Chapter 154

As the cruiser follows us in the skies alongside Iason, aboard the command bridge, Sita glances my way after hesitating for a moment.

“…Sister Edu.”

“Yes? Did you call?”

“Yes, I heard you’re going to retrieve the trained Falrons.”

“That’s right. Is there something on your mind?”

“Well… it’s not so much a question, but… can people like them really change so easily?”

Sita, her voice tinged with concern, trails off uncertainly.

Looking at Mili’s worried eyes as she gazes at me, it seems she’s thinking along the same lines as Sita.

“It’s not that I don’t trust you, sister… but, well, I’ve never seen someone like them change….”

Mili explains, excusing herself.

To be honest, I can understand why Mili and Sita react this way. They grew up in the Outlands, one of the harshest areas of Fangju. The darkness exhibited by the people there must have been horrifying.

That’s probably why they find it hard to believe that someone like the Falrons—who embody that darkness—can really change.

“Changing someone isn’t easy, you’re right.”

Even back in the era I came from, people used to say that it’s impossible to reform certain individuals.

“But don’t worry too much. Even if things turn out poorly, there’s always a way.”

In a harsher reality, people like the Falrons could be employed in dangerous frontlines or relegated to basic labor.

Although that was what I was thinking, I continued:

“…anyway, you two are overthinking.”

“Ah, yes… if it’s you, sister, you must have everything covered by now.”

“That’s true. Sister is really amazing!”

“…huh?”

For some reason, I feel their estimation of me is extraordinarily high.

In fact, this high regard makes me uneasy. It reminds me of how I’ve more or less neglected to follow up with the Falrons after gathering them, even though I promised I would occasionally visit.

Maybe I should’ve done that.

At that moment, a middle-aged man with a scarred face appeared on the command bridge’s screen—Balder, our Deputy Commander.

“Commander, we are almost at our destination. What are your orders?”

“Looks like it’s already time. We’ll head down first to assess the soldiers’ conditions, and while we do that, can you take care of securing the perimeter?”

“Understood.”

Balder’s image vanishes from the screen.

Glancing around, I notice the expectant eyes of my companions.

“Well, then, let’s prepare to disembark. Iason, would you mind landing the ship outside the fortress?”

“Understood, Captain Edu. We will descend and land the ship near the facility.”

A short while later, the ship smoothly touches the ground.

Finally disembarking from the ship after climbing on Mili’s back, I see the large doors of the fortress swing open.

Clack clack clack—

A regiment of soldiers marches out swiftly and takes formation in front of us with practiced precision.

“Commander! Welcome!”

The soldiers salute with loud, united voices so overwhelming that the sight and sound leave me slightly intimidated.

“…oh?”

For a fleeting moment, I forget that they were Falrons. They’ve transformed into elite soldiers as sharp as honed blades, impeccable in their discipline.

As I observe this transformation, a group of people dressed in black uniforms appears among the regiment.

“Commander Edu, welcome.”

With polite bows, they addressed me. One detail catches my eye — their pointed ears, which are iconic in elves.

“Are you… the people sent by Grandfather Harpendel?”

“Yes. Lord Harpendel knew you’d be very busy, so he sent us to take care of the Falrons’ training.”

A golden-haired elf, seemingly of higher rank, steps forward and responds.

“So that’s how it is.”

“Yes, did you not hear this story?”

Asking myself the question, I recall a past conversation.

“Yes, that’s right. Eedu, the training of the Falrons will be assisted by Mr. Jo and Mr. Harpendel, so you won’t need to get personally involved. This way, we’ll prepare the army for the revolution…”

It was Freya who had casually mentioned this to me, just before the coup.

So that was what she was referring to!

Understanding the situation, I turn to the elves who were observing me.

“I might have heard it, but I completely forgot.”

“That can happen with such a busy schedule.”

The golden-haired elf smiles gently.

“As you can see, the training is complete. We trust you’ll make use of them to the fullest extent.”

“Yes. Thank you…?”

While grateful for their kindness, my mind keeps circling back to one oddity: the idea of “using” people.

Tilting my head, I shift my attention to the soldiers.

Our eyes meet, and instantly I understand why the elves referred to them as tools for use.

“Commander Edu has arrived, she’s taking us to the Sacred Nation of Agriculture!”

