped on the third floor.
As they stepped into the corridor, the lieutenant, who had again taken the lead, headed towards a door with a plate reading "[Operations Department, Operations Division 1]."
"Here we are. Captain Moore's contact person will be the head of Division 1."
"Thank you for the guidance. Well then."
After a brief nod, Moore stood in front of the door and shaded his ID card at the reading area. The door opened immediately, and Moore stepped inside.
----
.
.
.
"Hey, this data is from last month."
"What's the procurement plan for this?"
"The submission deadline for the security plan is tomorrow. Don't forget."
Inside, military personnel who seemed to be department members were busily moving around, each engaged in their respective duties. It was clear just from watching that they were quite busy.
"Um, do you need something?"
"Oh, sorry. I'm Major Shaw Moore of the Nike Management Department. I've come to report my attendance to the head of Division 1 for training participation."
"Oh, I see. Please come this way."
A young department member guided him. When the military personnel standing in front of the door with a plate indicating the division head's office shaded their ID cards to enter, Moore followed suit.
"Division head, Captain Moore has arrived."
The division chief's office was a condensed version of the large room where division members worked. On the chief's desk, documents formed towers so high that the scene beyond was completely obscured.
"...Wait a moment," a familiar voice echoed from behind the towers of documents.
The division member who had guided him gave Moore a nod—almost pitying—and then left the room, leaving Moore alone. As the door closed behind him, Moore recognized the figure that stood up behind the towering papers.
"...You've become a major. I suppose I should say congratulations."
"...Captain."
Placing the trunk case on the floor, Moore clicked his heels together in a military salute. The figure with dark circles under the eyes, barely visible from behind the towering documents, was Yurha—a person he knew to some extent.
While considering whether she was his assigned contact during the training period, Moore took a cautious posture.
Observing this, Yurha let out a deep sigh.
"Stop that. Your rank is higher. Back when you were a captain, I was the senior one."
"...Then, how should I address you?"
"Call me whatever you like. Captain, division chief, anything is fine."
"...Very well, Captain."
"Also, drop the formalities."
"...Understood."
Perhaps tired—Even though she was a Nikke—Yurha, showing signs of mental fatigue, rubbed her eyes and gave Moore a somewhat troublesome look.
It seemed that the training had already begun.
"There's no need for formal declarations or reports. I've heard about it. I'll be in charge of your training for the next ten days, Major Moore. Any questions?"
"None."
"Alright, just wait a moment. Once things settle down a bit, I'll start the training..."
Seated, Yurha pointed to the sofa in the reception area of the chief's office. Moving the trunk case and taking a seat, Moore found a tablet on the low table in front of him.
"The educational content for the training period is in that tablet, so take a look."
"...Understood. What's the passcode?"
"124679."
Unlocking the tablet, Moore immediately began checking the educational content.
Sorting through documents, signing them, and shifting her gaze busy between the desktop screen, Yurha indirectly directed her attention to Moore.
Ordered by Barningham to conduct training for Moore, Yurha couldn't comprehend why they were giving an educational opportunity to an officer from a different faction. There must be some underlying intention and reason, but it was not something Yurha was concerned about.
Nevertheless, she sensed that there were subtle movements happening behind the scenes—something that couldn't be spoken about openly.
While Moore likely harbored doubts about the training in the Central Government Army facility, he seemed prepared to earnestly receive the education.
Only the rich brown eyes moved up, down, left, and right, focused on the tablet screen—the best proof of that.
"Major Moore, once you've put your belongings in the quarters, I'll guide you to the logistics warehouse. Let's start the training there."
"...Understood. It's related to logistics, right?"
"You catch on quickly. That's right," Yurha said, lightly snorting as if expressing her relief at his prompt understanding.
-----
.
.
.
"There are certainly unknown worlds out there."
With such thoughts, Moore sat on the bed in his assigned room, diligently polishing the military shoes that had lost their shine throughout the day. Well, it might be more accurate to say that there were many unknown worlds.
The logistics warehouse contained various equipment and military supplies piled high. Yurha explained that when needed, the required amount of supplies would be sent to the replenishment depot and then distributed to the units and squads deployed in operations.
The submission of the report had been requested, and he had already completed the input.
The military uniform had been ironed and hung on a hanger. All that remained was to polish the shoes.
Applying cream to the tips of the shoes, he used a cloth dampened with a little water to create a shine. While it required time, eventually, the shoes would shine like a mirror and could even be used as a substitute for a razor.
