Chapter 178

“A way to win…?”

“Hmph, it sounds like a fine statement, but truly, do you believe we can overcome such adversaries?”

An elderly general inquires cautiously.

His hair is white, and his age is evident.

At first glance, it seemed like the inquiry of someone drenched in defeatism, but the old general’s face directed towards me was very serious.

It wasn’t the evasive tactic of a coward seized by fear and anxiety, but rather a question close to confirming whether the words I had spoken carried the truth.

Hence, I also address the old general with a serious expression.

“We can win.”

“Even with much more formidable foes awaiting us than we’ve faced so far?”

“Yes, if I had intended to give up just because the enemy grew slightly stronger, then we wouldn’t have even started this endeavor, would we?”

The simple and safe path for just myself—

That was to mechanically follow the flow of AOE while ignoring everything. Of course, this would lead to many sacrifices, but all that would be nothing new; they occurred in AOE as well. And using this method would also minimize the most dangerous issue in such situations: the occurrence of unexpected deviations.

It was a selfish act, but if I were only considering my return to the Earth I came from, it would be the most correct choice.

But compromising in such a manner—doesn’t it feel just a little… off?

“Hmm.”

The old general mulls over my words.

“You speak confidently about something no one has dared to guarantee before now. Do you possess the strength to back it up?”

“Of course.”

The knowledge and experience of AOE stored in my mind.

On Earth, it was nothing more than a fleeting memory, a trifling snippet of knowledge, but here, the weight of that knowledge and experience differs.

The power to initiate change and move forward.

While my coming here was an accidental event unrelated to my will, when I reflect on it now, perhaps there was some reason behind it.

“Ahem, now it’s clear that neither Chancellor Ryeoju nor Commander Freya were spouting nonsense.”

The old general now wears a soft smile.

“If an individual like you is willing to fight wholeheartedly, we adults can’t fold our arms and stand by. Very well, the Fifth Army Corps will offer full cooperation.”

“…Eh?”

Could this old man be the Commander of the Fifth Corps?

In the game, a somewhat aged middle-aged man was the Fifth Corps Commander, it seems.

“This old man had originally intended to step down, but in this case, I suppose I’ll have to exert myself a little longer.”

Questions dissipate with the old general’s following words.

“Indeed, you’ve an eye for talent.”

“After living so long, if my judgment doesn’t improve, wouldn’t that be problematic?”

The old general responds amicably to Simonia’s smiling words.

“So, how exactly do you propose we proceed?”

The question comes from the president of Ark 11, a woman with braided purple hair.

Her serious eyes shine through her glasses.

“Yeah, I’m curious about that myself.”

Another question follows.

And glancing around, I see everyone’s gaze focused on me.

Oh, I was simply asked to explain the enemies, but somehow the conversation has reached this point.

Still, having started speaking, it wouldn’t do to stop here, so I continue.

“First, we need to increase our scale.”

“Scale, you mean…increase our power?”

“Yes, we need more power and the means to support that power to fight formidable enemies.”

Troops and logistics go hand in hand.

The reason the United States, despite being driven into a corner after the surprise attack by the Japanese Empire during World War II, could reclaim its maritime dominance and achieve victory in the Pacific War was owing to the immense production capacity stemming from its vast lands.

Thus, war and production are closely linked.

Because war, after all, is a battle of attrition that consumes resources.

“Your logic makes sense, but with manpower already limited, do you have a method to suddenly increase our production capacity?”

The inquiry comes from the president of Ark 8, an elderly lady with silvery-white hair.

“Yes, there are many approaches, though some education will be necessary.”

“…Education. So the relentless rescues were meant as preemptive measures for situations like this?”

Mr. Jo murmurs to himself.

Upon hearing this, the president of Ark 11 asks back.

“What is that supposed to mean?”

“Aren’t there people who were captured by Alien forces and enslaved?”

“Ah…”

The president of Ark 11 finally understands Mr. Jo’s words.

“They won’t suffice on their own.”

“What do you mean?”

“There are also vagrants on the surface and those living in the Out Land. With proper education, they too could be of great assistance.”

“Hmm. It’s not a bad idea, but if we use our resources to educate so many people, aren’t we just increasing our workload?”

Chancellor Ryeoju’s pointed critique.

“That’s why I propose we mass-produce automata to replace them in education.”

“Edu is correct. If we secure sufficient educational automata, even with individual differences, we can mobilize far more manpower than we currently can.”

With an increase in the labor force, an increase in productivity naturally follows.

“That method does have promise…”

“Hmm.”

Positive responses from all around.

Freya flashes me a smile.

“Yeah, not bad. So, Edu, if we strengthen production this way, how do you plan to enhance our combat capabilities?”

“First, by gathering people scattered everywhere.”

“Scattered everywhere—do you mean Arks far from us?”

“Yeah.”

The Ark Plan preserved humanity, but conversely scattered it across the globe.

So, our priority must be to reunite the scattered human forces worldwide and unite them against the enemy.