“Praise her! The liberation of Agriculture’s bounty is near!”

“Commander Edu! Commander Edu!! Commander Edu!!!”

The soldiers’ reaction was not that of disciplined soldiers but rather that of fanatical cultists.

“Sacred Nation of Agriculture? Liberation?”

Confused by this unexpected reaction, I turn to the elves again.

“Are you sure this is okay?”

“Absolutely, Commander. Their loyalty and ability have been verified. They’ll be a great asset to you.”

“Well…”

It’s not about ability or loyalty, though…

What in the world did they do to the thieves?

At that moment, the soldiers, previously Falrons, react yet again.

“The Commander doesn’t trust our loyalty! It’s time for repentance!!”

“Repentance! Repentance! Repentance!”

“Repent! Repent!!”

The Falrons throw themselves to the ground in unison.

Witnessing hundreds of soldiers acting this way while chanting strange phrases completely alters my perspective.

To clarify: this isn’t similar to cult behavior. It just *is* cult behavior.

“Don’t you agree? They’re wonderful, aren’t they?”

The elves watching this scene that anyone could see is bizarre, somehow appear pleased.

“…”

I bite my tongue hard, resisting the urge to comment.

“Commander?”

“Yes. It’s… truly incredible…”

Though I didn’t feel it, something about the vibe suggested I’d better not speak my real opinions.

Just then, another group comes running out of the fortress.

“Commander Edu!”

“Kiron?”

“Yes, it’s Kiron!”

The energetic response from Kiron, the leader of Falrons who was one of the first I conversed with when we met.

Observing Kiron more closely now, his change doesn’t escape me: he’s significantly rounder, his face gleaming with an unusual sheen.

“You seem to be doing very well?”

“All thanks to Commander Edu, who has been so caring.”

“Huh?”

That wasn’t part of my memory.

Confused by the mismatched response, I glance at Kiron again, who smiles.

“Ha ha, there’s no need to be modest. Everyone already knows how much you have done for us.”

“That’s right! Commander!”

“Oh, Commander Edu. The light and hope of us all…”

“Damn it, Commander Edu is looking at me again, we must worship her! Commander!! Commander!!”

The soldiers enthusiastically responding to Kiron’s words.

Stunned, I gaze at the scene as Edward quietly approaches me.

“Edu, congratulations.”

“Congratulations for what?”

“With your current achievements, it feels like I’ve gained a sister who’s not just a general, but also a hero, captain, and now a cult leader. Quite impressive.”

“Screw off, will ya?”

I turn away to the elves, trying to suppress my irritation.

“Still, something feels off. What exactly did you do to them…?”

“No need to worry. Nothing strange has been done.”

The golden-haired elf smiles lightly.

“It may seem unique, but nothing wrong has occurred. Over the course of a long life, people learn to see things through fresh eyes. We’ve merely used that advantage, that’s all.”

“…”

Unique? This is what you call unique?

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, over a long life, one’s perspective changes. We’ve just utilized that.”

Living for centuries, elves often acquire advanced interpersonal skills—skills that can even verge on abilities.

Combined with the support of Jo and Harpendel, the previously unruly Falrons quickly transformed into a formidable super-soldier group.

Still, the golden elf chooses not to divulge all of this to Edu directly.

“Yes, Commander! Trust in us!”

“Even though we led a reckless life before, we’ve changed. Commander!”

“Yes! We will prove ourselves. Commander!”

At their assurances, the acceptance of their transformations starts to sink in.

“Hmm… Alright. You seem like you’ve developed sufficiently, so I’ll count on you to exceed expectations.”

“Alright, Commander, make full use of us.”

The elves smile knowingly.

Suddenly, the golden-haired elf spins around, clears his throat, then roars with authority.

“Hey, listen up! The Commander has finally given the green light! Everyone remember what you’ve learned!”

“Absolutely, Instructor!”

“Yes! Your enemy is the Commander’s enemy. Go wild, become beasts, and rip them apart! This is your chance to prove your worth!”

“ROOOOOAAAARR… We’ll kill them! Kill them!!”

“Invaders! Cryptids! Whatever they are! Big enemy! We’ll rip them apart!!”

“Rice from their bones!!”

An eerie howl echoes through the fortress.

A bead of cold sweat trickles down my forehead.

…Is this really alright?

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