Well, there wasn't quite enough time to polish them to that extent.
When he thought about stopping at a suitable point, the mobile device he had placed on the desktop of the provided workstation vibrated.
Halting his shoe polishing, he checked the incoming call—it was a video call. Swiping to answer, after a brief moment, a familiar face appeared on the screen.
[Commander~]
"What's up, Anis? Is there a problem?"
Anis smiled on the other end of the screen, waving lightly. It wasn't a tone that sounded urgent. While Moore knew there was no problem, he asked just to be sure.
[Nah, nothing like that. I just... um, was wondering how the Commander is doing~]
"I see. Well, I've been given a quite cozy room in the central complex."
[Huh, you got arrested!?]
[──Master, is that true!?]
"...Neon is there too? Relax. It's a joke. ...By the way, is that the commander's office?"
Although it wasn't visible on the screen, it seemed that his disciple was also near Anis. Moore realized this only now as Anis video-called him from the commander's office sofa.
[Yeah, umm... I just feel uneasy when the Commander isn't around.]
"...Because there's no one to nag you. How about taking a break for a bit?"
Forced to chuckle, Moore fixed the LCD screen of the mobile device to show his own image, then resumed polishing his shoes while sitting at the edge of the bed.
[I'd like to, but, you know, Rapi is here, right? And also Marian. While the Commander is away, they're all excited to... you know, take charge~]
"...I see. That sounds like them. What about the other two?"
[...Well, what should we do~~?]
Although it was clear from Anis' voice that Neon was nearby, Moore asked about the whereabouts of Rapi and Marian, but Ani grinned teasingly.
With a puzzled expression, as he furrowed his brow, the LCD screen suddenly became distorted.
Eventually, the focus was adjusted, and the chaotic scene became clear again. When the clear scene was projected onto the screen, Moore furrowed his brow even more.
"...What's the situation?"
[Well? Maybe she got too excited and got tired.]
The displayed scene was that of the commander's office. On the bed, Marian was lying down, peacefully asleep, making audible gentle breaths. As Moore watched her sleep, the screen distorted again.
[Oh! It looks like Rapi finished her shower! Shall we raid her?]
"...No, there's no need."
[Rapi~ I'm coming in~!]
Stopping his shoe polishing, Moore reached for the mobile device he had fixed in place and knocked it over just as Anis continued to speak.
"What's wrong?"
[Hey, Commander~ Can you see us~?]
[Sigh...]
Moore let out a slightly louder sigh. Considering the reason why Rapi's voice echoed from the device's speaker, Anis seemed to have actually barged into the shower room.
[Anis, leave.]
[Oh, come on, it's not like there's something decreasing.]
"Can I end this call? I don't have a hobby of peeping openly..."
As Moore indirectly warned that the teasing had gone too far, Anis' dry laughter echoed through the speaker.
[Sorry, sorry... But I'm glad. The Commander doesn't seem to be in trouble.]
"It's only been 12 hours since leaving the outpost."
[That's true, but... How's the training?]
"The actual education is scheduled to start tomorrow. Well, there seems to be a lot to memorize..."
It was unclear how much cramming education would be packed into the 10-day training period, but judging by the tablet file encouraged by Yurha, it seemed to be legitimate educational content. There didn't seem to be any lies about the training itself.
[...Sounds tough.]
"There's also the report submission. Well, I can say it's tough."
[...I see. It may be tough, but... do your best.]
"Yeah, thanks."
[..Can I contact you again?]
"It would be helpful if you did. I don't have any acquaintances in this environment."
Perhaps Anis had also considered the possibility that he would be exposed to a somewhat stressful environment. Choosing a video call instead of a message might have been her way of consideration.
[...Thank you, Anis. I'll somehow manage.]
"Well, that's good. I'll cut it off soon. Good night, Commander~"
[Good night.]
The video call ended, and the room became quiet again. Before he realized it, the toe of the long military shoe he had been polishing was shining brightly. It seemed like he had polished it quite a bit.
Polishing the other shoe in a similar fashion until it radiated a shine, he put away the shoe-polishing tools and started preparing for bed.
Finishing the bed-making quickly, he pulled out the magazine from the pistol. Confirming that the chamber was not loaded, he put the magazine back in place.
Placing the pistol by the bedside, he slipped into bed. Turning off the room's light, the interior darkened, and Moore quickly fell asleep, preparing for the training of the next day.
-----
Author's Note: The mention of Yurha's department is speculative and not based on established information.