“And there are quite a few capable individuals even on the surface.”

“On the surface too?”

“Yes.”

When mentioning the surface, most people think of Fallen and vagrants.

But beyond them, there are also decent armed groups—the Resistance Army.

Though their numbers are insufficient, these are elite troops made up of remnants of old national armies or what’s left of the once-humanity’s liberation army that eventually collapsed under endless invasions.

“We will gather everyone and rebuild the liberation army.”

The Human Liberation Army.

Created to protect Earth against the Invaders, the Ustansha Empire, and the Cryptids, it was a coalition of nations formed to safeguard humanity.

Though now effectively dissolved, its cause is carried on by many groups, including the Earth Reclamation Forces.

“Rebuilding the Liberation Army…!”

“Hearing that alone makes one’s heart race.”

The generals smiling broadly.

Then someone raises a hand.

“Excuse me, I understand the part about gathering everyone, but the enemies won’t just stand idly by, will they?”

The cautiously thoughtful opinion of the Ark 11 President.

“Don’t worry, the enemies won’t prioritize restraining us.”

“Excuse me, why not?”

“Because, while we have grown stronger than before, we aren’t a significant enough threat for the enemies to prioritize attacking us.”

Unless things have changed with this Mega-base loss by the Invaders, at least the Ustansha Empire and the Cryptids won’t focus on us.

After all, Ustansha once suffered heavy casualties from the Cryptids and the Invaders during the initial invasion and even requested reinforcements from their homeland. With the bitter memory of defeat, they wouldn’t risk deploying their forces against uncertain foes by letting potential grave threats like the last enemies go unaddressed.

It wouldn’t make sense unless it’s a one-on-one situation, but these foes aren’t fighting us alone.

Enemies who are already set against each other, we must exploit the opportunities between the cracks.

“Moreover, the Ustansha Empire Army and the Cryptids lack accurate information about us, so they can’t make any big moves, and the Invaders, having lost their Mega-base, should be momentarily subdued.”

“Hmm, so you’re saying we strengthen while waiting for the right opportunity?”

“Yes.”

In the situation where we have to face many enemies going forward, a stronger foundation will be beneficial.

“Are there any other opinions?”

Freya looks around.

But no one reacts to that.

“Good, then—”

Freya stands up from her seat and approaches me briskly.

“Huh? What’s going on?”

“It’s nothing special, just a little gift.”

Freya grins and takes something out of her overcoat pocket.

A square box exuding a faint blue light with a luxurious feel.

Then Freya opens the square box with a light click, revealing its contents.

“Er, Freya, this is—”

Inside the square box is a dazzling silver grade insignia, with a pentagram-style star at its center.

A General rank insignia.

“Congratulations on your promotion, Edu. Now you’re a general, right?”

“Er…”

Looking around in a daze, everyone except for Nisia, who has a surprised look, smiles warmly while gazing at me.

It seems everything was already arranged in advance.

“Isn’t this too much favoritism?”

Surely, even with rapid rank promotions, there should be some ethics, right? Isn’t this a bit excessive?

“There’s no way. Edu, to be honest, with your accomplishments alone, you could have easily reached Admiral without any issue.”

“Is that…true?”

“That’s true.”

Saying that, Freya pats my shoulder with a firm tap.

Judging from everyone else nodding their heads, it seems they all agree with her words.

Then she suddenly breaks out into a mischievous grin as if remembering something.

“How about this one?”

Freya points somewhere, and at the end of her finger is an Admiral insignia arranged in a pentagonal pattern.

“No way, it’s fine!”

For some reason, I feel like she might really do it, so I hurriedly refuse.

“How about mine, Edu, if you don’t like Freya’s?”

Simonia, chuckling mischievously, already holds an Admiral insignia in her hand.

“It’s really fine, I promise!”

“Well, too bad.”

Amidst my struggles with the two Admirals’ playful teasing, Freya swiftly moves and attaches the grade insignia for Brigadier General to my chest.

“Wow, congratulations, Edu.”

“Hmph. Congratulations, Edu.”

“Congratulations, Miss Edu.”

The applause echoes, and the congratulations continue.

“Ugh…”

Now the mood is such that there’s no turning back. I let out a small sigh, accept the reality, and bow my head.

“Thank you, I’ll continue to work hard.”

“Mmm, then let’s start with automata. We’ll need to obtain more equipment to increase food production as well…”

“Hmm, funds will be important. If there’s anything needed, I’ll provide them without hesitation, but—”

“Relax, Hilton, I’ll help as much as possible too.”

Adults’ discussions proceed in light-hearted chatter.

Listening to that conversation, one thought comes to mind.

“Will we need a lot of funds?”

“Isn’t it obvious? In all things, money is invariably involved—Hmm?”

The president narrows his eyes.

“…Edu, what are you thinking so hard about with that expression?”

“It’s nothing.”

An involuntary smile appears.

Now that I think about it, that person is around somewhere.

Since that person did something to me, it might be good to visit once this time.

“One person comes to mind who would generously invest.”

—